Brisbane job market update: Q1 2025 insights

Published date: March 31, 2025

Welcome to our latest Brisbane job market update, where you'll find insights across each of the specialties covered by our Brisbane office. This includes Corporate Services, Technology & Transformation, Finance, Professional Services, and Technology & Transformation. Our expert recruitment consultants, who experience the city's employment landscape first-hand on a daily basis, provide specialist commentary on current trends, challenges, and opportunities.

Across Australia, there is a notable emphasis across the market on upskilling, internal career pathways, and retention strategies, as businesses proactively address ongoing workforce shortages.

For additional insights from across Australia, you can explore market updates from our other offices by visiting our news page.

What’s in this article?

Click on any of the links below to jump to the insights that are most relevant to you. Our Brisbane job market update includes:

Public Sector job market update

Corporate Services – Public Sector recruitment

Technology & Transformation – Public Sector recruitment

Commerce job market update

Finance recruitment

Professional Services recruitment

Technology & Transformation – Commerce recruitment

Brisbane market update summary

Further insights from across Australia

Public Sector job market update

Corporate Services recruitment trends

The Queensland Public Sector workforce, as of March 2024, comprises approximately 258,012 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, with significant growth in the health sector. The health workforce now makes up 41.70% of the total, while education accounts for 31.27%. The sector includes a diverse range of roles, from frontline services to corporate functions, and is guided by legislative frameworks aimed at enhancing transparency and performance. Following a change in Government in 2024, it is expected to bring new policies and directions for Queensland, impacting various sectors, including the public sector workforce.

Corporate Services – looking forward

As Queensland's economy continues to diversify, the Public Sector is embracing more flexible work arrangements to attract and retain talent, enhancing economic resilience and adaptability. With a strong focus on sectors such as health, education, and technology, upskilling initiatives are being prioritised to ensure employees are equipped for the demands of a modern economy.

Efforts to build a more inclusive workforce are also gaining momentum, supporting broader economic goals of social equity and representation while fostering productivity and innovation. At the same time, the integration of new technologies is playing a key role in improving efficiency and service delivery, aligning with Queensland’s push towards a more digital and innovative economy.

Looking ahead, sustainability remains a key focus, with workforce preparations for future challenges—such as climate change—helping to ensure the public sector remains agile and well-positioned to navigate economic shifts.

Technology & Transformation recruitment trends

Over the past three years, the Queensland government has invested over $1.2 billion in digital transformation projects to improve public service delivery and operational efficiency. This has driven a surge in demand for technology talent, particularly in cybersecurity, software development, and data science, with tech-related job postings increasing by 15% over the past year.

Technology & Transformation – looking forward

The Queensland public sector continues to prioritise roles in cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development, with significant demand for professionals in these fields. This demand is driven by the heavy investment into digital transformation projects. Cybersecurity experts are essential for safeguarding government data, while data analysts support informed decision-making through data-driven insights. Software developers remain in high demand to create and maintain various digital services and applications. Additionally, the sector is seeing increasing demand for expertise in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, highlighting the government's commitment to adopting advanced technologies.

Commerce job market update

Finance recruitment trends

The Accounting & Finance market in Brisbane continues to evolve, with several key trends shaping recruitment. Demand remains strong for professionals with advanced technological skills, particularly as AI becomes increasingly integral to accounting practices.

Hybrid work has become the norm rather than a perk, with many firms maintaining flexible work arrangements. Recruitment strategies are focused heavily on building diverse and inclusive teams, recognising the role of varied perspectives in driving innovation.

Companies are also placing a greater emphasis on holistic employee well-being and development, offering robust learning and career progression opportunities to attract and retain top talent. Additionally, as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors became more prominent in business strategies, there is growing demand for accountants proficient in sustainability and integrated reporting.

Finance recruitment – looking forward

Brisbane’s Accounting and Finance market will be shaped by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting business needs.

Automation and AI will streamline routine tasks, allowing professionals to focus on strategic advisory roles, while data analytics will become essential for deeper business insights. Sustainability and ESG reporting will take priority, positioning accountants at the forefront of environmental and social impact assessments.

Regulatory shifts will demand agility in compliance and risk management, while the rise of digital currencies and blockchain will create new areas of expertise. As accountants take on greater advisory responsibilities amid economic uncertainties, adaptability and forward-thinking will be key to success in this evolving landscape.

Professional Services recruitment trends

Brisbane's Professional Services sector is a key part of the city's economy, with around 114,680 employees and 18.1% of registered businesses in this industry. The sector is growing nationally, with 280,750 businesses in Australia showing a 1.2% growth rate. Hybrid work models are becoming increasingly popular, with 94% of workers prioritising remote or hybrid options when considering job offers. However, some employers are exploring wage adjustments to incentivise in-office attendance. Companies will need to address skill gaps and adapt to the evolving work landscape to remain competitive.

Professional Services recruitment – looking forward

The Professional Services sector is set for strong growth, driven by digital transformation, rising demand for tech-savvy professionals, and the continued shift toward hybrid work. To address talent shortages, upskilling and reskilling will be a key focus, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and digital consulting.

Sustainability will also play a major role, fueling demand for green technologies and environmental consulting. Meanwhile, the rise of automation and AI will reshape consulting services, creating new opportunities in tech management and ethics. Brisbane’s expanding startup ecosystem and increased investment in innovation will further accelerate sector growth.

Technology & Transformation Commerce recruitment trends

Brisbane's Technology and Digital Transformation job market is booming, with strong demand for roles in cybersecurity, AI, and cloud solutions. The industry is projected to grow to A$167 billion by 2025, but challenges remain. Job cuts at companies like Commonwealth Bank, which is restructuring its tech division, highlight the persistent skills gap.

Tech salaries have risen 11.4% year-on-year, with hybrid work models becoming increasingly popular. Despite strong job listings, companies must tackle skill shortages and refine workforce planning to keep pace with evolving market demands.

Technology & Transformation Commerce recruitment – looking forward

Brisbane's Technology and Digital Transformation job market is set for continued growth, with high demand for roles in cybersecurity, AI, and cloud solutions. As the industry moves toward a projected A$167 billion market, businesses will face challenges from ongoing skills shortages, reflected in tech restructuring at companies like Commonwealth Bank.

Salary growth will persist, driven by competition for talent, while hybrid work models remain the norm. To meet market demands, companies will prioritise workforce planning, upskilling, and partnerships with educational institutions. Automation and AI will streamline recruitment, boosting efficiency, while increased collaboration between tech firms and government will drive further growth.

Success in the sector will depend on closing the skills gap, embracing flexibility, and investing in a future-ready workforce.

Brisbane market update summary

Brisbane’s job market is shaped by ongoing skills shortages, shifting workforce expectations, and the increasing influence of technology across industries. Businesses are prioritising upskilling and reskilling to keep pace with automation and AI, while hybrid work remains standard practice. Diversity and inclusion continue to be key focus areas, and sustainability is playing a growing role in hiring decisions.

With competition for skilled professionals remaining high, businesses are refining their workforce strategies to attract and retain top talent.

Whether you’re looking to hire or explore new opportunities, our expert recruiters in Brisbane can help—get in touch today.

Further insights from across Australia

Our nationwide team of recruitment specialists have also provided in-depth analysis on key industries across Australia's major cities. Explore the latest trends and insights by selecting a city or industry update below.