Quantum computing can sound like a career reserved for theoretical physicists and researchers with advanced degrees. But Australia is building a much broader quantum ecosystem — and for students, that creates opportunities across engineering, software, physics, research and technical operations.
A major reason for this momentum is a A$940 million government-backed quantum computing project near Brisbane Airport, led by PsiQuantum. At the same time, five Queensland universities have formalised a partnership with the company to help develop the talent needed for the emerging industry.
For students considering a career in quantum technology, the important question isn't simply "What is quantum computing?" It is:
What should I study, where are the jobs, and what can I realistically earn?
Australia’s Quantum Industry Has a Major Project at Its Centre
In April 2024, the Australian and Queensland governments announced a combined investment of almost A$940 million in PsiQuantum to develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer near Brisbane Airport.
The project is expected to be operational by the end of 2027 and is designed to support industries such as renewable energy, minerals and metals, healthcare and transportation.
Beyond the technology itself, the project could have a significant impact on employment. The partnership is expected to create up to 400 highly skilled ongoing positions with PsiQuantum.
For students, this makes Brisbane particularly important to watch over the next several years.
There is also a strong Australian connection behind the project. PsiQuantum was co-founded by Australian academics Professor Jeremy O’Brien and Professor Terry Rudolph, while important early work behind the company's approach was developed by O’Brien at the University of Queensland.
In other words, Australia's quantum industry isn't simply importing technology and talent. Some of the technology's roots are Australian.
You Don't Have to Study Physics to Work in Quantum Computing
This is perhaps the most important point for students.
Quantum technology requires far more than quantum physicists.
PsiQuantum has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with five Queensland universities:
- University of Queensland
- Griffith University
- Queensland University of Technology
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of the Sunshine Coast
The partnership is intended to create targeted educational programs and provide undergraduate, postgraduate and academic placement opportunities.
PsiQuantum will also contribute to the development of study modules, courses, degrees, lectures and industry training.
More importantly, the roles being targeted extend well beyond physics.
Potential career paths include:
- Quantum applications engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Optical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Software development
- Technical laboratory roles
- Research and development
- Quantum systems engineering
That means students from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering and related disciplines can potentially build careers in quantum technology.
The takeaway is simple:
You don't necessarily need a quantum physics degree to enter the quantum industry.
What Do Quantum Computing Engineers Earn in Australia?
Salary data indicates that quantum computing can be a highly paid technical field in Australia.
| Role / Location | Average Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Quantum Computing Engineer | $168,089 |
| Entry-Level Positions | $118,011 |
| Senior Positions | $209,131 |
| Sydney | $179,000 |
| Perth | $163,000 |
| Adelaide | $158,000 |
| Canberra | $157,000 |
These figures should be treated as indicative rather than guaranteed salaries. Actual compensation can vary significantly depending on qualifications, experience, specialisation, employer and whether the position is in research, engineering or software.
Nevertheless, the figures demonstrate that quantum technology sits within Australia's broader high-skilled technology and engineering employment market.
Where Are the Quantum Jobs in Australia?
Australia's quantum employment market is still relatively small compared with mainstream software engineering or traditional engineering.
Current listings indicate approximately 491 quantum-related job opportunities nationally, with roughly 25–39 positions specifically identified as specialised quantum computing roles.
Sydney currently has the largest concentration of opportunities, followed by Melbourne and Adelaide.
Some of the organisations involved in Australia's quantum ecosystem include:
- Q-CTRL — quantum control software
- Silicon Quantum Computing — quantum computing research and technology
- QuantX Labs — quantum technology based in Adelaide
- University research institutions
- Technology and engineering companies
- Government and specialised technical organisations
There are also less obvious applications. Quantum technology is increasingly relevant to areas such as cybersecurity, digital forensics, optimisation, logistics and advanced research.
This means students shouldn't search only for job titles containing the words "quantum computing."
Roles in software engineering, photonics, electronics, control systems, laboratory engineering and applied mathematics can also provide pathways into the sector.
What Should You Study for a Career in Quantum Technology?
There isn't one single degree that guarantees entry into quantum computing.
Instead, students can choose a discipline based on the type of work they want to do.
Physics
Best suited to students interested in:
- Quantum mechanics
- Quantum information
- Fundamental research
- Quantum algorithms
- Experimental quantum systems
Computer Science and Software Engineering
Useful for:
- Quantum programming
- Quantum algorithms
- Simulation
- Software development
- Cloud-based quantum computing
- Quantum applications
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Relevant to:
- Quantum hardware
- Control systems
- Electronics
- Instrumentation
- Signal processing
Mechanical Engineering
Particularly relevant to large-scale quantum hardware because sophisticated quantum systems require mechanical design, precision engineering and thermal management.
Photonics and Optical Engineering
Optics is particularly important for approaches such as PsiQuantum's photonic quantum computing architecture.
Mathematics
Mathematical skills can support work in:
- Quantum algorithms
- Cryptography
- Optimisation
- Modelling
- Theoretical quantum information
For students, the best strategy may therefore be to develop strong foundational skills in one technical discipline and then specialise in quantum technology.
International Students: What Should You Know?
Australia can also be an attractive destination for international students interested in quantum technology.
Some Australian quantum employers sponsor skilled workers through relevant visa pathways, including subclass 482 and potentially other skilled migration routes depending on the occupation and individual circumstances.
However, students should not assume every quantum opportunity is open to international applicants.
Certain defence-related, government-linked and security-sensitive positions can have citizenship requirements.
For example, some quantum scholarships and programs have eligibility restrictions linked to citizenship. The University of Sydney's Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Scholarship has included eligibility requirements limiting applicants to citizens of Australia, the United Kingdom or the United States.
Always check the eligibility and visa requirements for an individual position or scholarship before applying.
How Big Could Australia's Quantum Industry Become?
The most interesting part of Australia's quantum story may be what happens over the next 10–20 years.
CSIRO estimates that Australia's domestic quantum computing market could generate approximately A$2.5 billion in annual revenue and potentially create 10,000 new jobs by 2040.
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has projected an even larger long-term economic impact, estimating that quantum computing could contribute around A$6 billion to Australia's GDP and create nearly 20,000 high-skilled jobs by 2045.
These estimates aren't forecasts for immediate employment.
Instead, they point toward a sector that is expected to expand substantially through the 2030s and 2040s.
For a student beginning university today, that timing could be significant.
Someone starting a three- or four-year degree now could graduate just as Australia's quantum ecosystem moves from early development toward broader commercialisation.
Where Can Students Find Quantum Jobs and Internships?
Students don't have to wait until graduation to start exploring the industry.
Sydney Quantum Academy
The Sydney Quantum Academy maintains a careers ecosystem covering quantum internships, graduate positions and other opportunities. Listings can span engineering and research as well as areas such as communications and finance.
Quantum Australia
Quantum Australia, associated with ANU and the University of Sydney, provides opportunities to engage with Australia's quantum community, including jobs, internships, research and industry activities.
Quantum Australia 2027
The next Quantum Australia conference is scheduled for 17–19 February 2027 across Sydney and Canberra.
The event provides students and early-career professionals with an opportunity to meet researchers, companies and other people working in the quantum ecosystem.
The 2026 event included a dedicated careers fair focused on helping participants understand education and employment pathways.
Why Networking Could Matter More in Quantum Computing
Quantum computing remains a relatively small industry.
That can actually be an advantage for students.
In a sector with hundreds rather than tens of thousands of relevant job opportunities, the professional community is comparatively concentrated.
Students who attend conferences, participate in university research projects, apply for internships and connect with quantum companies can start building industry relationships well before graduation.
Instead of waiting until the final year of university to ask, "How do I get a quantum job?", students can begin building relevant experience from their first or second year.
The Bottom Line
Australia's quantum computing industry is still developing, but the foundations are becoming increasingly tangible.
The A$940 million PsiQuantum project in Queensland, partnerships with five universities, growing university research programs, emerging commercial companies and long-term government projections all point toward an expanding ecosystem.
And the biggest misconception students should avoid is thinking that quantum computing is only for physicists.
Physics is one pathway. Engineering, software, mathematics, optics and other technical disciplines can lead there too.
For students entering university today, quantum technology may not offer thousands of jobs immediately. But the sector's expected growth over the next 10–20 years makes it an area worth exploring — particularly for students who combine a strong technical degree with practical experience in quantum computing and related technologies.
Sources
Prime Minister of Australia media release on the PsiQuantum investment; Data Center Dynamics, March 2026; Quantum Jobs List Australia, 2026; Quantum Australia jobs board; Sydney Quantum Academy careers portal; CSIRO quantum technology and market estimates; Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources quantum technology projections; University of Sydney Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Scholarship information.
