As a student planning your future, it’s important to know which careers offer the best pay. Understanding the highest to lowest-paying jobs in Australia can help you make smart choices about what to study and which career path to follow. Some of the highest-paying jobs are in areas like medicine, law, and technology. But not all well-paying jobs need a university degree, some just need the right skills or training.
On the other hand, some jobs pay less but can still be rewarding in other ways. In this guide, we’ll explore the highest to lowest-paying jobs in Australia in 2025, so you can see what options are out there and what kind of salary you might expect in different careers.
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Understanding Australia’s Salary Structure
As of 2025, the national minimum wage in Australia is AUD 25.20 per hour, equating to approximately AUD 980.00 per week for full-time employees. However, salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as industry, location, experience, and qualifications.
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Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia (2025)
Want to know which jobs pay the most in Australia? Here are the top 10 highest paying jobs in 2025 to help you choose your future career.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (AUD) | Key Requirements |
| Neurosurgeon | 661,000 | Medical degree, specialist training, extensive experience |
| Equity Partner (Legal) | 850,000 | Law degree, partnership in a law firm, significant experience |
| Chief Executive Officer | 700,000 | Business/management degree, leadership experience |
| Anaesthetist | 390,000 | Medical degree, specialist training |
| Ophthalmologist | 302,332 | Medical degree, specialist training in ophthalmology |
| Chief Financial Officer | 400,000 – 650,000 | Finance/accounting degree, extensive experience |
| Head of Compliance | Up to 500,000 | Legal/compliance background, leadership experience |
| IT Systems Architect | 140,000 | IT degree, experience in system design and architecture |
| Construction Manager | Up to 320,000 | Construction/engineering degree, project management skills |
| Nurse Practitioner | 140,000 – 155,000 | Nursing degree, advanced clinical training |
Mid-Level Paying Jobs in Australia
These jobs don’t pay the most, but they still offer good money and a stable future. Check out some mid-level paying jobs in Australia.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (AUD) | Key Requirements |
| Registered Nurse | 90,000 | Nursing degree, registration with relevant authority |
| Software Developer | 95,000 – 120,000 | IT degree, programming skills |
| Accountant (CPA) | 80,000 – 100,000 | Accounting degree, CPA certification |
| High School Teacher | 85,000 – 100,000 | Education degree, teaching certification |
| Electrician | Up to 200,000 | Electrical trade qualification, licensing |
Entry-Level and Lower Paying Jobs in Australia
Just starting out or looking for a beginner job? Here are some entry-level and lower-paying jobs in Australia that can help you gain experience and build your career.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (AUD) | Key Requirements |
| Checkout Operator | 52,187 | On-the-job training |
| Pharmacy Sales Assistant | 61,494 | Retail experience, basic pharmaceutical knowledge |
| Dishwasher | 54,524 | No formal qualifications required |
| Laundry Worker | 54,364 | On-the-job training |
| Fast-Food Cook | 54,938 | Basic food preparation skills |
| Admin Assistant | 55,000 – 60,000 | Organizational skills, basic computer literacy |
| Farm Assistant | 60,000 – 65,000 | Physical fitness, willingness to work outdoors |
| Childcare Worker | 55,000 – 65,000 | Childcare certification, patience, and care |
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Industry-Wise Average Salaries in Australia (2025)
Wondering how much people earn in different types of jobs? Here’s a look at the average salaries in Australia by industry in 2025.
| Industry | Average Annual Salary (AUD) |
| Healthcare & Medical | 85,000 – 400,000+ |
| Information Technology | 80,000 – 190,000 |
| Mining & Resources | 100,000 – 200,000+ |
| Financial Services | 90,000 – 180,000 |
| Engineering & Construction | 85,000 – 160,000 |
| Education & Training | 70,000 – 100,000 |
| Retail & Hospitality | 45,000 – 70,000 |
Tips to Get High-Paying Jobs in Australia
Dreaming of a high-paying job in Australia? While it takes hard work and planning, there are smart steps you can take to improve your chances. From gaining the right skills to building a strong network, these tips will guide you toward better opportunities and higher salaries in your career.
- Pick courses that are needed
- Study in areas like healthcare, IT, engineering, finance, or construction.
- Check Australia’s Skilled Occupation List to see which jobs are in demand.
- Get work experience early
- Do internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer in your field.
- This helps build your resume and skills.
- Learn soft skills
- Improve communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- These skills help you stand out to employers.
- Keep learning new technical skills
- Stay updated with the latest software and tools.
- Get certificates like cloud computing or project management to improve your chances.
- Build your network
- Join professional groups, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn.
- Networking can help you find jobs faster.
- Make your resume and cover letter strong
- Customize them for each job.
- Show your skills and achievements clearly.
- Prepare well for interviews
- Learn about the company and practice common questions.
- Be confident and polite.
- Know your visa and work rules
- Understand your visa conditions if you’re an international worker.
- Some visas limit work hours or job types.
- Think about where you want to work
- Big cities often have more jobs but also more competition.
- Regional areas may offer better pay or easier job opportunities.
- Be patient and keep trying
- Finding a good job takes time.
- Keep learning, applying, and improving your skills.
Australia offers a diverse range of employment opportunities with varying salary levels. High-paying roles typically require advanced education and experience, while entry-level positions provide pathways to gain experience and progress in one’s career. Understanding the salary landscape is essential for making informed decisions about education and employment in Australia.
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FAQs
The highest-paying jobs include roles like neurosurgeon, equity partner (law), CEO, anaesthetist, and CFO, with average salaries ranging from AUD 300,000 to over AUD 850,000.
Mid-level paying jobs include software developers, registered nurses, accountants, and teachers. These jobs usually pay between AUD 80,000 and AUD 120,000 per year.
Entry-level and lower-paying jobs include roles like checkout operator, dishwasher, fast-food cook, and admin assistant. These jobs often pay between AUD 50,000 and AUD 65,000 annually.
While salary is important, consider your interests, skills, and long-term growth. Some lower-paying jobs offer better work-life balance and job satisfaction.
No, some high-paying jobs like electricians, construction managers, and IT specialists can be achieved through trade qualifications or certifications.
Salary depends on your industry, location, experience, education level, and job demand. Urban areas often offer higher salaries but may also have a higher cost of living.
Yes, many healthcare roles, such as neurosurgeons, anaesthetists, and ophthalmologists, are among the top earners in the country.
Industries like healthcare, IT, and finance include both entry-level and executive roles, so they often have jobs across the entire salary spectrum.
Absolutely. Many people start in entry-level roles and work their way up by gaining experience, skills, and further education or training.
Understanding the salary range helps you make smarter decisions about what to study, which industry to enter, and how to plan your career for financial stability.
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