The ever-growing use of technology in our lives means tech skills are some of the most sought-after. But which skillsets are more in demand? Drawing on Clicks’ market research and recruitment data, as well as the Australian Government jobs and skills data, we provide a countdown of the top ten most in-demand IT jobs for 2023 (including salary data).
10. Product Owner
Product roles are relatively new, with demand rising over the last five years as organisation seek to improve or expand their offering. Last year, the number of Product Owners Clicks recruited outnumbered Product Manager positions four to one.
While Product Managers play an essential role in shaping the product direction, employers are looking for ‘doers’ who can turn strategies and customer needs into tasks the development team can deliver. In smaller companies, the Product Manager may take on the detailed responsibilities of a Product Owner.
| Role | Average Salary | Average Contract Rate | |
| Product Owner | $135,000 | $965 | View salary & contract range |
| Product Manager | $150,000 | $1,000 | View salary & contract range |
9. Test Analyst
Software testing has been outsourced, offshored, and impacted by the iterative nature of agile software development practices. However, demand for Test Analysts remains, particularly for those with automation skills and the ability to identify and resolve issues and bugs.
| Role | Average Salary | Average Contract Rate | |
| Test Analyst | $93,750 | $690 | View salary & contract range |
| Test Lead | $126,250 | $840 | View salary & contract range |
| Automation Test Analyst | $121,250 | $825 | View salary & contract range |
| Test Manager | $145,000 | $940 | View salary & contract range |
8. Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators are essential as they enable all staff to do their job. They oversee the installation and ongoing management of networks, including desktop computers, and critical systems required by the business. The Australia Government data indicates the future growth is 38.9%.
| Role | Average Salary | Average Contract Rate | |
| Systems Administrator | $102,500 | $650 | View salary & contract range |
| Service Desk Analyst | $70,000 | $375 | View salary & contract range |
| Desktop Support | $90,000 | $505 | View salary & contract range |
7. Systems Engineer
Last year, Clicks received more requests for Systems Administrators however, our latest market research indicates there will be more demand for Systems and Infrastructure Engineers in 2023. The job of a Systems Engineer and Systems Administrator can overlap. However, Systems Engineers typically focus on designing and improving systems and networks and many other aspects of IT infrastructure, while the latter focuses on configuration and support.
| Role | Average Salary | Average Contract Rate | |
| Systems Engineer | $125,000 | $750 | View salary & contract range |
| Network Engineer | $142,500 | $765 | View salary & contract range |
6. Data Analyst
The demand for Data Analyst grows as more companies seek to mine company data and turn it into actionable business insights. In 2022, Data Analyst, followed by Data Engineer outstripped demand for all other data roles. Looking ahead, we expect this trend will continue.
| Role | Average Salary | Average Contract Rate | |
| Data Analyst | $112,500 | $740 | View salary & contract range |
| Senior Data Analyst | $118,335 | $900 | View salary & contract range |
5. ICT Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of large-scale and complex ICT projects. With technology continuing to be vital for companies’ operational and strategic success, we expect demand for those who lead projects and programs of work to be high in 2023.
| Role | Average Salary | Average Contract Rate | |
| Project Manager | $140,000 | $1,100 | View salary & contract range |
| Program Manager | $170,000 | $1,200 | View salary & contract range |
4. ICT Architect
Employers surveyed by Clicks reveal IT Architects will be the fourth most in demand role this year. Given the essential work they do to ensure organisations select and build IT resources that are efficient, effective, scalable, and secure, it is unsurprising they are in demand across all sectors.
The main types of IT Architects are Solution, Enterprise, and Infrastructure, although they can also specialise in specific domains or technologies, such as IT Security or Salesforce.
| Role | Average Salary | Average Contract Rate | |
| Solution Architect | $170,000 | $1125 | View salary & contract range |
| Enterprise Architect | $172,500 | $1125 | View salary & contract range |
| Infrastructure Architect | $162,500 | $1050 | View salary & contract range |
| Security Architect | $180,000 | $1200 | View salary & contract range |
| Salesforce Architect | $167,500 | $1250 | View salary & contract range |
3. Business Analyst
The Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, which outline in-demand occupations and industries until 2026, indicates ongoing growth for Business Analysts and Systems Analysts.
Our 2023 Recruitment & Retention Report predicts Business Analysis will be the third most in-demand job in IT this year.
If you are hiring at BA and need access to a job description fast, check out our catalogue of job descriptions, including one for Business Analysts.
| Role | Average Salary | Average Contract Rate | |
| Business Analyst | $140,000 | $925 | View salary & contract range |
| Systems Analyst | $116,665 | $865 | View salary & contract range |
2. ICT Security Consultant
Cyber security spending is anticipated to increase to $7.6 billion by 2024. The strong demand for IT Security professionals is also supported by Clicks’ market research – taking second place as the most sought-after skillset.
All IT security positions listed on the Australian Government’s Priority Skills have a ‘strong’ future demand rating. These roles include Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Architect, Cyber Governance Risk, Compliance Specialist, Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist, and Cyber Security Operations Coordinator.
| Role | Average Salary | Average Contract Rate | |
| Security Consultant | $170,000 | $1,250 | View salary & contract range |
| Cyber Security Analyst | $150,000 | $1,040 | View salary & contract range |
| Cyber Security Specialist | $165,000 | $1,250 | View salary & contract range |
1. Software Developer
Software Developers – also referred to as Software Engineers – was one of the most requested jobs from the companies we work with in 2022, and we expect this year will be no different. Clicks asked IT leaders across Australia to forecast roles in demand in their organisations. Again, developers topped the list, with most respondents (40%) indicating they would be hiring Developers over the next 12 months.
Developers/Programmers also feature in SEEK’s list of top 20 most-needed jobs in Australia – ranking 11th across all jobs and industries.
| Role | Average Salary | Average Contract Rate | |
| Software Developer | $133,335 | $865 | View salary & contract range |
| Java Developer | $140,000 | $940 | View salary & contract range |
| C++ Developer | $132,500 | $990 | View salary & contract range |
| Full Stack Developer | $138,750 | $915 | View salary & contract range |
Whether you are searching for a new job this year or looking to hire, Clicks can help. With offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and Queensland, we connect IT professionals and great companies across Australia every day.
The salary and rates information provided include superannuation and are a guideline only. Average salaries are annualised, and average contract rates refer to a daily pay rate.
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