Western Australia enters 2026 in a position of relative strength, with economic conditions remaining stable and broadly positive. After several years of strong growth, the market is beginning to normalise rather than slow materially. This is being underpinned by sustained population growth, a significant pipeline of public infrastructure investment, and continued activity across resources, energy, utilities, and essential services.
Employment conditions across the state are expected to remain resilient. While the labour market is no longer as exceptionally tight as it was in recent years, unemployment is still forecast to stay low by Western Australian standards. For employers, this signals a more balanced hiring environment. For candidates, it remains a competitive market, particularly for experienced and specialist talent. Across technology and corporate services, demand in 2026 is expected to remain healthy. Organisations continue to invest in projects that support growth, efficiency, and risk management. This includes digital transformation and automation initiatives, cyber security and operational resilience, AI and data capability uplift, and an increased focus on governance, regulation, and commercial compliance. As a result, demand remains strongest for experienced professionals across project management, finance and commercial roles, procurement and supply chain, enterprise change and transformation, as well as technology specialists in cyber security, data and AI, software engineering, cloud platforms, and OT/IT integration.
The employment market continues to favour a mix of contract and permanent hiring with the demand for hybrid, work-from-home flexibility in strong demand across both. Contracting remains the preferred model for project-based delivery and niche expertise, offering flexibility for organisations and attractive engagement terms for professionals. Permanent hiring is more targeted, with organisations prioritising critical long-term capabilities and leadership roles that support business continuity and growth.
Overall, 2026 presents a solid outlook for WA’s corporate and technology workforce. With stable economic conditions and sustained demand across both public and private sectors, particularly in mining, energy, and utilities, the market continues to offer meaningful opportunities for skilled professionals and employers alike.
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Perth does things differently in the best way. With more sunshine than most capitals and some of the world’s best beaches on its doorstep, life here is equal parts relaxed and ambitious. The city’s outdoor lifestyle is a major drawcard, but so is the strength of its economy.
Perth’s tech and project market continues to grow alongside resources, infrastructure, and innovation investment, creating demand for skilled professionals across data, cloud, and transformation.
For those chasing career progression without sacrificing lifestyle, Perth remains one of Australia’s most compelling options.
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