Cornwall, with its breathtaking coastlines, growing digital economy, and vibrant creative scene, isn’t just a great place to visit—it’s also a fantastic place to live and work. Whether you’re a recent graduate, remote worker, skilled tradesperson, or someone considering relocating to the southwest of England, the question is: Where can you find jobs in Cornwall?
This comprehensive guide covers:
- Top industries and in-demand roles
- How to find local job opportunities
- Best job websites and agencies
- Tips for applying locally
- Average salaries and living costs
- Remote and seasonal work options
Cornwall’s Local Economy: An Overview
Cornwall’s economy is historically rooted in agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Today, it’s undergoing a digital and green transformation, with growing sectors in:
- Digital & tech
- Health & social care
- Education
- Hospitality
- Renewable energy
- Creative industries
Thanks to its Enterprise Zones and investment in broadband infrastructure, Cornwall is becoming a UK hotspot for remote workers, startups, and digital innovation.
Top Industries Hiring in Cornwall
1. Tourism & Hospitality
Tourism contributes over £1.5 billion annually to Cornwall’s economy. This sector offers jobs ranging from entry-level to management.
In-demand roles:
- Hotel managers
- Housekeeping staff
- Chefs and kitchen assistants
- Waitstaff and baristas
- Activity instructors (surfing, hiking, kayaking)
Peak Hiring Period: March to September
Average Pay: £10–£15/hour (higher for experienced chefs)
2. Healthcare & Social Services
With an aging population and rural communities, Cornwall has a strong demand for health and care professionals.
In-demand roles:
- Registered nurses
- Social workers
- Healthcare assistants
- Mental health practitioners
- Care home staff
Employers:
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
- Cornwall Care
- GP clinics and private care homes
Average Salary: £28,000–£42,000/year (nurses)
3. Skilled Trades & Construction
New housing projects, eco-building initiatives, and tourism infrastructure upgrades have created many trade jobs.
In-demand roles:
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Builders & carpenters
- Roofing specialists
- Painters & decorators
Perks:
- High demand means good job security
- Self-employed options are widely available
4. Digital & Remote Work
The digital economy in Cornwall is booming, supported by superfast broadband and dedicated coworking spaces.
In-demand roles:
- Web developers
- Digital marketers
- Graphic designers
- SEO specialists
- Copywriters
Locations with best infrastructure:
- Truro
- Falmouth
- Penzance
- Newquay
Coworking Spaces:
- The Workbox (Penzance)
- Mor Workspace (Newquay)
- Launchpad (Falmouth)
5. Education & Childcare
Cornwall’s schools and universities regularly hire teaching professionals and support staff.
In-demand roles:
- Primary & secondary school teachers
- SEN (Special Educational Needs) support staff
- Nursery assistants
- Teaching assistants
- Tutors (especially online)
Top Employers:
- Truro & Penwith College
- Cornwall Council (Education Department)
- Falmouth University
6. Agriculture & Environmental Jobs
While farming is more mechanised today, jobs still exist in:
- Organic and specialty farming
- Sustainability consultancy
- Marine biology and fisheries
- Wildlife conservation
Green energy jobs are also growing, especially in:
- Solar and wind installations
- Environmental engineering
- Climate research projects
Where to Find Jobs in Cornwall
Best Job Search Websites
|
Website |
Focus |
|
General local jobs |
|
|
Skilled trade and remote roles |
|
|
Cornwall-specific listings |
|
|
Wide range of local & remote |
|
|
Education roles |
|
|
Youth and career development |
|
|
Digital and freelance workspaces with opportunities |
Recruitment Agencies in Cornwall
- Smith & Reed Recruitment (Truro) – Office, construction, and hospitality
- Winners Recruitment (Truro) – Admin, healthcare, tourism
- TalentTide – Specialist roles in IT and finance
- Jobline Staffing – Public sector and council contracts
- Harbron Recruit – Trades and construction
Many offer temp-to-perm options, which are ideal for new arrivals.
Remote & Freelance Opportunities
Remote working has surged post-pandemic, and Cornwall is now a digital nomad-friendly region.
Top Remote-Friendly Job Categories:
- Tech (development, UX/UI, IT support)
- Writing/editing
- Digital marketing & SEO
- Online tutoring
- Virtual assistance
- Customer service (chat/email)
Tools to Find Remote Jobs:
- We Work Remotely
- Remote OK
- FlexJobs
- PeoplePerHour
- [Fiverr / Upwork](https://www.fiverr.com | https://www.upwork.com)
Seasonal Jobs in Cornwall
Cornwall’s tourism boom creates thousands of seasonal jobs every year from Easter to late September.
Types of roles:
- Festival crew
- Surf instructors
- Ice cream vendors
- Lifeguards (RNLI)
- Retail assistants
These are ideal for:
- Students
- Travellers
- People looking for part-time or short-term work
Average Salaries in Cornwall
|
Job Type |
Average Annual Salary |
|
Nurse |
£30,000–£42,000 |
|
Teaching Assistant |
£17,000–£23,000 |
|
Web Developer |
£28,000–£45,000 |
|
Chef (Head) |
£27,000–£35,000 |
|
Marketing Manager |
£35,000–£55,000 |
|
Farm Worker |
£19,000–£25,000 |
Note: Salaries are often lower than London but so is the cost of living, especially inland.
Career Development & Upskilling
Cornwall offers multiple ways to develop your career locally:
- Truro & Penwith College – Vocational training, apprenticeships
- Falmouth University – Creative degrees, digital innovation
- Cornwall Marine Network – Maritime training
- Skills Hub Cornwall – Free training advice for job seekers
Best Towns for Work in Cornwall
|
Town |
Strengths |
|
Truro |
Admin, healthcare, education |
|
Falmouth |
Digital, hospitality, university |
|
Newquay |
Tourism, media, construction |
|
St Austell |
Retail, logistics, trades |
|
Penzance |
Arts, community services |
|
Bodmin |
Manufacturing, council jobs |
Starting Your Own Business
Cornwall supports startups and entrepreneurs through:
- Funding & Grants (Cornwall Development Company)
- Innovation Centres in Truro, Pool, and Penryn
- The Growth Hub Cornwall for coaching and advice
Popular business ideas include:
- Eco products
- Tourism experiences
- Online retail
- Creative services
- Local food production
FAQs About Working in Cornwall
❓ Are wages in Cornwall lower than in big cities?
Yes, slightly. But housing, transport, and lifestyle costs are also lower, especially inland.
❓ Can I find jobs in Cornwall as a newcomer?
Yes. Especially in healthcare, trades, and hospitality. Many employers are open to training the right candidate.
❓ Is Cornwall good for remote work?
Definitely. With increasing broadband speeds and coworking hubs, Cornwall is a growing remote work destination.
❓ Are there job opportunities in rural areas?
Yes—but they’re more limited. Trades, farming, and care work are common. You may need to commute or work remotely.
Read Also: Moving to Cornwall: What You Need to Know (Relocation Guide)
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking a new job, career change, or a better work-life balance, Cornwall offers plenty of opportunities. From thriving hospitality roles and healthcare careers to digital startups and remote work, the region is diversifying fast.
With the right planning, networking, and adaptability, you can find not only a job—but a fulfilling lifestyle in one of the most beautiful regions of the UK.
