AI Seen Having Little Effect on Job Vacancies

About two-thirds of Australian businesses do not expect artificial intelligence to affect their job vacancies over the next 12 months, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Job Search

AI Seen Having Little Effect on Job Vacancies

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Do you think AI will mean fewer job openings where you live?

About 82 percent of Australian businesses reported no AI impact on job vacancies in August 2026, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics said AI has had a limited effect on vacancies to date. Total job vacancies in Australia stood at 325,000 in August 2026.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that, for now, AI is not a major driver of changes in hiring demand across the Australian economy. The estimates relate only to vacancies, so they do not show whether AI is affecting existing jobs.

Four percent of businesses reported AI reduced vacancies in August, while under 1 percent reported an increase. Information, media and telecommunications showed the largest share of decreases at 16 percent of businesses.

The players

Australian Bureau of Statistics

The national statistical agency responsible for collecting and publishing official economic and social data for Australia.

The details

The Australian Bureau of Statistics surveyed businesses on how artificial intelligence has affected their job vacancies. Sector results varied, with electricity, gas, water and waste services reporting 10 percent of businesses seeing AI-related vacancy increases.

May 2022: Job vacancies reached their peak.
May 2026: Job vacancies were 0.9 percent higher than in August.
August 2026: The survey recorded 82 percent of businesses reporting no AI vacancy impact.
4 November 2026: The Australian Bureau of Statistics published the data.

Market Landscape

Job vacancies in Australia have eased from their May 2022 peak, now 31.2 percent lower. The survey suggests AI has not yet been a significant factor in that adjustment.

Jobseekers in Australia can expect AI to have little direct effect on vacancies for now, so current search strategies remain relevant. Those in information, media and telecommunications should note that a larger share of businesses reported vacancy decreases from AI.

The takeaway

Most businesses do not expect AI to shift their hiring in the near term, which gives jobseekers time to adapt their skills. Watching sector-level data will show where change, if any, is starting.