Queensland market insights
Takeaways from people2people's 2025 Report
Queensland market breakdown
Key trends and insights
Queensland’s 2026 employment market carries a sense of steady confidence, with job ads sitting at 51,200. While vacancies fell 3.3% month-on-month and are down 0.8% annually, hiring activity remains solid and employers are still investing in capability with a more deliberate focus on long-term fit. Much of that movement is being driven by replacement hiring rather than rapid expansion, pointing to a market that is active, but measured.
At the same time, some caution remains beneath the surface. Employers continue to face competition for strong talent, particularly where expectations around career growth, leadership, and workplace experience are not being met. Even so, the overall tone is positive. Queensland feels like a market moving forward with purpose, where thoughtful hiring, stronger retention focus, and clearer workforce planning are helping create a more stable path ahead.
2025 Queensland Labour Market
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
66.9%
National Participation Rate
National Inflation Rate
-6%
Annual National Job Ad Change
58%
Job Seeker Confidence Index
48%
Hiring Confidence Index
Queensland job seeker sentiment
How engaged are people in today's job market?
In Queensland’s 2026 market, job seekers are showing a more balanced and intentional mindset. Many are actively considering fresh opportunities, but they are weighing their options more carefully than in previous years. Flexibility and lifestyle remain strong motivators, yet candidates are increasingly focused on long-term stability and workplaces that support both personal and professional growth.
A noticeable trend is the rise in passive job seekers — people who are open to moving but only for the right role. This has created a more selective environment where cultural alignment, progression, and genuine organisational purpose are often the deciding factors. Queensland’s candidate market feels steady and assured, with job seekers prioritising roles that offer meaning, balance, and room to build a sustainable future.
36%
Active job seekers
62%
Passive job seekers
14%
Hesitant job seekers
27%
Inactive job seekers
Employment trends shaping Queensland labour market in 2025
What key factors are driving talent retention in 2025?
Talent retention remains a key priority in today’s competitive job market. As workforce dynamics evolve, understanding what matters most to employees is essential. Focusing on factors such as career growth, management support, and work-life balance helps employers strengthen engagement and build lasting loyalty.
Why are you losing your staff in 2025?
Employee retention and resignation remain key challenges in today’s evolving workforce. Understanding why people leave and how to keep them engaged is essential for long-term success. As priorities shift toward career growth, culture, and leadership, businesses must adapt their strategies to retain talent. What’s driving resignations in 2025, and how can organisations better support and sustain their people?
What's the impact of forcing a return to the office?
As return-to-office mandates rise, businesses are increasingly concerned about their impact on morale, productivity, and retention. With flexibility now an expectation, finding the right balance between in-person collaboration and remote autonomy is vital. The challenge lies in making office returns work for both people and performance.
2025 Employment & Salary Report
Stay ahead of your market across the UK
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, providing your business with a competitive edge 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
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