Why getting qualified now is a better time than ever for your tech career
Having analysed large data sets from employment platform Seek, I take a dive into the areas of tech with the highest salaries and highest job demand to help you make informed decisions about your next career step.
As a seasoned career consultant in the tech space, one thing I know for certain is that demand for qualified tech and cyber professionals is booming like never before in 2026.
Whether you're already working in tech and looking to take the next step, or you’re launching your tech career from scratch, you can be sure that now is the time to make a serious investment in up-skilling... and the data proves it.
Based on huge data sets from leading online employment marketplace, Seek, I’ve put together this article on the current projection and demand for roles within some key areas of tech across Australia and New Zealand to help inform your next step in terms of career progression.
You might have a clear idea of which area of tech you want to get into, or perhaps you’re still deciding; either way I can help guide you to the right place. If you need more detail on the tech certifications themselves, you can check out our individual course pages so you can make the best decision for your career change ready for April.
Written by
Neil has been at Learning People in New Zealand for over 5 years working as a specialist in helping people gain the skills, certifications, and confidence they need to land their dream roles in tech and project management.
Global unprecedented demand for cyber security professionals
It’s impossible for me to break down every single role within cyber security as it is ever evolving and the demand is continually growing, but we can look at some of the more common job titles.
Did you know? The Cyber Security sector is set to grow 14.2% by 2029
Recent Government reports have highlighted a desperate need for trained cyber security professionals as the APAC region remains the most frequently attacked region with 154 million blocks per month
What you will likely be working towards in the beginning is a role like Cyber Security Analyst, which, according to Seek has a predicted increase of 38.9% job growth in the next 5 years. There are currently over 2,059 live jobs for Cyber Security Analysts across Australia and New Zealand with an average salary of $115,000AUD | $90,000NZD. This increases to $140,000AUD for those in South Australia and up to $102,500NZD for those in Auckland.
More senior roles like Security Architect take home an average of $165,00AUD | $175,000NZD with it reaching as high as $245,000AUD in areas like Victoria and $185,000NZD in Auckland. Wondering if there is enough demand as you work your way up the ladder? Seek currently has 2,490 live Security Architect roles across New Zealand and Australia.
Analysing the market for data specialists
If you’re interested in, or working towards getting into the world of data, then let me help you solidify your choice with some incredible stats for the Australian market.
4,479 live jobs in Australia and New Zealand for Data Analysts with 47% of those being within Information & Communication Technology. This is a lucrative career choice with a predicted 23.2% job growth in the next 5 years.
Did you know? Data Analysts state work-life balance as the highest benefit of this role
Followed closely by job satisfaction and pay, making this an incredibly rewarding and worthy career.
The average salary for a position like this is around $105,000AUD | $85,000NZD with it rising to over $130,000AUD in areas of Tasmania and up to $105,000NZD in areas of Hawks Bay.
More senior positions as you progress in your data career, such as Data Architect take home an average salary of $160,000AUD | $160,000NZD reaching as high as $200,000AUD in New South Wales and $185,000NZD in Auckland. The higher pay grade also comes with increased demand with a predicted 27% job growth in the next five years.
Breaking the code to Software Development
For those with an interest in coding and development, the future looks bright and rewarding with great pay and outlook.
There are currently 1,999 Software Developer jobs live on Seek across New Zealand and Australia with a predicted 27% growth expected over the next 5 years. A Software Developer is looking to take home $95,000AUD | $100,000NZD on average with it going over $110,000AUD in areas of Queensland and over $125,000NZD in areas of Auckland.
A more senior position, like a Software Architect, has an average salary of $185,000AUD | $155,000NZD going over $220,000AUD for roles in Melbourne and over $180,000NZD in Christchurch.
Did you know? Software Developers enjoy the work-life balance alongside high job satisfaction
Job security and salary were also rated incredibly highly for this role making it an incredibly appealing career choice
The sky is the limit with Cloud Computing
To those looking to get into Cloud Computing, there really is no better time to get qualified as there is a huge need to trained professionals right now.
If you’re aiming to become a Cloud Engineer, you will be delighted to know there are currently 4,917 live jobs on Seek. With an average salary of $135,000AUD | $135,000NZD going beyond $150,000AUD for roles in Brisbane and $160,000NZD in areas of Auckland, it really is a lucrative career path.
For future roles, you can look at becoming a Cloud Architect for an appealing average salary of $150,000AUD | $140,000NZD easily reaching over $235,000AUD in Melbourne and over $170,000NZD in Auckland. Worried about job demand, it should reassure you to know there are currently 3,156 roles being hired for on Seek across New Zealand and Australia.
Did you know? Cloud Engineers feel secure in their roles and think there is plenty of progression ahead
Seek also noted that variety of work, job satisfaction and work-life balance were all also highly scored for this role.
Beyond a qualification – tailored support in your career change
I hope the data in this article has given you confidence to make the next move in your tech career. However, I’m aware that simply getting a certification and knowing the job market isn’t enough to secure yourself a role in your chosen field. Although there is huge demand for qualified tech professionals in 2026, you still need to make yourself stand out from the crowd to land a fulfilling role.
Which is why we at Learning People have recently launched Career Services 2.0, a new and improved version of our career support to ensure you are best prepared when you are ready to hit the job market.
Our Career Services support is available for as long as it takes for you to land your first role. It offers 1:1 support mixed with group masterclasses to ensure you are equipped with the skills to build a professional brand, network, apply for jobs, and are fully prepared for your interviews.
Hit the button below to get in touch and learn more today.
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