Brisbaneruns on a handful of strong industries. If you’re job-hunting or weighing a move, here’s where the opportunities (and the big-name employers) are.
Top industries & employers
Resources & energy
BHP, Anglo American, Glencore, Santos, Stanwell
Brisbane is the corporate head for Queensland coal, gas and critical minerals. The mines are hundreds of kilometres away; the offices, engineering and trading desks are on Ann and Eagle Streets.
Aviation & defence
Virgin Australia, Boeing Defence Australia, Rheinmetall, Airbus Australia Pacific
Virgin's head office and Boeing's largest operation outside the United States are both here, alongside armoured vehicle manufacturing at Redbank.
Construction & major infrastructure
Cross River Rail, Queen's Wharf, Brisbane 2032 venues, Lendlease, Multiplex
The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have locked in a decade-long pipeline of transport and venue work, which is visible in demand for engineers, planners and project managers.
Biotech & medical research
UQ, QIMR Berghofer, Vaxxas, Mater Research, Sanofi
UQ's vaccine and molecular clamp research put Brisbane on the map, and the Herston and Translational Research Institute precincts anchor the clinical side.
Higher education & international students
University of Queensland, QUT, Griffith University, TAFE Queensland
Education is one of the state's largest service exports, and the St Lucia, Gardens Point and Nathan campuses are substantial employers in their own right.
Tourism & events
Queensland Airports, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Star Entertainment, Tourism and Events Queensland
Brisbane functions as the gateway to the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef, which sustains a large aviation, hospitality and events workforce.
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