Hays Releases FY25/26 IT Contractor Rates Guide: Steady Demand, AI Ambitions, and Market Insights for Australia and New Zealand
Published: 27 October 2025
Sydney, 27 October 2025 – Hays, the leading authority on Tech/IT contractor trends across Australia and New Zealand, has published its annual IT Contractor Rates Guide for FY25/26. Now in its fifth year, the Guide delivers essential market insights for employers and contractors, positioning Hays at the forefront of technology workforce intelligence.
The Hays IT Contractor Rates Guide FY25/26 reveals a market marked by steady demand, stabilising rates, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on workforce dynamics.
Rates are steadying. a prime time for IT projects
The IT contractor market is stabilising after years of volatility. Project volumes and contractor remuneration are holding steady or edging upward, supported by ongoing transformation projects and demand for specialist skills. This stability allows employers to plan IT projects with confidence and contractors to focus on upskilling.
“While some old hands might lament the end of massive rate increases, the steady work stream and support for existing rates should still set the next 12 months as a strong year for contractors,” said Adam Shapley, Regional Director of Technology and Technical at Hays. “For employers, this respite should be used as an opportunity to focus on workforce planning, ensuring their contract workforce delivers the kind of tactical and strategic benefits they desire as they move further into their AI journeys.”
IT’s stronger positioning in a competitive market
Technology is Hays’ largest business unit by fees, and temporary contracts dominate technology revenue. The Guide shows that IT and tech contractors are in high demand, with more than half of respondents at the intermediate level and 40% in management positions. This reflects the complexity and importance of today’s transformation projects, where experience is critical.
With skills shortages still commonplace (three-quarters of employers report at least some shortfall), IT contractors with expertise in high-demand areas are well-positioned to secure rewarding roles. The market’s competitive edge is further sharpened by the need for “human skills” like communication, adaptability, and critical thinking, which are increasingly valued alongside technical expertise.
AI wildcard and the growth driver
AI is reshaping the IT contracting landscape. 64% of contractors use AI tools, and demand for AI, data governance, and cloud skills is rising. Organisations moving fastest with AI face talent shortages, but contractors with AI experience are well-positioned for rewarding roles. Employers are investing in AI for productivity, but only half offer training, highlighting opportunities for workforce development.
“Those organisations moving fastest with AI are finding their plans restricted by the market’s ability to supply AI skills. Any contractor with strong experience in implementing AI projects won’t find themselves out of work for long,” added Adam Shapley.
Download the full Hays IT Contractor Rates Guide FY25/26 for detailed market rates, further insights and practical advice for both employers and contractors.
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Media contact: For further information, please contact Hays Media via media@hays.com.au
About Hays
Hays plc (the "Group") is the world’s leading specialist in recruitment and workforce solutions, such as Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and Managed Service Provider (MSP). The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK, Germany, and Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As of 31 December 2024, the Group employed over 10,300 staff operating from 225 offices in 33 countries.
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