As we look toward 2026, LinkedIn’s data on jobs and skills gives us a powerful snapshot of where the labour market is heading globally and in Australia. These trends matter if you’re a job seeker positioning yourself for the future, a freelancer navigating demand, or a business planning hires that will keep teams competitive.
LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise lists identify roles that have grown rapidly over recent years, rather than simply being large numbers of listings. In Australia, this year’s top growth roles span unexpected sectors, underscoring how diverse job demand has become.
Across LinkedIn data and related labor market insights, several clear patterns are emerging and these patterns point directly to how the job market will shift into 2026.
1. Human-Centric Roles Are Growing Fast
Perhaps surprisingly, some of the fastest-growing roles in Australia in 2025 aren’t all tech jobs. LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise list shows that English teachers, servers, and travel agents are among the top roles gaining momentum locally. These jobs reflect broader social and economic shifts, including Australia’s growing international student population and tourism demand.
This trend highlights that job growth isn’t just about automation or AI — people-focused roles remain critical. Empathy, communication and adaptability are skills that AI cannot replace easily, and roles that centre on human interaction are thriving.
This focus on human skills will continue into 2026, with roles in education, hospitality and customer-centric sectors likely to remain strong — especially as global travel and international exchange continue to rebound.
2. Design and Technology Still Dominate Demand
At a global level, technical roles remain extremely prominent in LinkedIn’s fastest-growing jobs lists. Positions like Artificial Intelligence Engineer and AI Consultant top growth charts for 2025, driven by rapid AI adoption and enterprise investment in generative technologies.
These roles point to a broader reality: as businesses integrate AI into products and services, the need for specialists who can build, deploy and optimise these systems will only grow.
Technical roles aren’t limited to pure AI either. Software engineering, electrical design engineering and audiovisual technician positions remain in high demand in Australia — demonstrating that both digital and physical system skills are sought after in the market.
For 2026, expect continued demand for roles such as:
- AI and ML engineers building the backbone of intelligent systems
- UX/UI designers creating human-centric digital experiences
- Data specialists who can turn insights into action
- Front-end, back-end and cloud developers supporting digital platforms
3. Soft Skills and Strategy Matter More Than Ever
While technical expertise is crucial, LinkedIn’s Skills on the Rise data in Australia shows that soft skills like communication, strategic thinking and adaptability are among the fastest-growing skills professionals are adding to their profiles.
This aligns with broader workplace trends where hybrid roles — those that blend technical competency with human judgement — have become more valuable. Employers are seeking people who can translate data into strategy, handle ambiguity, and lead teams through rapid change.
In 2026, this human edge will be a key differentiator. Candidates who combine digital fluency with strategic insight and communication skills will be positioned for leadership roles.
4. Emerging & Unexpected Roles Reflect Broader Shifts
LinkedIn’s data and related job trend lists also point to some unexpected yet notable growth areas internationally, such as mathematics specialists and mental health specialists, showing up to three times greater demand compared to previous quarters.
These shifts highlight a deeper truth: part of the job market growth comes from niche or specialised needs that traditional job lists might overlook initially.
As we look toward 2026, roles connected to wellbeing, analytics, compliance, and human performance are likely to continue expanding. These jobs reflect broader societal concerns around mental health, data security and organisational resilience.
5. Roles on the Rise in Australia in 2025
According to LinkedIn’s Australian Jobs on the Rise list, the fastest-growing roles this year include:
- English Teacher
- Server
- Travel Agent
- Wine Sommelier
- Electrical Design Engineer
- Cost Controller
- Fundraising Manager
- Health Director
- Quality Coordinator
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
- Audio Visual Technician
- Mechanic
- Human Resources / Employee Relations Specialist
- Development Engineer
- Pilot
This diverse mix highlights that Australia’s job market is multifaceted — from education and hospitality to engineering and management. The emphasis on soft skills like communication, empathy and adaptability underscores that human interaction is a key market driver even as technology advances.
Predictions for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026 based on these 2025 trends suggests several key themes:
AI Will Continue to Reshape the Job Market
Technical roles tied to AI, automation and machine learning will remain at the top of demand lists globally and in Australia. Employers will focus not just on building systems, but on deploying them in user-centered ways.
Soft Skills Will Be Catalysts for Career Growth
As machines take over routine tasks, roles requiring creativity, empathy, communication and strategic thinking will become increasingly valuable. Hybrid roles — combining technical and human skills — will dominate leadership and specialist jobs.
Human-Centric Service Jobs Will Persist
Jobs rooted in service, hospitality, education and travel are rebounding strongly across Australia. These roles reflect broader cultural and economic trends that are set to continue into 2026.
Niche and Specialist Roles Will Emerge
Expect to see roles we don’t yet fully recognise rise in prominence. As the world changes, new needs will create new job categories — and those who adapt quickly will lead the pack.
What This Means for Job Seekers and Creatives
If you’re building your career in 2025 and planning for 2026, here’s what matters:
Focus on skills that combine technology with human insight. Knowing how to use AI and data is powerful, but blending that with strategic thought and communication will put you ahead.
Diversify your skillset. Technical roles are thriving, but roles in education, hospitality or human-focused fields are also seeing surprising growth. Soft skills, resilience and adaptability are essential.
Stay visible on LinkedIn and other platforms by showcasing both your technical and human skills. Employers use these networks to find talent — sometimes before jobs are even advertised — and LinkedIn is central to career matchmaking.
