Brisbane IT&T Market Update: April 2010

While domestic economic conditions remain challenging, Queensland businesses are expecting economic conditions to improve in 2010. On the back of increased confidence, enterprises are beginning to invest in transformational projects that will enable them to gain competitive advantage in the future.

As a consequence, Queensland has seen a significant improvement in the number of IT roles available. In fact, the number of roles has increased by almost a third – around 30 percent - compared with April 2009.

Demand is strongest for roles that are typically associated with the commencement of major projects – such as Project Managers and Business Analysts. A proliferation in the number of these roles is generally considered to forecast growth in a broader range of IT skills categories as proposed projects mature from planning to implementation.

Salary increases becoming evident

Salaries have increased in certain sectors – most notably for Senior IT Consultants – Technical (rising to $95,000  from $70,000 in November 2009) while other roles – including Test Analysts and Web Managers have enjoyed pay increases of less than 10 percent.

Skills shortage forecast for mid-year

If the growth in the number of roles available continues, Peoplebank expects that the market will begin showing signs of a skills shortage in 2010.

The consequences of a skills shortage would include upward pressure on salaries and contract rates, as well as rising staff turnover as employees pursue contract and higher-paying roles.