New South Wales market insights
New South Wales market breakdown
New South Wales in 2025 feels like a market moving carefully but purposefully into a new phase of stability. After the intensity of the previous hiring cycles, organisations across Sydney and regional NSW are recalibrating rather than sprinting, focusing on strengthening internal capability and making more deliberate hiring decisions. Employers have more candidates to choose from than in recent years, yet the competition for genuinely high-quality talent remains sharp. This has led businesses to refine their value propositions — ensuring flexibility, growth pathways and culture remain central.
The overall mood is considered optimism. Workplaces are using this steadier climate to rethink team structures, invest in skills uplift, and embrace more strategic workforce planning. Employees, meanwhile, are becoming clearer about what they want: purpose, balance, and environments that listen. NSW in 2025 reflects maturity — a shift away from reactive hiring towards a more sustainable rhythm of workforce development.
2025 New South Wales Labour Market

4.3%
Unemployment Rate

66.9%
National Participation Rate

2.1%
National Inflation Rate

-11%
Annual National Job Ad Change

54%
Job Seeker Confidence Index

63%
Hiring Confidence Index
New South Wales job seeker sentiment
Across New South Wales in 2025, job seekers are approaching their careers with renewed confidence and clarity. With many actively exploring new opportunities, people are prioritising roles that offer genuine flexibility, clear growth pathways, and strong organisational values. Rather than chasing fast moves or short-term gains, candidates are gravitating toward employers who demonstrate stability, openness, and a commitment to long-term development.
There’s also a more thoughtful approach to job changes emerging. NSW job seekers are taking the time to evaluate leadership, culture, and the authenticity of an organisation before stepping into a new role. This shift reflects a broader desire for work that feels both secure and meaningful — signalling a market where candidates are confident but deliberate, choosing quality and alignment over speed.
2025 Employment & Salary Report
Take a closer look at what’s driving hiring in your industry, from shifting employer priorities to the roles most in demand. This comprehensive report reveals the key trends shaping recruitment and workforce strategy this year, and provides your business with a competitive edge needed in today’s uncertain labour market.
- Benchmark your company's attraction and retention strategies
- Find out what job seekers are looking for in 2025
- Identify emerging and current hiring and salary trends





