Australian Job Market Update: What the September 2026 SEEK Data Means for Employers

Australian job ads fell 4.4% in the September 2026 quarter compared with a year earlier, reaching their lowest level since June 2022, according to SEEK. Applications per ad rose 5.5% over the past 12 months. That means more people chasing fewer advertised roles, but the picture changes a lot by industry and location.

If you’re hiring, the national headline is only part of the story. The skills you need, where the role is based and the type of work all shape your candidate pool. Here’s what the data shows for employers in Victoria, Queensland and NSW.

Industries driving job ad growth in Australia

Fewer jobs are being advertised, and more people are applying for each one. SEEK’s Employment Trends Quarterly Snapshot shows job ads down 4.4% year on year, with applications per ad continuing to climb since January 2026. Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7% in September 2026, according to the ABS.

More applications doesn’t always mean more suitable candidates. National figures can’t tell you whether applicants have the experience, skills or availability your role needs.

Job ads compare the September 2026 quarter with September 2025. State and territory applications per ad compare the August 2026 quarter with August 2025, because SEEK records applications with a one-month lag. The national figure is SEEK’s 12-month change. SEEK’s snapshot doesn’t report industrial sector figures for Tasmania, the ACT or the Northern Territory. Figures are based on trend estimates.

Which industries are seeing growth in job ads?

Two sectors bucked the national decline. Industrial job ads rose 5.0% year on year and construction rose 2.5%, while every other sector SEEK tracks fell. Mining, Resources & Energy grew fastest at 12.9% and has the largest ad volume of the six growing industries.

If you’re recruiting in industrial roles, expect more competition from other employers for the same candidates. If you’re hiring in a declining sector, the market is likely to work in your favour.

Victoria employment trends and hiring outlook

Victoria recorded the smallest decline in job ads of any state or territory: down 3.0% in the September 2026 quarter. Applications per ad rose 4.1%, and the state’s unemployment rate was 5.1%.

Industrial job ads grew 4.0% and construction grew 6.7%. Growth was strongest in the regions, with regional industrial ads up 6.6% compared with 3.7% in metro areas. Within classifications, Construction (+15.3%) and Hospitality & Tourism (+11.5%) led the way. Public sector ads fell 7.3%.

For Melbourne and regional Victorian employers, the message is that conditions differ by sector. If you’re recruiting for manufacturing, logistics, trades or construction roles, plan around your specific workforce needs, not the state average.

Queensland employment trends and hiring outlook

Queensland job ads fell 4.6% year on year, while applications per ad rose 10.3%, the biggest increase of the three states. The unemployment rate was 4.5%.

Industrial job ads grew 3.3%, with growth in both metro (+2.8%) and regional (+2.9%) areas. Engineering ads jumped 18.3% and Mining, Resources & Energy rose 14.7%. Applications per ad grew across most of the state, led by the Gold Coast (+18.1%) and Brisbane (+10.6%).

Queensland also has the highest share of casual and vacation roles of the three states, at 13.9% of job ads. That makes flexible workforce options worth considering for Queensland employers.

New South Wales employment trends and hiring outlook

NSW had the sharpest drop of the three states: job ads fell 7.7%, while applications per ad rose 6.4%. Unemployment was 4.7%.

Industrial ads grew 1.3% overall, but that hides a split. Metro industrial ads rose 8.1%, while regional NSW industrial ads fell 8.0%. Engineering (+10.5%) grew, and Government & Defence ads fell 20.3%.

Candidate competition is also uneven across the state. Applications per ad rose 4.4% in Sydney and 14.3% in Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter.

Casual and temporary work in Australia

Casual roles are taking a bigger share of the market. Casual and vacation roles make up 12.3% of SEEK job ads nationally in 2026, up from 11.8% in 2025 and 7.0% in 2016. Contract and temp roles sit at 9.6%.

For employers, that’s a reminder that temporary and casual staffing can be a practical way to cover busy periods, projects or leave without committing to a permanent hire.

What rising applications mean for employers

Does receiving more applications make recruitment easier? Not necessarily. More applications give you a wider pool, but they also mean more time reviewing, shortlisting and speaking to candidates. The goal isn’t volume. It’s finding someone who can do the job and fits your team.

A few things help when applications are up:

• Define the skills and experience you need, and what you’re flexible on.
• Look for transferable skills that may not be obvious on a CV.
• Check availability, work preferences and location early.
• Keep candidates updated through the process.
• Move quickly when the right person appears.

Workforce planning for changing hiring conditions

Start with what you’ll need over the next few months: upcoming projects, seasonal peaks, planned leave and turnover. Then decide where flexibility makes sense.

Temporary staffing or labour hire can add capacity during busy periods, projects or absences. Permanent recruitment suits ongoing needs and longer-term growth. Many employers use a mix of both.

Australian job market FAQs

Are job ads falling in Australia?

Yes. SEEK reports job ads fell 4.4% in the September 2026 quarter compared with a year earlier, reaching their lowest level since June 2022.

Are applications per job ad rising?

Yes. SEEK reports applications per ad rose 5.5% over the past 12 months. Queensland saw the biggest rise of the three states (+10.3%), followed by NSW (+6.4%) and Victoria (+4.1%).

Which industries are growing?

Industrial job ads rose 5.0% nationally and construction rose 2.5%. Mining, Resources & Energy grew fastest at 12.9%.

Does more applicants mean easier hiring?

Not necessarily. There are more applications to review, but skills, experience and availability still decide how long it takes to find the right person.

When should employers use temporary or labour hire staff?

When you need extra capacity for busy periods, projects or absences. Permanent hires suit ongoing and longer-term needs.

Need support with your next hire?

Horner Recruitment works with employers across Victoria, Queensland,  NSW and across Australia to fill temporary, labour hire, contract,  permanent and executive level roles.

Whether you’re planning ahead or need to fill a role now, get in touch with the Horner team for a chat about your options.

https://www.horner.com.au/employers/submit-a-vacancy/

Sources: SEEK Employment Trends Quarterly Snapshot, July to September 2026, released October 2026. Job ad figures compare the September 2026 quarter with the September 2025 quarter. State applications per ad compare the August 2026 quarter with the August 2025 quarter. SEEK figures are based on trend estimates. Unemployment rate: ABS, Labour Force, Australia, September 2026 (seasonally adjusted).