High-demand jobsFlexibility and work-life balanceLucrative remuneration packagesGrowth and development opportunitesCommitment to gender equality
In recent years, the Australian tech industry has emerged as one of Australia’s powerhouse sectors. It is now the seventh biggest employing sector in Australia, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.With roles such as software developers, data analysts, and cyber security experts in hot demand, the Australian government has pledged their industry support. With a focus on tackling digital skill shortages, initiatives like fee-free TAFE places have been implemented to expedite the training of more tech workers to deliver critical skills. With the demand for tech talent skyrocketing, professionals are particularly interested in the unique industry perks. If you’ve ever thought about the benefits of working in tech, join us as we explore the unparalleled opportunities and rewards that can be found in the digital space.Related: Leaders need to hire more a tech-savvy workforce - here’s whyTech talkAdam Queay, Associate Director at Robert Half, specialises in technology, and transformation practices. Adam believes that a career in the Australian tech industry is an attractive prospect. He says, “There are endless opportunities for tech candidates. Tech is critical in shaping the way businesses operate and individuals interact. As such, employers are determined to attract top talent to ensure they don’t lose momentum.”“In this war for talent, I’m seeing employers pull out all stops to attract and retain these candidates. From competitive salaries to continuous learning opportunities, the benefits of working in tech seem to be growing with the demand for skilled professionals,” says Adam. Related: How to update a resume to keep pace with technological changeSo, what exactly are the benefits of working in tech in Australia? 1. High in-demand jobsThe digital revolution has created an insatiable demand for IT professionals across various domains, such as software development, cyber-security, data analytics, and cloud computing. According to the Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the nation is well on track to deliver the government’s goal of 1.2 million jobs by 2030. With business success hinging on technological innovation and efficiency, tech sector jobs are a primary source of opportunity for Australians. High demand in this rapidly evolving industry, offers a greater likelihood of job security and stability. The Tech Council of Australia reports that tech sector workers were more secure than other industries. Their data showed that the rate of people no longer working after 8 years was 6.2 percentage points lower than other industries.The reality is, tech isn’t going anywhere (neither is the demand for skilled professionals). 2. Flexibility and worklife balancePost-pandemic in Australia, many sectors have experienced widespread adoption of remote work practices (thanks largely to tech itself). From virtual meetings to shared drives, there’s a lot that organisations across Australia can thank tech professionals for. By its very nature, the tech sector not only engineers these kinds of technologies, it embraces them. In turn, workers can essentially work from anywhere if their company allows it. In an industry that’s plagued with skills shortages, tech candidates find themselves in a good position to work with their employer to negotiate a work environment that suits their lifestyle preferences. With employers seeking star talent, flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance can often be provided for the right candidate, under the right circumstances. One of the clear benefits of working in tech is the ability to work from home or, customise an alternative work schedule that makes work-life balance truly possible. As employees, this kind of flexibility can leave us feeling more satisfied, more productive, and more engaged at work. 3. Lucrative remuneration packages90% of tech managers say finding top talent remains a challenge. Therein lies one of the biggest benefits of working in tech. According to the 2024 Robert Half Salary Guide for Australia, tech salaries have stabilised but remained at an all-time high, with 62% of managers increasing starting salaries to attract top talent. Amidst skyrocketing inflation and rising costs of living, competitive salaries are certainly appealing. As the Tech Council of Australia reports, it’s widely acknowledged that employees in the industry earn a good salary. On an hourly basis, entry-level tech sector jobs pay 32 per cent more than average. On a weekly basis, tech sector jobs pay 64 per cent more than the economy-wide average. Adam Queay says that many employers are paying above the market rate. “Not all businesses can afford to keep up with salary premiums. We are seeing many turn to other incentives including bonuses, additional holidays, and employee share schemes,” he says. Adam cautions against focusing on salary alone though. He says, “Take your time to review the whole package - identify where you can drive additional returns as you deliver value for the business.” 4. Growth and development opportunitiesThe dynamic nature of technology means that industry professionals are constantly faced with new challenges and opportunities for growth. In the face of new and evolving technologies, the industry fosters a culture of continuous learning and development, where individuals are encouraged to upskill and stay abreast of the latest advancements.As businesses in Australia fight to stay ahead of the curve, investment in employee development and training has become essential. From formal education to certification courses, employers have embraced different avenues to upskill their employees, expand their knowledge, and sharpen their expertise. Adam believes the benefits of working in tech stem from passion and commitment. “It doesn’t matter where you start – there are so many opportunities to learn and grow,” he says. “The key to career progression is not to be complacent - take the initiative to build your skills, familiarise yourself with new technologies, and take hold of every learning opportunity.” Related: Why do we need more women in tech – in conversation with three female leaders5. Commitment to gender equalityLike many industries, the tech sector has a long way to go when it comes to equal opportunities for women. At this point in time, women are under-represented in tech sector roles, with women making up only 27% of the workforce across all STEM industries.That said, the industry has demonstrated a clear commitment to improving gender balance. The Australian Computer Society (ACS) report ‘The Promise of Diversity’, identified five key areas that employers can address now to instigate positive change. This valuable report identifies clear strategies to address the current imbalance. It is hoped that information like this will implore the industry to work harder to close the gap and open the doors to greater female participation in the tech workforce.Facing a growing shortage of skilled tech professionals, businesses are becoming more aware that they need to increase the number of women in their workforce. Initiatives like mentorship programs, pay gap policies, and targeted recruitment efforts, all help to cultivate a more balanced and equitable industry landscape.Related: How to support women in tech – why closing the gap mattersThe benefits of working in tech are clearAs tech continues to cement itself as an essential part of life and business, the value of tech employees only skyrockets. Talent is central to the success and evolution of tech in business, as such, the benefits of working in tech continue to grow. With Australian employers offering flexibility, lucrative remuneration packages, and growth and development opportunities, many professionals are captivated by the industry. Promising high-demand jobs, work-life balance, and a commitment to gender equality, tech is certainly an industry worth considering. Think you have what it takes to become a tech trailblazer? There’s no time like the present to leap into this diverse and dynamic industry. If you’d like advice on how to find a job or move your career forward, check out Robert Half’s dedicated Jobs Page.
