Australia’s IT jobs lead 2025 growth outlook: ManpowerGroup

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Australia’s IT sector is poised to dominate employment growth in 2025, according to ManpowerGroup’s Q1 Employment Outlook Survey. 

With a net employment outlook of +27%, the IT industry outpaces other sectors such as healthcare and life sciences (+21%), financials and real estate (+17%), and transport, logistics, and automotive (+17%). This figure is significantly higher than the national average of +11%.

The net employment outlook is calculated by subtracting the percentage of employers planning to reduce staff from those intending to hire. While the IT sector remains a leader, its outlook has dipped slightly—down 1% from Q4 2024 and 2% year-on-year.

Global IT hiring trends highlight Australia’s position

Globally, IT continues to lead hiring trends, with a worldwide net employment outlook of +37% across 42 countries, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. Within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, Australia ranks fifth, trailing India (+40%), China (+29%), Singapore (+25%), and Japan (+15%).

Despite this strong performance, competition for IT roles in Australia is intensifying. A SEEK survey found that job applications per advertisement in the information and communications sector have more than doubled since 2022. 

Similarly, Gartner’s HR survey revealed that 39% of Australian job seekers reported challenges finding suitable roles, while only 25% felt there were enough opportunities matching their skills.

Mid-sized companies drive IT hiring growth

Mid-sized employers are expected to lead IT hiring in 2025. Organizations with 250-999 employees reported the highest hiring intentions, with a net employment outlook of +17%. Larger companies (1,000-4,999 employees) showed more conservative hiring plans at +7%.

Salaries for IT professionals are projected to remain competitive but stable. Recruitment firms highlight that mid-level front-end developers can earn $100,000-$140,000 annually, while senior roles exceed $150,000. AI/ML engineers and data scientists are among the highest earners, with salaries reaching $200,000+ for senior positions.

Challenges persist despite positive growth

While the IT sector remains a bright spot in Australia’s job market, challenges persist due to a tightening labor market and increased competition for roles. Industry experts emphasize the importance of skill development for job seekers aiming to secure positions in this competitive field.

As Australia enters 2025, its IT sector continues to stand out as a key driver of economic growth and innovation in an evolving global landscape.