Geelong’s transformation from industrial town to diverse economy continues, and tech employment is a significant part of that story. I’ve been tracking job postings, talking to employers, and surveying the landscape.

Here’s what I’m seeing in September 2025.

The Numbers

Based on my tracking of job boards and employer surveys:

• Approximately 150-200 tech roles actively advertised in Geelong at any given time
• This is up roughly 25% from the same period in 2024
• Median salaries remain 10-15% below Melbourne equivalents
• Remote work options are common but not universal

These numbers don’t capture internal promotions or unadvertised roles, so actual hiring is higher.

Where the Jobs Are

Healthcare Technology

Barwon Health and associated organisations represent significant tech employment. Roles span from clinical systems support to data analytics to software development.

The healthcare sector is digitising rapidly, creating ongoing demand for tech workers who understand both technology and healthcare contexts.

Education and Research

Deakin University employs substantial tech staff across research computing, administrative systems, student services technology, and teaching innovation.

Adjacent organisations like CSIRO facilities and research institutes add to this cluster.

Financial Services

Several financial services companies have established Geelong operations. WorkSafe Victoria moved significant operations to Geelong, creating tech employment.

Professional Services

Accounting, legal, and consulting firms increasingly employ in-house tech specialists rather than outsourcing everything.

Manufacturing Technology

Geelong’s remaining manufacturing sector has modernised, creating demand for automation specialists, data analysts, and industrial IoT expertise.

Skills in Demand

Based on job postings and employer conversations:

Consistently high demand:

• Software developers (full-stack, particularly Python and JavaScript)
• Data analysts and business intelligence specialists
• Cloud infrastructure (AWS and Azure certifications valued)
• Cybersecurity (dramatically increased demand)
• Project managers with technical backgrounds

Growing demand:

• AI/ML specialists (still small numbers but increasing)
• UX/UI designers
• Technical writers and documentation specialists
• DevOps and automation engineers

Stable demand:

• Network administrators
• Help desk and support roles
• Database administrators

The Remote Work Factor

Remote work has complicated Geelong’s tech job market in both directions.

Positive: Geelong workers can access Melbourne, Sydney, or even international employers without relocating. Senior roles and higher salaries become accessible.

Challenge: Geelong employers compete not just locally but against remote employers globally. Talented workers have options.

Net effect: More opportunity for individuals, more competition for employers.

Entry-Level Pathways

For people starting tech careers, Geelong offers several pathways:

Deakin graduates have direct connections to local employers through internship programs.

TAFE Geelong provides practical training aligned with industry needs.

Career changers can access bootcamps and online training, with the Geelong tech community generally welcoming to newcomers.

Apprenticeship-style roles are available at some employers, trading lower initial salary for structured learning.

The entry-level market is competitive, but opportunities exist for motivated candidates willing to start with less glamorous roles.

Salary Expectations

Realistic ranges for Geelong-based roles (remote roles may pay more):

• Help desk/support: $55,000-70,000
• Junior developer: $65,000-85,000
• Mid-level developer: $90,000-120,000
• Senior developer: $120,000-160,000
• Data analyst: $80,000-110,000
• Project manager: $100,000-140,000
• Leadership roles: $140,000+

These figures lag Melbourne by 10-15%, but Geelong’s lower living costs partially offset the difference.

Outlook

Geelong’s tech sector will continue growing. The fundamentals support it: proximity to Melbourne, quality of life appeal, infrastructure investment, and educational institutions producing talent.

The limiting factor is supply. Employers consistently report difficulty finding skilled candidates. This creates opportunity for those with the right skills.

If you’re considering tech employment in Geelong—whether relocating or staying—the market is favourable and improving.

Business Victoria provides resources for job seekers and businesses in regional areas, and SmartCompany regularly covers Australian tech employment trends.