For some people, earning a decent salary comes second to job satisfaction when choosing a career. For the rest, money is the leading motivator to work and live a fulfilling life.
While it may seem easy to look at a profession's salary and consider a career switch, it is essential to note that different industries have many variations.
For instance, a job may provide a desirable work-life balance enabling you to spend more time with your friends and family. However, with a super high-paying job, you may not have time for this.
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) recently revealed statistics for the highest-paid jobs in Australia based on their average taxable income. Unsurprisingly, according to the database, some of the top and highest-paying occupations listed come in medicine, finance, and engineering.
Other professions, such as executive and managerial positions, are also quite prominent.
In this post, you will learn about Australia's best-paid and highest-paying jobs to familiarise yourself with the job market and set your high salary goals accordingly.
1. Medical Professionals
The Healthcare system in Australia is one of the best around the globe, allowing students to take up specific practices like anaesthetists, surgery, psychiatry, and more.
Additionally, the Australian education system for medical students is exceptional and reputable, which you should consider giving the range of educational opportunities available.
According to the data shared by ATO, the top highest-paying jobs in Australia are in the medical field. These professions include the following:
Your Pathway To Anaesthetics, Surgery, or Medical Specialisations:
Suppose you are interested in taking up a medical profession in the future. In that case, you can study Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery in Australia, which may take around six years to complete.
As you further your education, you will have the option to specialise in a particular field. To get more information, contact the university you wish to apply to.
2. Business and Finance
With the growth of the financial services sector in Australia, many opportunities have opened up for people interested in business and finance roles. You can also expect a high salary in Australia if you have the required financial or business skills.
As per the ATO's list, here are the top business and finance positions that earn the highest amount of salary:
Your Pathway To Business and Finance Roles:
To begin your journey into these professions, you can pursue courses like a Bachelor of Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Business Management from any of the top universities in Australia.
Suppose you are interested in financial management and trading. In that case, a Bachelor of Corporate Finance will provide you with the skills required to advance in this career.
3. Judicial and Other Legal Professionals
The Federal or State Governor or Attorney-General appoint Judicial and legal professionals in Australia. These professionals hear legal and other matters in tribunals and courts and further analyse, interpret, administer, and provide advice based on law.
There are more than 3,500 workers in the legal industry who earn an average taxable salary of $195,703.
Generally, the position of a Judge is one of the top legal professions and the highest-paying job in Australia for females. However, General Counsel occupations in the corporate sector may get paid an average salary between $205,000 and $283,999, surpassing the average income of Judges.
Chief Legal Officer
Chief legal officers work as prominent lawyers in a company. They are the principal source of legal advice. Their primary responsibility is to report crucial legal business decisions to the company's CEO.
According to Pay Scale, the average Chief Legal Officer's salary in Australia is AU$120,000 annually.
Barrister
Barrister is generally a lawyer whose main job is to present evidence in front of a jury or a judge in a court and help negotiate plea bargains and settlements. According to Pay Scale, the average Barrister's salary in Australia is AU$99,036 per year.
Company Secretary
Company secretaries lead the organisation via administrative, clerical, and legal support in areas of governance and compliance. According to Pay Scale, Australia's average Corporate Secretary's salary is AU$87,891 annually.
Corporate lawyers assist business clients in launching, evolving, and dissolving as per the local laws. They guide them on suitable ways to deal with legal matters and formulate corporate contracts.
Most corporate lawyers specialise in corporate governance, private equity, mergers, acquisitions, etc. According to Pay Scale, the average Corporate Lawyer's salary in Australia is AU$82,272 annually.
Your pathway to Judicial and other legal professions:
You must complete a law degree to be eligible for Judicial and other legal professions in Australia. You should be licensed to practice law for at least eight years.
Usually, most legal professionals in Australia have more than eight years of experience before being designated. Also, students interested in higher legal positions choose to complete their postgraduate studies.
4. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
With the rapid growth of data and technology industries in Australia, there is a high demand for ICT professionals, further resulting in higher wages.
According to statistics shared by various salary calculating websites, specialists in ICT can expect the following average taxable incomes:
Your Pathway To a Career In ICT:
To become an ICT professional in Australia, you must have an in-depth knowledge of programming languages. You also need a bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) courses.
You can also opt for other qualifications like a Bachelor of Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Bachelor of Engineering, depending on the type of ICT career you would like to pursue.
5. Engineering
The scope for Engineers in Australia is broad and bright. You can take up plenty of specialised roles as an engineer and exhibit your knowledge in diverse disciplines.
Top Australian universities offer engineering courses in addition to industry-focused practical learning that will help you to build a career in the engineering field of your choice.
As per ATO's data, the top and highest-paying engineering professions in Australia include the following:
Your Pathway To Becoming an Engineer In Australia:
Given the high demand for qualified engineers in Australia, it is essential to pursue an undergraduate degree from an accredited university followed by a Master of Engineering. By completing both degrees, you will attain a higher qualification compared to enrolling in a double degree program alone.
This enhanced qualification will open doors to advanced engineering professions that demand not only professional expertise but also analytical, technical, and interpersonal skills.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are The Highest-Paying Jobs in Australia Without a Degree?
According to Indeed, the high-paying unskilled jobs, along with average salaries in Australia:
Social Media Manager - $83,211 per year
Driller - $87,815 per year
Safety Sonsultant - $96,090 per year
Senior Care Worker - $96,249 per year
Applications Developer - $98,053 per year
Site Supervisor - $101,806 per year
Security Manager - $110,222 per year
Recruitment Manager - $115,489 per year
Human Resource Manager - $118,000 per year
Underground Miner - $120,399 per year
Construction Manager - $171,341 per year
2. What Are The High-Paying Jobs in Australia With no Experience?
Surprisingly, numerous full-time and part-time roles offer a high salary without requiring any prior experience.
Candidates usually get on-the-job training and build experience. A degree qualification isn't necessary, but a VET qualification can improve your entry into the role.
List of jobs (with national average salary and relevant entry qualification):
Concreter: $109,200 per year - Having an apprenticeship is optional but beneficial
Carpet, Window, and other Cleaners: $72,020 per year- Certificate III in Cleaning Operations
Veterinary Assistant or Vet Nurse (trainee): $56,576 per year- Certificate IV in Vet Nursing (through on-the-job traineeship)
Customer Service Representative: $62,192 per year- Certificate III in Business (Customer Engagement)
Aged and Disabled Carer: $65,780 per year - Certificate III in Individual Support
Proof-Reader: $66,526 per year - An undergraduate degree in English or VET qualification
Administrative Assistant/Office Support Worker: $59,103 per year - Diploma in Business Administration
Virtual Assistant: $49,400 per year - Diploma in Business Administration
Visual Merchandiser: $64,792 per year - Diploma of Visual Merchandising
Sales Representative: $73,788 per year
Cafe Worker: $53,560 per year - Certificate III in Hospitality
Medical Record Clerk: $65,780 per year - Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical)
Human Resource Clerk: $63,690 per year - Certificate IV in Human Resource Management
Light Technician: $69,004 per year
Data Entry Operator: $40,508 per year - Certificate III in Business
What Are The Highest-Paying Jobs in Australia for Females?
According to the latest ATO data, below are the top fifteen highest-paid careers for women in Australia:
It is the top legal profession and a lucrative female job in Australia. Judges are public officials with the authority to hear, determine and preside over legal cases bought in a law court. According to Pay Scale, the average Judge's salary in Australia is AU$233,483 per year.
Neurosurgeon - $323,682 per year
Futures Trader - $281,600 per year
Magistrate - $260,161 per year
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon - $281,608 per year
Vascular Surgeon - $271,529 per year
Gynaecologist, Obstetrician - $264,628 per year
Gastroenterologist - $260,925 per year
Anaesthetist - $243,582 per year
Ophthalmologist - $217,242 per year
Cardiologist - $215,920 per year
Urologist - $213,094 per year
General Surgeon - $210,796 per year
Medical Oncologist - $208,612 per year
Specialist Physicians - $207,599 per year
What Are The Highest-Paying Jobs in Sydney?
The following highest-paying jobs in Sydney, NSW, are listed on Indeed:
Sports Coach or Instructor - Casual
Lash Artist
Engineering Asset Manager
Sidearm Driver
Customer Contact Officer
Leading Hand (Heavy Vehicle Mechanic)
Implementation Specialist (SaaS)
Optical Dispenser/Stylist
Commercial Cleaner
Commercial Director
Production Worker
Insurance Counsel
What is The Easiest High-Paying Job in Australia?
High-paying jobs are usually challenging and stressful, but some are relatively easy and command high salaries.
Here are Australia's top 15 easy and lucrative careers and their national average wages.
Personal Trainer - $67,217 per year
Park Ranger - $67,335 per year
House Painter - $69,315 per year
Garbage Collector - $73,045 per year
Fitness Instructor - $80,981 per year
Truck Driver - $81,752 per year
Social Media Manager - $83,986 per year
Librarian - $84,414 per year
Dispatcher - $86,560 per year
Electrician - $88,143 per year
Virtual Assistant - $88,718 per year
Safety Specialist - $99,281 per year
Senior Care Worker - $99,925 per year
Medical Sales Executive - $105,271 per year
Optometrist - $123,248 per year
What is The #1 Highest-Paid Position?
According to Training.com.au, General counsels earn the highest salary in Australia. They are the leading lawyers of a legal department in a government department or a company.
Those working in-house and providing legal services to ASX 100 companies occupy the top place among legal professionals in Australia. Attaining this high-level position requires at least seven years of experience.
The average General Counsel & Secretary's salary in Australia is AU$236,454 per year, with the lowest and highest salary being A$128k and A$306k, respectively.
What are the HighestPaying jobs in Australia in 2023?
Job-title | Industry Area | Average Salary ($AUD) p.a. |
---|---|---|
In-house general counsel | Legal | $400,000 |
Anaesthetist | Medical | $386,065 |
Cardiologist | Medical | $351,827 |
General Manager / Project Manager | Construction | $350,000 |
Company Secretary | Legal | $342,500 |
Head of operations | Mining | $325,000 |
Surgeon | Medical | $305,276 |
Internal medicine specialist | Medical | $304,752 |
Chief technology officer | IT | $300,000 |
Head of technology | IT | $300,000 |
Investment director | Finance | $300,000 |
Portfolio manager | Finance | $280,000 |
Chief financial officer (CFO) | Finance | $280,000 |
Head of Compliance | Legal | $277,500 |
What are The Highest-Paying Jobs in The World in the Future?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment growth predictions give a good idea of the long-term career trajectory of various roles.
Here are the top fifteen lucrative professions that promise serious growth over the next decade:
Nurse Practitioner: Average Salary - $129,106 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021-2031) - 45.7% (much faster than average)
Data Scientist: Average Salary -$120,478 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021 – 2031) - 35.8% (much faster than average)
Information Security Analyst - Average Salary - $112,190 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021-20131) -35% (much faster than average)
Web Developers (Front/Back-end, and Full-Stack) - Avg. Salary -$100,979 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021-2031) - 30.3% (much faster than average)
Physician Assistant - Average Salary - $67,928 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021-2031) - 28% (much faster than average)
Software Developer - Average Salary - $ 104,756 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021-2031) - 25% (much faster than average)
Actuary - Average Salary - $110,447 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021-2031) - 21% (much faster than average)
Financial Manager/Financial Management Specialist - Avg. Salary - $106,424. Estimated growth rate (2021-2031) - 17% (much faster than average)
Information Systems Manager - Average Salary: $125,783 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021- 2031) - 16% (much faster than average)
Community Service Officers - Average Salary - $84,836 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021-2031) - 12% (much faster than average)
Management Analysts - Average Salary -$104,526 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2121-2031) - 11% (much faster than average)
Industrial Engineer - Average Salary -$86,666 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021-2031) - 10.2% (faster than average)
Marketing Manager - Average Salary - $105,114 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021 -2031) - 9.9% (faster than average)
Database Administrator - Average Salary - $104,310 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021 -2031) - 8.1% (faster than average)
Public Relations (PR) Manager - Average Salary- $36,912 p.a. Estimated growth rate (2021 -2031) - 8% (faster than average)
What Jobs Pays The Most With The Least Work?
Are you seeking a job with a high salary and fewer hours? Below is the list of job roles that offer high wages and increased leisure time, along with their average salaries in Australia.
Personal Trainer: $79,865 per year
Photographer: $81,356 per year
Nutritionist: $100,995 per year
Librarian: $86,065 per year
Artist: $105,560 per year
Writer: $82,097 per year
Chiropractor: $96,191 per year
Real Estate Agent: $82,611 per year
Psychologist: $99,003 per year
Dentist: $139,642 per year
How To Get a High-Paying Job?
Every student dreams of getting a high package job after completing their education. Some people progress much faster in their careers than their peers and earn significant figures.
If you think they excelled in their profession solely based on their academics, then the answer is clear 'NO.' Academics no doubt hold an important place in the selection process. Still, along with it, you need some of the best systematic skills to get a competitive edge and land a lucrative role fast:
Communication Skills
Leadership skills
Technical Skills
Problem-Solving skills
Self-Management
Apart from your core academics, having the above soft skills will boost your employability and put you in high demand in your preferred industry.
Is 100k a Year a Good Salary in Australia?
Yes. AU$ 100,000 a year is more than the average salary in Australia.
Living a comfortable life in most areas of the country should be sufficient. In major cities like Sydney, you can live comfortably with an income between AU$ 80 K and AU$ 100K.
Is 200k a Good Salary in Australia?
A good salary in Australia is between $90,000 and $108,000 annually or $7,500 to $9,000 monthly. The median income of an Aussie, i.e., $72,000 a year, can be a good reference point for how much you should earn for a decent living.
You can easily lead a relaxing lifestyle in Australia with a salary of 200k, far greater than the median income.
Closing Words
It is essential to remember that money is not always the most critical factor to consider when conducting a job search.
You may encounter a situation when a particular profession does not offer a competitive salary. In this scenario, you can look for other benefits like flexible working hours, paid leaves, and extended medical benefits.
These benefits may compensate for the average lower salary you receive.
Useful Links to Explore: