The Fastest Growing IT Jobs in Australia Right Now
The fastest growing IT jobs in Australia right now sit mostly in one broad group: software and systems roles. Software and Applications Programmers already make up 195,400 workers in Australia. In the past 3 years alone, that occupation added 33,600 new jobs, a growth of 20.8%. And it’s forecast to keep growing.
That’s according to the Australian Jobs Report 2026, published by the Australian Government. If you’re in IT, or thinking about a move into it, here’s what the data actually shows about the fastest growing IT jobs in Australia.
The Fastest Growing IT Jobs in Australia Right Now
Every one of these roles is projected to grow faster than 14% by 2030, and most sit in the highest pay bracket in the report:
- Software and Applications Programmers: projected to grow 15.7%, already 195,400 strong
- ICT Business and Systems Analysts: projected to grow 15.1%, top-tier earnings
- ICT Managers: projected to grow 15%, currently 98,600 people, also top-tier earnings
- ICT Support and Test Engineers: projected to grow 14.9%, and already grew 22.7% in the last 3 years, the fastest recent growth on this list
- Database and Systems Administrators (including ICT Security Specialists): projected to grow 14%
What the Fastest Growing IT Jobs in Australia Have in Common
This isn’t a market that’s peaked. It’s one that’s still accelerating. Strong recent growth, a strong 5-year forecast, and roles that are already among the largest occupations in the country, all at once, isn’t common in any industry.
Electronics and telecommunications engineering backgrounds also move into these roles regularly. If your qualification sits near IT rather than directly in it, that crossover is well documented and worth exploring.
How to Position Yourself for These Roles
Government-forecasted demand doesn’t get you a job on its own. Recruiters still need to see the right skills on your CV and LinkedIn.
A few starting points:
- Get a skills assessment through the Australian Computer Society (ACS) if you’re using it for a points-tested visa
- Build a certificate or short course into your CV that matches the specific role you want, not just “IT” broadly
- Keep your CV specific to one of the five roles above, rather than generic
- Track which of these roles are open in your target city, since demand isn’t spread evenly across Australia
If you want a list of free and low-cost ways to close that skills gap, DreamShift has put together upskilling resources for migrants in Australia, organised by industry. DreamShift’s career support team can also help you match your CV to the exact role you’re targeting.
Where These Roles Are Concentrated
Demand for the fastest growing IT jobs in Australia isn’t spread evenly. Sydney and Melbourne still carry the largest share of software and ICT roles, but Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane are all building out tech and cybersecurity teams tied to mining, defence, and government contracts. If you’re flexible on location, checking a second or third city can widen your options without competing in the most crowded market.
It’s also worth tracking how these roles connect to each other. Support and test engineering roles often feed into systems administration and security roles within a few years, and systems analysts frequently move into ICT management. Knowing the likely next step helps you choose training that pays off twice, once for your first role and again for the one after it.
FAQ on the Fastest Growing IT Jobs in Australia
Which IT role has the most job security right now?
ICT Support and Test Engineers stand out. Their growth over the past 3 years (22.7%) is the fastest of any role in this list, alongside a strong 5-year forecast.
Do I need local Australian experience to apply for these roles?
It helps, but it isn’t the only path in. Certifications, a strong project portfolio, and a CV tailored to the specific role can carry real weight, especially for roles with this much demand behind them.
Sources: Australian Jobs 2026, Jobs and Skills Australia, Australian Jobs Report research hub
