The top earning occupations
- Surgeons, anaesthetists and specialist physicians — typically A$350,000 to A$500,000+. Long training pipeline, tight registration, very little competition at the top.
- Mining and resources engineers and site managers — A$150,000 to A$300,000, often with FIFO allowances on top.
- Finance and investment leadership — A$180,000 to A$400,000 for portfolio managers, heads of finance and corporate treasury.
- Law — A$150,000 to A$400,000 for senior corporate lawyers and partners.
- Technology leadership and cyber security — A$160,000 to A$300,000 for security architects, principal engineers and engineering managers.
- Air traffic control and commercial pilots — A$150,000 to A$250,000 once fully endorsed.
Well paid roles that don't need a degree
- Licensed electricians and plumbers running their own work — A$110,000 to A$180,000.
- Mining operators, drillers and heavy plant operators on FIFO rosters — A$120,000 to A$200,000.
- Construction site and project supervisors — A$130,000 to A$190,000.
- Real estate agents and mortgage brokers on commission — highly variable, top performers well past A$200,000.
- Rail and utilities technicians on shift and on-call loadings — A$110,000 to A$160,000.
Why advertised salaries are often missing
Many Australian employers leave pay off the advertisement entirely, especially at senior levels. That's not a red flag on its own — it usually means the band is negotiable. Use comparable advertised ranges for the same title and state as your anchor before you talk numbers.
How to actually move up a band
- Target the title directly above yours, not two levels up — screening is title-sensitive.
- Close one or two named gaps (a licence, a platform, formal people leadership) rather than retraining.
- Rewrite your CV around scope: budget owned, team size, revenue or risk influenced.
- Apply in the state that pays the premium for your skill set, even if it's a remote or FIFO arrangement.
Read next: jobs in demand in Australia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying job in Australia?
Surgeons and anaesthetists report the highest average taxable incomes in Australia, typically well above A$400,000. Outside medicine, the top earners are mining and resources engineers, senior finance and legal professionals, and executive leadership roles.
What jobs pay well in Australia without a degree?
Licensed trades such as electricians and plumbers, mining and FIFO operators, air traffic control trainees, real estate agents on commission, and senior construction supervisors regularly clear A$120,000 without a university degree.
How can I move into a higher paying role?
Target roles one band above your current title where you already meet most requirements, then close the one or two named gaps. A CV match score shows which higher paying ads you are already close to.
