Core tech skills still key for Australian jobs in 2025

New research from Dynamic Web Training indicates that traditional technical skills continue to underpin recruitment in Australia's digital sector in 2025.

Dynamic Web Training conducted a national analysis of thousands of job listings on Indeed.com, which found that long-established skills such as SQL, cloud platforms, and Python remain at the top of hiring requirements. SQL appeared in 780 job advertisements, making it the most sought-after technical skill. Azure was referenced in 750 job ads, followed closely by both AWS and Python, which each appeared in 735 listings.

The research included additional core skills, with CI/CD pipelines showing up in 705 job ads, REST APIs in 645, Java in 630, JavaScript in 600, Spark in 585, and Linux in 555. The presence of these skills highlights a continued demand for technologies that offer reliability and scalability, enabling organisations to maintain stable and interoperable digital environments.

"The fundamentals haven't changed as much as people think. AI is part of the picture, but employers still rely on skills that deliver scalability, security, and stability," Ali Noorani, Certified Trainer and Data Analyst at Dynamic Web Training, commented on the survey's findings.

The study underscores that, despite a rise in interest and discussion around artificial intelligence and novel digital solutions, employers are more focused on hiring individuals proficient in established technologies. The jobs data suggests that hiring managers are prioritising "reliability, interoperability, and long-term system scalability," qualities associated with well-supported and familiar tech platforms.

"If you want a tech job in 2025, don't just chase the newest trends, focus on mastering the tools that keep modern systems running. For those starting out or reskilling, the message is clear: get strong in the basics first. Employers want adaptable talent who understand how systems work at their core. From cloud environments to programming languages, mastering the essentials is still the fastest track to a career in tech," Noorani said, offering further insight.

Roles requiring the ability to write robust SQL queries, deploy secure infrastructure on platforms such as Azure or AWS, or manage integration through CI/CD pipelines, remain common across Australian industries seeking IT talent. Many job descriptions reflect an ongoing need for professionals who can support the agility and dependability of business-critical systems.

The analysis attributes the enduring relevance of these foundational skills to the challenges organisations face in complex digital landscapes. As businesses navigate an environment shaped by growing data volumes and cybersecurity risks, the requirement for stable technical foundations is heightened. The report describes SQL as fundamental because "data is the lifeblood of modern business," with the ability to write efficient queries ensuring both performance and integrity.

Cloud platforms such as Azure and AWS are sought after because they allow organisations to scale their resources and build resilient digital infrastructures. The prevalence of Python is explained by its versatility, as it is widely applied in web development, automation, data analysis and increasingly, AI and machine learning. Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and REST APIs remains a central requirement for enabling agile delivery and effective system integration, while Linux expertise continues to be valued for its use in powering servers and cloud-based applications.

The data from Dynamic Web Training suggests that individuals looking to enter or progress in the technology workforce should focus on these established areas. The current trend is towards adaptable employees who have a solid grasp of core technical systems, giving them the flexibility to adapt as new technologies mature.

Noorani's advice to jobseekers is to master the essentials.

"If you want a tech job in 2025, don't just chase the newest trends, focus on mastering the tools that keep modern systems running," Noorani stated.

Dynamic Web Training's study was based on a comprehensive methodology, including the development of a seed list of technical skills, semantic concepts, and AI-specific terms. Job listings mentioning each term were quantified, and salary data was drawn from Indeed.com.au's aggregated compensation database, providing an indication of the market value attached to each skill by Australian employers.

The findings illustrate that while developments in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue to make headlines, the foundation of Australia's technology workforce rests solidly on established technical skills. Professionals mastering core competencies such as SQL, cloud services, Python, and automation tools are positioned to access a range of roles and prepare for further technological change.