Top 22 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia in 2024!

What are the Highest Paying Medical Jobs in Australia?

If you are thinking about what is the highest paying job in Australia? Then, to answer your question, we would like to say most of the highest paying jobs in Australia belong to the medical and healthcare fields. This comes as no surprise given their rigorous work schedule, hard work, and gratifying purpose. To assist you in evaluating your career ambitions, the job market, and the most demanding occupations in Australia, we have created a list of the top 20 highest paying jobs in Australia. Here are a few of the best paying jobs in Australia in the medical field.

1. Surgeon

Salary: AUD 425,000 - AUD 500,400/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Preoperative diagnosis, operating, postoperative surgical care and treatment
Skills Needed: Specialist knowledge, communication skills, extensive experience, leadership skills, emotional resilience
Qualification: 

1. Obtain a recognised university degree in medicine
2. A year-long clinical internship program
3. Finish a residency program in one or more years
4. Apply for the five-year Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZA) vocational training program
5. Once FANZA is completed you are a fully qualified anaesthetist.

Surgeons consult, examine, and operate on patients with illnesses, wounds, or physical deformities. This profession is considered one of the highest paying jobs in Australia. Numerous kinds of surgeons possess different levels of experience and training qualifications. Neurosurgeons are the highest-paid medical experts, followed by reconstructive surgeons (Surgeon for complex wounds) with a salary of AU$600,269 and ophthalmologists (EYE Doctor) with a salary of AU$533,511. 

2. Anaesthetist

Salary: AUD 380,000 - AUD 400,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Anaesthetic plans, initiating anaesthesia in the operating room, monitoring patients, reversing anaesthesia
Skills Needed: Strong interpersonal communication skills & 8-9 years of experience
Qualification:

1. A degree in economics, finance, accounting, or commerce
2. Apply to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for the necessary license
3. Once approved, you can begin trading as a financial dealer

You might be familiar with the phrase "knock 'em dead." Well, an Anaesthetic, one of Australia’s most in demand jobs, does that, not the dead part, of course; they just knock you out. Anaesthetists are also considered one of the top paying jobs in Australia. They prepare surgical patients for their procedure, which includes pain relief, surgery preparation, and implementing a patient care plan before, during, and after the process. 

3. Internal Medicine Specialist

Salary: Upto AUD 304,750/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Prescribe medication and therapy, treat illness, disease, or injury
Skills Needed: Strong medical knowledge, clinical skills, patient-centred care, time management, empathy and compassion
Qualification: 

1. Obtain a recognised university degree in medicine
2. Finish a rigorous three-year internal medicine residency. Get three years of full-time training in adult internal medicine
3. The supervisory committee will suggest that you be admitted to Fellowship after you have successfully fulfilled the requirements of your Advanced Training
4. The Royal Australasian College of Physicians will invite you to apply for a fellowship in your division, faculty, or chapter

Internal medicine professionals are prepared to identify, manage, and resolve complex, occasionally challenging health issues. It is considered one of the highest paying jobs in Australia. They frequently consult with other doctors and might have specialities in rheumatology, infectious diseases, cardiology, or geriatric medicine. Any day, one of the most in demand jobs in Australia.

4. Psychiatrist

Salary: Upto AUD 235,558/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Treatments or psychological therapies, creating medical treatment plans
Skills Needed: Communication, active listening, leadership, logical reasoning, problem-solving, critical thinking
Qualification:

1. Obtain a recognised university degree in medicine 
2. Become a licensed healthcare professional 
3. Submit an application to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) to pursue additional training and sit for the RACP written and clinical exams
4. Continue your specialised training for a further six years

Psychiatrists are licensed physicians with training in mental health, and it's one of the most high paying jobs in Australia. They specialise in the diagnosis and assessment of mental disorders. Psychiatrists, one of the well paying jobs Australia specialise in identifying and treating mental diseases like schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction by ordering laboratory tests, conducting assessments, prescribing medicine, and checking patients into hospitals. 

5. Cardiologist

Salary: Upto AUD 351,827/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Diagnose disorders and diseases of the cardiovascular system, conduct diagnostic testing disease-management plans, & prescribe medicines
Skills Needed: Excellent interpersonal skills, supreme confidence, decision-making abilities
Qualification:

1. A degree in medicine
2. Some universities in Western Australia offer relevant courses. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information
3. Apply to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) to undertake further training and ultimately receive a Fellowship
4. After getting degree, you must work in the public hospital system for a minimum of two years (internship and residency)

Cardiologists are doctors who specialise in the prevention, detection, and treatment of cardiac diseases. As one of the high salary jobs in Australia, this field has some of the highest-paid doctors in Australia. They are specialists in the arteries and veins that transport blood and the heart muscle. This high-stakes job pays well and involves everything from administering tests to performing procedures; hence, it is one of the highest paying jobs in Australia.

What are the Highest Paying Business Jobs in Australia?

If you have ever asked yourself this question: What good will a business degree do to me in Australia? The answer is a lot! The possibilities are endless, and getting the pay is also generous if you study from the best business schools in Australia. Here are some of the highest paying jobs in Australia that you should consider while planning your business career. 

6. Project Manager

Salary: AUD 106,954 - AUD 165,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Plan and develop the project idea, create and lead your dream team, monitor projects, solve issues, & stakeholder satisfaction
Skills Needed: Project management, risk management, communication, negotiation, problem-solving, decision-making, Leadership
Qualification: 

1. Undergraduate degree in Business Management
2. Postgraduate degree in Project Management
3. Industry-recognised certification related to Project Management 

The demand for project managers is growing quickly across various industries, making it one of Australia's most in demand jobs. There is a lack of qualified project managers in Australia's large corporations and companies, stalling many big and ambitious company projects. As a project manager, you will manage specific projects of an organisation from its start to the execution phase. Tasks like supervising the entire project, coordinating, planning, and ensuring timely delivery within the allocated budget will be some of the core responsibilities.

7. Sales Manager

Salary: AUD 80,000 - AUD 170,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Building and leading a team of salespeople to help drive revenue
Skills Needed: Communication, negotiation, problem-solving, decision-making, & leadership
Qualification: A bachelor's degree in a relevant subject such as economics, marketing, management, or communications 

Sales Manager is considered one of the highest paying jobs in Australia. The country is actively hiring highly qualified sales experts who can work in various industries. They not only oversee sales plans and increase sales, but they also analyse data to support strategic decision-making and provide team training. In some cases, sales managers, one of the most in demand jobs in Australia are also given the additional responsibility of hiring and training sales associates. 

8. ‍Digital Marketing Manager

Salary: AUD 80,000- AUD 170,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Planning digital marketing campaigns, maintaining social media presence, measuring and reporting on the performance
Skills Needed: Content marketing, social media marketing, communication, creativity, strategic thinking, & advertising
Qualification: 

1. An undergraduate degree in business, psychology, communication, commerce and marketing 
2. A postgraduate qualification in digital communication, data analytics, or digital marketing to improve your skills
3. Gain experience through internships and entry-level roles

Generally speaking, a digital marketer is in charge of creating brand recognition and leads via a range of digital platforms. Among the digital channels are company websites and social media networks such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. It is considered one of the high earning jobs in Australia. A digital marketer must also use measurable analytics to pinpoint flaws and devise solutions for enhancing performance across various channels. You may choose to concentrate on one area of a company's digital strategy, or you might oversee all of them in this capacity.

9. Business Analysts

Salary: AUD 99,431- AUD 141,326/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Solution design and evaluation, stakeholder management, quality assurance and testing, requirement elicitation and analysis
Skills Needed: Communication, business analysis, data analysis, problem-solving, & business intelligence
Qualification: 

1. Complete a qualification like the Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50220) or a Bachelor of Business
2. Relevant work experience in handling data and analytics

An Individual with extensive business insight, experience, and knowledge can easily become a business analyst, one of the highest paying jobs in Australia. Suppose you were to spend a day in that position. Some of your responsibilities might include streamlining company procedures, conducting analyses, and conducting research to solve business problems and spotting roadblocks. 

10. Business Development Manager

Salary: AUD 90,000- AUD 150,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Setting goals and developing plans for business and revenue growth; researching, planning, and implementing new targets; researching prospective accounts; pursuing leads
Skills Needed: Communication, negotiation, problem-solving, decision-making, Leadership, risk management
Qualification: 

1. An undergraduate or master's degree in business, economics, commerce, finance, or marketing; experience in sales, marketing, or customer service roles
2. A bachelor's degree in economics, business, marketing or commerce after year 12 

One of the high salary jobs in Australia, a business development manager looks to develop a business by exploring new opportunities to grow in relation to markets, partnerships, products, and services to fill any market gaps. This role purely focuses on executing strategies and leading plans to profitability and growth. It is definitely one of the highest paying jobs in Australia. As an international student, you will have to apply for a PSW visa to work in Australia legally. Check out how to apply for a PSW visa in Australia.

What are the Highest paying finance jobs in Australia?

Finance has recently seen the light of a booming and globally expanding career field. If you have a knack for finance and need to fast-track your climb in the corporate world and want a place in the highest paying jobs in Australia, then finance is the career for you.

11. IT Portfolio Manager 

Salary: AUD 127,931- AUD 159,802/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Manage interactions with internal and external auditors; responsible and accountable for the stability, performance, production, compliance, & roadmap strategy
Skills Needed: Strong emotional control, competitive spirit, decisive, analytical ability, Anticipation, & communication
Qualification: 

1. A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, commerce, economics, or business
2. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a master's degree in finance
3. A financial internship
4. Get certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder

The benefits of investing have gained momentum in the past few years. Everyone has understood the importance of wise investing in the company's IT department, and so portfolio managers are needed. As this profession is one of the top paying jobs in Australia, an IT portfolio manager's skill set relies on the "art of investing." They are duly responsible for handling investments, implementing strategies, and helping meet the financial goals of the IT department by reducing costs, minimising risks, and promoting growth. 

12. Financial Dealer

Salary: AUD 130,000- AUD 150,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Market in securities, underwrite securities, investment services to investors
Skills Needed: Good communication and relationship-building skills, making calculations quickly, Aptitude for using computers, working independently, Analytical and planning skills
Qualification: 

1. An accredited undergraduate degree in finance, accounting, economics or business
2. A postgraduate finance degree
3. Apply for a relevant licence from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)

Financial Dealer is yet another one of the highest demand jobs Australia. There is a call for financial dealers all over Australia! Many financial advisory services, financial institutions, and banks are on the lookout for qualified and experienced financial dealers. The lists of tasks taken up by a financial dealer are long; on a busy day, they usually engage themselves in buying and selling activities, checking market conditions, collecting information on security, predicting financial conditions for clients, and developing a list of appropriate investments. 

13. Finance Analyst

Salary: AUD 135,000 - AUD 300,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Analyses business and financial data, creates financial models, develops financial plans, & analyses industry trends
Skills Needed: Accounting, communication, problem solving, data analysis, financial analysis, & risk management
Qualification: 

1. An undergraduate or master's degree in Finance, Commerce, or Economics. Strong work experience in finance and economics would also be preferred.
2. An internship 
3. CPA or Chartered Accountant credentials are preferred by the majority of Australian businesses for finance analysts

Next on our list of highest paying jobs in Australia is Finance Analyst. For individuals who enjoy dealing with financial data, becoming a finance analyst is a great career choice. It's also the highest paying job in Australia, which may be the perfect country to work for in this sector due to the industry's high demand. As one of the highest salary jobs in Australia, the role consists of giving financial advice and insights based on the interpretation of data, projections, and information. 

14. Investment Banking Associate   

Salary: Upto AUD 210,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Valuation analyses, execution of client transactions, initiating strategic financial transactions, & presenting financial information
Skills Needed: Communication, problem-solving, data analysis, financial analysis, & risk management
Qualification: 

1. A bachelor's degree in business, commerce, accounting, and economics with a major in banking and finance 
2. An MBA in finance 

If the world of finance and investment in the Australian market attracts you, then Investment Banking Associate, one of the best paying jobs in Australia is just for you! As an Investment Banking Associate, most of your work will be client-facing, i.e. assisting clients, providing appropriate support, and improving rates of satisfaction and efficiency. Investment Banking Associates will help you find opportunities for investing by screening your investment history and helping you understand your investment objectives and needs, making it one of the highest paying jobs in Australia in the finance sector.

15. Credit Analyst 

Salary: AUD 86,625 - AUD 136,275/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Gathers and analyses loan applicants' financial data to evaluate risk, evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals, & collaborate with other financial experts
Skills Needed: Knowledge of commercial credit products, attention to detail, analytical and critical thinking skills, quantitative skills, & time management, & multitasking skills
Qualification: 

1. A bachelor's degree in finance or accounting
2. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program

Nobody likes taking any risks, not you, not me, or a big entity or company like HSBC, Barclay's and American Express. This is where credit analysts, one of the highest demand jobs in Australia, come into the picture. A person who is in a designated post of Credit Analyst helps companies lower their risks by determining the potential risk factors while borrowing and lending money, assessing data, and looking at market trends. 

What are the Highest Paying Legal Jobs in Australia

A career in Law is an amalgamation of pure dedication and hard work. However, a successful lawyer has the potential to earn wonders not only in terms of financial substance but also fame and credibility in society. The law field definitely has some of the highest paying jobs in Australia; let's discuss a few job titles below:

16. Real Estate Lawyer

Salary: AUD 119,160 - AUD 188,798/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Prepare and review legal documents relating to real estate, negotiate the terms and conditions of real estate, & facilitate the transfer of titles
Skills Needed: Contract expertise in property management, lease agreements, agreements to sell, communication
Qualification: 

1. A Bachelor of Law (LLB) undergraduate degree or a Juris Doctor (JD) postgraduate degree
2. Complete Practical Legal Training (PLT)
3. Apply for a Practising Certificate from the local Law Society
4. Complete 18 to 24 months of supervised practice at a law firm (not compulsory)

Being a real estate lawyer offers a lot of stability, and it is also one of the highest paying jobs in Australia. It is termed as one of the top paying jobs in Australia since it can gather a large clientele. Property law does pay handsomely but often requires a lot of exposure and experience. Hence the highest paid job Australia. 

17. Corporate Lawyer

Salary: AUD 200,000 - AUD 300,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Ensuring a company's transactions comply with corporate laws and regulations, preparing documents, assessing partnerships, & negotiating deals
Skills Needed: Business awareness, negotiation skills, knowledge of company law, & communication skills
Qualification: 

1. A Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree
2. Practical Legal Training, practising Certificate from the local Law Society

Corporate Law is also one of the most high paying jobs in Australia; one can pursue it via a certificate, diploma, or degree. Corporate lawyers help businesses and corporations with stakeholders, investors, and directors. They handle any legal issues. In fact, employees at the associate level are also paid highly.

18. Criminal Defence Lawyer

Salary: AUD 122,000 - AUD 300,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Negotiation and settlement, case analysis and strategy, & legal research and preparation
Skills Needed: Adaptability, thinking critically, negotiation skills, leadership skills, & working under pressure
Qualification: 

1. A Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree
2. Practical Legal Training in Criminology or an LLM degree for this best paying jobs in Australia

Being a Criminal Defence Lawyer is a tough profession. One might experience many sleepless nights, ample courtroom trials, and always a strong case to defend. With heavy power comes heavy responsibility, and hence, it can definitely be termed as one of the highest paying jobs in Australia. 

What are the Highest Paying Engineering Jobs in Australia

Engineering was the profession of yesterday and will be the profession of tomorrow. The value an engineering degree holds is immeasurable. It is no secret that engineering offers some of the best paying jobs in Australia 

19. Software Engineering

Salary: AUD 57,000 - AUD 120,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Analyse user requirements, write and test code, research, & design and write new software programs
Skills Needed: Communication, programming, coding, design, problem-solving, & project management
Qualification: 

1. A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field
2. Professional certification in project management (PMP, PRINCE2) or specific technologies (AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect) 
3. Master's Degree in Software Engineering

Tech industry employees have some of the highest paying jobs in Australia. A software engineer's vital role is front-end and back-end software development. They indulge in activities such as designing, testing, and developing software. They truly are some of the most important employees in an organisation. The career prospects of a software engineer are advantageous and profitable.

20. Mechanical Engineer

Salary: AUD 55,000 - AUD 110,000/annum
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Analysis, plan, assess, establish, operate, and sustain mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements, & applying knowledge of engineering principles
Skills Needed: Maths knowledge, design skills, analytical thinking skills, attention to detail, & knowledge of physics
Qualification: 

1. Bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering
2. Entry-level experience
3. Certifications in the field of engineering

Mechanical Engineer jobs are one of the highest paying jobs in Australia for a reason. They are expected to put in a lot of hard work in manufacturing, testing, and designing machines. They are solely judged on their technical abilities and experience. This job also involves a lot of risk and immense dedication towards projects.

Highest Paying Jobs in Australia Without a Degree

While many high paying jobs in Australia require a recognised university degree, there are still good opportunities in the country for those without any formal qualifications. These roles look for practical skills, experience, and industry certifications over academic credentials. Let’s now look ar some of the best paying jobs in Australia without a degree. 

21. Marketing Managers

Average Salary: AUD 100,000 - AUD 120,000 per year
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Create and implement marketing plans, analyse market trends, maintain brand identity, & manage and guide marketing team members
Skills Needed: Strategic thinking, analytical skills, project management leadership, & collaboration 

Marketing management is a rewarding career path that ranks among the highest paying jobs in Australia without a degree requirement. It presents an excellent opportunity for those seeking high-paying unskilled jobs in Australia, offering a chance to excel in a dynamic and fast-paced field. Marketing Managers play a crucial role in understanding market trends, analysing customer behaviour, and developing effective strategies to drive revenue generation for organisations.

22. Safety Consultant

Average Salary: AUD 101,262 per year
Primary Responsibilities/Duties: Identifying and evaluating potential hazards, creating and updating safety policies, & conducting regular safety inspections
Skills Needed: Technical knowledge, risk assessment, communication skills, & problem solving

Safety consultancy emerges as one of the well paying jobs Australia without a degree requirement, presenting an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking high-paying unskilled jobs in Australia. Safety Consultants, also known as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Officers, play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and secure work environment for employees. With responsibilities ranging from identifying hazards to implementing and reviewing safety policies, this role offers a challenging yet rewarding career path for those with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to employee well-being.

Top Regions for Highest Paying Jobs in Australia

Australia offers a range of employment opportunities across its vast landscape. While major cities have traditionally been the hubs for top paying jobs in Australia, recent shifts in economic focus and lifestyle preferences have expanded the playing field. Below are the top regions for highest paying jobs in Australia.  

How to find the highest paying jobs in Australia?

There are numerous avenues for finding the highest paying jobs in Australia. International students can access career portals specific to their universities, where job listings are available. Additionally, they can explore:

1. Professional networking websites
2. Career fairs
3. Social networking platforms
4. Job search websites
5. Continuing employment with their internship provider (Explore popular part-time jobs in Australia)

Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Visa Requirements

The term 'Visa' is used in immigration and is mandated by the Australian Government. To secure top paying jobs in Australia, you must meet specific eligibility criteria that will allow you to remain in the country and explore opportunities swiftly. Australia offers a wealth of opportunities with the best earning jobs in Australia, including well-paying positions. International students, leveraging their academic achievements and prior work experience, have various options to secure high income jobs Australia. 

In a nutshell, Australia offers a diverse array of highest paying jobs opportunities across multiple sectors. While these roles often demand extensive education, specialised skills, and years of experience, they reward dedicated professionals with substantial salaries and growth. As the country’s economy continues to evolve, staying informed about industry trends and continuously developing skills will help you secure the best paying jobs in Australia.