AI is reshaping Australia’s job market, with tech roles dominating LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise list for 2026.

“AI Engineer” tops the chart, cementing AI not just as a workplace tool but as a core field of expertise – driving business growth and innovation.

Entrepreneurship is also on the rise: “Founder” jumps to seventh place as AI empowers more people to turn ideas into businesses.

Jobs of the future

LinkedIn’s annual ranking highlights the fastest-growing roles, pointing job seekers to where opportunity is heating up.

And in 2026, like it or not (depending on if you are an AI pessimist or opportunist), jobs in AI are sizzling.

Image source: LinkedIn

Roles like AI Engineer, Chief risk Officer and Director of Artificial Intelligence are surging, as employers prioritise AI literacy across all jobs.

According to LinkedIn data, eight in ten global leaders when hiring now prefer candidates skilled with AI tools over more experienced peers.

Leadership is following suit, with Australian C-suite executives adding AI-related skills to their LinkedIn profiles five times more than two years ago.

“This year’s list shows how quickly the job market is evolving,” said LinkedIn Career Expert Brendan Wong.

“AI is no longer a specialist skill – it’s becoming part of everyday work and leadership. Whether you’re in tech, business or creative industries, building AI literacy and staying open to new skills will be key to future-proofing your career.”

Those who are also contributing to the world of AI – either as tech founders or start ups who embrace AI in their business – can also look forward to opportunities.

Entrepreneurship is booming

The data also revealed more Aussies are taking the plunge and starting their own business, with a whopping 59 per cent jump in LinkedIn members listing ‘Founder’ on their profiles (between July 2024 and July 2025). It’s triple the growth since 2022.

So what’s driving the spike in start ups starting up? You guessed it: AI.

Over three in ten founders say AI tools have made them more likely to start their business, enabling them to compete with bigger companies.

It shows how AI is leveling the playing field, but also how important it is that established businesses keep up with new technology to stay competitive.

And they are

The LinkedIn Fastest-Growing Jobs in 2026 list shows employers are seeking those skilled in AI to drive their companies and businesses forward.

Job seekers wanting to be competitive and stay relevant, should seek to upskill in AI tools and features.

“The most successful professionals will be those who combine technical know-how with adaptability and a willingness to learn,” said Wong.

He suggests job seekers use the list as a “roadmap to explore emerging roles, understand the skills employers value most, and position themselves for the opportunities shaping Australia’s future of work.”

And in 2026, that future is in AI.

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