Results
10.07% forecasted economic growth, diverse industries, competitive salaries
The Gold Coast is experiencing Australia's fastest economic growth, with a forecasted Gross Regional Product (GRP) growth of 10.07% over the next four years. With 305,109 people employed in 2021 (55% full-time, 35% part-time) and employment growing by 44,560 people between 2016-2021, the Gold Coast offers genuine career diversity and opportunity.
Beyond the Tourism Legacy
While tourism remains fundamental with almost 10 million annual visitors contributing over $4.4 billion to the economy and accounting for one in four jobs, today's Gold Coast economy tells a transformative story. The city has evolved into a knowledge and innovation hub where healthcare professionals collaborate with tech entrepreneurs, where creative industries flourish alongside advanced manufacturing, and where professionals find genuine commercial opportunities in emerging sectors.
The Professional Opportunity
The Gold Coast continues to lead the state in employment resilience with a local unemployment rate of 3.5% and hiring demand at record highs. Here, talented professionals benefit from accelerated career progression in a growing economy that values innovation and coastal lifestyle integration. The region's population is expected to reach 1 million by 2040, creating sustained demand for skilled professionals across all sectors.
Competitive Edge
Your career progression accelerates here. In Sydney or Melbourne, you might spend years working toward senior roles while battling traffic and astronomical living costs. In Gold Coast, companies compete for talent by offering genuine advancement opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and compensation packages that reflect the lower cost of living. Many professionals find they can reach leadership positions faster while maintaining the lifestyle that originally attracted them to their career.
The Gold Coast Network Effect
Business relationships here extend beyond boardrooms. Industry connections develop over beachside coffee meetings, collaborative projects emerge from weekend sailing club conversations, and career opportunities often surface through the tight-knit professional community that characterises Gold Coast's business environment. It's relationship-driven commerce that actually enhances both business outcomes and personal satisfaction.
Professional Networking
& Career Development
The Gold Coast Business Chamber hosts regular networking events and provides business advocacy. Industry-specific groups include Engineers Australia Gold Coast for technical presentations, CPA Australia for professional development, and the Australian Marketing Institute for marketing professionals. The city's unique lifestyle creates networking opportunities that extend beyond traditional business environments - from sunrise beach runs with industry leaders to evening networking events with harbour views.
