6.7% ▼ -6.2%
Higher than 84% of state electorate areas.
- 2011: 7.2%
- 2016: 5.8%
- 2021: 6.7%
Unemployed people as a share of the labour force (aged 15+).
Cairns · State Electorate
Jobs & Industry in Cairns
Work across the area — who is in the labour force, in which industries and jobs.
A higher unemployment rate of 6.7% shapes the local job market in Cairns, which is much higher than most similar areas. While many people find work in health and tourism, fewer adults are working or looking for work compared to the state and national figures.
Labour force
Employment, participation and unemployment.
About 58.7% of adults are working or looking for work, which is a little below the national figure. Full-time employment has also fallen since 2011 to 57.5%, leaving the area with a typical unemployment rate that is a little above the state and national levels.
58.7% ▼ -3.9%
Lower than 65% of state electorate areas.
- 2011: 61.1%
- 2016: 62.6%
- 2021: 58.7%
Share of people aged 15+ who are in the labour force.
57.5% ▼ -2.7%
Lower than 61% of state electorate areas.
- 2011: 59.0%
- 2016: 59.8%
- 2021: 57.5%
Share of employed people who worked full-time.
Industries
The industries that employ local workers.
Health care and social assistance is the biggest employer at 19.6%, followed by accommodation and food services at 12.5%. Retail trade, education, and construction also make up significant parts of the local economy.
Occupations
The kinds of jobs people do.
Professionals make up the largest group of workers at 22.3%, while 16% work in community and personal services. Other common roles include technicians and trades, clerical work, and managers.
Sources
- Census of Population and Housing — Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021 (CC BY 4.0).
More for Cairns
Cite this page
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Jobs & Industry in Cairns [Census of Population and Housing]. CensusAtlas, used under CC BY 4.0. https://censusatlas.au/region/sed/SED30014/cairns/topic/employment