finance
Brisbane Employment Indicators Reflect Tight Conditions With Tech Funding Supporting Growth
A 3.9 per cent unemployment rate and rising wages coincide with targeted public investments in innovation sectors.
How we reported this
Brisbane's unemployment rate sits at approximately 3.9 per cent, one of the tightest labour markets in recent memory, with trend employment in Queensland rising 0.2 per cent or 6,700 persons in January 2026.
The figures arrive as employers weigh sustained demand for skilled workers against signs of caution in hiring volumes. Job advertisement volumes in the Brisbane South East region fell 4.1 per cent over the month and 3.2 per cent annually by February 2026. Wage growth continued, recording plus 4.3 per cent in the public sector and plus 3.4 per cent in the private sector as of early 2026.
Key Sectors and Infrastructure Drivers
Health, education and human services remain the largest employing industries. Brisbane is forecast to deliver the strongest employment growth of any CBD market in 2025-26, linked to 2032 Olympics infrastructure planning. Competition for talent ranks as the top hiring challenge for 23 per cent of employers, with a 12 per cent drop in overall job applications and 72 per cent of seekers actively looking.
Tech Investment and Employment Projections
Brisbane holds the fastest-growing tech job market in Australia, with employment in the sector projected to increase by 31 per cent between 2023 and 2025. The Queensland Government has invested over AU$755 million via the Advance Queensland Innovation Fund to support tech startups, alongside $100 million from the Brisbane Tech Innovation Fund. Over 1,500 tech startups operate in the city, contributing approximately 15 per cent to the local economy and supported by over $500 million in venture capital funding in 2024.
Employers in infrastructure, construction and project management roles face particular difficulty filling positions amid overlapping programs. Health Care and Social Assistance and Construction posted the strongest annual growth to August 2025, rising 7.4 per cent and 11.8 per cent respectively.
Job seekers can monitor listings through the Brisbane South East Labour Market Dashboard and the Queensland Government Statistician's Office regional employment releases for updates on vacancy trends and wage movements.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.