Top Employers In Newcastle
Behind Newcastle’s strong economy are employers who are driving innovation, collaboration and real-world impact. From major health and education institutions to cutting-edge energy, defence and technology organisations, these employers offer more than just jobs - they provide pathways to meaningful, future-ready careers.
Why Newcastle's Top Employers Choose to Be Here
Newcastle attracts leading organisations across a broad range of industries for the same reasons people choose to live here — a skilled and growing workforce, world-class research and training institutions, strategic infrastructure, and a quality of life that helps businesses attract and retain great people.
The city's culture of innovation and collaboration, combined with significantly lower operating costs than Sydney, makes Newcastle an increasingly compelling base for top companies and organisations looking to invest in their people and their future.
Whether you're looking to achieve great things in healthcare, contribute to cutting-edge research, build a career in engineering or technology, or join one of Newcastle's leading businesses, this is where to start.
Healthcare and Research
Healthcare and social assistance are the largest employing sectors in Newcastle, and the organisations below are at the heart of the city's world-class health and research ecosystem.
Hunter New England Health
Hunter New England Health is the largest employer in the Newcastle region — and one of the largest health services in New South Wales — delivering healthcare across hospitals, clinics, community health, and mental health services throughout the Hunter and New England areas. With a strong focus on innovation, patient care, and staff wellbeing, Hunter New England Health is a leading choice for healthcare professionals at every stage of their career.
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI)
The Hunter Medical Research Institute is a premier medical research centre and one of Australia's leading health and medical research hubs. HMRI partners with the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health to drive health innovation across cancer, heart and stroke, brain and mental health, and women's and babies' health. Careers at HMRI span research, clinical trials, scientific discovery, and administration — all in an organisation with a genuine commitment to improving lives.
Education and Training
Education is a cornerstone of Newcastle's economy and identity — and the city's leading education employers offer careers that make a genuine impact on individuals, communities, and the future of the Hunter region.
The University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle is a globally ranked Top 200 university and the number one university in Australia for industry collaboration. UoN is one of Newcastle's largest employers, offering exceptional opportunities for educators, researchers, professional staff, and administrators across its Callaghan campus, Newcastle city campus, and beyond. With a Medical School, the Hunter Medical Research Institute, and a culture of innovation that reaches into every faculty, UoN is a world-class place to build a career.
TAFE NSW Newcastle
As one of the largest vocational education and training providers in New South Wales, TAFE NSW Newcastle offers diverse career opportunities across teaching, training, student support, and administration. With more than five campuses across the Newcastle region — including Tighes Hill, Hunter Street, and Hamilton — TAFE NSW plays a vital role in building the skills and capabilities of Newcastle's workforce across a broad range of industries.
Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
With its head office based in Newcastle West and services spanning the entire region, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle employs approximately 2,535 individuals across education, community services, and pastoral care. Managing more than 44 primary schools and 11 secondary schools across the diocese, it is one of the most significant education employers in the Hunter region — offering careers underpinned by a strong commitment to values, community, and purpose.
Government and Infrastructure
City of Newcastle
The City of Newcastle is one of the largest local government employers in regional New South Wales, providing a wide range of services across infrastructure, community facilities, planning, environment, and city operations. As the second largest local government area outside Greater Sydney (covering 187 square kilometres and supporting a population forecast to grow to more than 202,000 residents by 2041) the City of Newcastle offers a diverse range of career pathways and a genuine commitment to building a smart, liveable, and sustainable city.
Hunter Water
Hunter Water is responsible for delivering water and wastewater services across the Newcastle and Hunter region, serving more than 290,000 properties. A state-owned corporation with a strong focus on sustainability, infrastructure investment, and community service, Hunter Water employs a significant workforce across engineering, operations, customer service, and environmental management.
Defence and Aerospace
RAAF Base Williamtown
RAAF Base Williamtown is one of Australia's most strategically significant defence facilities — home to Air Combat Group and employing around 3,500 military and civilian personnel. Located just 25 minutes from the Newcastle city centre, RAAF Williamtown is a major anchor of the Hunter region's defence and aerospace sector, and a significant source of employment across aviation, engineering, logistics, and administration.
Technology and Innovation
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is a global technology leader with a significant presence in Newcastle, offering careers across technology solutions, engineering, sales, and professional services. HPE's Newcastle operations are part of a global organisation that focuses on innovation, sustainability, and helping clients across industries achieve great things through technology
Energy and Resources
Glencore
Glencore is one of the world's largest natural resources companies and a major employer in the Newcastle and Hunter regions, with more than 4,000 employees across its regional operations. With a global presence spanning mining, processing, and marketing of commodities, Glencore's Newcastle operations are a significant contributor to the region's economy and infrastructure.
Manufacturing and Engineering
Bradken
Bradken is a leading global manufacturer of mining and rail equipment, with a significant manufacturing and engineering presence in Newcastle and the surrounding region. A world-class organisation with operations across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally, Bradken offers careers in engineering, manufacturing, operations, and professional services — underpinned by a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and safety
