Careers in IT: Why there’s never been a better time to work in IT

Why more people are choosing careers in IT

Are you passionate about IT? Have you ever considered turning that passion into a career?

There’s never been a better time to enter the tech sector. Demand for skilled professionals is soaring, with strong growth in both job opportunities and wages. Between 2019 and 2022, average salaries in tech grew by over 10% — well above wage growth in other industries. In fact, tech industry roles now earn an average of $20 more per hour than those in other sectors.

Professionals with expertise in areas like cloud computing and digital infrastructure are earning well into six figures. And this trend shows no sign of slowing down — between 2025 and 2030, tech is projected to be Australia’s fastest-growing industry.

So what’s driving this growth, and which roles are leading the way in earnings?

What’s behind the increased demand for careers in IT?

Between 2025 and 2030, tech skills will be the most in-demand capabilities. The demand for tech workers is so high that it is estimated an additional 312,000 workers will be needed in this sector by 2030. This surge in demand is driven by several factors, including:

Importance of digital infrastructure

Australian businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on technology to keep their operations running smoothly — and cloud computing plays a central role in this. Cloud platforms allow businesses to store data, run applications, and scale their operations efficiently. As a result, professionals who design and manage this infrastructure — such as cloud architects and engineers — have become essential. This growing reliance has driven strong demand for roles involving cloud computing.

Increase in cybercrime

With increased reliance on technology comes an increased risk of digital disruption. Cyber incidents and data breaches involving well-known businesses have highlighted just how vulnerable organisations can be to digital threats. Just one cyber incident can set a medium-sized business back $97,000-a clear indication of the financial impact cybercrime can have.

Reflecting the increased importance of cybersecurity to businesses, since 2020, there has been an 80% increase in advertised roles requiring cybersecurity skills. It’s estimated that more than 20,000 additional cybersecurity workers will be required by 2030.

What are some high-earning careers in IT?

Some of the highest-earning roles in the tech industry include:

• Azure & AWS architects: These earn on average $150,909 a year.
• Platform engineers: These earn on average $139,717 a year
• Linux engineers: These earn on average $132,754 a year
• Data engineers: These earn on average $128,499
• Solutions engineers: These earn on average $127,830 a year.

Even in entry-level roles, the tech industry can offer attractive pay packages. Some of the top-earning entry-level IT roles include:

• QA engineers: These earn on average $99,537 a year
• System administrators: These earn on average $96,423 a year
• Network administrators: These earn on average $92,389 a year
• Prompt engineers: These earn on average $89,559 a year

These figures highlight just how financially rewarding a career in IT can be. But of course, choosing a career is about more than just earning potential. A rewarding, satisfying career requires genuine passion for the industry.

If you are passionate about the industry, there’s never been a better time to consider a career in information technology. Selection Criteria Writers can help. We are pleased to offer services tailored to the Information Technology industry, including our resume and cover letter writing services.

Article References

ACS (n.d) ‘ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2024’, ACS, accessed 15 July 2025

Carbone, J (23 June 2025) ‘Australian cloud software experts command $150k-plus salaries while AI threatens entry level tech roles’, The Australian, accessed 15 July 2025

Lam, J (20 January 2025) ‘Six figure juniors, $250k seniors: Tech’s median wage towers over everyone else, Employment Hero SmartMatch report finds’, The Australian, accessed 15 July 2025

Michael Page (n.d) ‘A guide to technology sector salaries’, Michael Page, accessed 15 July 2025