E-Book
State Of Contracting Report 2025
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Key Statistics
83%
Prioritise pay rate as their top priority
When evaluating contract opportunities, 83.08% of contractors rated pay rate as very important—the highest-ranking factor overall. While meaningful work and flexibility are also valued, this confirms that financial clarity and competitiveness remain key drivers in contractor decision-making.
64%
Of contractors prefer hybrid work
Workplace preferences are shifting. In 2025, 64.37% of contractors now prefer hybrid work models, up from 54% in 2023. Meanwhile, preference for fully remote roles dropped significantly to 26.05%, suggesting contractors are looking for balance, not just flexibility.
77%
Believe AI will impact contracting
AI is on contractors' radar, with 77% believing it will have a major impact on their careers. However, most see AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement; only 12% plan to fully transform their work around it. This indicates a cautious, task-focused approach to adoption, with demand for training and practical use cases.
Decoding The Australian Contractor Market
The State of Contracting 2025 report offers a fresh lens on the changing dynamics of Australia’s contracting workforce, drawing insights from over 550 Oncore contractors. The findings reinforce a clear shift: contracting is no longer viewed as a short-term solution or side path; it has become a strategic, long-term career choice.
For enterprises, recruiters, and contractors, this report serves as a practical guide for navigating this shift. It uncovers new opportunities to align talent with business needs, foster stronger partnerships, and design contractor experiences that are rewarding, sustainable, and future-ready.
Today, contractors play a vital role in driving business success across Australia, delivering specialised expertise, adaptability, and speed in an increasingly fast-moving market.
At Oncore, we’ve been proud to support this evolution. Over the past five years, our State of Contracting survey and report have tracked the pulse of the market, offering timely, actionable insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of contract work. The 2025 edition continues this mission.
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