As 2025 begins, the Gold Coast is thriving with economic growth, migration trends, and robust hiring activity that have made this a standout period for recruitment. Here at Whitefox Recruitment, we are seeing unprecedented levels of enquiry from both clients and candidates. This heightened activity signals not just a strong start to the year but also the enduring appeal and potential of the Gold Coast as a professional and lifestyle destination.
A Thriving Labour Market
The Gold Coast continues to position itself as a leader in Queensland’s employment landscape. Current data reveals that employment is set to grow by over 6.2% between 2023–24 and 2027–28, adding 22,009 jobs across diverse industries. By 2027–28, the region will represent 12.4% of Queensland’s total workforce, cementing its position as an economic powerhouse.
The top industries driving this growth include:
- Health care and social assistance: Projected to grow by 13.5%, becoming the largest employer with over 62,000 workers (16.5% of the workforce).
- Construction: A cornerstone industry, expected to expand by 6.6%, employing more than 44,000 professionals.
- Education and training: With an anticipated growth of 8.5%, this sector highlights the region’s focus on future generations.
- Professional services: Growing by 8.0%, this sector continues to attract high-calibre candidates such as accountants, solicitors, and engineers.
Record Levels of Candidate and Client Enquiries
At Whitefox Recruitment, we are experiencing a bumper start to the year, with enquiry levels far exceeding typical January figures.
- Clients: Businesses across the Gold Coast are proactively building their teams to take advantage of the region’s economic momentum. Whether it’s scaling up operations, launching new projects, or addressing skill shortages, employers are eager to secure talent early.
- Candidates: The Gold Coast’s growing reputation as a professional hub and lifestyle destination is drawing in an influx of talent. Professionals from around Australia and beyond are seeking opportunities here, spurred by the region’s strong job market and unmatched living conditions.
A Migration Boom Reshaping the Gold Coast
One of the key drivers of this heightened activity is the wave of migration to the Gold Coast, as individuals and families relocate for better opportunities and lifestyle.
- Lifestyle appeal: The Gold Coast offers a unique combination of pristine beaches, outdoor living, and vibrant community life, drawing talent from major cities like Sydney and Melbourne as well as international locations.
- Employment opportunities: With robust growth across health care, education, construction, and professional services, the region is increasingly seen as a place where careers can flourish.
- Workplace flexibility: The rise of remote and hybrid work has allowed professionals to prioritise lifestyle, making the Gold Coast an ideal location to work and live.
Projections: What Lies Ahead
Looking ahead, the Gold Coast’s labour market is set to thrive. By 2027–28, approximately 60% of the region’s workforce will be employed in the top five industries. The focus on health care, construction, education, and professional services reflects the region’s strategic growth and economic resilience.
The region’s strongest growth industries include:
- Public administration and safety: Projected to grow by 10.2%, with strong demand for project administrators, clerks, and law enforcement roles.
- Real estate services: A 6.8% increase underscores the continued demand for property and real estate professionals, driven by population growth and investment.
- Electricity, gas, water, and waste services: Though a smaller sector, its 7.9% growth highlights the importance of infrastructure development to support the region’s expansion.
Opportunities for Employers and Candidates
For employers, the surge in candidate interest is a unique opportunity to secure top-tier talent, but it requires proactive strategies:
- Refined recruitment processes: Competition for candidates means businesses must streamline their hiring to secure the best talent quickly.
- Emphasising culture and flexibility: Beyond salary, candidates are prioritising company culture, career progression, and work-life balance.
For candidates, the current market presents unparalleled opportunities:
- Diverse roles across industries: The breadth of opportunities ensures something for everyone, whether in health care, construction, or professional services.
- Support for relocating talent: As migration continues to rise, employers are increasingly offering relocation assistance, making the move easier for candidates.
Whitefox Recruitment: Driving Success in 2025
As the most reviewed recruitment agency on the Gold Coast, Whitefox Recruitment is uniquely positioned to lead in this vibrant market. With the largest candidate database in the region and a proven track record of connecting talent with opportunity, we’re committed to helping both businesses and professionals thrive.
With 2025 shaping up to be a transformative year, we’re ready to support our clients and candidates in navigating this exciting period of growth. Let’s make your goals a reality this year, together.