Queensland tech workforce set to double, adding 200,000 jobs by 2035

Queensland's technology workforce is projected to more than double by 2035, according to a recent study that forecasts more than 200,000 new technology roles across the state by that time. This growth is expected to make technology one of Queensland's fastest-growing job sectors and a primary driver of economic activity, building upon the sector's current AUD $15 billion contribution to the economy.

Job expansion

The report finds that Queensland currently employs approximately 159,000 technology workers, with the sector already established as a central plank of the state's economy. If growth continues as expected, the total workforce could reach beyond 360,000 by 2035. This would represent a significant shift in employment, with technology becoming further embedded in areas like advanced manufacturing, the space industry, and specialised segments such as sportstech as Queensland prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Skills demand

The current skills landscape indicates that Queenslanders are already seeking to build digital capabilities, with a particular focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and governance. Despite this enthusiasm, the report identifies key skills gaps in areas including robotic process automation and virtual and augmented reality.

Challenges in workforce upskilling remain, with time constraints, training costs and personal responsibilities often cited as obstacles to retraining. Workers are pursuing self-improvement but require targeted support and accessible pathways to acquire relevant skills.

Training challenges

"Queensland's technology workforce is on a growth trajectory that will reshape our economy. To see our workforce set to more than double over the next decade shows just how central technology has become to every industry. The challenges of digital transformation are significant, but so too are the opportunities. By working together, government, digital industry, and the community, we can cultivate an environment where talent flourishes, innovation drives growth, and our public services are truly world-class. On behalf of the Queensland Government, we welcome ACS's collaboration in ensuring Queenslanders have access to the right training and support so these roles can be filled locally and deliver benefits right across the State," said Steve Minnikin, Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business.

Mathew Eames, Chair of ACS Queensland, said, "We can support workers make mid-career transitions to fulfil the demand over the next decade. Guiding them in training and reskilling options will be critical, and ACS is here to support that shift. We will be supporting professionals at every stage of their journey so they can adapt, grow, and continue contributing to Australia's digital economy."

Talent pipeline

Businesses across Queensland are responding to the shortage of skilled professionals by investing in internal development and looking at alternative pathways into technology roles. Adrian Bole, Director and Partner at IdentityXP, said, "Sourcing talent in cybersecurity is tough, especially for our area of Identity and Access Management (IAM). Threat actors don't hack-in anymore, they just login. As a result, organisations are investing heavily in IAM to strengthen their defences. This surge in demand has intensified competition for a limited talent pool. We nurture our internal talent by blending our teams so our emerging talent can work more closely with our Principal consultants. We also run a Women in Identity program to help women transition into cybersecurity careers, strengthening our team's diversity and enriching it with skills and experiences from diverse backgrounds."

Tim Harrington, Chief Operating Officer of Atlantic Digital, said, "At Atlantic Digital, we are deeply committed to the continuous growth of our team's professional and technical capabilities. Recently certified as a Great Place to Work, we continue to build on this achievement by investing further in our people. We've expanded our technical learning opportunities through the Skillsoft platform via ACS, ensuring our team has access to world-class training. We also actively seek employee input on what skills they wish to pursue, and how best these fit into their professional journey."

National perspective

The projected growth in Queensland mirrors a broader national trend, with the technology sector now contributing AUD $134 billion to the Australian economy and employing more than 1 million people. However, national data also shows significant skills gaps remain in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics, which are cited as barriers to productivity and business growth.

"Digital skills are the foundation of Australia's economic future," said Josh Griggs, Chief Executive Officer, ACS.