Highest Paying Jobs in Australia in 2025

What Really Counts as High Income?

Highest paying jobs in Australia are defined by how much they exceed the national average—and how consistently they deliver strong returns over time. As of 2025, the average full-time weekly earnings sit at AUD 1,923.40 (₹1.07 lakh) before tax, according to the latest data from the ABS. That’s roughly AUD 99,000 (₹55.3L) annually.

Jobs that offer AUD 150,000 (₹83.7L) or higher per year are often considered high-paying, especially if they come with long-term growth and skill-based demand. These roles are common in sectors like healthcare, law, engineering, finance, and tech—and salaries go even higher with specialization, licensing, or regional work incentives.

In this blog, you'll find the highest paying jobs in Australia in 2025, and what it takes to reach them.

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Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-australia/latest-release 

Australia recorded 14.5 million employed people in February 2025. Alongside this, the total monthly hours worked reached 1,980 million. These trends highlight a stable labor market with growing work participation and consistent economic activity.

Top 15 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia (2025)

Highest paying jobs in Australia in 2025 are largely in healthcare, law, tech, and executive roles. These careers demand years of education, licensing, or niche skills—but they also come with unmatched income potential.

We’ve ranked the highest paying jobs in Australia from 15 to 1 based on salary data, growth prospects, and demand.

Highest Paying Jobs in Australia

Rank	Job Title	Average Salary
15	Corporate Lawyer	AUD 130,000 (₹70L)
14	Data Scientist	AUD 135,000 (₹73L)
13	Financial Dealer (Traders/Brokers)	AUD 150,000 (₹80 Cr)
12	Pilot (Long Haul/Commercial)	AUD 153,000 (₹82L)
11	Construction Manager	AUD 170,000 (₹90L)
10	IT Security Architect	AUD 182,000 (₹98L)
9	Psychiatrist	AUD 220,000 (₹1.21 Cr)
8	IT Project Director	AUD 225,000 (₹1.24 Cr)
7	Engineering Manager	AUD 230,000 (₹1.27 Cr)
6	General Counsel (Legal Head)	AUD 240,000 (₹1.33 Cr)
5	Anaesthetist	AUD 260,000 (₹1.44 Cr)
4	CEO/Managing Director	AUD 280,000 (₹1.55 Cr)
3	Surgeon	AUD 310,000 (₹1.71 Cr)
2	Internal Medicine Specialist	AUD 320,000 (₹1.77 Cr)
1	Neurosurgeon	AUD 420,000 (₹2.33 Cr)

Source: Glassdoor

15. Corporate Lawyer

Average Salary: AUD 130,000 (₹70L)

Corporate lawyers handle mergers, contracts, risk mitigation, and governance for major companies. Salaries rise quickly with experience and firm reputation.

Why It Pays Well:

• Works in high-stakes financial/legal negotiations
• Handles compliance, IPOs, takeovers, and disputes
• Strong demand in Sydney and Melbourne

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14. Data Scientist

Average Salary: AUD 135,000 (₹73L)

Data scientists in Australia work across sectors like banking, retail, telecom, and health. They use Python, R, and cloud tools to interpret big data for business decisions.

Why It Pays Well:

• In-demand across nearly every industry
• Strong need for predictive modeling and AI integration
• Shortage of local talent

13. Financial Dealer (Traders, Brokers)

Average Salary: AUD 150,000 (₹80 Cr)

Financial dealers trade securities, foreign currencies, and other financial products. Many work in investment banks, hedge funds, or boutique trading firms.

Why It Pays Well:

• Works with high-value portfolios
• Long hours, real-time decisions
• Big performance bonuses tied to profits

12. Pilot (Long Haul/Commercial)

Average Salary: AUD 153,000 (₹82L)

Commercial pilots, especially those flying international routes, earn a strong six-figure salary in Australia. Roles include captains for major airlines, cargo carriers, and private charter services.

Why It Pays Well:

• Requires years of flight training and licensing
• High responsibility for passenger safety
• Irregular schedules and long-haul travel

11. Construction Manager

Average Salary: AUD 170,000 (₹90L)

Construction managers handle large-scale infrastructure, commercial or residential projects. They oversee timelines, budgets, compliance, and team management.

Why It Pays Well:

• Australia's infrastructure growth (especially in NSW and VIC)
• Complex logistics and project ownership
• Licensed professionals with 8–10+ years of experience earn higher

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10. IT Security Architect

Average Salary: AUD 182,000 (₹98L)

These professionals design and implement secure IT systems for corporations, governments, and banks. They're also involved in threat modeling and disaster recovery.

Why It Pays Well:

• Cybersecurity threats are rising
• High demand across finance, healthcare, and public sector
• Requires certifications like CISSP, CISM, or AWS Security

9. Psychiatrist

Average Salary: AUD 220,000 (₹1.21 Cr)

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Many work in hospitals, private clinics, or telehealth platforms.

Why It Pays Well:

• Medical specialization with long training
• Steady demand across urban and rural areas
• Private practice or consultancy adds income flexibility

8. IT Project Director

Average Salary: AUD 225,000 (₹1.24 Cr)

This role involves overseeing large-scale tech rollouts — cloud migration, cybersecurity upgrades, ERP implementations. Often works with cross-border teams and high budgets.

Why It Pays Well:

• High accountability and delivery pressure
• Mix of technical + strategic management
• Hiring strong in banking, logistics, and government projects

7. Engineering Manager

Average Salary: AUD 230,000 (₹1.27 Cr)

Engineering managers lead teams in mechanical, civil, electrical, or software disciplines. They align technical execution with business goals.

Why It Pays Well:

• Scarcity of experienced managers
• Strong demand in mining, energy, infrastructure
• Site-based roles offer higher pay than urban positions

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6. General Counsel (Legal Head)

Average Salary: AUD 240,000 (₹1.33 Cr)

The General Counsel is the top legal advisor in a company. They handle everything from legal strategy and compliance to contract negotiation and litigation.

Why It Pays Well:

• High-level decisions carry major business risk
• Role spans law, strategy, risk, and ethics
• Typically requires 10+ years of legal experience

5. Anaesthetist

Average Salary: AUD 260,000 (₹1.44 Cr)

Anaesthetists are medical specialists who manage anesthesia and pain control during surgery. Their role is crucial in surgical safety.

Why It Pays Well:

• Extensive training and certification
• Precision work under pressure
• High demand in hospitals and surgical centers

4. CEO/Managing Director

Average Salary: AUD 280,000 (₹1.55 Cr)

CEOs and MDs steer business direction, manage growth, and oversee all operations. Their salaries often include bonuses and equity options.

Why It Pays Well:

• High-stakes decision-making
• Performance-linked compensation
• Salary depends on industry and company size

3. Surgeon

Average Salary: AUD 310,000 (₹1.71 Cr)

Surgeons perform operations to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. They typically work in public hospitals, private practice, or both.

Why It Pays Well:

• Years of training and specialization
• Precision-driven, high-responsibility role
• Private surgeries bring extra income

2. Internal Medicine Specialist

Average Salary: AUD 320,000 (₹1.77 Cr)

These doctors manage complex medical cases—often for chronic, multi-system diseases. They usually work in hospitals, clinics, and private practice.

Why It Pays Well:

• Subspecialties like cardiology or oncology raise the bar
• Older population = consistent demand
• Many combine public roles with consulting work

1. Neurosurgeon

Average Salary: AUD 420,000 (₹2.33 Cr)

Neurosurgeons operate on the brain, spine, and nervous system. It’s one of the most demanding — and respected — roles in medicine.

Why It Pays Well:

• Requires over a decade of training
• High-stakes, high-precision surgeries
• Long hours, but unmatched expertise value

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Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Top Industries

Some industries in Australia consistently offer better pay across job roles—mainly due to demand, risk level, or required expertise. While your title and skills influence income, the industry you work in often sets the base salary range. 

Here's how different sectors compare in terms of average weekly earnings:

Weekly Salary by Industry

Industry	Avg Weekly Salary	Sample Job Roles
Mining	$2,656.30 (₹1.44L)	Miner, Driller, Geologist
Financial & Insurance Services	$2,116.20 (₹1.14L)	Accountant, Finance Manager, Insurance Broker
Professional, Scientific & Technical	$2,051.40 (₹1.11L)	Lawyer, Software Engineer, Veterinarian
Public Administration & Safety	$1,890.90 (₹1.02L)	Firefighter, Police Officer, Barrister
Education	$1,871.10 (₹1.01L)	School Principal, Lecturer, Special Ed Teacher
Construction	$1,734.10 (₹94K)	Project Estimator, Electrician, Site Manager
Healthcare & Social Assistance	$1,691.40 (₹92K)	Nurse, Dentist, Paramedic
Transportation	$1,690.80 (₹92K)	Pilot, Train Conductor, Logistics Analyst
Manufacturing	$1,557.10 (₹84K)	Equipment Technician, QA Specialist, Inspector
Arts & Recreation Services	$1,543.50 (₹83K)	Actor, Tour Guide, Musician
Admin & Support Services	$1,520.30 (₹82K)	HR Manager, Admin Assistant, Cleaner
Retail	$1,314.40 (₹71K)	Store Manager, Sales Rep, Delivery Driver
Accommodation & Food Services	$1,218.80 (₹66K)	Chef, Barista, Restaurant Manager

Mining and finance clearly dominate the chart, with weekly pay that’s significantly above the national average. If you're planning a switch, targeting industries with consistently high averages can widen your salary ceiling fast.

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Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Top Regions

Certain states and cities offer higher weekly earnings—especially in roles tied to mining, healthcare, or finance.

Here’s a look at how average salaries compare across major states:

Regional Salary: State vs City

Region	Avg Weekly Salary	Avg Annual City Salary
ACT	$2,126.50 (₹1.15L)	Canberra – $80,000 (₹43.6L)
Western Australia	$2,094.30 (₹1.13L)	Perth – $80,000 (₹43.6L)
NSW	$1,935.70 (₹1.05L)	Sydney – $82,000 (₹44.7L)
Victoria	$1,882.00 (₹1.03L)	Melbourne – $78,000 (₹42.5L)
Queensland	$1,901.00 (₹1.04L)	Brisbane – $76,000 (₹41.4L)
Northern Territory	$1,845.80 (₹1L)	Darwin – $74,000 (₹40.3L)
South Australia	$1,776.90 (₹96.7K)	Adelaide – $72,000 (₹39.2L)
Tasmania	$1,710.80 (₹93.3K)	Hobart – $67,000 (₹36.5L)

ACT tops the list for overall average earnings, followed closely by WA and NSW. Mining-heavy states like WA and NT also show a strong pay advantage, especially for technical and healthcare roles in regional or remote zones.

If you're open to relocation, choosing a high-paying state or city could help you unlock higher salaries—sometimes without changing your role.

Highest Paying Jobs in Australia That Don’t Require a Degree

You don’t always need a university degree to earn well in Australia. Some trades and licenses open the door to solid pay, especially if you’re willing to get hands-on.

Here are some highest paying jobs in Australia that don’t need a degree:

Top Jobs Without a Degree

Job Role	Avg Annual Salary	Entry Path
Electrician	$85,000 – $110,000 (₹46.3L – ₹59.8L)	Apprenticeship + State license
Plumber	$80,000 – $100,000 (₹43.6L – ₹54.5L)	Trade certification
Real Estate Agent	$65,000 – $120,000 (₹35.3L – ₹65.4L)	State license + short course
Construction Supervisor	$90,000 – $130,000 (₹49L – ₹70.9L)	Experience-based + cert IV
Miner or Driller	$120,000 – $150,000 (₹65.4L – ₹81.8L)	Mining induction + site training
Senior Barista/Café Mgr	$65,000 – $85,000 (₹35.3L – ₹46.3L)	Vocational training + experience
Truck Driver (Heavy Rigid)	$75,000 – $95,000 (₹40.9L – ₹51.8L)	HR/MC license + driving experience
Sales Executive (B2B)	$70,000 – $110,000 (₹38.2L – ₹59.8L)	Industry training + sales background

Many of these roles grow with experience and offer job security without student debt. Trades are always in demand—especially in construction, logistics, and property sectors.

Highest Paying Jobs in Australia for New Graduates

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can find well-paid roles in tech, finance, and engineering. Some fields even offer bonuses or structured growth from day one.

Here’s a look at highest paying jobs in Australia for recent grads:

Best Graduate Jobs by Salary

Job Title	Entry Salary Range	Hiring Sectors
Graduate Software Engineer	$75,000 – $95,000 (₹40.9L – ₹51.8L)	Tech companies, fintech firms
Data Analyst	$70,000 – $90,000 (₹38.2L – ₹49L)	Banking, consulting, SaaS
Investment Banking Analyst	$90,000 – $120,000 (₹49L – ₹65.4L)	Investment banks, private equity firms
Consulting Analyst	$75,000 – $100,000 (₹40.9L – ₹54.5L)	MBB firms, Big 4, strategy boutiques
Civil Engineer (Graduate)	$70,000 – $90,000 (₹38.2L – ₹49L)	Infrastructure, construction, mining
Registered Nurse (Grad)	$65,000 – $80,000 (₹35.3L – ₹43.6L)	Public hospitals, aged care
Junior UX/UI Designer	$65,000 – $85,000 (₹35.3L – ₹46.3L)	Product design firms, tech startups
Policy Analyst (Govt)	$70,000 – $90,000 (₹38.2L – ₹49L)	Federal/state departments

Graduates entering banking, consulting, or software engineering often see the fastest salary jumps in their first 3–5 years. Your choice of city also matters—Sydney and Melbourne tend to offer higher starting pay for most white-collar roles.

Still exploring options? This blog on Career Opportunities in Australia gives a broader view of growing fields and job market trends.

Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Immigration Requirements

Many of the highest paying jobs in Australia fall under the skilled migration category. Are you a software engineer, surgeon, mining expert, or finance professional? Your visa type will affect your job access and long-term prospects.

Here’s a quick look at the most common visa options:

Skilled Migration Visas

Visa Type	Who It’s For	Duration/Pathway
Subclass 482 (TSS)	Temporary job offer by an approved Australian employer	Up to 4 years; can lead to PR
Subclass 186 (ENS)	Employer-sponsored permanent visa	PR directly; requires experience
Subclass 189	Skilled workers (no sponsor needed)	Independent PR for in-demand occupations
Subclass 190	Skilled workers nominated by a state/territory	PR with some location conditions

All these roles must appear on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which changes yearly based on labor market needs.

So if your profession is listed and you meet experience and language requirements, your chances of getting a job and PR improve significantly. Fields like healthcare, engineering, ICT, and trades often feature on this list due to consistent demand.

Want to stay long-term? Skilled migrants in high-paying roles often move from temporary work visas to PR in 2–4 years—especially with employer support.

How upGrad Helps You Target Highest Paying Jobs in Australia

If you're planning a move or looking to switch careers in Australia, upGrad Abroad can help you stay career-ready—every step of the way.

Here’s how upGrad supports your journey to the highest paying jobs in Australia:

• Visa and PR guidance through expert blogs and walkthroughs
• English requirement tips—IELTS/TOEFL strategies for your profile
• Shortlist tools for job-linked degrees and certifications
• Skill-building courses in tech, healthcare, data, and management
• 1:1 personalized counseling to plan your application or career shift

Not sure which path to take? Book your free counseling session with an expert to discuss high-paying careers in Australia and how to get started.

Also, explore free short courses to build job-ready skills that employers in Australia look for.