Working in Cairns

The Cairns region has a strong economy, with more than 14,000 local businesses and more than 80,000 jobs in the region. Although best known for the tourism industry, the job market in Cairns is diversified and full of opportunity across a wide range of professional, technical and skilled professions and trades. Casual and seasonal workers are always in high demand in the Cairns region and surrounds.

Find a job in Cairns

On any given day, there are more than 1000 jobs advertised in the Cairns region.

More to Cairns than tourism

The Cairns industry that employs the most people is healthcare and social assistance. Cairns also has a strong online business culture, as well as a keen entrepreneurial spirit.

Cairns economy

Cairns has a GRP of $10.3 billion. Job ad numbers are trending up, as are building approvals.

Business networks

Finding a new network or business collaborator in Cairns can make the move easier and open opportunities in Cairns.

Work spaces

Finding or building a space to work in Cairns is full of possibility, choice and opportunity. Several innovative co-working spaces have been refurbished or built in Cairns recently.

Key industries

Cairns key industries include manufacturing, aviation, construction, tourism, healthcare, education and research and development.

Cairns has a diverse mix of jobs and industries

Being a major regional city of Queensland, Cairns has many jobs, industries and opportunities. Match this with short commutes, affordable property and a low cost of living and there are many reasons to consider moving your job and your life to Cairns.

What are the biggest industries in Cairns?

The Cairns industry that employ the most people is 'Healthcare and social assistance'. Tourism, hospitality and retail are also major industries in the Cairns region.

Upturn in building approvals good news for tradies

The construction industry employs the second-highest number of workers in the region.

Find jobs in trades and construction in Cairns

What's it like to find a job or move your business to Cairns?

Click on the images below to hear from people who have relocated to Cairns, including new arrivals who work in healthcare, an eco-tech start-up, the trades, the arts and education.