What are the highest paying jobs in Australia and why does it matter? After the past couple of years, it’s understandable that many people have looked to make changes in their lives. Our financial security has a significant impact on other personal areas of our lives, and as such, looking for a better-paying job is only natural.
The pandemic marked a period in which we assessed our own situations – both personal and professional – and whether or not we were happy with them. The jobs we worked formed an integral part of that introspection.
Because of this, many people have looked (and continue to look now) for a change in their careers. But if you’re going to transition to a different profession, it’s nice if it also pays well at the same time. With that in mind, we’ve researched best-paying jobs in Australia, as of 2022.
A Quick Overview of the Australian Economy in 2022
A report from KPMG from June this year found that, although overall GDP increased by just under 1% in the first quarter of 2022, inflation is rapidly accelerating in Australia, which in turn, is squeezing the cost of living.
Note: the salaries below are based on median figures.
1. Surgeon
The average median salary for Australian surgeons is just under $200,000 ($194,289 to be exact) according to au.talent.com. There is a reason surgeons are paid so well and that’s due to the difficulty of the job. Having to work with immaculate precision under the most pressurised of circumstances is neither easy nor for the faint-hearted.
Becoming a surgeon requires a huge level of commitment in that you’ll have to undergo training for a minimum of 5 to 6 years before becoming fully qualified. That said, if saving and transforming lives is something that you feel passionate about, then it is an incredibly worthwhile career to pursue.
2. Project Manager
The beauty of project management is that it can be applied to virtually all sectors, industries, and niches. This makes it one of the more accessible professions on this list. Project managers can expect to earn a median salary of $123,755 (with a low of $104,795 and a high of $160,420).
Project management has a much lower barrier to entry compared to that of a surgeon, and there is an abundance of online and on-campus university courses – both short and longer term – that you can access to start you on your project management journey.
3. Legal Counsel
A legal counsel provides an employer with a comprehensive range of legal advice and information, as well as keeping CEOs and executive board members up to date with any changes in laws that might affect the company in question. Legal counsels can expect to make a median salary of $133,373.
It is worth noting that the field of legal counselling is among the more advanced legal positions, so if you’re looking for something which is slightly more accessible, then training as a solicitor (average median salary: $111,734) or lawyer (average median salary: $117,500) is also worth considering.
4. Data Analyst
We’re living in a world increasingly jam-packed full of digital data; nearly everything we do in our lives these days is contingent on the exchange, storage, or processing of data in one way or another.
Because of this, data analysts have become increasingly in demand in recent times, and as such, they receive a nice salary to go along with it. What’s more, there are a variety of introductory, short and taster courses you can try to see if a career in data is right for you.
Data analysts in Australia make a median salary of $104,356 whilst the more senior position of data manager has a median salary of $129,875, showing that there’s ample scope for financial progression within this particular sector.
5. Finance Dealer
Financial dealers specialise in analysing market trends and buying and selling stocks, commodities, and other assets, on behalf of a client (or, in some instances, for themselves). Finance dealers need to understand behavioural decision-making as well as rationality and incentives in decision-making.
In order to be a successful dealer, you need to possess effective communication skills, clarity of thought – particularly under pressure – and the confidence to take risks.
The average median salary for an Australian finance/financial dealer is $130,000. If you want to consider a similar position, but with a more in-house focus, then you’ll be pleased to know that Australian financial directors have an average median salary of $137,205 (with a high of $218,348).
Changing careers can be a daunting process, but by taking the small first step of enrolling in an online course, you’ve set yourself off on that pathway towards a future career. Have a look at UTS Open’s full range of short-courses, and find your next course.
