Information Technology Career Hub

Information Technology careers: the complete Australian guide

IT careers in Australia are booming, and there’s never been a better time to jump in. Whether you’re fresh out of school, switching careers or just curious about what tech has to offer, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the industry and what it takes to get started.

Overview of the Information Technology industry in Australia

According to the Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, over 935,000 people work in Information Technology careers across the nation. That’s roughly one in every 15 Australian workers contributing to a sector that adds over $167 billion to our economy each year, as reported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.

What makes this field particularly exciting right now is how fast it’s evolving. Artificial intelligence is creating entirely new job categories, while cloud technology has made tech skills valuable across every industry imaginable. And as businesses across every industry digitise their operations, the demand for fresh talent keeps growing.

Common Information Technology roles

Let’s talk about some IT roles you might want to consider:

• Software Developer

Software Developers build applications, websites and systems that people use every day. They write code, solve problems and bring digital ideas to reality.

• Data Analyst

Data Analysts dig into data to find patterns and insights that help businesses make smarter decisions. Think detective work, but with spreadsheets and dashboards.

• Cybersecurity Specialist

Cybersecurity Specialists protect organisations from hackers and digital threats. They’re the guardians keeping sensitive information safe.

• Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design and manage the infrastructure that keeps applications running in the cloud. They make sure everything scales smoothly as businesses grow.

See all role descriptions and what each one involves.

Information Technology salaries and rates

Entry-level positions typically start around $50,000 to $90,000, which is solid for getting your foot in the door. Mid-level to senior roles? We’re talking $90,000 to $345,000+, especially in areas like cybersecurity and software development.

Contract rates can be even more attractive if you prefer flexibility. Many IT contractors charge $500 to $1,500+ per day, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the project.

Explore our full salary guide for detailed breakdowns.

How to start a career in IT

Working in IT often starts with entry-level positions like junior developer, IT support technician or data analyst assistant. From there, you build experience and figure out which direction to pursue. Many successful professionals began in completely different fields but made the shift by aligning their strengths with the roles they desired.

View career pathways to explore different entry routes.

Essential skills and qualifications

IT career paths all value problem-solving ability, logical thinking and the willingness to keep learning. Technical skills vary by role — developers need programming languages like Python or JavaScript, while data analysts use SQL and analytics tools. Soft skills like communication, teamwork and adaptability matter just as much.

See our skills guide for what employers are looking for.

Find your next opportunity

Ready to start a career in tech? CareerOne connects you with thousands of IT positions across Australia. Our smart matching helps surface opportunities that actually fit your skills and goals. Browse IT jobs or explore all opportunities in Australia to find roles that excite you. Your next career move is closer than you think.