Explore a growing range of career opportunities in Shellharbour, a rapidly developing coastal city in New South Wales’ Illawarra region. Shellharbour offers jobs across healthcare, education, construction, retail, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing support, and professional services. With ongoing residential expansion, major infrastructure upgrades, and a strong focus on liveability, the city attracts both local employers and regional organizations. From Shellharbour City Centre and surrounding commercial precincts to nearby industrial and service hubs, professionals can access roles that combine career stability with a coastal lifestyle. Begin your job search by exploring verified job listings in Shellharbour, connecting talent with employers across the Illawarra and South Coast regions.
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Shellharbour has emerged as one of the Illawarra region’s fastest-growing employment centers, driven by population growth, urban development, and economic diversification. As of 2025, demand for jobs in Shellharbour continues to increase, supported by residential expansion, public investment, and growth in healthcare, education, and service-based industries. The city’s strategic location between Wollongong and the South Coast further enhances its role as a regional employment hub.
Healthcare and social assistance represent one of the largest employment sectors in Shellharbour. Hospitals, medical centers, aged care facilities, and community health services drive consistent demand for Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, Care Workers, Medical Administrators, and Support Staff. An aging population and expanding health infrastructure ensure long-term workforce demand and job stability in this sector.
Education and training play an important role in Shellharbour’s employment landscape. Schools, vocational training providers, and education support services employ Teachers, Education Assistants, Trainers, Student Support Professionals, and Administrative Staff. These institutions support skills development and workforce participation across the region.
Construction and infrastructure development continue to generate significant employment opportunities in Shellharbour. Ongoing residential projects, commercial developments, road upgrades, and civic infrastructure initiatives drive demand for Civil Engineers, Site Supervisors, Project Coordinators, Construction Managers, and Skilled Trades. These projects are essential to supporting the city’s rapid growth and urban transformation.
Retail, hospitality, and tourism are key contributors to Shellharbour’s local economy. Shopping precincts, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and recreational facilities create employment for Store Managers, Retail Supervisors, Hospitality Managers, Customer Service Executives, Event Support Staff, and Operations Personnel. These roles are supported by both local demand and seasonal visitor activity.
Logistics, warehousing, and supply chain support roles provide additional employment opportunities across Shellharbour and surrounding industrial areas. Proximity to regional transport corridors supports demand for Warehouse Coordinators, Inventory Controllers, Transport Support Staff, and Operations Assistants, particularly for businesses serving the Illawarra and South Coast markets.
Professional services and small-to-medium enterprises are steadily expanding in Shellharbour. Accounting firms, real estate agencies, legal practices, and business service providers employ Accountants, Bookkeepers, Office Administrators, Legal Assistants, and Business Support Officers. These roles support the city’s growing commercial base.
Shellharbour’s job market benefits from strong community networks, improving transport infrastructure, and increasing adoption of flexible work arrangements. Hybrid and remote roles are becoming more common, allowing professionals to access opportunities beyond the immediate region. Our platform, confidential.careers, connects job seekers with exclusive Shellharbour job opportunities, providing access to roles that may not be publicly advertised.
Looking ahead, continued investment in housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and tourism is expected to drive sustained employment growth. Shellharbour’s balance of economic development, coastal lifestyle, and community-focused growth makes it one of the Illawarra region’s most attractive job markets. Whether you are an experienced professional or entering the workforce, Shellharbour offers a stable and opportunity-rich environment for long-term career development.
1. What is the minimum wage in Shellharbour for 2025/2026?
The national minimum wage is $24.95 per hour or $948.00 per 38-hour week as of late 2025.
2. What is the average software engineer salary in Shellharbour?
The average salary for a software engineer in the Shellharbour region is approximately $114,200 per year.
3. Who are the biggest employers in Shellharbour?
Key employers include Shellharbour City Council, NSW Health, Westfield Shellharbour, and Frasers Property (Shell Cove).
4. What is the unemployment rate in Shellharbour?
The current unemployment rate in Shellharbour is approximately 4.2% as of December 2025.
5. Are there many retail jobs in Shellharbour?
Yes, retail is one of the top three employment sectors, largely centered around the Shellharbour City Centre.
6. How many jobs are currently available in Shellharbour?
There are currently over 4,500 active job listings in the Shellharbour LGA.
7. Is there a hospital in Shellharbour for medical jobs?
Yes, Shellharbour Hospital is a major employer, with significant expansion and redevelopment projects underway in 2025/2026.
8. What is the commute like to Wollongong?
The commute is very convenient, taking approximately 20-25 minutes by car or train from Shellharbour Junction.
9. Are there construction jobs in Shellharbour?
Yes, construction is a primary industry due to the ongoing developments at Shell Cove and the Calderwood valley.
10. What is the job market outlook for 2026?
Positive growth is expected in healthcare, tourism, and professional services as the city's infrastructure continues to modernize.