NSW Technology Market Report 2026
NSW’s tech market is steady but uneven. Restructures have increased candidate movement, while demand for cloud, data, cyber and AI skills remains tight. This report sets out what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what it means for hiring in NSW in 2026.
Activity has eased
Technology hiring has slowed from previous peaks in NSW, even as overall labour-market conditions remain relatively stable.
What’s Shaping the NSW Tech Market
Candidate supply has shifted
Restructures across government, banking and media have increased the number of experienced professionals in the market.
Specialist demand persists
Cloud, data, cyber security and AI capability remains difficult to secure despite higher candidate movement.
NSW continues to anchor Australia’s labour market, even as technology hiring slows from earlier peaks.
NSW labour market
90%
of Australia’s job growth delivered by NSW
Despite a more cautious national outlook, NSW accounted for more than 90 per cent of Australia’s job growth late in 2025. Unemployment eased, job ads remained elevated, and hours worked increased, suggesting organisations are still drawing on existing capacity even as technology hiring becomes more selective.
5,000+
Technology and adjacent roles impacted nationally
Major restructures
4
Demand outstrips supply in cloud, data, cyber security and AI
Skills still scarce
↓ BA & PM
Reduced demand for project skills as large programs wind down
Project hiring slows
NSW Tech Market Report 2026. What it means for hiring, and what’s behind the shift.
Hiring conditions in NSW are becoming measured, not static. Increased candidate movement is improving choice in some areas, while specialist capability remains constrained in others. This report helps employers understand where supply has shifted, where shortages persist, and how to plan hiring decisions in 2026.
Hiring strategies that worked during peak demand are less effective in a more selective market. Employers need clearer role definition, realistic timelines, and a stronger understanding of where talent is actually available.
What this means for employers
The report combines labour-market data with Launch’s on-the-ground hiring activity across NSW, covering restructuring impacts, skill shortages, contracting trends, and where demand is expected to hold through 2026.
What the report covers
