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The world of contracting is thriving. With the rise of remote work and advancements in technology, becoming a contractor has never been easier. If you’re considering a shift to contracting, now is the perfect time to make that move. In fact, a recent WorkMarket report reveals that 86% of companies plan to increase their hiring and utilisation of contractors in the coming year.
While the demand for contractors remains strong, the skills and roles that are in high demand have changed, particularly with the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Our latest Salary Benchmark report shows that over half of contingent workers (51.42%) have actively developed new skills to potentially expand their client base. This shows how contractors are broadening their skill sets to boost their career prospects.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top in-demand contracting jobs in Australia and share practical steps on how to find these opportunities and successfully land the roles you desire.
What is a job on contract?
A contract job is when a person is hired to work on a specific project or for a set period of time, with the details outlined in a contract.
Unlike traditional permanent jobs, contract work offers flexibility and a clear understanding of what the job involves and how long it will last. Companies typically leverage contract workers to meet workforce needs based on project demands, seasonal changes, or the need for specialised skills.
Navigating the contract job market: Top in-demand positions and where to find them
1.Virtual Assistant (VA)
Qualification: Certificate IV in Business Administration
Small business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as medium-sized organisations, are tapping into the expertise of virtual assistants to help take some of the load off so they can focus on critical areas of their business. Of the current contracting jobs in Australia, the VA is seeing significant growth.
The type of work is often clerical and administrative but can also extend to bookkeeping, social media, and account management.
Developments in technology allow for more administration roles to be performed out of the office, so the role lends itself heavily to remote working. This provides greater scope for job opportunities, as location criteria are eliminated.
Average Pay: $27/hour
Job Growth Prospects: Strong
2. Virtual Bookkeeper
Qualification: Certificate IV in Bookkeeping
Virtual bookkeeping is where a business engages the services of a bookkeeper or accountant, to manage their accounts, remotely.
Virtual booking is currently seeing a surge in demand in Australia; so much so, that the concept of bookkeepers travelling to meet with their clients is becoming a thing of the past.
This job is much more than a simple data entry and is responsible for tracking key business arteries such as cash flow and tracking invoicing.
Average Pay: $20/hour
Job Growth Prospects: Very Strong
3. Customer Service Assistant
Qualification: Certificate IV in Customer Engagement
Customer service assistants are the first point of contact for customers, helping them with questions and concerns. Their tasks include answering phone calls, addressing complaints, and promoting the company’s products or services.
With a growing number of customer service roles being performed online or in remote call centers, this job is a great choice for stay-at-home moms or anyone wanting to earn money from home.
Average Pay: $20/hour
Job Growth Prospects: Very Strong
4. Online Tutor
Qualification: Certificate III in Education Support
Whether for a specific academic talent, or know-how to coach business professionals, this is a great gig to do from home. And is another area of real growth for current contracting jobs in Australia.
Online tutoring will be more successful if coupled with some customer service skills. Dealing with reluctant students or demanding corporate clients will be better managed by having a customer service bent.
Average Pay: $29/hour
Job Growth Prospects: Strong
5. Translator
Qualification: Certificate in EAL
Australian companies are looking to reach suppliers and customers from all over the globe. So, workers with second or third language skills are in greater demand today.
The interpreting and translating sector requires qualifications in oral (interpreting) and written (translating) conversion of a language other than English to English, and vice versa. These are currently high-demand contracting jobs in Australia.
Average Pay: $29/hour
Job Growth Prospects: Strong
6. Transcription Jobs
Qualification: Certificate III in Business Administration
Transcription work involves converting spoken words (or video recordings) into written text. These typically come from a client, either directly or through a third-party platform. Often, transcription services are required for specialty purposes, such as legal, medical, technical, and market research, as well as many other categories.
With few skills required other than speedy touch-typing, it’s easy to see why this is one of the growth-contracting jobs in Australia.
Average Pay: $25/hour
Job Growth Prospects: Stable
7. Social Media Manager
Qualification: Diploma of Social Media Marketing
A relatively new job type covering a range of roles, managing the social media accounts of organisations is in great demand. As the generation of tech-savvy millennials and beyond are growing, they are increasingly seeking out products and services via social media.
The full complement of digital wizardry skills isn’t always required; it’s very much role-dependent (having said that, acquiring the skills via online learning is achievable). Companies across the country are looking for people who know how to write captivating content to boost their social media presence.
Average Pay: $25/hour
Job Growth Prospects: Very Strong
8. Content Writer
Qualification: Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication
Content writers are tasked with writing content for websites, social media, corporate blogs, and more across a wide variety of topics and industries. These can include writing reviews, descriptions, eBooks, whitepapers, blog posts, and more.
Most content writers work freelance and make up their own hours. Content writers are given briefs and a word count, which can require research, interviews, and a high amount of creativity. Contracting jobs for content writers in Australia are showing signs of strong growth.
Average Pay: $24/hour
Job Growth Prospects: Strong
9. Software Developer
Qualification: Diploma of Software Development
Perhaps one of the most flexible jobs in today’s contracting landscape, developing and testing software can be done from anywhere with a sound internet connection.
This job requires a robust understanding of the fundamentals of software development, to comprehend potential fixes for corporate software bugs.
This is a job that is global and non-sector specific. So, the opportunities are almost limitless.
Average Pay: $120/hour
Job Growth Prospects: Very Strong
10. Childcare Worker
Qualification: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
More and more families are relying on childcare workers to help look after and develop their kids. And they prefer this to happen in their own homes instead of at childcare centers.
This has been a hot topic in the news lately, which shows the growing demand for in-home childcare services in Australia.
Average Pay: $22/hour
Job Growth Prospects: Very Strong
11. Cybersecurity Analyst
Qualification: Get certified as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
There’s a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in Australia. Businesses are tapping these experts to protect their systems from a wide range of security vulnerabilities that could put their companies at risk. Roles like cybersecurity analysts play an essential in safeguarding sensitive information and critical infrastructure from breaches and attacks.
This demand is expected to keep growing as technology advances and cyber threats become more complex.
Average pay: $100/hour
Job growth prospects: very strong
12. Data Engineer
Qualification: Certification in Data Science or data engineering
Data engineers are specialists in preparing large amounts of data for analysis and operational use. They build and maintain systems that collect and manage raw data, turning it into useful information that businesses can analyse to make informed decisions.
As more and more companies relying on data for their strategies, the demand for data engineers will continue to rise.
Average pay: $150/hour
Job growth prospects: very strong
Where to find reliable contract job opportunities
Before you start applying for contracting roles, make sure that the job platforms and the company you’re considering are trustworthy. It doesn’t hurt to do your own research—take a moment to look up their reputation and see what other contractors have to say, both positive and negative.
There are many online platforms out there that can help you find reliable contract jobs. Some of the reliable platforms that you can leverage are:
- Seek: As one of the largest job search platforms in Australia, Seek offers a wide range of contract positions across various industries and locations. It’s user-friendly, which allows you to easily search, and filter opportunities based on what you’re looking for.
- Indeed: A global job board that sums up listings from various sources, Indeed is a great place to find contract roles. It also provides company reviews and salary information, which can help you make more informed decisions.
- LinkedIn: Aside from networking, you can leverage LinkedIn to find opportunities for contract roles. Its job search feature allows you to find contract roles from many companies. You can also follow companies you’re interested in to stay updated on their postings.
- Jora: This is another platform where you can find a range of contract job opportunities. Jora pulls together listings from multiple sources to give you access to a wide selection of contracting jobs.
- Upwork: If you’re just starting your contracting career, Upwork can be a good place. It offers many roles suitable for beginners. It also allows you to create your profile and set your own rates.
Aligning Your skills with market demands
As competition for contract jobs grows, it’s important to keep yourself updated with the latest and emerging trends to remain relevant, especially with the rise of AI.
For example, we’ve observed a huge 211% increase in AI and automation-related roles among our contractor population since 2023. Exciting positions like AI Architects, Intelligent Automation DevOps, and Lead Automation Engineers are now in the pipeline, each requiring specific skills and technical expertise.
With this development, it’s worth your time to evaluate your skill set and see how it aligns with the market and emerging trends. Start by taking stock of your current skills and experiences. Make a list of both your technical and soft skills, and identify which ones are most relevant to the contract roles you’re aiming for.
If you’re currently employed, reviewing your past performance evaluations can also help highlight strengths and areas where you can grow. Here are some practical tips to help you get started.
Invest in courses and certifications
Commit to continuous learning by taking advantage of online courses relevant to your field from platforms such as Coursera, General Assembly, Udemy, RMIT Online, and LinkedIn Learning. Look for certifications that are recognised in your industry.
Attend workshops and seminars
Attend workshops, seminars, or conferences to gain hands-on experience and network with professionals. These events often focus on the latest industry trends and technologies.
Take on freelance projects or volunteer opportunities
If you want to enhance your skills, having practical and real-world experience is invaluable and can strengthen your portfolio.
Soft skills development
Don’t overlook the importance of soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are highly valued in contract roles and can often set you apart.
Applying for contract jobs and standing out
Aside from showcasing your skills, you should put a huge effort into making a standout portfolio and resume. Take the time to highlight your best work and tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for.
Craft a standout resume
Instead of merely listing job duties, focus on quantifiable achievements in your previous contracts. Use specific metrics where possible. For example, you can say “increased sales by 40% through strategic marketing initiatives” to showcase the result of your previous engagements.
Highlight the experience and skills most relevant to the contract at hand. This shows potential clients that you understand their needs and are prepared to meet them.
Moreover, you should use a clean, professional layout that is easy to read. Bullet points, clear section headings, and strategic use of bold font can help important details stand out.
Ace your Interview
To nail your interview, preparation is the key! Be prepared to answer questions confidently and show enthusiasm for the role. Making a positive impression on your potential employer can give you more chances of landing the job.
Understand the potential client’s business, the challenges they face, and how your skills can address their needs. Be ready with examples of how you’ve solved problems or added value in previous roles. Explain the situation, your action, and the outcome, focusing on your contribution and the skills you used.
During the interview, highlight your ability to adapt to new teams, projects, and challenges. Businesses value contractors who can seamlessly integrate and deliver results under varying conditions.
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions to further show your interest. Prepare thoughtful questions about the project, the team you’d be working with, and the company’s goals.
Succeeding in the Australian contract job market
To keep up in a fast-changing job market, you need to be flexible and creative to constantly seize new opportunities as they arise.
Commit to lifelong learning. Consider enrolling in courses and programs that match current job market needs. Engage on professional networking sites and elevate your personal brand by sharing insights and articles. Join a a global community, such as Out of Office, to learn from and engage with your fellow contactors.
And most importantly, stay proactive. Regularly reach out to contacts in your network, keep up with industry news, and participate in relevant forums or events. This will help you identify new opportunities and position yourself as a sought-after contractor.
How we can help
Your experience as a contractor is our top priority.When you partner with us, we’ll make sure you’re well taken care of from onboarding up to your entire engagement with us—with the tech tools and human support you need. That means, you can focus on your work without worrying about compliance. With over 30 years of experience in the contracting space, you can rely on our expertise to guide you every step of the way.
Interested in learning more? Feel free to reach out to our team.
