10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: A Complete Guide!

The highest paying jobs in Australia include Neurosurgeon, CEO, Anaesthetist, Financial Analyst, HR Director, and Legal Professional, with salaries from AUD 70,000 (INR 38.4 lakhs) for entry-level roles to over AUD 400,000 (INR 2.1 Cr) for top positions. Australia’s strong job market attracts Indian job seekers, evidenced by a record 155,193 temporary work visas granted in 2023-24, up from 27,402 in 2022-23. With its stable economy, renowned universities,  diverse job market, and welcoming culture, Australia is an ideal destination for study and work. Australia has diverse fields and sectors such as Medicine, Accountancy, Mining, HR, Legal, etc. Hence, aspirants can choose a career based on their earning potential, interests, and skill sets.

From the table below, You can learn about the top 10 highest paying jobs in Australia and their respective average annual earnings.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia
S. No	Job Profile	Average Salary per year (AUD)
1	Surgeon	$460,356 (INR 2 crore)
2	Anaesthetist	$431,193 (INR 2.10 crore)
3	Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Managing Director	$400,000 (INR 2 crore)
4	Financial Dealer	$373,733 (INR 2 crore)
5	Internal Medicine Specialist	$340,729 (INR 1.8 crore)
6	Psychiatrist	$276,545 (INR 1.5 crore)
7	Medical Practitioners	$255,754 (INR 1.4 crore)
8	Mining engineers	$214,365 (INR 99 lakhs)
9	Judicial or Legal Professionals	$204,934 (INR 1 crore)
10	Financial Investment Advisor or Manager	$185,834 (INR 88 lakhs)

Note: The average salary range is taken from Glassdoor, Indeed, Hays, and Payscale

Please Note that salary numbers may vary depending on various factors like place of stay (state, urban, or rural area), qualification, and employee experience in a specific role.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia

Many global companies in Australia like BHP Group, CSL, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, and others provide wide range of job opportunities to Indians and other immigrants. Here we provided 10 high-salary jobs in Australia along with the details - average annual salary, job description, and job qualifications. This information can help you to find the best jobs in Australia with high salary.

1. Surgeon

National Average Salary: AUD $460,356/year  (INR 2 Crore)

Average Salary Per Month: AUD 35,416 (INR 19 lakh)

Job Description: Surgeons perform complex medical operations to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. They work closely with a team of medical professionals to ensure the best patient outcomes. A notable figure in this profession is Dr. Yadu Singh, a prominent Indian-Australian cardiologist based in Sydney, renowned for his contributions to public health and his active involvement in the Indian community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualifications Required: To become a surgeon, you need a medical degree followed by specialized surgical training, which can take over a decade and include internships, residency, and fellowships.

2. Anaesthetist

National Average Salary: AUD $431,193/year

Average Salary Per Month: AUD 35,416 (INR 19 lakh)

Job Description: Anaesthetists administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery and monitor their vital signs during procedures. They also play a key role in pain management. 
An Indian-based Australian anaesthetist is Dr. Amarjit Singh, a senior anesthetist in Queensland, recognized for his work in promoting patient safety in anesthesia across the Australian health system.

Qualifications Required: You need a medical degree followed by several years of specialized anesthesiology training, including practical experience and academic learning.

3. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

National Average Salary: AUD $400,000/year (INR 2 crore)

Average Salary Per Month: AUD 33,333 (INR 18 lakh)

Job Description: CEOs are responsible for the overall operations and decision-making in a company, overseeing business strategies, and ensuring profitability. Mike Cannon-Brookes, co-founder of Atlassian, is a well-known Australian CEO.

Qualifications Required: CEOs typically hold a degree in business or a related field, and many have advanced qualifications such as an MBA, combined with years of leadership experience.

4. Financial Dealer

National Average Salary: AUD $373,733/year (INR 2 Crore)

Average Salary Per Month: AUD 25,000 (INR 13.8 lakh)

Job Description: Financial dealers, such as stockbrokers or traders, manage investments in financial markets, buying and selling securities to optimize returns for clients. Warren Buffett, though American, is a globally recognized figure in this space.

Qualifications Required: A degree in finance, economics, or a related field is necessary. Many also obtain certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) to boost their credentials.

5. Internal Medicine Specialist

National Average Salary: AUD 340,729/year (INR 1.8 Crore)

Average Salary Per Month: AUD 28,394 (INR 15 lakh)

Job Description: Internal medicine specialists, or internists, provide diagnosis, treatment, and care for adults with complex or chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension. Dr. Ranjana Srivastava, an Australian physician, is well known for her contributions in this field.

Qualifications Required: A medical degree, followed by several years of postgraduate training in internal medicine, is required to become a specialist in this field.

6. Psychiatrist

National Average Salary: AUD 276,545/year (INR 1.5 crore)

Average Salary Per Month: AUD 23,045 (INR 12 lakh)

Job Description: Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders, using a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Dr. Patrick McGorry, an Australian psychiatrist, is internationally recognized for his work on youth mental health and early intervention in psychosis.

Qualifications Required: A medical degree followed by a specialty in psychiatry is required, with additional years of training and internships.

7. Medical Practitioner (General)

National Average Salary: AUD 255,754/year (INR 1.4 crore)

Average Salary Per Month: AUD 21,312 (INR 11 lakh)

Job Description: General medical practitioners provide primary care, including diagnosing illnesses, performing routine check-ups, and referring patients to specialists. A well-known example is Dr. Norman Swan, a respected medical commentator in Australia.

Qualifications Required: Completion of a medical degree followed by internships and a few years of experience as a general practitioner are required.

8. Mining Engineer

National Average Salary: AUD $214,365/year (INR 99 lakhs)

Average Salary Per Month: AUD 15,000 (INR 8 lakh)

Job Description: Mining engineers are responsible for the safe and efficient extraction of minerals and resources from the earth. They work on mine planning, safety management, and environmental impact reduction. Elon Musk, though not a mining engineer, has significantly impacted the mining industry through his focus on battery materials for Tesla.

Qualifications Required: A degree in mining engineering or a related field, along with experience in the mining sector, is typically required.

9. Judicial or Legal Professional

National Average Salary: AUD $204,934/year (INR 1 crore)

Average Salary Per Month: AUD 16,666 (INR 9 lakh)

Job Description: Legal professionals, including judges and senior barristers, interpret and apply laws, preside over court proceedings, and make judicial decisions. Michael Kirby, a former High Court judge, is a prominent figure in the Australian legal system.

Qualifications Required: A law degree, followed by years of practice and specialized training in legal or judicial professions, is required.

10. Financial Investment Advisor or Manager

National Average Salary: AUD $185,834/year (INR 88 lakhs)

Average Salary Per Month: AUD 13,333 (INR 7.4 lakh)

Job Description: Financial advisors provide advice on investments, retirement plans, and financial management to help clients achieve their financial goals. Benjamin Graham, a mentor to Warren Buffett, is a recognized figure in financial advising.

Qualifications Required: A degree in finance or economics, coupled with certifications such as the CFA or Financial Planning Standards, is commonly required.

The jobs listed above are the top 10 highest paying in Australia for both males and females, aimed at enhancing career growth and overall quality of life. These highest salaried job roles in Australia are influenced by various factors such as the demand for specialized skills, level of expertise, qualifications, experience, seniority, geographical location, and living costs.

Other Highest Paying Jobs in Australia

• Chief Legal Officer (CLO) - $249,333 per year 
• General Manager - $221,833 per year
• Company Secretary/ Chief Governance Officer -  $217,708 per year
• Operations Head / Chief Operating Officer - $208,083 per year
• Chief Technology Officer - $194,333 per year
• Investment Director - $194,333 per year
• Portfolio Manager - $183,333 per year
• Chief Financial Officer - $183,333 per year
• Chief Compliance Officer - $181,958 per year
• Financial Dealer - $275,984 per year
• Marketing Director - $220,000 per year
• Accountants - $95000 per year
• Investment Bankers - $1,20,000 per year

Australia is a home to many multinational companies and also has a strong job market with various opportunities in industries like finance, technology, mining, etc. Australia’s GDP per capita, as of 2024, is 65,099.85 USD. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics, for full-time employees the country’s average weekly earnings is AUD 1,807.70, represented approximately AUD 95,000 annually. Now let’s see which sectors provide highest paying jobs.

Top 5 Sectors that Offer High Paying Jobs in Australia

As we have seen top 10 high-demand jobs in Australia that offer a decent salary, now let’s look into top 5 sectors that provide a decent wage in Australia in the below table:

Top 5 Sectors that offer High Paying Jobs in Australia
S. No	Sector/ Domain	Average Salary (AUD)	Average Salary (INR)
1	Healthcare	AUD 1,27,000	INR 70L
2	IT	AUD 1,16,000	INR 64L
3	Mining & Construction	AUD 94000	INR 52L
4	Financial Services	AUD 92000	INR 51L
5	Legal Services	AUD 85000	INR 47L

If you are an international student, you can choose specialized courses in any of the above-mentioned sectors to get the highest paying job in Australia. 

Australia currently has over 4 lakh+ job vacancies for skilled professionals. The major openings for medical and civil engineering professionals. These professionals are in demand and also have highest paid jobs in Australia for now. Over the next five years, 1 million job vacancies are projected in Australia’s healthcare sector. This is a tremendous opportunity for many Indians and other foreigners to fulfill their work in Australia's dreams.

Highest Paid Medical Professions in Australia

 

Why work in Australia?

When we are looking for a job, we always seek a better salary, security, and an organisation with good work ethics. Australia, which is one of the strongest countries has all these attributes that attract Indian immigrants to come to study and work here. 

Here are some of the exciting facts about these top paid jobs in Australia that make it more attractive to work in this country:

• The Australian economy is highly diversified, focusing healthcare and service sectors like Engineering, IT, Construction, Finance.
• In global surveys, Australia consistently ranks high for work-life balance. Their average workweek is around 38 hours, with standard working hours from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. They value work-life balance and enjoy evenings with family and friends.
• The organisations of Australia are primarily hierarchical and people has excellent coordination.
• The companies in Australia offer 20 days of annual leave along with 12 public holidays.
• Australian workplaces are firmly against discrimination and strive to maintain a healthy workplace for all irrespective of nationality and cultural background.
• In Australia, Employers accept work experiences from other parts of the world as well, welcoming diversity and creative minds.
• Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are well known for providing highest paying jobs in Australia, for safety and security, for top ranked universities, and being particularly favourable for Indian expatriats. 

In-demand Job roles in Australia

• Head of Technology - Info & Comm Tech - AUD 223, 726
• General Practitioner - AUD 218,298
• Director - Banking & Financial Services - AUD 209,688
• Staff Specialist - AUD 204, 214
• Visiting Medical Officer - AUD 197,099
• Radiologist - AUD 195,649
• Mechanic/ Technician - $65000 - $75000
• Construction Managers - $140,000 per year
• Registered Nurses -  $82,815 per year
• Electricians - $94,754 per year
• Chef -  $69,417 per year
• Cyber Security Specialist - $110,983
• Full Stack Developer - $138,750
• Network Engineer - $ 1,05,300
• Business Analyst - $ 1,13,500

Source: Glassdoor

Highest Paying Part-time Jobs in Australia

If you are an international student, find the below listed highest paying part-time jobs in Australia with an average salary. 

• Babysitter: $15 to $20 a week
• Mail Deliverer: $19 to $22 per hour
• Delivery Person: $18 to$25 per hour
• Driver: $20 to $25 per hour
• Personal Trainer: $20 to $25 per hour
• Cleaner: $20 to $25 per hour
• Head server: $25 an hour
• Tutor: $20 to $30 per hour
• Bartender: $25.75 per hour
• Tour Guide: $29.49 per hour
• Freelance Writer: $38.69 per hour    

5 Highest paying jobs in Australia Without a degree

While most of the top-paying careers typically demand a degree, there are few exceptions. Many best paying jobs in Australia don’t even require a degree. As per the Monarch Institute, the three highest paying job professions Australia that don’t require a degree are ICT Managers, Operators in chemical, gas, petroleum, and power generation plants, and ICT sales professionals. The average salary earned by the top 5 high paying jobs in Australia without a degree is given below

S. No	Profession	Average salary (in AUD)
1	ICT Sales Professionals (such as sales representative, account manager)	$157,123
2	Chemical,gas, petroleum and power generation plant operators	$168,376
3	Information & communications technology	$170,955
4	Creative Designer	$86,000
5	Social Media Manager	$82,000

One can apply to these rewarding jobs and earn well without even thinking about a degree.

Top 10 Highest Paying Online Work-from-Home Jobs in Australia

Many Aussies find working from home ideal due to improved work-life balance, elimination of commuting, increased productivity, and cost savings. Here are some of the well-paid Aussie jobs that are entirely work from home and their average salary:

1. Technical Writer: $91,854 per year
2. Digital Marketer: $91,339 per year
3. Web developer: $80,429 per year
4. Copywriter: $78,219 per year
5. Programmer: $77,039 per year
6. Translator/ Interpreter: $43.73 per hour
7. Blogger: $1600 per week
8. Recruting specialist: $72,340 per year
9. Marketing Consultant: $71,157 per year
10. Sales Representative: $69,701 per year

This list of well paid top working from home jobs is compiled from job search website Indeed.

Highest Paying Courses in Australia

If you are a new professional, pursuing in-demand skills and specializations is key to securing highest paying job roles in Australia.

Now that you have seen everything about the highest paying jobs in Australia in various sectors, both part-time, full-time and online, let’s check studying which courses can help you get these jobs. 

Highest Paying Courses in Australia
Field of Study	Highest paying Courses	Top Australian Colleges
Medical Sciences	- Doctor of Medicine - Master of Public Health - Bachelor of Medical Science	- University of Sydney - University of Melbourne - Monash University
Engineering	- Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical) - Master of Engineering Science	- University of New South Wales Sydney - University of Technology Sydney - University of Adelaide
Legal & Judiciary	- Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB) - Master of Laws - Juris Doctor	- University of Melbourne - Australian National University - University of Queensland
Management	- MBA (Marketing, Finance, HR, Project Management) - Bachelor of Business	- University of Melbourne - Monash University - UNSW Sydney
Information Technology	- Bachelor of Information Technology - Master of Cyber Security - Bachelor of Software Engineering	- University of Melbourne - University of Sydney -UNSW Sydney

Top Cities for High-Paying Jobs in Australia

Australia has many top cities that offer multiple job opportunities with a decent pay. We analysed region-wise salary in detail and found that below mentioned cities offer highest earning jobs in Australia.

City Name	Highest Paying Jobs	Average Salary
Sydney	Surgeon, Judge, Internal medicine specialist, Lawyer, Bank Manager, Orthodontist, College professor, Architectural Manager	AUD 90,000 (INR 49 lakhs)
Melbourne	Legal secretary, mining head operations, legal secretary, Anaesthetist, chief financial officer, Bank Manager	AUD 85000 (INR 46 lakhs)
New South Wales	Medical practitioner, psychiatrist, Electrician, project officer, Corporate receptionist	AUD 100000 (INR 54 lakhs)
Brisbane	Judge, Lawyer, Psychiatrist, Director of Engineering, Chief Engineer, Risk Management Directot	AUD 75000 (INR 40 lakhs)
Canberra	Doctors, Judges, Bank Managers, Army lawyer, Navu submarine career, multi-sports coach, pilots	AUD 73000 (INR 39 lakhs)

How to apply for Jobs in Australia?

Australia has a very competitive job market. As an expat, before you apply for a job in Australia, there are certain steps you need to follow:

1. Visa: There are many work-related visas in Australia. You must decide the right kind of visa for you.

2. Resume/ cover letter: Prepare your resume and cover letter. Make sure you submit the correct information in it.

3. TFN/ABN: Before you start working, obtaining the Tax File Number (TFN) is essential. This is similar to your social security number. You may also need an Australian Business Number (ABN) if you are self-employed. you can apply online.

4. Australian Bank Account: Open an Australian bank account online before you start working. 

5. Job Search Engines: After you are ready with the aforementioned details, visit Australia-specific job search engines (job boards) like Seek, Australian Government Job Search, Adzuna, CareerOne, and Indeed to find a job in Australia as a foreigner. 

6. Apply for person: Besides using job boards, you can also apply for jobs in person. You just drop in and try your luck. This mostly applies to jobs that don’t require specific skills. 

Exploring Visa Options for Working in Australia

As we mentioned in the above section, to apply for job in Australia you need to have a ‘visa’ which is made compulsory by the Government of Australia for immigration. In the below table we specified the types of visas and eligibility criteria that can help you stay in country and explore more options to secure most paid jobs in Australia.

Visa Type	Eligibility
Temporary Graduate Visa	Graduation from universities of Australia
Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa	Must have completed an Australian-recognized degree in the previous 2 years
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa	Required skills and language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Skilled Nominated Visa	Skill Assessment and score above 65

We always advise you to look into eligibility requirements clearly for applying the visa.

Australia Work Permit/ Visa

A work permit in Australia is a crucial document issued by the Australian Government for alllwing foreign nationals to work here. The Australian Work permit verifies your right to work legally in the country. Australian work visas are of two types- temporary and permanent work visas. The type of work visa you apply for depends on your requirement and type of employment.    

The duration of your Australian work permit varies based on the type of visa issued. A temporary (short stay) working visa in Australia can be granted for up to 6 months. Skilled work visas are permanent visas. While Training visas will allow you to stay in country for up to 2 years.

High Paying Jobs in Australia: Immigration Requirements

The Australian Government has imposed some terms and conditions for allowing immigrants to come and work in Australia. Here are necessary documents you must be ready with before applying for highest paying jobs in Australia:

• A valid National ID Card (like Aadhar card for Indians)
• National Passport which is not expired
• Mandatory active work visa
• Skill assessment scores, Language Proficiency test scores, etc.

Some times job opportunity may be missed due to lack of these proper documents. Hence you should arrange these documents prior before applying for to avoid last minute rejections. This preparation may help you to acquire highest paying job opportunities in Australia without any difficulty.

Hope you got all the necessary information about highest paying jobs in Australia. We advise you to choose a profession based on your skills to grow well. Also having understanding of work place culture could help you grow and attain a very good position in your career. So, if you are an international job seeker, make sure you have all the necessary documents we mentioned above to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the highest paying jobs in Australia?

Based on the Australian Government and industry reports, job market analysis, demand for skills, and regional economic conditions, the top 10 highest paying jobs in Australia are:

• NeuroSurgeon
• CEO
• Anaesthetist 
• Financial Analyst
• Head of HR/HR Director
• Legal Professionals
• Mining Engineer
• Financial Investment Advisor
• Software Architect 
• Construction Manager

2. Which job has the most salary in Australia?

The most in demand profession and highest salary in Australia are surgeons which is around $406,068. Neurosurgeons earn the highest  annual salary at over $600,000. As per the health workforce in Australia, there will be a shortage of 100,000 nurses by 2025 due to the rise of chronic diseases.

3. What is the highest paying job for a female?

Some of the highest paying jobs for women include physicians, surgeons, chief executive officers (CEO), dentists, marketing managers, pharmacists, attorneys, human resource managers, public relations managers, optometrists, nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anaesthetists (CRNAs), and software developers.

4. What qualifications are generally required to get these highest paying jobs in Australia?

Highest paying jobs often need relevant educational qualifications, such as degrees or certifications. For executives or any specialized roles, advanced degrees like Master’s or higher may be preferred. Gaining expertise in particular niche is crucial for obtaining high paying positions.

5. How much I can earn in Australia per month?

In Australia, the average wage is approximately AUD 89,122 per year, which translates to AUD 7,427 per month or AUD 43.06 per hour. However, these figures can greatly vary depending on the person’s job, industry, region, and level of experience.

6. Which job is best in Australia for Indians?

• Construction Managers
• Software and Application Programmers
• Medical Officers
• Carpenters
• Motor Mechanics
• Accountants
• Solicitors
• University Lecturers and Tutors

7. Which job earns $500,000 a year in Australia?

Jobs like General Practitioner, Medical Doctor, Customer Success Manager, Nurse Practitioner, and Steel Fixers earn $500,000 a year in Australia.

8. Which jobs pay $200,000 a year in Australia?

General Practitioners, Urologists, Psychiatrists, Kids party hosts, Accountants earn $200,000 per year in Australia.

9. What are the top companies for social workers in Australia and their salary?

As per Indeed, the average salary given at some of the top companies for social workers in Australia is

• Mid North Coast Local Helath District - $104,783 per year
• Southern NSW Local Health District - $94,805 per year
• Hunter New England Health - $94,766 per year
• South Eastern Sydney Local Health District - $92,937 per year
• Murrumbidgee Local Health District - $92,235 per year

10. What are the highest paying jobs in Australia for freshers?

• Medicine - AUD 70,000 (INR 39 lakh) per year
• Dentistry - AUD 86,300 (INR 47 lakh) per year
• Engineering- AUD 180,000 (INR 98 lakh) per year
• Construction Manager - AUD 175,000 (95 lakh) per year
• Solicitor/ Legal professional - AUD 200,000 per year

These are some of the best paying jobs in Australia for recent graduates, while salaries can vary based on location, industry, and specific employer.