Results
3.8% employment growth, diverse industries, competitive salaries.
The Gold Coast's employment base grew by 3.8% over the past year, outpacing Queensland's broader growth rate of 2.7%. With more than 335,000 people employed across the region — 58% full-time, 32% part-time — the city offers genuine career diversity across healthcare, construction, technology, education, and professional services.
Beyond the tourism legacy
While the Gold Coast is famous for its golden beaches and visitor economy, the modern city tells a far broader story. Today, it is a multidimensional economic centre where medical researchers collaborate with digital innovators, where engineering expertise meets renewable energy projects, and where creative industries grow alongside advanced manufacturing. It's not just diversification — it's the Gold Coast's transformation into one of Australia's most dynamic coastal cities.
The professional opportunity
The Gold Coast offers something unique in Australia's employment landscape: major-city opportunities without the overwhelming competition or lifestyle compromise. Professionals here aren't lost in corporate crowds — they contribute meaningfully to a connected business community where innovation, flexibility, and work-life integration drive daily experience.
Competitive edge
Career advancement is faster on the Gold Coast. While larger cities demand long commutes and higher living costs, Gold Coast employers compete for skilled talent by offering clear leadership pathways, hybrid work options, and competitive salary packages supported by a more affordable lifestyle. Many professionals reach senior roles earlier while genuinely enjoying the coastal living that first attracted them to the region.
The Gold Coast network effect
Business relationships here extend well beyond boardrooms. Connections form over beachside coffees, coworking-space collaborations, local industry events, and active community groups. Opportunities often emerge through this close-knit professional ecosystem, strengthening both business outcomes and personal fulfillment. Median annual salaries range between $63,000 and $89,000, with weekly earnings of $1,250 to $1,710, depending on sector and experience.
Professional networking
& career development
The Gold Coast is home to a dynamic and active business community that offers various opportunities for newcomers to build professional connections. Key networks such as the Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce and the South East Business Network provide pathways for professionals to integrate into the local business ecosystem. Industry-specific groups across sectors like engineering, HR, marketing, and digital professions further help individuals connect with peers in their respective fields. Additionally, innovation hubs such as Southport's business precinct and coworking spaces across Robina and Varsity Lakes create a collaborative environment where professionals can expand their networks and foster new business relationships.
