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Living and Working in Sydney: A Hub for Lifestyle, Innovation, and Career Opportunities
27 Mar, 20256 minutes
As well as being a stunning city with one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, Sydney is a thriving global business hub that attracts a wide range of professionals and businesses.
With extensive networking opportunities and Australia’s largest economy, the Emerald City offers exciting career opportunities in a variety of industries, such as civil engineering, healthcare, and technology. 
Sydney’s location on the coast of New South Wales makes it a fantastic place to live, with beautiful beaches and a vibrant culture making for a great quality of life that attracted over 446,000 people in the year ending June 2024, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
In this article, we will explore what makes Sydney a great place to live and work, as well as highlighting some of the industries and businesses that stand out in terms of innovation and growth to make recruitment in Sydney so important.
What Makes Sydney a Great Place to Live?
A Unique Lifestyle
Sydney offers a luxurious lifestyle that combines urban living with natural beauty. With a sunny climate and an outdoor-friendly culture, the city encourages a healthy work-life balance. The mix of relaxed coastal settings and busy urban streets means there’s something for everyone.
A Strong Cultural Scene
Sydney’s culture is made up of a variety of world-class arts, music, and dining experiences. The iconic Sydney Opera House hosts major performances and shows, while the city’s many galleries showcase some of the world’s greatest art. There is also a dynamic culinary landscape in Sydney, ranging from fine dining experiences to bustling food markets. Festivals such as Vivid Sydney and the Sydney Festival also help bring the city to life.
Diverse Communities
Sydney is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with almost 50% of residents born overseas, according to NYU. This makes Sydney a refreshingly welcoming and inclusive city, where individuals from all backgrounds can feel at home and thrive professionally.
Endless Activities
There’s no shortage of things to do in Sydney, with the city’s natural beauty offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking in the Blue Mountains and kayaking under the Harbour Bridge. The social scene is equally vibrant, with rooftop bars, hidden cafes, and weekend markets keeping residents busy. 
For those who love sports, Sydney is home to major international events, including the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and matches in the Ashes Series, adding extra excitement and buzz around the city.
What Makes Sydney a Great Place to Work?
A Healthy Work-Life Balance
Sydney is known for its combination of professional opportunities and high quality of life. Professionals who live in Sydney benefit from a work culture that focuses on productivity rather than hours spent working. Many businesses in the city have implemented flexible working models that allow professionals to focus on family and leisure alongside work.
A Strong and Resilient Economy
As Australia’s economic capital, Sydney attracts major global investment and skilled talent that contribute to the success of businesses in the city. $86.4 billion has been allocated to the development of infrastructure in Sydney and other areas of New South Wales between 2024 and 2028, which further enhances the city’s appeal to both businesses and talent.
Diversity and Inclusion
Sydney has one of the most diverse workforces in the world, with professionals from all backgrounds contributing to business success by offering their different perspectives, experiences, and insights. This creates an environment where global talent can express their individuality and thrive at work, which benefits professionals and businesses alike.
International Business Connections
Sydney’s location in the Asia-Pacific region makes it a major contributor to global trade and business. With strong connections to economies in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the city is an attractive base for businesses and senior professionals looking to access global networks. 
Sydney also boasts a well-connected network that carries over 750,000 passengers a day across various modes of transport, which makes it easy for professionals to collaborate and attend industry events and conferences.
Leader in Innovation and Technology
Sydney’s reputation as Australia’s leading technology hub is another factor that attracts businesses of all sizes. The city’s commitment to innovation and dedicated technology suburbs places Sydney at the forefront of digital transformation, offering exciting opportunities for professionals in all industries to contribute to major developments.
Sydney Job Market Overview
Sydney’s economy has experienced significant recent growth, particularly in the decade leading up to the pandemic, as shown by the following statistics from the City of Sydney Government website:
Gross Regional Product surged by 65.2%.
Local jobs increased by 28.5% to around 519,000.
The number of businesses in the city increased by 23.9%, reaching over 24,000.
There has since been a further increase in the number of local businesses in Sydney, with 82,636 recorded in 2023. Additionally, Sydney generates an impressive annual economic output of over $142 billion, an increase of $4 billion since pre-pandemic times. This consistent growth highlights the city’s resilience and positions it as a thriving professional environment. 
Because of Sydney’s strong economy, it is becoming an increasingly attractive option for executive talent. With an estimated metropolitan population of 5.24 million in 2025, it continues to attract senior professionals across a wide range of industries. The city is home to 33% of the ASX top 100 companies and boasts the highest-ranked startup ecosystem in the Southern Hemisphere, making it a great environment for career advancement and business opportunities
Which Industries Are Thriving in Sydney?
SaaS, Data Centres, and Electronics
As Sydney’s technology sector continues to grow, so does the presence of SaaS companies in the city, with an average of 80 startups being launched annually over the past 10 years, according to Tracxn. Data centres are also benefiting from increased demand, with global leaders such as NextDC, Equinix, and AirTrunk operating facilities that attract innovative professionals to the city.
Life Sciences and Medical Devices
Sydney’s life science and medical devices sectors benefit from world-class research institutions and a growing demand for advanced healthcare solutions. The state of New South Wales is home to 55% of life sciences companies in Australia and ranks as the 3rd most efficient healthcare system in the world. The state also has 2 of the world’s top 20 universities, providing an ongoing pipeline of talent and research innovation.
Construction and Civil Engineering
Talent is in high demand in Sydney’s construction and civil engineering industries, with new developments including the Coffs Harbour bypass, the Sydney Harbour tunnel, and a bridge across the Macquarie River in Dubbo all requiring skilled talent and senior leaders capable of managing timelines and optimising operations.
Renewable Energy
An increasing number of businesses are aiming for net zero emissions in the future, and Sydney is at the forefront of this transition. Since 2020, the city has run on 100% renewable energy, which makes it an attractive location for senior professionals with expertise in solar and wind power. 
Mining
Mining is still a key component of Australia’s economy, and advanced technologies and sustainability are helping the industry evolve. Sydney is therefore an ideal location for senior professionals who can improve operational efficiency and contribute to industry innovation. According to AusIMM, the industry supports over 40,000 jobs in New South Wales, with a vast number of these across numerous mines in the Sydney-Gunnedah Basin.
In-Demand Skills in Sydney
As Sydney’s economy continues to grow and diversify, the demand for senior professionals with industry-specific skillsets and leadership qualities is on the rise. Here are some of the most sought-after skillsets in Sydney’s executive job market:
Digital Transformation and Data Analytics: Senior professionals who can analyse data and implement new technologies are in high demand, especially in SaaS and data centre companies.
Strategic Leadership Skills: Sydney’s dynamic business landscape requires adaptable senior professionals who can develop strategies that drive long-term growth.
Global Management Skills: Sydney attracts companies from around the world, so executives who can effectively manage multicultural teams and navigate global markets are crucial to business success.
Sustainability and Environmental Leadership: With Sydney’s government committing to net-zero emissions, there is a growing need in all industries for leaders who can successfully navigate the transition to sustainable practices and operations.
Project Management and Agile Methodologies: The city’s thriving civil engineering sector creates strong demand for senior professionals with project management skills capable of overseeing major projects and managing resources effectively.
Sydney's Top Performing Companies
AirTrunk
AirTrunk has emerged as a leading data centre provider in the APAC region, transforming how businesses manage their digital infrastructure. Their innovative approach meets the increasing demand for high-performing data centres while also enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Atlassian
Atlassian are leading innovators in software development and collaboration, with their products improving team productivity and project management across all industries. With their revenue increasing by 30% to $1.29 billion in the past 12 months, according to Diginomica, the company is a major contributor to Sydney’s thriving technology ecosystem.
WiseTech Global
WiseTech Global are thriving in the logistics software sector by streamlining supply chain management globally with their cloud-based platform. With annual growth projected at 23.9% for 2025, the company is further solidifying Sydney’s status as a hub for technological advancement.
CSL Limited
Although based in Melbourne, global biotech company CSL Limited has a strong presence in Sydney, with significant office and laboratory space in the city. They recently reported a 9% increase in total revenue as they continue to contribute to the industry by developing and manufacturing medicines to treat and prevent serious human medical conditions.
Lendlease
Lendlease is a global leader in infrastructure known for its innovative and sustainable approach to urban development. With projects such as Australia Square, the Anzac Bridge, and Sydney Olympic Park in its portfolio, the company is a key part of Sydney's thriving construction and infrastructure market and its consistent growth.
Recruitment Experts in Sydney
At CSG Talent, we have specialist executive search teams located in various locations around the world, including Sydney. Our recruitment specialists leverage their extensive market insights and vast network of skilled candidates to deliver tailored recruitment solutions.
For senior professionals, we provide personalised career guidance and help you find exciting leadership opportunities that align with your expertise and aspirations.
Whether you’re looking to fill senior positions in your company or looking to advance your own career, contact CSG Talent today.
For an example of how we help businesses identify and attract skilled talent in Sydney, explore our Atelier Ten Case Study.
