Jobs in Geelong 2026: Top Industries, Major Employers and Salary Guide

Geelong's Employment Landscape

Geelong has successfully reinvented itself after the closure of the Ford automotive plant in 2016. The city is now one of regional Victoria's most dynamic economies, anchored by healthcare, education, defence, and a growing knowledge and innovation sector. Its position as Australia's second-largest city on the Bass Strait coast gives it port and logistics significance as well.

Major Employment Sectors

Healthcare, Barwon Health (operating University Hospital Geelong and several other facilities) is one of the region's largest employers. St John of God Geelong Hospital also has a significant workforce. The ageing regional population drives sustained demand for aged care, nursing, and allied health.

Defence and manufacturing, the Australian Border Force's Geelong facilities, and defence manufacturer NIOA's Geelong operations, contribute to a defence employment base. Advanced manufacturing in food processing, textiles (True Alliance, Pacific Brands at Torquay), and industrial products has partially filled the Ford gap.

Education, Deakin University's Geelong Waurn Ponds campus is a major employer and economic anchor. Gordon TAFE and a large school system provide further education employment.

Construction and infrastructure, Geelong's population growth (driven by Melbourne overspill) has sustained strong residential construction. The Waurn Ponds and Armstrong Creek growth corridors are active development zones.

Professional and business services, the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) national office is headquartered in Geelong, making it one of the city's largest federal government employers.

Finding Work in Geelong

SEEK, Indeed, and LinkedIn are the main platforms. Victorian Government roles are at jobs.vic.gov.au. The Geelong Advertiser and local Facebook groups advertise local positions.