Artificial intelligence is no longer a fringe skill set in the Australian job market, it’s front and centre. According to LinkedIn’s latest Jobs on the Rise list for 2026, “AI Engineer” has been declared the most in-demand job title in Australia, marking a dramatic shift in employer priorities and hiring trends.

The LinkedIn ranking is based on an analysis of millions of role transitions by its members between January 2023 and July 2025, looking at which job titles saw the fastest growth over that period. To make the list, a role had to show both positive growth across LinkedIn’s membership base and a meaningful number of total postings by mid-2025.

At the top of the list, AI Engineers- professionals who design, build and optimise systems that use artificial intelligence to analyse data and automate tasks- have surged ahead of traditional occupations. What was once a specialist tech role has moved into the mainstream, reflecting how deeply AI is now embedded across sectors. LinkedIn’s data shows that AI literacy is now the most sought-after skill across all job postings on the platform, and global leaders are reportedly eight in 10 times more likely to hire someone comfortable with AI tools than someone with more experience but less AI expertise.

Top Growing Jobs Beyond AI Engineering

While AI Engineer leads the pack, other roles tied to technology and strategy also feature prominently in the top 15 fastest-growing jobs in Australia:

1. Chief Risk Officer
2. Mechanical Engineer
3. Director of Artificial Intelligence
4. Organisational Development Manager
5. Legal Director
6. Founder
7. Media Director
8. Regulatory Affairs Consultant
9. Power System Engineer
10. Head of Environment, Health & Safety
11. Psychotherapist
12. Head of Sales
13. Tax Specialist
14. Strategic Partnerships Manager

The inclusion of senior leadership and strategic roles like Director of AI and Chief Risk Officer highlights how AI is reshaping not just technical jobs but also organisational governance and decision-making.

Salary and Job Market Dynamics

Salary data underscores the premium attached to AI skills. Recruitment specialists report average salaries for AI engineers in Australia around $190,000, with many roles ranging between $165,000 and $250,000, well above typical tech salaries. This reflects both scarcity and strategic importance of AI talent.

Meanwhile, LinkedIn listings show hundreds of current AI Engineer jobs live in Australia, spanning entry-level to senior roles- evidence of a healthy and sustained market for AI professionals.

What This Means for Jobseekers

Experts say this trend signals a broader shift in the labour market: AI capabilities are now fundamental to many careers, not just specialised tech positions. Whether you’re already in tech or considering a pivot, building competency in AI tools, machine learning, data analysis and adjacent skills is increasingly essential for future-proofing a career.

It’s also clear that AI’s influence extends beyond engineers; leadership roles are evolving to integrate AI strategy, ethics, and risk management. As Australia’s job landscape shifts to accommodate this new reality, education and upskilling pathways will be key to meeting employer demand.

The post LinkedIn Reports 150% Growth in AI Engineer Roles, Making It Australia’s Fastest Growing Job in 2026 appeared first on Small Business Connections.

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