Adelaide

AUS

Market Overview

Key insights:

  1. SA’s digital transformation leadership Significant public and private investment in AI, cybersecurity, IoT, and digital infrastructure is cementing South Australia’s position as a national leader in tech-driven innovation.
  2. Defence sector as a workforce engine – Major programs like the $101.8 million nuclear-powered submarine workforce investment are creating long-term, future-focused career opportunities.
  3. AI adoption driving skills demand – The shift from experimental to essential AI is fuelling demand for automation developers, AI specialists, and data scientists, while increasing the need for cybersecurity and compliance expertise.

These regional insights are updated quarterly, if you need help navigating the hiring landscape over the next three months please reach out to our team.

South Australia is emerging as a national leader in digital transformation across government, private enterprise, and the defence sector. Significant investments in technology from AI and cybersecurity to advanced connectivity and data analytics are driving innovation, improvements in public services, and creating new opportunities for economic growth.

The South Australian Government is leading by example, prioritising digital upgrades to enhance service delivery. A key initiative includes a $23.5 million investment to digitise ambulance patient records through a new electronic patient care record (ePCR) system. Set to be operational by June 2026, the system will improve communication between paramedics and hospitals, ultimately lifting standards of emergency care across the state.

At the federal level, the Australian Government and NBN Co are committing $3.8 billion to upgrade the nation's fibre-to-the-node broadband infrastructure. This initiative will benefit over 600,000 homes and businesses – including many in South Australia – ensuring 95% of them have access to faster, more reliable internet. The upgrade aims to boost productivity, support digital inclusion, and create thousands of jobs by 2030.

The private sector in South Australia is also embracing innovation, particularly in AI, IoT, and blockchain. AI has become a focal point in boardroom discussions and recruitment strategy, transitioning from experimental to essential. Businesses are investing in AI upskilling, automation platforms, and ethical frameworks to guide responsible implementation

Cybersecurity is a concurrent area of growth. With AI embedded in more operations, companies are strengthening their defences using AI-driven security protocols to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance.

The defence industry remains a cornerstone of South Australia’s economy, especially in aerospace, shipbuilding, and cyber-defence. Initiatives like the $101.8 million investment in workforce training for Adelaide’s nuclear-powered submarine program underscore the strategic focus on building a future-ready workforce.

Anthony Whyte

Anthony Whyte

Talent Adelaide Managing Director

Candidate needs

  • Meaningful work
  • Great company culture
  • Longer term contracts
  • Opportunities to work with emerging technologies (AI, automation, sustainability)
  • Career growth in future-focused sectors like defence and cybersecurity

Business needs

  • Staff working from the office
  • Cultural alignment
  • Team synergy
  • AI and automation capability uplift
  • Cybersecurity and compliance readiness

The year ahead

Looking ahead, the convergence of AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure will continue to redefine Adelaide’s workforce and industry landscape. Demand for roles such as automation developers, AI specialists, data scientists, and environmental AI experts will keep rising. For both job seekers and employers, adaptability and tech fluency will be key as South Australia accelerates toward a digitally driven future.

However, retaining talent will remain a challenge. Despite major investments, federal budget figures point to a looming "brain drain" as young professionals migrate interstate. The Premier's efforts to reposition South Australia as a destination for defence, energy, and lifestyle will be critical in the battle for talent.

Discover salaries

Our experts interact with hiring managers and candidates daily, giving us unique, real-world insights into the latest salary and benefits trends.

Adelaide

Talent Insights

Tech Talent

22k technology professionals with an average tenure of 1.9 years

(source: LinkedIn Talent Insights)

Gender Identity

33
% Female
67
% Male
*This information has been retrieved from sources with gender binary data. We acknowledge those who do not fit within this framework and understand there are more gender identities beyond the binary.
(source: LinkedIn Talent Insights)

Top Employers

  • SA Health
  • Telstra
  • University of South Australia
  • University of Adelaide
  • BAE Systems Australia
(source: LinkedIn Talent Insights)

Top Skills

  • Software Packaging
  • Performance Engineering
  • System Configuration
  • ICT Consultancy
  • Data Architecture

Living in

Adelaide

AUS

Adelaide may be small, but boy is it mighty. If the underdog was an Australian city, it would be Adelaide.

In 2021, Adelaide was placed in the top 10 most liveable cities in the world, positioning the city as a great alternative to Sydney and Melbourne where the living costs are growing rapidly.

Adelaide is geographically located so that you can quite literally have it all. Living in the city centre is affordable, while being only a 20 minute drive to the beach, and a 30 minute drive to two world-famous wine regions.

You even have the option to escape to the country of the Adelaide Hills, with this picturesque setting situating you only a 30 minute commute into the heart of the city. If you have ever given thought to wanting exponentially more for less, Adelaide is your answer.

Adelaide
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$

5.35

Average cost of a coffee

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$

2,106

p/m

Average rent for 1 bed apartment

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$

59

p/m

Average gym membership

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