Highest Paying Jobs in Australia for International Students

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Mrunmayai Bobade
Updated on Apr 29, 2023 06:52 PM IST

Looking for the highest paying jobs in Australia? As per the ongoing acceptance of hybrid and flexible work arrangements as well as the expansion of the gig economy, Australian organisations have observed a substantial change in the workforce. Read on to discover the list of the top 20 highest paying jobs in Australia.

Highest Paying Jobs in Australia for International Students

The job market in Australia is quite competitive, and there are a lot of job openings for fresh graduates including high-paying job roles in a wide range of fields. As Australia's economy recovers from the economic impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak, its job market is also beginning to trend upward once again.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2022 report, the unemployment rate in Australia fell to 4.6% in November 2021, while the employment to population ratio increased by 63%. According to estimates, Australia's GDP per capita will reach USD 57300.00 by the end of 2022.

Though picking a career should not be primarily driven by the typical money factor, let us face it: everyone wants to know how much they will make when starting a new job. According to the top 10 highest-paid employees in the nation, as measured by their average taxable income, the most current set of income figures from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) sheds light on different professions and their average annual earnings.

Regarding these highest-paying job statistics by the ATO, there are no genuine upheavals. The top 10 highest paying jobs in Australia are dominated by sectors like finance, engineering, and medicine. Apart from this, executive management positions are also very prominent. While it may be appealing to consider a complete career change to a different field after reviewing such statistics, it is vital to keep in mind that there are always exceptions to the norm in every industry.

Also, it must be acknowledged that not all benefits of a job or career can always be measured on the same weighing scale. For example, your line of work may allow you to enjoy an enviable work-life balance that enables you to spend more time with loved ones than others in higher-earning careers, which may not be the case for them. Let us now see opting for which degrees pay the maximum salary in Australia.

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What Degrees Pay the Highest Salary in Australia?

Earning the right degree at one of the best universities in Australia can often lead to the highest paying jobs in Australia. There are many opportunities available to you if you pursue any of the degrees listed below. To help you determine which degree type will earn you a high starting salary, we have broken it down into the following tables:

Degree Type

Estimated Annual Salary (in AUD)

Psychiatry

60,565

Legal

98,396

Dental/Medical

70,000

Engineering

58,300 to 67,000

Construction Management

99,386

It must be noted that these figures are only approximations based on typical salaries for recent graduates. These are just a few of the most lucrative possibilities that students may wish to take into account as they make plans for the future. There are many additional degrees that can lead to wealthy careers.

List of Highest Paying Job Positions in Australia

When it comes to the highest paying job positions in Australia, a surgeon's job is among the best. It is estimated that surgeons earn a salary of AUD 394,303 per year, which is nearly four times the annual salary of a person with an average salary.

The fact that surgeons earn the highest salaries of all professions in Australia is not particularly controversial. After all, the majority of healthcare occupations offer highly competitive income. Additionally, before they start practising, surgeons spend an excessive amount of time in school developing their expertise, so it makes fair that their pay would reflect the amount of work they have put in.

The best part is that there are a tonne of other highest paying jobs in Australia that you might want to take into consideration if becoming a surgeon is not your cup of tea. A few of these include:

Job Role

Estimated Annual Salary (in AUD)

Anaesthetist

386,065

CEO or Managing Director

164,896

Chief Financial Officer

280,000

Construction General Manager

350,000

Engineering Manager

137,530

Engineering Manager

159,940

Head of Compliance

277,500

Head of Technology

300,000

Information Technology Architect

147,735

Information Technology Portfolio Manager

280,000

Information Technology Security Specialist

125,932

Internal Medical Specialist

304,752

Investment Director

300,000

Legal Secretary

342,000

Medical Practitioner

222,933

Mining Engineer

184,507

Mining Head of Operations

325,000

Psychiatrist

235,558

Surgeon

394,303

Systems Engineer

124,628

Top 5 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia for Fresh Graduates

In most circumstances, the highest paying job positions in Australia for recent graduates would not be the same as those for experienced professionals. After all, obtaining some on-the-job experience is a must for some of the highest paying job roles in the nation.

However, there are still some professions that might offer a significant wage upfront. Here are five of the highest-paying positions in Australia that recent graduates (or those about to graduate) should think about, especially if making a good living is imperative to them:

Medicine

A medical job requires extensive education and years of practice. A surgeon may need eight years of education or more, depending on their area of expertise, whereas a registered nurse needs at least four years of education.

Getting a medical degree may take some time, but once you do, you will start out with a decent salary. For instance, the starting wage for healthcare professionals is AUD 70,000. As healthcare employees advance in experience and seniority within the hospital or practice where they work, their remuneration also rises significantly over time.

Dentistry

Dentistry is another profession that can offer a good wage right out of college. Once you complete dentistry school, you can anticipate starting off with an average annual salary of AUD 86,300. Following three years, the salary is expected to rise to an average of AUD 105,100.

Similar to medical professionals, dentists must complete several years of formal education before beginning their careers. Since they invest so much time up front, they may start earning a relatively decent salary as soon as they graduate.

Solicitor

Once they complete their education, solicitors have the potential to start out with very high salaries. After all, fresh graduates in Australia earn an estimated average starting salary of AUD 98,396.

Another difference between solicitors and some of the other professionals on this list is the length of time they must spend in school.

Either a Bachelor of Legislative Law (often known as an LLB) or a Combined LLB must be obtained in Australia in order to practise law. This typically takes four to five years to complete. Additionally, you must finish practical legal training, which usually lasts a year.

There will probably be a large number of jobs accessible because the future growth estimates for solicitors are very robust. This is a crucial factor to remember for students who are thinking about having a law career in Australia.

Engineer

It is no secret that engineering is one of Australia's highest-paying industries. As a result, it is reasonable to expect engineers to begin earning a decent salary as quickly as they complete their education.

Engineers earn varying salaries depending on what type of degree they have pursued. For instance, an aeronautical engineer's starting salary will typically be roughly AUD 58,300. On the other hand, civil engineers can start out with an annual salary of about UAD 64,000 in Australia.

The field of engineering also has a lot of space for expansion. Your pay may increase significantly over the course of a few years, and you might even get the chance to move into a related career like project management or consulting.

Construction Manager

After graduation, construction managers can also make a very decent amount of money. Their average pay will be around AUD 99,386 once they earn a degree in construction management, which normally takes three to four years in Australia.

Fresh graduates studying in Australia have numerous employment options in this field. By working as a management assistant even before you graduate, you can improve your chances of being employed even further.

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Top 5 Highest Paying Job Industries in Australia

The highest-paying job industries in Australia, as in any other nation, often belong to specific industry sectors. Here are the top 5 highest paid industries, each of which is worth taking into account if you are willing to make a career switch or planning to launch your own business in Australia immediately after graduation:

Consulting & Strategy

By counselling people on how to operate their organisations more efficiently, consultants and strategists can make an excellent income in Australia.

There is a tonne of employment in this AUD 1.5 billion market, which pays professionals significant incomes in exchange for their experience, ranging from healthcare and financial strategists to construction and legal consultants.

Job Prospects for Consulting & Strategy in Australia

Experienced consultants who can advise and guide other professionals are in high demand in Australia. The majority of business owners, whether they are in the legal or retail industries, want to understand how they may improve the way their organisations are run and boost their earnings. Consultants can assist them in doing that because they have the necessary knowledge and expertise.

Top Three Job Positions in the Field of Consulting & Strategy:

  • Financial Consultant

  • Management Consultant

  • Legal Consultant

Engineering

In Australia, there are many employment openings in the engineering sector. This particular sector has been stable for some time, and by 2025, it is even anticipated to reach a valuation of AUD 95.69 billion. It makes sense that engineering has always been and will continue to be one of Australia's best-paid sectors since there will undoubtedly always be a need for experienced, knowledgeable engineering professionals.

Job Prospects for Engineering in Australia

The engineering field appears to be quite safe and secure for individuals who wish to make a good wage and have a lot of job security. In Australia, there is a critical shortage of engineers, and this shortage is not expected to diminish in the future.

Top Three Job Positions in the Field of Engineering:

  • Electrical Engineer

  • Civil Engineer

  • Petroleum Engineer

Resource, Mining & Energy

Australia has some of the most varied and plentiful mineral and energy sources in the world. The mining, resource, and energy sectors are among the most promising in the nation as a result.

There are plenty of job requirements in this profession, and the average annual remuneration for the entire sector is about AUD 100,000. In Australia, the resource, mining, and energy industries have expanded significantly in recent years.

Job Prospects for Resource, Mining & Energy in Australia

There will probably be an increase in demand for resources, mining, and energy sectors since so much of the country's surface are rather unexplored or untapped. The majority of professionals who want to enter the field, therefore, have excellent career prospects.

Top Three Job Positions in the Field of Resource, Mining & Energy:

  • Mining Engineer

  • Driller

  • Mining Head of Operations

Construction

It is not surprising that one of Australia's most lucrative industries is construction. The sector contributes about 9% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product and brings in more than AUD 360 billion annually. Over the following five years, or by 2027, a projected annual growth rate of 2.4% is also predicted only for the field of construction.

Job Prospects for Construction in Australia

The Australian construction sector, which contributes significantly to the GDP of the nation as we have noted, is anticipated to expand consistently over the coming years. The majority of individuals apparently agree that a job in the construction business would be a good choice for the ones searching for a job that has plenty of opportunities and potential for development.

Top Three Job Positions in the Field of Construction:

  • General Foreman

  • Scaffolder

  • Construction General Manager

Healthcare

And last, one of the highest-paying sectors in Australia is the healthcare sector. In 2021 alone, this business is projected to produce over AUD 162.4 billion. In addition to being the home of Australia's highest-paying profession (surgeon), the healthcare industry also includes several other lucrative jobs that prospective employees would want to take into account.

Job Prospects for Healthcare in Australia

A career in the healthcare sector is probably one of the safest choices for individuals who are looking for a high level of job security in addition to some of the highest paying jobs in Australia. The need for healthcare workers will never go away since no one can stop getting injured or sick. The healthcare industry has a lot of room for expansion as well, this field is especially for those who wish to keep learning over time.

Top Three Job Positions in the Field of Healthcare:

  • Anaesthetist

  • Internal Medicine Specialist

  • Surgeon

Australia's Highest Paying JobSectors

With experienced in-house general counsel roles at ASX100 businesses holding the title of the best-paying job in Australia with annual average compensation of AUD 437,500, the legal sector continues to offer some of the most lucrative salaries in Australia. Other businesses likewise pay well into the six figures for general counsel roles.

Salaries have increased as a result of a surge in demand for leadership positions in the IT industry. For instance, the average yearly salary for a chief technical officer increased by AUD 30,000 from the year 2021 to AUD 330,000 in the year 2022.

General managers and senior project managers continue to be among the top-paid jobs in the construction sector, with average yearly salaries exceeding AUD 350,000. With an average yearly compensation of AUD 325,000, head of operations positions in the mining, energy, and resources sector continues to be well compensated. Jobs in sales, banking, and financial services pay handsomely too.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia Without a Degree

It is natural that not everyone finds the idea of spending four years at a postsecondary school appealing, and that a chosen job path does not always coincide with the requirement for a Bachelor's degree. But there is plenty of open, well-paying employment in a wide range of industries that do not demand the time or money that a university degree does.

It is feasible to earn more than the AUD 1,633.80 Australian average weekly earnings and develop a fulfilling, successful career, even though most require some level of training or higher education.

Although you may not require a degree for such jobs, it is imperative that you must have completed a certification or a diploma relevant to your employment sector. For example, a student holding a job position of a construction manager must have completed a Diploma of Project Management or Certificate IV in Project Management Practice to hone their skills and understanding of the field.

Similarly, there are other jobs that pay well and do not mandatorily require a degree certification. The following are the top 10 highest paying jobs in Australia without a degree:

Job Role

Estimated Average Annual Salary (In AUD)

Construction Manager

154,536

Ethical Hacker

101,000

Project Manager

122,585

Digital Marketing Manager

101,254

ICT Manager

129,500

HR Manager

114,902

Office Manager

85,463

Health and Safety Advisor

106,574

Social Media Manager

81,139

Senior Care Worker

83,000

In the end, the industry, business, and field you wish to work in will be influenced by a variety of factors, including stability, potential, work-life balance, and company culture, but how much you get paid will also be a big consideration. If you have an interest in health, law, finance, business, or IT, there's a good possibility you can combine your passion with a good salary. Make sure your capabilities and knowledge are well-honed, though, as the top 5 sectors in Australia consistently emphasise education, job experience, and a genuine passion for your business.

Feeling this information is insufficient? Or, got queries to ask experts regarding the highest paying jobs in Australia? Ask us at abroad@collegedekho.com.

Get Expert Advice to Apply for Highest Paying Jobs in Australia!

FAQs

Which are the highest paying jobs in Australia without a degree?

The following are the highest paying jobs in Australia without a degree along with their estimated average annual salary:
Construction Manager: AUD 153,000
Sales Manager: AUD 103,000
Air Traffic Controller: AUD 257,000
Project Manager: AUD 121,000
Product Manager: AUD 120,000

These are excellent possibilities if you are searching for a new position that offers an average annual compensation of over AUD 100,000 but lack the time to complete a degree.

What are the most in-demand highest paying jobs in Australia?

The following are the most in-demand highest paying jobs in Australia (average annual salary):
IT Manager: AUD 125,000
Cloud Engineers: AUD 112,000
Python Developers: AUD 100,000
Project Managers: AUD 80,000
DevOps Engineer: AUD 70,000
IT Systems Architect: AUD 140,000
IT Security Architect: AUD 124,000
Data Scientist: AUD 100,000
IT Consultants: AUD 80,000
Telecoms Technician: AUD 80,000

Is it easy to find the highest paying jobs in Australia for Indians?

Yes, it can be said that it is easy to find the highest paying jobs in Australia for Indians provided that you have the required skills. Finding a job in Australia is difficult for the majority of Indians who relocate there or plan to do so. This typically occurs because people are misinformed of the high demand for the positions held by immigrants rather than a lack of skills.

What are the highest paying part-time jobs in Australia for international students?

The following are the highest paying part-time jobs in Australia for international students:

  • Driver

  • Waiter

  • Secretary

  • Oral hygienist

  • Personal trainer

  • Tutor

  • Authorised agent

  • Hairstylist

  • Mail carrier

  • Makeover artist

For detailed information, you may check out our article on Part Time Jobs in Australia for International Students.

Can an Indian fresh graduate get a high paying part-time job in Australia?

Yes, Indian fresh graduates can get a high paying part-time job in Australia if they have the necessary skills, required IELTS band score and are aware of the Post-Study Work Rights in Australia for Indian Students. Furthermore, they should ask an appropriate authority for the results of the skills assessment and choose an appropriate professional to nominate from the applicable Skilled Occupation List of Australia.

Which visa allows Indians to work in Australia?

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa allows Indians to work in Australia. Skilled workers with the 482 temporary visa are allowed to work in Australia for up to four years provided they are sponsored by an authorised Australian company. In order to apply for a job in Australia, you must have professional experience or skills that are relevant to the post.

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