Ask ten technology leaders whether there is a skills shortage and you will hear ten different answers. The data suggests they are all partly right. The market is not short of everything, but it is short of some very specific things.
The big picture
- Australia’s technology workforce is around 967,000 people, down 0.3% in 2025, the first decline on record. A further 259,000 technology workers are needed over the next decade (ACS, Australia’s Digital Pulse 2026).
- Across the whole economy, 29% of occupations assessed were in national shortage in 2025, down from 33% in 2024 (Jobs and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List).
- Online job advertisements for Professionals rose 10.0% in the year to March 2026 (JSA Vacancy Report).
Where the gaps are, and where they are not
| Signal | What the data shows | What it may mean |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber security | Cyber security engineers, GRC specialists and operations coordinators remain in shortage (JSA OSL 2025, via ACS) | Specialist security roles still need longer lead times and a clear value proposition. |
| Software engineering | No longer in shortage in any state or territory, yet employment grew by 13,700 in the year to February 2026 (JSA) | Demand is still strong. Supply has caught up, so experience and quality now separate candidates. |
| Pathways into tech | Around 40% of new technology workers entered through alternative pathways over the past five years (ACS) | Adjacent skills and upskilling are real options for building capability. |
“Not in shortage” does not mean “easy to hire”. Depth of experience is still scarce.
What this means for employers
- Plan earlier for specialist roles, particularly in security and governance.
- Look beyond exact title matches. Adjacent experience can be a strength.
- Be clear on the outcomes a role must deliver, not only the tools it uses.
What this means for professionals
- Pair a clear specialism with broad delivery experience.
- Security, data and AI capability add weight to almost any technology profile.
- Evidence of outcomes will stand out in a more selective market.
Over to you
Which of these gaps is affecting your team, or your career, right now? We would like to hear your view.
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Disclaimer: This article reflects AveniQ Enterprise’s perspective and is provided for general information only. Statistics are sourced from third parties, such as the ABS, Jobs and Skills Australia and the ACS, as published at October 2026, and may since have been revised. No warranty is given as to their accuracy or completeness, and nothing here constitutes professional advice. Please refer to the original sources before relying on any figure.
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