Oct 8, 2024
As we wrap up Q1 2025, one big question is on the minds of hiring managers and executives across the data and tech sectors: Are we on the verge of another boom? All signs are pointing to early 2025 as the potential turning point. With inflation dropping to 2.7% for August and the cash rate holding steady at 4.35%, the employment market is showing signs of an upward trend. Permanent job opportunities are on the rise, and unemployment has stabilized.
Recruiters, often the “canaries in the coal mine” when it comes to market changes, are seeing increased activity—job postings, interviews, and offers are all ticking upward. So, is the data and tech market gearing up for a surge in demand? Here’s a closer look at the insights from our Q1 2025 Data Market Report.
What’s Happening Right Now?
The demand for professionals skilled in machine learning, AI, and data engineering continues to rise. Businesses are on the lookout for talent that can build and deploy models using tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn. Specializations like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and computer vision are especially sought after, particularly in industries like healthcare and government, where AI is driving diagnostics, automation, and predictive analytics.
As AI expands across new sectors, we’re witnessing heightened interest from both international applicants and businesses. The ANZ market, however, is still cautiously scaling, and data leaders are grappling with how to embrace AI responsibly.
AI and Data Ethics: The New Frontier
AI Ethics and Governance are becoming top priorities for many organisations. Ensuring AI is used responsibly—especially in client-facing roles—is critical. Consultancies are thriving in this space, offering expert guidance to help clients navigate the ethical challenges posed by AI. With increasing concerns over privacy, fairness, and bias, professionals with expertise in GDPR and Australia’s privacy laws are in high demand.
The 2-for-1 Hiring Trend: Why Companies are Getting Selective
In a budget-conscious market, companies are now seeking professionals who can fill hybrid roles. Gone are the days when simply having the technical skills was enough. Today’s hiring managers are looking for candidates with both domain expertise and broader software engineering skills. For example, AI roles in healthcare now require candidates with medical data knowledge, while financial AI roles demand an understanding of market regulations.
Hiring managers are also interviewing more candidates than usual, extending the decision-making process. Since late August, we’ve seen a 30% increase in candidate interviews before a final decision is made. With around 50% of active candidates involved in multiple hiring processes, the competition for top talent is heating up.
What’s Driving Data Engineering Demand?
Data engineering remains a cornerstone of the tech market. The need for professionals who can manage large datasets, build efficient data pipelines, and leverage cloud-based solutions like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is steady. As businesses pivot toward scalable, data-driven models, demand for skilled data engineers shows no signs of slowing down.
Hiring Manager Insights: Trends in 2025
In contrast to the hiring rush seen during the COVID-19 boom, today’s managers are focusing on more than just technical expertise. Stakeholder management, industry-specific experience, and long-term investments in permanent staff are becoming equally important factors in hiring decisions.
However, as the market picks up pace, hiring teams need to act swiftly to secure top talent. Based on market data, we expect a full-blown resurgence in hiring demand by March 2025. Now is the time for companies to streamline their interview processes and snap up talent before competition becomes fierce again.
Rates & Salaries for Data Roles
With the demand for niche skills remaining high, salaries are competitive, though contractors who thrived during the COVID boom are no longer seeing those record-high rates.
| Role | Salary | Contract Rate |
|---|---|---|
| BI Developer | $100k – $130k + Super | $700 – $900 p/d |
| Senior BI Developer | $130k – $165k + Super | $900 – $1100 p/d |
| Data Engineer | $100k – $150k + Super | $900 – $1200 p/d |
| Senior Data Engineer | $160k – $180k + Super | $1200 – $1400+ p/d |
| Data Scientist | $120k – $150k + Super | $900 – $1100 p/d |
| Senior Data Scientist | $150k – $190k + Super | $1100 – $1400 p/d |
| Data Governance Analyst | $100k – $120k + Super | $600 – $900 p/d |
| Senior Data Governance | $130k – $150k + Super | $900 – $1100 p/d |
For more Rates & Salaries, read teh full report.
The Contract Market: Looking Brighter
Since September, the contract market has seen positive momentum. Long-term contracts are winning the best talent, with 6-9 month contracts becoming the norm. As companies focus on cost-cutting, contractors must adjust their expectations—those seeking pandemic-level rates are missing out, while those with niche skills and greenfield project experience are still commanding top dollar.
Contact Us
For more insights or to discuss your hiring needs, reach out to Craig Sibley at craig.sibley@precisionsourcing.com.au. Now is the time to secure the best talent as we gear up for another exciting year in the data market.
