New data from LinkedIn reveals that the fastest growing jobs in Australia are concentrated in the artificial intelligence and technology sectors. The research analyzed millions of jobs started by members between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2025, calculating the growth rate for each job title.
Top Roles in Demand
AI engineers, who develop, train, and deploy algorithms and AI applications to build systems capable of performing various tasks, emerged as the fastest growing role. They were followed by chief risk officers, responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating strategic, financial, operational, and reputational risks, including cybersecurity threats. Other rapidly growing positions include mechanical engineer, director of AI, development manager, legal director, founder, media director, regulatory affairs consultant, and power system engineer.
Expert Insights
Associate Professor Niusha Shafiabady, who specializes in computational and AI at Australian Catholic University and Charles Darwin University, told Daily Mail the findings were not surprising. "These are just policies, in my view," she said. "The companies that are producing these jobs, basically, are producing users for their own software." Professor Shafiabady predicted that the role of prompt engineer—involving designing, refining, and optimizing text prompts to guide AI models—will soon become extremely popular.
She noted that AI companies are collaborating with governments worldwide. "In my view it is the policy of corporations that are being supported by the government," she explained. "For example, some are doing what Trump's administration wants them to do. These companies are really rich and they're supporting the politicians and policy makers and they push forward their agenda. So, we will see AI jobs to be available more and more." However, she offered a word of caution: "Hopefully software doesn't destroy our world."
Salary and Global Trends
Salaries for AI engineers typically range from $125,000 for entry-level roles to over $200,000 for senior positions. The global economy has added approximately 1.3 million new AI-related roles in just two years, with high demand for engineers to build and deploy these systems. The LinkedIn study also found a 58% surge in people wanting to start their own small businesses, despite the tough economic climate.
LinkedIn's Brendan Wong commented that AI is no longer a specialist skill but is becoming part of everyday work and leadership. "Whether you're in tech, business or creative industries, building AI literacy and staying open to new skills will be key to future-proofing your career," Mr. Wong said.
Top Ten Fastest Growing Jobs
- AI Engineer
- Chief Risk Officer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Director of Artificial Intelligence
- Organisational Development Manager
- Legal Director
- Founder
- Media Director
- Regulatory Affairs Consultant
- Power System Engineer
