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Highest Paying Jobs in Australia

highest paying jobs in australia
Chapter 1

Overview

You can be a recent high school graduate seeking a job, a recent layoff or small company owner affected by the global epidemic, or simply looking for a career move you’re enthusiastic about. Whatever it is, taking control of employment trends is vital for people at all stages of their careers, and knowing which jobs pay the most per year can go a long way toward determining which path you will take. Based on average tax income with over 14 million Australians, we’ve created a list of the highest-paying jobs in Australia.

Why Work and Live in Australia?

Thriving Economy

The country’s economy is booming and growing steadily. It has the world’s 13th largest economy and the tenth greatest per capita income. It has a relatively low unemployment rate of 5%. Even for contract workers, the country has the highest minimum pay. People with specialised knowledge and skills are always in demand, and the developing economy provides ample career prospects.

Visa Options 

For workers, Australia has a variety of visa alternatives. Workers are granted visas by the government depending on their qualifications or professional skills. Employer-sponsored visas are available for temporary or permanent employment.

Pension Benefits

Some pension benefits are available to migrants who work and live in Australia. If you wish to receive these benefits, you must be at least 18 years old and live in the United States. People working in Australia have access to the Superannuation Fund, a retirement funds account.

Quality of Life

Australia has a higher standard of living. Citizens have access to a well-functioning healthcare system as well as a social assistance system. Apart from that, even in major cities, population density is low. It ranks third among countries with the lowest population density, with 6.4 persons per square mile.

Australia is a multicultural society, with individuals from all over the world migrating to and living in the country. In fact, 43% of Australians were born abroad or have parents who were born abroad.

It is a good spot to settle down because of the clean air, temperate climate, and natural habitats.

Safe Environment

The country has among the lowest crime rates in the world, as well as a well-functioning police force. This entails a safe and secure environment in which you can stay without fear.

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How to Get a Job in Australia?

Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities

You must understand and be aware of your rights and duties in order to work in Australia. As an Australian employee, you are entitled to paid time off, minimum wage, and workplace health and welfare.

Research and Job Plan

It is critical to undertake extensive study using the finest job search sites in Australia before applying for a job and to devote the maximum time to your job hunt.

Be an effort to learn as much as you can about the Australian hiring process, and make sure to look into potential employers, industries, and the local job market. This will allow you to make more informed decisions and demonstrate that you understand the job criteria, company culture, and values.

Networking 

Several occupations for overseas students are not promoted online or in the media, even in today’s environment. As a result, it’s critical to expand your network and seek out contacts you’ve made in Australia.

For example, if you have made a relationship within an organisation, let that person know when you file your job application.

Find Your Strengths

Discover other unique selling features that will set you apart from other applicants by evaluating your strengths and talents that you can give an employer.

Consider all of the abilities you’ve acquired as an international student, such as understanding of other markets and enterprises, language skills, the capacity to adapt to various surroundings, cultural awareness, international experience, and so on.

Build Your Skill Set 

In contrast to your education in Australia, search for opportunities to develop skills that will be useful in your future work. You can gain volunteer experience, work part-time, or join a club or group at your university.

Always keep in mind that businesses in Australia place a high importance on extracurricular engagement because it indicates your ability to operate as part of a team. It also develops interpersonal skills that you may not have learned in school.

Prepare for Your Interview 

After your application has been approved, you must prepare for the interview. Interviews can take several forms, including phone or video conference interviews, participant observations, and casual lunches.

Whatever type of interview you have, the most essential thing is to be confident, ready, genuine, and always maintain a positive attitude.

Attend Onsite Interviews 

Try attending a face-to-face interview when you are summoned for one. Only a few companies will hire candidates without first meeting them in person. If you are unable to attend in person, you can arrange a video conference interview.

Do Not Wait for the Opportunity

Rather than waiting for the perfect job to come along, browse for work on the greatest job sites in Australia. Additionally, begin applying for and sending job applications for roles in the organisation that intrigue you, detailing your expertise and skills.

Chapter 2

Top 15 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia

All of the incomes shown in the list of high-paying jobs below are basic average annual wages, which indicates that employees in these occupations may make more than this amount each year thanks to bonuses and other advantages.

It’s no wonder that medical professionals and specialists have some of the highest paying jobs in Australia, given the high level of competence and training necessary.

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#1. General Counsel

Average Salary: $400,000

Industry Area: Legal

It’s no secret that the legal profession pays exceptionally well. This indicates that you have been engaged to work for that specific company instead of a law firm that offers legal services to businesses.

A general counsel is the head of a legal department, usually inside a corporation or government agency. This high-level post usually requires at least seven years of experience. In-house general counsels earn an average income package of $400,000 per year, or $4,795 per week.

Best Colleges 

  • The University of Melbourne.
  • The University of Sydney.
  • The University of New South Wales 
  • The Australian National University.
  • Monash University.
  • The University of Queensland.
  • The University of Adelaide.
  • The University of Western Australia.

#2. Anaesthetist

Average Salary: $386,065

Industry Area: Medical

With the amount of danger and intricacy involved, it’s no surprise that anaesthetists make a lot of money. Anesthetist’s are medical professionals who collaborate alongside surgeons to provide patients with general or local anesthesia.

Anesthetists make $386,065, or $4,647 per week after taxes, according to our calculations.

Best Universities

  • University of Melbourne.
  • Monash University, Melbourne.
  • Flinders University, South Australia.
  • Deakin University, Melbourne.
  • University of Tasmania 
  • University of Queensland 
  • University of Adelaide, South Australia.
  • James Cook University Medical School 

#3. Cardiologist

Average Salary: $351,827

Industry Area: Medical

Cardiologists are doctors who specialise in detecting and treating diseases of the heart and blood arteries. They earn a lot of money. This high-stakes position pays well for anything from administering testing to performing surgery.

Cardiologists in Australia make an average of $351,827 per year, or $222,838 after taxes. That works up to $4,285 each week!

Best Universities

  • University of Melbourne.
  • Monash University, Melbourne.
  • Flinders University, South Australia.
  • Deakin University, Melbourne.
  • University of Tasmania 
  • University of Queensland 
  • University of Adelaide, South Australia.
  • James Cook University Medical School

#4. General Manager/Project Manager

Average Salary: $350,000

Industry Area: Construction

General managers, as the name implies, are in charge of all aspects of a company’s business, including allocating financial resources, developing rules, supervising employees, refining administrative systems, and interacting with vendors.

General managers and project managers make $350,000 per year, which equates to $4,266 per week in take-home compensation.

Best Universities

  • Deakin College
  • James Cook University
  • Torrens University Australia
  • Engineering Institute of Technology 
  • University of South Australia 
  • La Trobe University
  • Curtin College
  • International College of Management, Sydney 
  • NIT Australia
  • Edith Cowan College 
  • Macquarie University
  • TAFE NSW

#5. Company Secretary

Average Salary: $342,500

Industry Area: Legal

It should come as no surprise that a profession in law may be extremely profitable. However, it may come as a surprise that the role of a business secretary outnumbers that of lawyers or attorneys! A business secretary keeps the company on track by providing legal, operational, and administrative support.

Company secretaries make $342,500 per year, or $217,708 after taxes, or $4,187 per week. A professional degree in business, law, accounting, or public administration is typically required of company secretaries.

Best Colleges 

  • The University of Melbourne.
  • The University of Sydney.
  • The University of New South Wales 
  • The Australian National University.
  • Monash University.
  • The University of Queensland.
  • The University of Adelaide.
  • The University of Western Australia.

#6. Head of operations

Average Salary: $325,000

Industry Area: Mining

A mining company’s Head of Operations manages operations, guaranteeing that resources are used effectively and that earnings are maximised. You can expect to earn $325,000 a year as a Head of Operations, or $208,083 after taxation. This equates to a weekly take-home salary of $4,002.

Professionals in this position often have at least 5 years of experience, have progressed through the ranks, and have earned professional credentials.

Best Universities

  • University of Wollongong
  • University of Technology Sydney 
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of Western Australia 
  • Monash University
  • University of Queensland
  • University of New South Wales 
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Sydney
  • Australian National University 

#7. Surgeon

Average Salary: $305,276

Industry Area: Medical

Preoperative diagnoses, procedures, and postoperative treatments are all performed by surgeons for a range of disorders. If a surgeon chooses to specialise, he or she must first work as a general surgeon.

The average pay for general surgeons is $305,276, which translates to $197,235 after taxes or $3,793 per week in your wallet.

Best Universities

  • University of Sydney.
  • Monash University.
  • University of Queensland Australia.
  • University of Melbourne.
  • University of New South Wales.
  • University of Adelaide.
  • University of Western Australia.

#8. Internal Medicine Specialist

Average Salary: $304,752

Industry Area: Medical

Medications, immunizations, and other non-surgical therapies are administered by internal medicine professionals, also known as general practitioners (GPs). You’ll usually be the first contact point for clients and, if required, recommend them to experts.

Internal medicine specialists earn a total of $304,752, or $196,947 after taxation, or $3,787 per week.

Best Universities

  • Monash University.
  • University of Queensland Australia.
  • University of New South Wales.
  • University of Western Australia.
  • University of Adelaide.
  • Australian National University.
  • University of Newcastle.
  • Queensland University of Technology.

#9. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Average Salary: $300,000

Industry Area: IT

Chief technology officers, once considered a “growing role,” are already in high demand. The rise of big data, the rise of AI, and the problems posed by COVID-19 are all driving the IT sector forward.

CTOs are in charge of an organization’s technical components and resources, as well as working toward technology advancement and assuring digital preparedness.

According to our calculations, CTOs earn $300,000 a year, $194,333 after taxation, or $3,737 per week.

Best Universities

  • University of Technology Sydney
  • University of Adelaide.
  • University of Sydney
  • University of New South Wales.
  • Australian National University. 
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Queensland 
  • Monash University.

#10. Head of Technology

Average Salary: $300,000 

Industry Area: IT

The head of technology, like the CTO, is in charge of a company’s technical components in order to accomplish growth goals. According to our calculations, a Head of Technology can earn $300,000 before taxes, or $194,333 after taxation. That’s $3,737 per week in take-home earnings!

Best Universities

  • University of New South Wales.
  • University of Technology Sydney.
  • University of Adelaide.
  • University of Sydney.
  • RMIT University.
  • Monash University.
  • Curtin University.
  • University of Queensland Australia.
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#11. Investment Director

Average Salary: $300,000

Industry Area: Finance

An investment director, often known as a fund manager, assists clients in maximising the value of their financial assets. Investment directors in the finance industry make $300,000 per year, which has traditionally been a high-paying position. This equates to a take-home pay of $194,333 per year, or $3,737 per week.

Best Universities

  • The University of New South Wales
  • The University of Melbourne
  • The University of Sydney
  • The Australian National University
  • Monash University
  • The University of Queensland 
  • Macquarie University. 51-100.
  • The University of Adelaide.

#12. Portfolio Manager

Average Salary: $280,000

Industry Area: Finance

In the IT sector, a portfolio manager oversees investments, initiatives, and activities related to the IT department. While IT portfolio managers make an average of $280,000 per year, or $3,526 per week, it’s a specialist and up-and-coming position, according to our data.

Best Universities

  • Monash University.
  • University of Sydney.
  • University of New South Wales.
  • University of Melbourne.
  • University of Queensland Australia.
  • Australian National University.
  • University of Technology Sydney.
  • Deakin University.

#13. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Average Salary: $280,000

Industry Area: Finance

Throughout history, the executive role of chief financial officer has typically paid well. According to our data, CFOs earn an average of $280,000 a year, or $3,526 per week after taxes. Keep in mind that CFOs frequently receive yearly bonuses, allowing them to earn a lot of money.

CFOs are in charge of overseeing an organization’s financial activities, such as cash flow management, financial planning, and analysis of the company’s strengths and weaknesses.

Best Colleges 

  • The University of Melbourne.
  • The University of Sydney.
  • The University of New South Wales
  • The Australian National University.
  • Monash University.
  • The University of Queensland.
  • The University of Adelaide.
  • The University of Western Australia.

#14. Head of Compliance

Average Salary: $280,000

Industry Area: Finance

The compliance officer ensures that an organisation follows policies and procedures, conducts audits, and develops control systems. In this high-level legal profession, you can expect to earn $277,500 per year, or $181,958 after taxes. Take-home compensation is $3,499 per week.

It takes several years of experience and a necessary qualification in conformity, risk management, or quality audits to become the head of compliance.

Best Universities

  • University of Western Australia.
  • University of Adelaide.
  • Australian National University.
  • The University of Sydney.
  • The University of New South Wales
  • The Australian National University.
  • Monash University.
  • The University of Queensland

#15. Financial Dealer

Average Salary: $277,500

Industry Area: Legal

Somebody who buys or sells goods and stocks for profit through their own name and with their own money is known as a financial dealer.

Financial dealers earn roughly $275,984 each year, or $3,483 per week after taxes, according to our statistics.

Most financial dealers have a bachelor’s degree in commerce, economics, finance, accounting, or actuarial science, while some do well with a vocational education. You’ll most probably work as a financial dealer in investing in the stock market firms, personal finance firms, banks, or accountancy firms.

Best Universities

  • The University of New South Wales
  • The University of Melbourne
  • The University of Sydney
  • The Australian National University 
  • Monash University
  • The University of Queensland 
  • Macquarie University
  • The University of Adelaide
Chapter 3

Living Cost in Australia

The living cost in Australia may be higher or lower, and this estimate excludes the cost of any cultural, sporting, or other recreational activities you might want to participate in, as well as any health or emergency expenses not covered by your private medical insurance or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Housing costs are at the top of the list, followed by house loans, rates, utilities, and maintenance. Food is the second most expensive item, followed by car expenses such as gas, insurance, registrations, parking, and public transportation fares.

Accommodation Costs

Hostels and guesthouses $90 to $150 per week
Shared rental $85 to $215 per week
On campus $90 to $280 per week
Homestay $235 to $325 per week
Rental $165 to $440 per week

Other Living Expenses

Groceries and eating out $80 to $280 per week
Gas and electricity $35 to $140 per week
Phone and Internet $20 to $55 per week
Public transport $15 to $55 per week
Car (ongoing cost) $150 to $260 per week
Entertainment: $80 to $150 per week

Conclusion

The job market in Australia is quite competitive. Particularly for foreigners, not all occupations and qualifications are in equal demand. The most in-demand sectors for foreigners include hospitality, building, and education. Which job role intrigued you the most? Let us know in the comments below.

We hope that this article was a great help to you in getting all the details about the jobs in Australia. Stay tuned for more and good luck!

Written by Madhurjya Chowdhury

Guided by Pavitra Srinivasan and the Galvanize In-house Experts

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