Top skills in demand for 2024

Accountants, IT Project Managers and Executive Assistants are among the top 10 skills in most demand in 2024. With education, defence and architecture among the sectors still experiencing extreme skills shortages.

Last year, the skills market remained incredibly tight, with 88 per cent of employers experiencing a skills shortage. This has eased somewhat according to the Hays Annual Salary Guide, with 79 per cent of employers now reporting a skills shortage. Although it does mean four in five employers are still experiencing shortages, with that being extreme for 16 per cent of them.

As a result of this sustained short supply of skilled staff, there are some roles and skills that are very much in demand.

Top ten skills in demand

Following is our list of the top ten skills in demand for 2024. These are the skills that are in strongest demand relative to supply.

Accountants

Accounting professionals are sought across the board, particularly at the intermediate level. A decline in people undertaking an accounting degree is adding to the skills imbalance. Technical Financial Accountants and Management Accountants with experience are particularly highly valued, as are Assistant Accountants, Finance Managers, Accounts Payable Officers and Payroll Officers.

According to the latest Hays Salary Guide Finance Managers can typically earn $150k within a business with a turnover up to $100m, and $180k in a business with a turnover over $300m – although the upper limit for this role can be as high as $220k. 

Browse Accounting roles here.

IT Project Managers

As organisations continue to embed agility or new technology into their operations, Project Managers are sought to lead programs and guide a project’s output. A Project Manager can typically earn $160k in Sydney and $150k in Melbourne or Perth. This can rise to $180k for a Senior Project Manager in Sydney or Melbourne.

Browse IT Project Managers roles here.

Executive Assistants

Office support professionals are in demand across all industries. Executive Assistants are the most highly sought after, with experienced and skilled professionals not remaining in the job market for long. A typical Executive Assistant working for one person in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth typically earns $100k, and up to $125k in certain Sydney roles.

Administrators, Personal Assistants and Receptionists are also valued.

Browse Executive Assistants roles here.

Business Development Managers

Many organisations are placing increased emphasis on sales growth. This is fuelling demand for Business Development Managers, Account Managers and Sales Engineers, with experience using Salesforce highly desirable.

A Business Development Manager in General sales typically earns around $130k in Sydney, although the range is normally between $100k and $200k. That does drop steadily outside of Sydney, although can be as high as $160k in Perth and $150k in Melbourne.

For those working in IT and Telecomm sales, $150k is a typical Sydney salary, with $145k for Melbourne. Although this is higher than general sales, the upper limits aren’t as high, topping out at around $170k.

Browse Sales roles here.

Engineers

From Civil to Structural and Grid, engineering professionals remain in high demand. With both federal and state governments continuing to focus on infrastructure projects, hiring demand is evident across the nation. In addition, the focus on decarbonisation and energy supply transformation projects means Grids Connection and Power System Engineers are also in high demand. Power System Engineers can earn up to $200k in any Australian state with a typical salary of $170k. Grid Connection Engineers can actually earn up to $220k in any state, although the typical salary tends to be $160k.

Software Developers

Despite the rise of AI such as ChatGPT, Software Developers remain in high demand in both tech firms and across most industries. As organisations increase their rate of digital adoption, streamline operations and look to stay competitive in a digital-first world, these professionals are sought to design, build and maintain software solutions.

A basic developer working with .net or java typically earns around $120k in Sydney and Canberra, although this is more like $160k for a senior developer and can have an upper limit of $180k.

Browse Software Developer roles here.

Procurement Specialists

With contracts up for renewal, candidates with experience in setting up panels leading tender requests and drafting contracts are in high demand. Contract Managers are also needed, thanks to a heightened focus on the use of external suppliers, which has fed demand for professionals experienced in handling more intricate contracts. Candidates must possess skills in assessing supplier performance, negotiation and managing established contracts, with the latter an extremely rare skill at present.

A Procurement Specialist typically earns $125k in Canberra or Perth and $120k in Sydney and Melbourne, although an upper limit of $140k applies to most capital cities.

Communications Specialists

Professionals with corporate communications experience do not remain on the market long. The sheer volume of work available sees demand outstrip supply.

There is big money to be made near the top of the tree, with an Executive Director of Communications earning up to $350k in Sydney. In an entry level role such as PR Executive, a typical salary is $95k in Sydney.

Browse Communications Specialists roles here.

Business Analysts

Given the pace of digital transformation, Business Analysts are sought to translate business requirements into technical solutions, identify areas for improvement and facilitate innovation. Candidates must possess exceptional analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

A Business Analyst in Sydney typically earns around $140k, and $130k in Melbourne or Canberra. A Senior Business Analyst typically earns $160k in Sydney, $150k in Canberra and $140k in Melbourne, although there is an upper limit of around $180k for some Canberra jobs.

Browse Business Analysts roles here.

Electricians

Electricians are in high demand, especially A-Grade licensed Electricians. In the world of mining there is certainly room for highly skilled Electricians, with a typical salary of $175k in WA, and sometimes reaching $200k.

Browse Electricians roles here.