In short
The challenge: Australia’s rapid IT growth and rising demand for tech talent are colliding with persistent skills shortages and misconceptions about the sector. Many potential jobseekers or career changers hesitate to enter IT because they fear they lack the right skills or don’t fit industry stereotypes, leaving businesses struggling to fill critical roles while individuals risk missing out on future-proof opportunities.
The solution: Career opportunities in information technology are expansive. The sector offers jobseekers and career changers a future-proof pathway with high demand, strong salaries, flexibility, and diverse roles. Pursuing a career in information technology provides stability, growth opportunities, and the chance to build meaningful, impactful work in a thriving industry.
The result: There are abundant, flexible, and well-paid opportunities in IT that offer long-term stability and creative problem-solving potential.
Tom Ward is a technology recruitment specialist with over 13 years’ experience, bringing a unique blend of engineering acumen and recruitment expertise. After three years honing his skills placing engineering roles in England, Tom has dedicated a decade to Robert Half, specialising in infrastructure and cybersecurity placements. His deep understanding spans a wide array of roles, including IT support, systems/network administration, software engineering, IT management, cybersecurity specialists, analysts, and application support.
Australia’s information technology (IT) spending is predicted to reach AUD $146.85 billion this year, an 8.7% increase from 2024.
Fuelled by the rise of generative AI (GenAI), significant investment in cybersecurity, and rapid adoption of cloud computing and virtualisation, IT is a thriving ecosystem (especially for jobseekers).
Despite a slowdown in the market compared to recent years, our latest research at Robert Half* finds businesses still have their eye on hiring tech workers:
50% of employers plan to hire permanent IT & tech workers in 2025.
47% of employers plan to hire contract IT & tech workers in 2025. And,
47% of employers plan to hire interim/project-based IT & tech workers in 2025.
Whether you’re looking to change careers or simply interested in IT, this could be the year to take the next step.
Want to build a meaningful career but are concerned that you don’t have the right skills?
Never fear – this diverse sector offers plenty of opportunities.
I will lay out the 13 exciting career opportunities in information technology and highlight the benefits you shouldn’t ignore, as well as the misconceptions you should.
Wondering what jobs are currently on offer? Check out Robert Half’s latest listings.
1. Industry growth
The Tech Council of Australia says, “Australia’s tech sector will play a crucial role in addressing the major economic, societal and environmental challenges facing our country. The tech sector, via both tech companies and tech workers across the economy, helps create a more dynamic and competitive economy, with more high-skilled, high-wage jobs.”
In its report titled ‘The State of Australia’s Tech Ecosystem’, the Tech Council of Australia highlights the sector’s major growth in recent years.
It says, “Australia has demonstrated success at growing and attracting global tech companies in a variety of verticals such as Business Software, BioTech, and PayTech.”
“We have also seen Australia’s startup ecosystem continue to grow over this period. Over the last 20 years, we have created at least 20 Australian tech unicorns (firms valued at over $1bn) and over 100 tech companies valued at over $100m, 67 of them since 2010.”
With homegrown success stories like Canva and Afterpay, and the arrival of global tech giants like Google and Microsoft, Australia’s IT space is robust to say the least.
This growth is only expected to continue, given IT’s critical role in addressing major national challenges.
2. Demand
Modern businesses face a wide range of IT-related challenges.
These days, organisations have a lot to consider and manage daily: persistent skills shortages, rapid technological advancements, economic uncertainties, and evolving cybersecurity threats.
Today, more than ever, leaders want to know they have the best IT talent protecting and building their business.
This has boosted the demand for skilled IT professionals in Australia.
As outlined in the Robert Half Australia Salary Guide, businesses are specifically looking for:
Cloud integration experts – As companies increasingly migrate to cloud-based software solutions.
IT contractors – To deliver on critical projects and address acute business demands without long-term financial commitment. Almost three-quarters (73%) of Australian businesses plan to hire tech contractors in the next 12 months for new or existing positions, predominantly in the areas of security, application development and networking.
Specific IT positions – Roles including Business Analyst, Data Engineer, and Systems Engineer are in hot demand as businesses strive to be agile and ahead of the curve.
As the Tech Council of Australia reports, “Australia has some of the best tech talent in the world, but we just don’t have enough to meet demand, especially in technical professions where barriers to entry are higher.”
By 2030, it is forecast that there will be 585,000 people, almost half of the tech workforce, in technical professionals.
These roles are highly specialised and generally require university qualifications (as well as at least three years of experience for some roles).
In my opinion, herein lies the issue for Australian businesses.
The nation is set to struggle to meet the short-term demand for these roles (especially with few workers in other parts of the labour market with similar skills and experience).
The answer? Aside from skilled migration, Australia needs a stronger pipeline of graduates (and career changers) to meet demand.
This is certainly set to boost career opportunities in information technology.
Related: 5 strategies to mitigate cybersecurity incidents in your business
3. Salary range
If you’re seeking financial independence, look no further than IT.
It is certainly an attractive field - not only due to rapid growth and innovation, but also because of the exciting earning potential it offers.
Australia boasts a wide range of career opportunities in information technology, and the salary range is no different.
IT professionals can expect to enjoy competitive salaries across a variety of different roles.
The Robert Half Australia Salary Guide outlines all the salary benchmarks based on comprehensive placement data.
The guide explores the functional areas within IT and technology where businesses are most likely to hire.
These roles are listed below along with their salary ranges:
IT service/support/operations - $68,000 - $120,500
IT security - $120,500 - $302,500
IT infrastructure and networking - $110,500 - $177,000
This strong salary range has proved to be a key motivator for job seekers and career changers alike. With demand for these roles so high, it can be a lucrative pathway towards a future-proofed career.
Related: Why is cybersecurity in demand in Australia?
4. Flexibility
Building a meaningful career doesn’t just hinge on professional accomplishments - an enriching employee experience is also vital.
With 58% of tech workers having a least one day working from home during the week*, it’s clear that IT offers a good degree of flexibility.
Many career opportunities in information technology support hybrid or remote work, flexible hours, and project-based arrangements.
This is an attractive prospect, particularly for professionals wanting to achieve a more positive work-life balance.
5. The ‘future-proof’ factor
According to the Tech Council of Australia, “Tech jobs are some of the most well-paid, secure and flexible jobs in the country. Australia has seen a rapid rise in tech jobs since the early 2000s. For over 40 years, growth in tech jobs has outpaced all other occupations by a factor of four.”
It’s little surprise that IT is one of the most future-proof career paths available.
As technology continues to drive innovation across Australian industries, demand for IT professionals shows no signs of slowing down (especially in areas like cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and software development).
Make no mistake, career opportunities in information technology come with high demand, long-term stability, growth opportunities, and plenty of prospects.
6. Creative problem solving
Some of the biggest misconceptions about IT roles are that they are ‘boring’ and ‘purely technical’.
If you’re a jobseeker or career changer, know this is far from true.
It isn’t just about coding or systems - career opportunities in information technology offer many outlets for creative problem-solving.
These professionals are consistently challenged to think outside the box to find innovative solutions.
Examples include:
Designing smarter business systems to improve efficiency
Developing apps, platforms, or tools to solve genuine problems
Transforming large, messy datasets into clear insights
Creativity is at the heart of solving the tech problems impacting real businesses and people (it’s what makes it so rewarding, too!)
If you thrive on thinking differently, adapting quickly, and designing high-impact solutions, IT could be the field for you.
13 career opportunities in information technology
The breadth of career opportunities in information technology cannot be understated.
The roles within this industry are vast, with something to suit different qualifications, values, and goals.
Unsure where you might fit?
Consider whether any of these areas align with your personal aspirations.
1. Architecture and Development
Architecture and development encompasses the processes of designing, building, and maintaining the systems, applications, and infrastructure that power a business’s technology.
It combines high-level planning (architecture) with hands-on coding and implementation (development) to deliver scalable, secure, and efficient digital solution.
Relevant roles include:
Enterprise Architect
Infrastructure Architect
Solutions Architect
Data Architect
2. Business Intelligence
Business intelligence (BI) is the process of collecting, analysing, and visualising data to drive informed decision-making.
It translates raw data into actionable insights through dashboards, reports, and analytics tools, enabling businesses to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
Relevant roles include:
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Developer
Business Intelligence Manager
3. Business Analysis
Business analysts act as a bridge between stakeholders and technical teams, ensuring systems, processes, and software align with business goals and deliver measurable value.
The practice of business analysis helps to identify business needs and translate them into clear requirements for technology solutions.
Relevant roles include:
Business Analyst (Technology)
Senior Business Analyst (Technology)
Related: What does a Systems Analyst do?
4. Data/Database Management
Data and database management involve storing, organising, and maintaining data in a way that it is accurate, secure, and accessible when required.
It allows businesses to reliably use their data for operations, reporting, and decision-making through well-structured databases and governance practices.
Relevant roles include:
Database Developer
Database Administrator
Data Analyst
Data Engineer
5. Technical Support & Operations
Technical support & operations professionals are focused on keeping technology systems running smoothly by troubleshooting issues, maintaining infrastructure, and supporting end users.
This paves the way for minimal downtime, reliable performance, and quick resolution of technical problems to optimise business performance.
Relevant roles include:
IT Help Desk Support / Desktop Support
Systems Administrator
Application Support
6. Infrastructure and Engineering
This area of IT focuses on designing, building, and maintaining the core technology systems that keep a business running (I.e., networks, servers, and cloud environments).
It focuses on creating secure, scalable, and reliable foundations to support applications, data, and business users.
Relevant roles include:
Network Engineer
Systems Engineer
Infrastructure Manager
DevOps Engineer
Cloud Engineer
Related: How to negotiate a software engineering salary
7. IT Management
IT management oversees the planning, implementation, and maintenance of an organisation’s technology strategy and systems.
It ensures that IT resources, projects, and teams are aligned with business goals, delivering secure, efficient, and cost-effective solutions.
Relevant roles include:
IT Manager
IT Director / Head of IT
Chief Information Officer / Chief Technology Officer
8. IT Security/Cyber-Security
IT security professionals work to protect systems, networks, and data from unauthorised access, attacks, and breaches.
This field involves implementing tools, policies, and processes to safeguard information and ensure business continuity in an increasingly digital world.
Relevant roles include:
Cyber-Security Specialist
Cyber-Security Manager
Network Security Engineer
CISO
Related: How to become a CISO in Australia
9. Quality Assurance – Testing
This function ensures software, systems, and applications work as intended before launching.
These professionals work to systematically find and fix bugs, verify performance, and maintain high standards to deliver reliable, user-friendly technology solutions.
Relevant roles include:
QA Analyst / Engineer
Automation Engineer
Test Manager
10. Software Engineering
This discipline involves designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications and systems to meet specific business or user needs.
Leaning on the principles of computer science, engineering, and project management, it creates reliable, efficient, and scalable software solutions.
Relevant roles include:
Software Developer
.Net Developer
Java Developer
Node.js / Full Stack JavaScript Developer
Python Developer
Integration Engineer
AI / ML Engineer
11. Design
Design refers to the process of planning and creating the structure, interface, and user experience of software applications or digital systems.
The goal is to make technology intuitive, visually appealing, and functional while meeting user and business goals.
Relevant roles include:
UI / UX / Product Designer
Design Lead / Manager
12.Project Management
Project management is the practice of planning, executing, and overseeing technology projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.
Project management professionals in IT work to coordinate resources, manage risks, and align project goals with business objectives.
Relevant roles include:
Project Coordinator (Technology)
Project Manager
Program Manager
PMO Manager / Director
13.Business Transformation
In IT, business transformation is the process of leveraging technology to fundamentally overhaul how an organisation operates, delivers value, and engages with customers.
It involves adopting new digital tools, processes, and strategies to improve efficiency, innovation, and general business performance.
Relevant roles include:
ERP / CRM Consultant
Pursuing career opportunities in information technology
Like the sound of some of these roles?
With the right action plan, the appropriate skills, and a positive mindset, these positions (and more) are achievable.
Wondering how to get started?
Focus on upskilling
Start with beginner-friendly, role-specific learning paths (i.e., coding, cybersecurity, or data analysis).
Get hands-on experience to ‘learn by doing’ (i.e., immersion in projects or contributing to open-source work).
Join communities to share challenges and insights (i.e., industry groups and online networks).
Take inspiration from role models who’ve made the switch.
Don’t wait to be perfect! Apply what you know and use every project as a chance to grow.
Cultivate the right mindset
Make no mistake, mindset matters.
Sure, starting an IT career can feel intimidating, but if you’re worried about any of the below, you shouldn’t be:
Misconceptions – “You work alone behind a screen all day.”
Stereotypes – “I’d have to be a ‘tech genius’ to work in IT.”
Imposter syndrome – “Everyone else is smarter and more tech savvy than me.”
Age – “I’m too old to move into technology.”
Learning curves – “I’ll never keep up with technology – it changes too often.”
Do away with the negative talk and focus on positive steps forward – it’s about progress, not perfection. IT is a space that embraces all ages, backgrounds, and qualifications - it’s an industry that rewards curiosity, persistence, and an appetite for learning.
With more growth on the cards for this burgeoning industry, now is the time to consider career opportunities in information technology.
Whether you’re a graduate or a career changer, the future looks bright in this fast-evolving, high-demand field.
What are you waiting for? Get in touch, and let my team help you find the latest career opportunities in IT.
*Source: The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in November 2024 by an independent research company of 1,000 full-time office workers in finance, accounting, business support, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across Australia. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management, and trends in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which career is best for information technology in Australia right now?
The Robert Half 2025 Australia Salary Guide highlights what IT positions businesses are currently looking for:
Cloud integration experts – As companies increasingly migrate to cloud-based software solutions.
IT contractors – To deliver on critical projects and address acute business demands without long-term financial commitment.
Specific IT positions – Roles including Business Analyst, Data Engineer, and Systems Engineer are in hot demand as businesses strive to be agile and ahead of the curve.
What qualifications and education do I need for an IT career in Australia?
While specific requirements vary between job roles, the below serves as a general guide for many positions.
University Degrees: A bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Cybersecurity is a common pathway for many IT roles.
Vocational Education: TAFE and registered training organisations offer diplomas and certificates in areas like Networking, Web Development, or IT Support.
Industry Certifications: Some popular certifications in Australia include CompTIA A+ or Network+ (entry-level IT knowledge), Cisco CCNA (networking), AWS/Azure certifications (cloud computing), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) for cybersecurity.
What is the highest paid IT career in Australia?
According to the Robert Half 2025 Australia Salary Guide, the area of IT Management commands some of the highest salaries.
A Chief Information Officer / Chief Technology Officer role commands up to $312,500.
What are some career opportunities in technology in Australia?
Some exciting career opportunities include:
Architecture and Development
Business Intelligence
Business Analysis
Data/Database Management
Technical Support & Operations
Infrastructure and Engineering
IT Management
IT Security/Cyber-Security
Quality Assurance – Testing
Software Engineering
Design
Project Management
Business Transformation
What entry-level IT jobs pay the most in Australia?
Below are the salary ranges for some of the top entry-level IT jobs according to the Robert Half 2025 Australia Salary Guide.
Junior .Net Developer - $70,000 - $84,000
Junior JAVA Developer- $70,000 - $84,000
Junior Front End / JavaScript Developer - $70,000 - $92,000
Junior Python Developer- $70,000 - $84,000
IT Help Desk Support / Desktop Support - $68,000 - $86,500
Junior UI / UX / Product Designer - $66,500 - $85,500
