Australian workers can earn $31,100 more by re-skilling in tech as demand for surges

Australian workers are pocketing an extra $31,100 a year by learning this one simple and in-demand skill. See what it is

Australian workers can significantly boost their salaries by an average of $600 a week, or $31,100 annually, by re-skilling in technology. Research shows that switching to a tech job can lead to a 31 per cent pay rise, as a severe shortage of skilled workers compels companies to offer top dollar for talent.

This career shift could substantially impact Australians’ take-home pay, especially for those grappling with the rising cost of living.

Many can re-skill through short courses or on-the-job training, according to Kade Brown, RMIT Online’s workforce solutions director.

“A $31,100 average pay increase … is really huge,’’ he said. “A lot of people would be pleasantly surprised by that salary premium.”

TECH CRUNCH

The boost to salaries is outlined in Women in Tech, a report by RMIT Online and Deloitte Access Economics aimed at increasing the number of women working in technology.

But Mr Brown said the same financial gains from switching to a tech career could be realised by all genders, with the report’s findings based on average salary data for men and women.

Australia will need 1.3 million tech workers by 2030 but is on track for just 1.2 million, leaving a shortfall of 100,000 workers.

Mr Brown said tech careers were often dismissed due to misconceptions about the skills level required and the roles on offer but, in reality, the field was far broader than many realised.

Kade Brown, RMIT online. Picture: Supplied.

“There’s lots of occupations that are classified as being a tech worker, including cyber security experts, software engineers, IT specialists and content designers,’’ he said.

“There’s also some that are more creative and some that involve project management.’’

Depending on existing skill sets and the area of technology workers wished to move into, Mr Brown said upskilling for a career change could be done in as little as six months.

“If people want to go into deeply technical areas, they may need a little more intensive technological upskilling, however much of this can be done on the job,’’ he said.

FINANCIAL REWARDS

Monu Parakh is among those reaping the financial benefits of switching to a career in tech.

The mother-of-one, a former administrative worker, undertook a six-month digital skills program and now works as a digital marketing assistant, earning significantly more in her new career.

“The transformation has been miraculous. It (the extra income) has helped me enormously,’’ Ms Parakh said.

“At first, I wondered if I could do it because there’s so many things happening in the digital space but the people around me have been so encouraging.

Monu Parakh is among those reaping the financial benefits of switching to a career in tech.

Australian workers can significantly boost their salaries by an average of $600 a week, or $31,100 annually, by re-skilling in technology.

“I’m still learning and the good thing about that is because (technology) is always evolving everyone is always learning – you don’t have to be from a technological background (to work in tech), you just have to take the first step.’’

In addition to the greater financial security her work provides, Ms Parakh said the flexible and remote work options made caring for her young daughter much easier than in her previous in-office role.

START SMALL

With many tech jobs, including those in social media, only emerging in the past decade, people2people head of HR solutions Suhini Wijayasinge said the desperate need for skilled workers was forcing companies to pay a premium to attract staff.

“Value is always dictated by scarcity. There’s going to be a significant need (for tech workers) it the next four to five years so if you want to get that big 31 per cent chunky pay increase, now is the time (to re-skill),’’ she said.

Ms Wijayasigne said almost every sector needed tech workers. In the corporate world, data analysis skills were particularly important as companies sought to assess sales and production figures to improve efficiencies, she said.

Those with skills in artificial intelligence and cyber security were also in high demand, she said.

Ms Wijaysigne encouraged workers looking to re-skill to start small and become proficient in problem solving, numeracy and using spreadsheet software before moving to the next level.

“I don’t want to take anything away from a university degree but there’s a lot of online courses you can do and there are employers who are also providing pathways for upskilling,’’ she said.

PROVIDING HOPE

Melanie Greblo, founder of social enterprise Humans of Purpose, said the lucrative opportunities in tech could be a lifeline to vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians.

Through the Humans of Purpose Academy, more than 250 survivors of domestic violence have undertaken free digital skills training, moving into highly-paid careers that provided financial independence, she said.

Melanie Greblo, founder of social enterprise Humans of Purpose, said the lucrative opportunities in tech could be a lifeline to vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians.

Those to have undertaken the six-month training program were already earning an average 30 per cent more in their new careers, she said.

“Rather than support these women into low-skilled, low-paid work, the opportunities in the digital economy are giving them a chance of better long-term financial independence,’’ Ms Greblo said.

“We believe the reskilling of women into the high-demand technology sector could be one of the greatest economic opportunities of our generation – particularly including those who have survived domestic and family violence.’’

OPPORTUNITIES IN TECH

• Australians who re-skill into technology could earn $600 more per week and $31,100 more per year – representing a 31 per cent average wage boost
• 1.3 million tech workers are needed in Australia by 230 yet the nation is on target for just 1.2 million tech workers
• Women are being targeted to help fill the skills gap, currently making up just 30 per cent of the Australian technology workforce.
• Source: RMIT Online and Deloitte Access Economics