where are the jobs in 2026?

Australia’s job market remains active, but hiring has become more selective. The latest  ABS Labour Force data  shows unemployment at 4.4%, with employment increasing by 40,300 people in May 2026. At the same time, ABS Job Vacancies data shows total vacancies fell 2.1% between February and May 2026, which suggests employers are still hiring, but with more caution. The wider Australian job market is steady, but cooling. Unemployment remains relatively low, but vacancies and online job advertisements have softened. For IT and Business Support candidates, this means opportunities are still available, but employers are being more selective and applications need to show clear, relevant value.

What technology Skills Are Most In Demand in 2026?

Technology hiring continues to be driven by cybersecurity, cloud platforms, data and analytics, AI capability, and digital transformation initiatives. While some traditional ICT recruitment activity has slowed, organisations continue to invest in specialist talent that can support automation, security, and operational efficiency. Demand for AI related skills has increased significantly, with references to AI capabilities in job advertisements continuing to grow across both technical and non technical roles.

The market is also placing greater value on professionals who can bridge the gap between technology and business outcomes. Technical expertise remains important, but employers are increasingly seeking candidates who can communicate with stakeholders, manage change, and translate complex information into practical solutions

What's Happening in the Business Support Market?

After several years of skills shortages, employers now have a larger talent pool to choose from for many Business Support positions. As a result, hiring processes are becoming more competitive, particularly for administrative and coordinator level roles. However, demand remains relatively strong for experienced Executive Assistants, Project Support Officers, Program Coordinators, and Office Managers, particularly within government, defence, and major transformation programs. Employers are often prioritising candidates who can step into complex environments quickly and support multiple stakeholders from day one.

What Does a More Competitive Job Market Mean for Candidates?

Candidate availability has improved across many sectors in 2026, giving employers a larger talent pool to choose from. While this has eased some of the hiring challenges seen in recent years, it has also increased competition for many roles. SEEK data shows applications per job ad remain above pre pandemic levels, despite softer hiring conditions in some industries.

For job seekers, experience, transferable skills, and the ability to demonstrate measurable outcomes are becoming increasingly important differentiators. The strongest demand continues to be concentrated in specialist and hard to source skill areas, particularly across technology and transformation focused roles.

What Does the Second Half of 2026 Look Like?

The second half of 2026 is expected to be characterised by selective hiring, continued investment in technology capability, and growing demand for transferable skills. While employers remain cautious in some areas, talent shortages persist in specialist disciplines, particularly where organisations are competing for experienced technology and transformation professionals.

For both employers and job seekers, adaptability remains a defining theme. The strongest opportunities are emerging where technology, business transformation, and human capability intersect, creating demand for professionals who can navigate change and deliver measurable outcomes