Canberra's 750 Tech Jobs Pay $141K as Cybersecurity Demand Soars

Canberra’s technology sector is buzzing with more than 750 active Information Technology job listings, reflecting sustained demand from federal government and defence agencies operating in the capital. According to data compiled by Jora and Indeed, there are between 755 and 846 IT positions currently advertised in the Australian Capital Territory, with another several hundred roles posted across the broader ACT market.

The average annual salary for these roles sits at $141,000, though the range is wide: entry-level positions can start around $30,000, while experienced specialists can command up to $345,000 per year. The figures come from job aggregator Indeed, which tracks live listings across Canberra.

Government and defence drive hiring

A large portion of the available work requires Australian citizenship and at least a Baseline or NV1 security clearance, a direct result of the city’s role as home to federal departments, intelligence agencies and defence contractors. Key employers include Digital Canberra, the ACT Government’s own technology arm, as well as Leidos, Whizdom Recruitment, Infinite Consulting, Experis and Hays, all of which have posted openings in recent weeks.

The skills most in demand include project management, operations management, deployment engineering, Linux system administration and cyber security. For residents living in suburbs like Civic, Braddon or Belconnen, these roles are often within a short commute and many offer hybrid or flexible working arrangements.

Entry-level pathways for recent graduates

For those just starting out, paid internships are available. StakOne, a Canberra-based IT services firm, is currently advertising an IT Support Intern position paying between $34 and $38 per hour. The role is open to recent graduates or current students and offers a mix of in-office and remote work.

The ACT Government’s Digital Canberra division also runs a graduate program and advertises entry-level roles through its jobs portal. These opportunities are particularly important for local university graduates from the Australian National University or the University of Canberra, who often face a gap between academic training and the security-clearance requirements of many private-sector roles.

What this means for everyday residents

The concentration of high-paying, clearance-dependent jobs shapes the local economy in practical ways. Rent and property prices in suburbs with good access to the Parliamentary Triangle and Canberra City Centre tend to stay elevated because of the steady inflow of well-paid IT workers. Meanwhile, cafes in places like Kingston and Dickson see regular foot traffic from government-contractor employees during the morning and lunch rush.

For residents considering a career change or upskilling, the clear signal from current listings is that cyber security skills, alongside project management experience, can open doors even without a full degree. The ACT Government’s Digital Canberra site lists upcoming courses and apprenticeships for those wanting to enter the field.

The job market is likely to remain strong as federal agencies continue digitising their systems and expanding their cyber defences. Anyone looking to enter Canberra’s tech workforce should prioritise obtaining a security clearance early, as it remains the single biggest barrier to the best-paid roles.