Sydney vs Melbourne: Where's It Easier to Land a Job?

Job Market Overview: The Big Picture

Okay, let’s be real right from the start — both Sydney and Melbourne are massive, buzzing cities with opportunities, competition, and chaos. If you’re trying to figure out which one actually gives you a better shot at landing a job, the answer is... well, it depends. (Yeah, I know — classic.)

I had this convo with my friend Lisa last week. She just moved from Melbourne to Sydney for a UX designer role. She told me straight up: "The pay’s better here, but getting through the interview rounds was brutal." So... more jobs? Maybe. But not necessarily easier.

According to the latest ABS stats, Sydney still slightly edges out Melbourne in terms of job volume, especially in finance, tech, and construction. But Melbourne's catching up fast, especially in creative industries and startups. So it’s a bit of a trade-off.

Industry Hotspots: What’s Thriving Where?

Sydney: Finance, Tech, and Corporate Giants

If you’re in banking, fintech, or big tech, Sydney’s your playground. The CBD is basically crawling with recruiters hunting for data analysts, project managers, DevOps engineers — you name it.

My cousin, Marcus, landed a six-figure job at a fintech firm in Pyrmont after just two interviews. Total luck? Maybe. But also, Sydney companies seem to move faster when they want someone. It’s like they’ve got this aggressive hiring culture. (He said the onboarding was wild, though — barely had time to breathe.)

Melbourne: Creative, Healthcare, and Education Hubs

On the flip side, Melbourne shines in media, education, and health services. If you’re a nurse, teacher, designer, or anything in community engagement — Melbourne may actually offer more support and stability.

I actually applied for a marketing job there a couple of years ago. Didn't get it, but the process felt... warmer? Like, more human. Less transactional. There was even a follow-up call to give feedback. When does that ever happen?

Cost of Living vs Salary: Does It Even Out?

Now here’s where it gets messy. Sydney pays better, on average — no denying it. But it also eats into your wallet faster. Rent is brutal. Even shared housing can feel ridiculous. I once paid $350/week for a shoebox in Newtown with no air con.

Melbourne’s cheaper — not by miles, but enough to matter if you're just starting out. Plus, a lot of employers are now offering hybrid or remote setups, which gives you more flexibility (and less time smashed on a train).

Salary Expectations by Sector

• Tech: Sydney pays ~10–15% more on average

• Creative roles: Slight edge to Melbourne, especially in agencies

• Healthcare & teaching: Pretty balanced, but Melbourne may offer more long-term roles

Competition & Hiring Speed: Which City Moves Faster?

Here’s the kicker — Melbourne has a bit less competition, statistically speaking. Fewer people applying per role, especially outside the CBD. Sydney? It’s a jungle. One job posting I saw had over 600 applicants (no joke). You’re basically trying to stand out in a sea of LinkedIn profiles.

That said, Sydney tends to hire quicker — once you’re in the door. Maybe it’s the pace of business there. Or just the pressure to fill roles fast. But from what I’ve seen (and yeah, been burned by), Melbourne’s process is slower but more deliberate.

Cultural Fit & Lifestyle: The Intangible Stuff

Okay, this is where logic kinda breaks down and it gets personal.

If you're someone who thrives in fast-paced, results-driven environments, Sydney might energise you. But if you're more collaborative, looking for community, and maybe a little less hustle and more flow, Melbourne feels right.

I used to swear by Sydney. Loved the beach, the energy, the go-go-go. But after visiting Melbourne last year — just a short trip, nothing fancy — I started to rethink it. People actually talked to each other in cafes. The barista remembered my name. That stuff matters when you’re new in town and job hunting.

So... Is It Easier to Find a Job in Sydney or Melbourne?

Honestly? Neither is a guaranteed win. But here’s where I land (for now — ask me next month and I might flip):

• Easier to find more listings fast? Sydney

• Easier to get a foot in the door without burning out? Melbourne

• Better for career climbing in high-pressure industries? Sydney

• Better for building a balanced, sustainable work life? Melbourne

But hey, maybe try both. You’re not a tree — you can move.
(Just maybe don’t do it mid-lease. Learned that one the hard way.)

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.