Digital Media Surge Reshaping Sunshine Coast Job and Talent Market

Job postings for digital producers, audio engineers and social media coordinators on the Sunshine Coast rose 22 percent between July 2025 and June 2026, according to data compiled by the Sunshine Coast Regional Development Authority.

The national increase in listeners turning to online radio stations has reached local businesses faster than expected, forcing recruiters to compete for workers who can handle live streaming, podcast editing and audience analytics on tight deadlines.

Local hiring hotspots

At the Maroochydore business precinct along Horton Parade, three new digital studios opened in the first half of 2026, each advertising packages that start at $78,000 for entry-level talent with basic editing software experience. Further north, the Kawana Waters innovation precinct has drawn two national podcast networks that now run weekly recruitment sessions at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Sippy Downs campus.

These sites report they can no longer rely on traditional broadcast graduates and instead seek applicants who already manage TikTok campaigns or run independent Patreon channels.

Numbers driving the shift

Median salaries for mid-level digital content roles in the region reached $94,500 in the June quarter, up from $81,200 twelve months earlier. The same period saw 147 unfilled positions listed on the council’s jobs portal, with 61 percent requiring at least one year of remote-production experience.

Employers say the gap will widen unless local training providers expand short courses on audio distribution platforms before the end of the financial year. Job seekers are advised to check listings on the Sunshine Coast Council careers page and register for the next intake at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s digital media short-course program starting 28 July.