Dream Jobs in Australia: 10 Professions with the Highest Salaries

The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed new data showing that the average wage in Australia now exceeds $90,000 per year, and the Australia’s minimum wage reaches $21.38 per hour or $812.44 per week starting in July 2022. The question is, what are the highest paying jobs in Australia? Let’s explore the list of highest paying jobs in the country.

You might not be surprised to learn that medical professions make up nearly half of Australia’s list of the highest-paying jobs. However, there are also other occupations across a wide range of industry sectors that are listed as big earners. Read on to know who they are.

Related: Other Than Skills, You Need a Visa for Work in Australia

1. General Counsel

Law is undoubtedly a high-paying field, with general counsels at the top of the list among other legal professionals. Not to mention those who work for ASX companies, meaning you have been recruited to work for a specific business.

A general counsel is the head lawyer of a legal division within a government organization or company. At the very least, it typically takes seven years of professional experience to reach this position. In-house general counsels earn an average salary of around $400,000 to $550,000 per year..

2. Surgeon

Regardless of the country, medical professionals almost always dominate the list of high earners. And surgeons come out on top among other medical practitioners with an average salary of $394,303 per year, or around  $4,583 per week after tax.

However, this average income is not definite as there are numerous types of surgeons. The type of surgery, competencies, and credentials also influence the annual salary of surgeons. Of all these medical practitioners, neurosurgeons come out as the highest paid profession, with a yearly salary of around $250,000 – $550,000.

3. Anesthetist

Anesthetists are professionals who help in preparing surgical patients to get ready for their procedures. These include providing pain relief, preparing the surgery, and putting in place a plan for aftercare for the patient.

With all those complexities, it comes out as no surprise that anesthetists are one of the highest paid jobs in Australia, with not more than 3,400 individuals in the job, according to the report released by the Australian Taxation Office.

• Public hospitals: $300,000 to $450,000 per year, including on-call pay
• Private practice: $600,000 to $800,000 per year, with some exceeding $1 million.
• Regular in-hours work: $150 to $200 per hour.
• More experienced anesthetists: $250 per hour or more.

4. General Manager

Suppose you are devoid of any medical aptitude. In that case, you will be happy to learn that many well-paying positions are available in Australia’s thriving construction sector. As their title indicates, general managers are responsible for all business operations. 

General managers oversee the budget resource allocation, policy creation, employee supervision, process improvement, and vendor relations.

• $150,000 to $250,000: This is the typical salary range for General Managers in smaller companies or less specialized industries.
• $250,000 to $400,000: This is the typical salary range for General Managers in medium-sized companies or more specialized industries.
• $400,000 to $600,000: This is the typical salary range for General Managers in large companies or highly specialized industries.
• $600,000+: This is the salary range for General Managers in very large companies or highly specialized industries, or for those with exceptional experience or qualifications.

5. Internal Medicine Specialist 

Internal medicine specialists are professionally trained individuals who identify, manage, and administer treatment for complex health conditions. They often work with other medical professionals and may specialize in areas such as infectious diseases, cardiology, rheumatology, or geriatric medicine.

Internal medicine professionals may earn an average of  $304,752 a year or $3,670 a week after tax. However, the average income differs according to the specializations.

• Public hospitals: A$250,000 to A$350,000 per year, including on-call pay.
• Private practice: A$400,000 to A$500,000 per year, with some exceeding A$600,000.
• Regular in-hours work: A$120 to A$150 per hour.
• More experienced specialists: A$180 per hour or more.

6. Financial Dealer

Coming from the financial field that is included in the list of highest paying jobs in Australia is financial dealers. They are stockbrokers and other financial professionals who purchase and sell assets on behalf of their clients.

They are also in charge of analyzing market conditions, social trends, government regulations, and their clients’ financial situations before selling or purchasing.

• Entry-level: A$80,000 to A$120,000 per year
• Mid-level: A$150,000 to A$250,000 per year
• Senior-level: A$300,000 to A$500,000 per year
• Top Performers: A$1 million+ per year (including bonuses)

7. Psychiatrist

Coming up at number 7 are psychiatrists who, according to the Australian government, there will be a massive shortage of professionals in this field by 2030. Psychiatrists are experts in identifying and treating mental health conditions.

They perform psychotherapy, develop treatment plans, prescribe medication, admit patients to facilities, and prescribe medication.

• Public hospitals: A$300,000 to A$400,000 per year, including on-call pay.
• Private practice: A$450,000 to A$600,000 per year, with some exceeding A$800,000.
• Regular in-hours work: A$150 to A$200 per hour.
• More experienced Psychiatrists: A$220 per hour or more.

8. Mining Engineer

If you are wondering what are the highest paying jobs in Australia outside the medical field, then the answer would be engineers. Mining engineers, for example, are in charge of identifying, planning, and monitoring the mine construction.

• Entry-level: A$100,000 to A$120,000 per year
• Mid-level: A$130,000 to A$170,000 per year
• Senior-level: A$180,000 to A$250,000 per year
• Chief Mining Engineers and Executives: A$300,000+ per year

9. Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer

A managing director or CEO is the highest senior executive role in a corporation. They are in charge of overseeing the organization’s operations, resources, and manpower. Obviously, salaries for these positions can vary greatly depending on the company. Managing directors and CEOs are by far the most prevalent professions in Australia.

Managing Director:

• Small to medium companies: A$200,000 to A$350,000 per year
• Large companies: A$350,000 to A$500,000 per year
• Highly specialized industries or exceptional performance: A$500,000+ per year

Chief Executive Officer:

• Small to medium companies: A$300,000 to A$450,000 per year
• Large companies: A$450,000 to A$700,000 per year
• Highly profitable companies or established executives: A$700,000+ per year

10. Engineering Manager

Depending on the organization they work for, engineering managers are responsible for supervising teams of engineers, organizing technical functions, construction projects, and civil engineering. Their day-to-day duties often include budgeting, scheduling, and creating quality and safety protocols.

• Public hospitals: A$190,000 to A$210,000 per year
• Private companies: A$210,000 to A$250,000 per year, with some exceeding A$300,000

Learn More About Careers in Australia

As you can see, general counsel is the highest paying profession in Australia, and medical jobs dominate the list of top earners. However, there are still plenty of occupations across a wide range of fields that offer a stable long-term future and competitive salary. Many Australians have pursued rewarding professions with significant earning potential. Why shouldn’t you? 

ou can start off by figuring out the list of highest paying jobs in Australia, as mentioned above, and opt for one that fits your educational background and professional experience. To broaden your insight about careers in this country, you may also have a look at the articles about the lowest paying jobs in Australia and high-demand jobs in Australia. 

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