If you’re dreaming of building a high-paying global tech career, IT jobs in Australia should be at the top of your list. By 2026, Australia is projected to create over 1.2 million new technology-related roles, driven by nationwide digital transformation, AI adoption, large-scale cloud migration, and cybersecurity expansion.
From software engineers and data scientists to cloud architects and cybersecurity experts, Australia is actively hiring skilled tech professionals and offering excellent salaries, strong job stability, and multiple permanent residency (PR) pathways.
This detailed guide covers the top 10 highest-paying IT jobs in Australia for 2026, salary insights, best cities, job opportunities, and immigration routes for international tech talent.
Table Of Content
1Which IT Jobs Are Most In Demand in Australia?2Top 10 IT Jobs in Australia (2026)3IT Job Opportunities in Australia4Best Cities for IT Jobs in Australia5Immigration pathways for IT professionals6Bottom Line7Frequently Asked Questions
Which IT Jobs Are Most In Demand in Australia?
Australia has a growing shortage of ICT professionals, with demand expected to exceed 350,000 tech workers by 2030 (Australian Computer Society).
The most in-demand IT jobs in Australia in 2026 include:
- Software Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Computing
- Data Science & AI
- ICT Business Analysis
- IT Leadership & Program Management
These roles are consistently listed in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) making them highly attractive for migration and PR.
Top 10 IT Jobs in Australia (2026)
Australia’s tech industry is booming, and these are the highest-paying IT Jobs in Australia for 2026, based on market projections, SEEK, Hays, and Talent.com reports.
1. Developer / Programmer
Average Salary: AUD $95,000 – $140,000
Role: Developers create, test, and maintain software applications that power websites, apps, and business systems.
Demand: Extremely high across IT services, finance, e-commerce, healthcare, and startups.
Why it pays: Skilled programmers build the digital products that companies rely on to grow, automate, and scale.
2. Software & Application Programmer
Average Salary: AUD $100,000 – $150,000
Role: Builds and maintains complex software systems, mobile apps, enterprise tools, and cloud-based applications.
Demand: Strong demand due to Australia’s tech expansion and increasing adoption of cloud solutions.
Why it pays: Companies depend on secure, user-friendly, high-performance applications, making this a high-value role.
3. Analyst Programmer
Average Salary: AUD $95,000 – $135,000
Role: Combines coding skills with analysis. They study business requirements, translate them into technical solutions, and develop customized programs.
Demand: High in banking, telecom, government, and enterprise IT environments.
Why it pays: They eliminate gaps between business needs and technical execution—saving time and reducing project failures.
4. System Administrator
Average Salary: AUD $80,000 – $120,000
Role: Manages servers, operating systems, backups, and overall IT infrastructure stability.
Demand: Consistent across all industries—every company needs reliable systems.
Why it pays: System downtime costs millions; sysadmins ensure smooth, secure, uninterrupted operations.
5. Network Administrator
Average Salary: AUD $85,000 – $125,000
Role: Manages network devices like routers, switches, firewalls, and ensures secure, high-speed connectivity.
Demand: Increasing due to cloud adoption and cybersecurity needs.
Why it pays: Networks are the backbone of any organization—admins keep everything running securely and efficiently.
6. ICT Business Analyst
Average Salary: AUD $105,000 – $150,000
Role: Identifies business needs, designs technology solutions, and bridges communication between management and developers.
Demand: High across finance, healthcare, government, and consulting sectors.
Why it pays: Their insights help companies make smarter, data-driven decisions and improve business processes—directly boosting profits.
7. Cybersecurity Manager
Average Salary: AUD $160,000 – $231,250
Role: Manages IT security teams, enforces security protocols, and responds to threats.
Demand: Exploding due to ransomware attacks, phishing, and regulatory requirements.
Why it pays: Companies pay for trust—data security is priceless.
8. Enterprise Architect
Average Salary: AUD $150,000 – $200,000
Role: Designs IT systems architecture aligning with business goals, integrating hardware, software, and networks.
Demand: Strong in large corporations and government organizations.
Why it pays: Enterprise architects prevent system failures and optimize technology investments.
9. Program Director
Average Salary: AUD $161,250 – $228,750
Role: Oversees multiple IT projects, ensures delivery on time, manages budgets, and coordinates teams.
Demand: High in companies managing large-scale IT programs and digital transformation.
Why it pays: Your leadership ensures projects succeed—missed deadlines are costly.
10. Data Scientist
Average Salary: AUD $146,250 – $200,000
Role: Analyzes complex datasets, builds predictive models, and supports strategic business decisions.
Demand: Extremely high in finance, healthcare, and AI-driven sectors.
Why it pays: Businesses live and die by insights; skilled data scientists deliver measurable value.
IT Job Opportunities in Australia
Australia’s tech investment is expected to exceed AUD $150 billion by 2026, with rapid growth in:
- Cloud engineering (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Cybersecurity
- AI & automation
- Software development
- Data analytics
Government initiatives like the Digital Economy Strategy 2030 further boost the job market, making Australia one of the most attractive destinations for global IT talent. Many professionals choose the Australia Skilled Visa for a faster route to permanent residency.
Best Cities for IT Jobs in Australia
When you’re chasing the best IT jobs in Australia, it’s not just about what you do! It’s also about where you do it. Some cities simply offer bigger opportunities, better pay, and faster career growth. And in 2026, these are the hottest tech hubs you should keep on your radar:
1. IT jobs in Sydney – The Powerhouse
Sydney is Australia’s undisputed tech capital. Home to major banks, global enterprises, and unicorn startups, this city has opportunities for every skill set—from cloud to cybersecurity to AI.
Why it’s great: Highest salaries, top-tier companies, massive tech investment.
2. IT jobs in Melbourne – The Innovation Magnet
Melbourne blends creativity with technology. It’s the go-to destination for data science, software engineering, and digital transformation roles.
Why it’s great: Strong tech community, continuous innovation, huge demand for analytics and product talent.
3. IT jobs in Brisbane – Australia’s Fast-Rising Tech Star
Brisbane’s tech market is exploding, especially in cloud engineering, cybersecurity, and enterprise IT.
Why it’s great: Lower competition, expanding job market, fast-growing startups.
4. IT jobs in Perth – The Emerging Mining-Tech Leader
Perth is more than mining; it’s becoming a hotspot for IT automation, business analytics, and infrastructure roles driven by big resource companies.
Why it’s great: High salaries, new digital projects, strong demand for tech specialists.
5. IT jobs in Adelaide – Government & Defence Tech Hub
Adelaide is quickly gaining traction with government-funded tech initiatives, defence projects, and smart city transformations.
Why it’s great: Stable roles, strong public-sector demand, opportunities in cybersecurity and systems engineering.
Immigration pathways for IT professionals
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – No Sponsorship Needed
The Subclass 189 visa is the most sought-after pathway for IT professionals who want to live and work in Australia permanently without employer or state sponsorship.
Why it’s ideal for IT workers:
- Independent PR pathway
- High demand for ICT occupations in the Skilled Occupation List
- Suitable for Software Engineers, ICT Analysts, Cybersecurity Specialists
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – State Sponsored PR
The Subclass 190 visa allows IT professionals to secure PR with the support of a state nomination. States like Victoria, NSW, and ACT regularly invite tech profiles.
Best for:
- ICT Business Analysts
- Software & Applications Programmers
- Data Scientists
Benefits:
- Additional 5 points from state nomination
- Priority invitations for in-demand tech occupations
3. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Regional Pathway
The 491 visa is perfect for IT professionals willing to explore opportunities in regional areas like Adelaide, Tasmania, Canberra, and Gold Coast.
Advantages:
- Extra 15 points from regional sponsorship
- Lower competition
- Clear PR transition through Subclass 191
4. Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482 TSS) – Fastest Way to Work in Australia
For IT professionals with solid experience, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa offers a direct employment route.
Popular sponsored roles:
- Cloud Engineers
- Network Administrators
- Systems Analysts
- Cybersecurity Engineers
Why it’s great:
- Quicker processing
- Pathway to PR through ENS 186
5. Global Talent Visa (now National Innovation Visa) – For High-Achievers
Australia’s National Innovation Visa (formerly Global Talent Visa) is designed for exceptional tech professionals in sectors like AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and quantum computing.
You can qualify if you have:
- Exceptional achievements
- High salary potential
- Strong industry recognition
Benefit:
- Direct PR with fast processing
Keep in mind that most ICT occupations require an ACS skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society.
Bottom Line
Australia’s tech industry is skyrocketing, and IT jobs in Australia are offering some of the world’s best salaries, job security, and PR opportunities. Whether you’re a developer, analyst, cloud engineer, or cybersecurity expert, there has never been a better time to build your tech career in Australia.
Need help with visas, ACS assessments, or PR pathways? CanApprove is here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
