LinkedIn has released its inaugural Australian Cities on the Rise rankings, highlighting the metropolitan areas attracting the strongest growth in jobs, hiring activity and skilled professionals as employment patterns continue to evolve.

The 2026 rankings identify cities where expanding industries, increased investment and growing professional networks are creating new career opportunities, reflecting a shift in where Australians are choosing to live and work.

The research comes as more workers look beyond traditional employment hubs in search of improved career prospects, affordability and quality of life.

With 81% of Australian professionals feeling unprepared for the job market in 2026, Cities on the Rise provides data-backed insights into the cities, employers, industries and roles driving growth, helping job seekers identify emerging employment destinations and make more informed career decisions.

The rankings were compiled using LinkedIn platform data across three indicators measured over the past year: hiring growth, the volume of new job openings and talent migration. The analysis provides insights into where LinkedIn members are finding new employment opportunities.

Hobart claimed the top position, supported by strong interstate migration, the redistribution of hybrid workers and relatively tight labour market conditions. LinkedIn says the Tasmanian capital continues to attract professionals seeking a balance between career opportunities, affordability and lifestyle outside Australia's largest capital cities.

Australia's Top 10 Cities on the Rise

Greater Hobart
Greater Darwin
Rockhampton
Greater Newcastle
Greater Adelaide
Greater Albury-Wodonga
Greater Brisbane
Gold Coast
Greater Canberra
Wollongong

“Hobart offers the chance to build a career or business while remaining closely connected to the community,” observes Edwin Johnstone, Chair of Business Greater Hobart. “It has the culture, food, events and professional opportunities of a much larger city, but people and places are more accessible. You can finish work in the CBD and quickly be on the mountain, at the beach or walking through the bush.”

“Hobart is small enough for people to make a difference and large enough for their ideas to have a real impact, while a successful small business can become a visible and valued part of Hobart’s identity,” Johnstone adds.

According to Darwin-based entrepreneur and LinkedIn Top Voice, Dante St James, the city has become a very investor- and jobs-friendly market over the last few years.

“Like anywhere in Australia, there are challenges finding workers, and in a remote place like Darwin, that problem is exacerbated. But for those coming out of graduate positions in other states, there are a lot of incentives to come to the Territory, including a much higher rate of pay for entry-level and mid-management jobs than what you'll get elsewhere."

Workers are rethinking what makes a city worth moving to, says LinkedIn Career Expert Brendan Wong. Apart from salary, they are also considering affordability, career progression, workplace flexibility and overall quality of life before making a call on relocation.

“LinkedIn’s data helps Australian professionals identify the emerging markets where economic growth, expanding industries, and strong professional communities are creating new opportunities – helping them make more informed career decisions,” Wong says.

Image: The Forest at the University of Tasmania’s Hobart campus | Woods Bagot | Photo: Peter Bennetts

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