Brisbane Testing Market

The last month or so has seen some dramatic changes in the Brisbane IT Market.

Especially in Software Testing - there appears to be a shift from Contract to Permanent recruitment with employers currently more interested in engaging permanent test professionals.

Historically Brisbane has favoured Contract Testers - so why the switch?

There are a number of possible reasons, but 2 main ones could explain the shift:

1 - Contractor rates
Over the last 6 months a number large high profile profile projects have had staffing issues and have literally thrown money at Testers to make them stay. These projects have created a dangerous president and contractors in the Testing arena are now demanding unrealistic rates. I personally have come across people who 12 - 24 months ago would have been happy working for $45 per hour who are now asking $75 per hour. That's an increase of over 50% in 2 years!!! no wonder employers have had enough!

Contractors demanding these unrealistic rates are killing the market. Come on guys - be serious and ask yourself - do you really think you are worth the money you are demanding?

It's simple economic - if you out-price yourself you will end out out of work! It's as simple as that! A word of advice - don't try to hold your agency or employer to ransom - be reasonable.

2 - Federal Election
There is another theory that may explain the shift. With the federal election just around the corner there is some uncertainty around 'Work Place Relations' and what may happen post a Federal Election.

It is conceivable that employers are looking to bring permanent employees in now while they know where they stand, before any changes are enforced on them by the Federal Government.

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Either way there has been a definite change in the way that Brisbane employers engage Testers so keep that in mind next time you complain about your rates!