Are you thinking of settling abroad in Australia after your studies? Well, this guide will tell you about the highest paying jobs in Australia. People just don’t visit Australia for their stunning landscapes and vibrant culture but also for the tempting work opportunities that offer some of the highest salaries in the world. Australia has become a popular place for people who want to earn a lot of money and have a good life. In this article, we will talk about the jobs in Australia that pay the most money.
Australia has a strong economy because it has a lot of valuable things on its land and a lot of businesses that provide services. This means that people can get paid well for their work. There are a number of highest paying jobs in Australia, and this attracts people from inside the country and from other countries. These jobs include doctors and nurses, computer experts, engineers, and accountants.
Australia’s commitment to education and research has made its people very skilled and smart, which is why they can earn a lot of money in their jobs. In this blog, we will not only talk about the highest paying jobs in Australia but also the overview of the job market, their salary, and other relevant information.
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List of the Highest Paying Jobs in Australia in 2023
The Australian economy is taking giant leaps after the COVID-19 pandemic. People are in dire need of jobs and the job market offers a plethora of work opportunities to them. You might already know about the doctors and the engineers, being one of the highest paying jobs in Australia. But, my dear mates, it is 2023 and the dynamics are changing. Let’s grab something extra and look at the list of the highest paying jobs in Australia in 2023.
- Legal: Equity Partner
- Executive: CEO and MD
- Retail: General Manager
- Accountancy & Finance: Head of Treasury
- Property: Development Director
- Energy: Project Delivery Director
- Construction: Construction Manager
- Sustainability: Head of Sustainability
- Technology: CIO and CTO
- Marketing & Digital: Executive Director of Communications
- Human Resources: Head of HR/HR Director
- Banking: State Manager
- Finance: Investment Advisor
- Engineering: Mining Engineer
- Medicine: General Practitioner
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About the Highest Paying Jobs in Australia
Studying in Australia has always been favorable among students. Once they graduate from any Australian university, the prime thing they look for is to settle in Australia. This is because of the lucrative job options being offered to them. In this section, we will be discussing the top highest paying jobs in Australia in detail. We will be having a general overview of the job, their highest and annual salary, and the top recruiters in that domain.
So, without further delay, let’s go!
Legal: Equity Partner
In Australia, one of the highest-paying jobs in the legal field is being an Equity Partner. These are experienced lawyers who own part of their law firms and have an important role in making decisions and making money for the firm. They handle clients, lead legal teams, and oversee complicated cases. Equity Partners usually make a lot of money because they get a share of the firm’s profits, which can be millions of dollars.
The highest salary for these jobs in Sydney, Australia, can go up to a whopping $850,000 every year. On average, people in these jobs usually earn between $250,000 to $400,000 annually. Some of the top companies in Australia that pay these high salaries include Allens, Clayton Utz, Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons, MinterEllison, and others.
Executive: CEO and MD
In Australia, the top-paying executive jobs are for CEOs (Chief Executive Officers) and MDs (Managing Directors). They run companies, make big decisions, and make sure everything goes well. They manage teams and help the business grow. CEOs and MDs get paid a lot, often millions of dollars, with bonuses and company shares.
Some of the top companies that offer the highest salaries to executives pay really well. The highest salary can be as much as $700,000 per year! On average, executives in these companies usually earn between $450,000 to $600,000 annually. Some of the big companies known for these high-paying jobs include the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, BHP, Macquarie Group, Woolworths Groups, Rio Tinto, and more.
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Retail: General Manager
One of the highest paying jobs in Australia in the retail industry is the position of General Manager. These professionals are in charge of running the entire retail operation, making important decisions, and ensuring the store or stores are successful. They manage staff, handle finances, and develop strategies for growth. General Managers in the retail sector can earn significant salaries, often in the six-figure range.
Some of the top retail companies pay their employees really well. The highest salary in the retail industry can reach up to $510,000 per year! On average, people working for these companies usually earn between $140,000 to $250,000 annually. Some of the big retail names that are known for offering these high salaries include Wesfarmers, Coles Group, Woolworths Group, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, and others.
Accountancy & Finance: Head of Treasury
One of the highest-paying jobs in the field of accountancy and finance is the role of Head of Treasury. These professionals are responsible for managing a company’s finances, especially dealing with cash flow, investments, and financial risks. They make strategic decisions about where to invest money and how to manage funds efficiently. Head of Treasury positions come with substantial salaries, often in the six or seven-figure range.
if you work as a Head of Treasury in the field of accountancy and finance, you can earn some really good money. The highest salary for this job can go up to $300,000 per year! On average, people in this role usually make between $180,000 to $200,000 annually. Some of the top companies known for paying these high salaries include Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), National Australia Bank (NAB), and Macquarie Group.
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Property: Development Director
One of the highest-paying jobs in Australia in the property industry is the role of Development Director. These professionals oversee the planning and execution of real estate development projects, making critical decisions about land use and construction. They manage budgets, teams, and timelines to ensure successful developments.
If you work as a Property Development Director, you can earn some of the highest salaries in the property industry. The highest salary for this role can reach up to $306,000 per year! On average, Property Development Directors typically earn between $133,000 and $255,000 annually. Some of the top companies known for paying these high salaries include Lendlease Group, Mirvac Group, Stockland, Frasers Property Australia, and Goodman Group.
Energy: Project Delivery Director
One of the highest-paying jobs in the energy sector is the role of Project Delivery Director. These professionals oversee the execution of complex energy projects, ensuring they are completed efficiently and on time. They manage budgets, teams, and resources, playing a crucial role in the success of energy initiatives.
if you work as a Project Delivery Director in the energy sector, you can earn some of the highest salaries in this field. The highest salary for this role can go up to an impressive $357,000 per year! On average, Project Delivery Directors usually make between $173,000 and $250,000 annually. Some of the top companies known for offering these high salaries include Woodside Energy, Santos, Origin Energy, AGL Energy, and BHP (specifically in their Energy division).
Construction: Construction Manager
One of the highest-paying jobs in Australia in the construction industry is the role of Construction Manager. These professionals are responsible for overseeing and coordinating construction projects from start to finish. They manage budgets, schedules, and teams to ensure that buildings and infrastructure are built efficiently and safely.
If you work as a Construction Manager, you have the potential to earn some of the highest salaries in the construction industry. The highest salary for this role can be as much as $320,000 per year! On average, Construction Managers usually make between $250,000 and $320,000 annually. Some of the top companies known for paying these high salaries include Lendlease Group, Multiplex, Probuild, Laing O’Rourke, and CPB Contractors.
Sustainability: Head of Sustainability
In Australia, one of the highest-paying jobs in the field of sustainability is the role of Head of Sustainability. These professionals are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to make businesses and organizations more environmentally friendly and socially responsible. They work on initiatives like reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and promoting ethical practices. Head of Sustainability positions often come with substantial salaries, reflecting the increasing importance of sustainability in various industries.
If you work as a Head of Sustainability, you can earn some of the highest salaries in the sustainability field. The highest salary for this role can reach up to $310,000 per year! On average, Head of Sustainability professionals usually earn between $230,000 and $310,000 annually. Some of the top companies known for paying these high salaries include BHP, Rio Tinto, Woodside Energy, Origin Energy, and Qantas Airways.
Technology: CIO and CTO
In Australia, if you’re the tech guru in a company, you could be a CIO (Chief Information Officer) or CTO (Chief Technology Officer). These are the folks who make sure all the computer stuff runs smoothly. They help businesses use technology to their advantage. CIOs and CTOs can rake in big bucks.
The top salary for these roles can hit $306,000 a year! On average, CIOs and CTOs make somewhere between $150,000 to $306,000 annually. Companies like Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation, ANZ Banking Group (Australia and New Zealand Banking Group), Macquarie Group, and Telstra Corporation are known to pay big bucks for these tech-savvy positions.
Marketing & Digital: Executive Director of Communications
One of the highest paying jobs in Australia in the marketing and digital world is being the Executive Director of Communications. You’re the big boss when it comes to spreading the word about a company or brand. Your job is to make sure everyone knows what’s going on and why they should care.
If you’re good at telling stories as an Executive Director of Communications in the marketing and digital field, you can earn a lot of money. These communication experts can make as much as $300,000 a year! On average, they generally earn around $220,000 annually. Major companies like Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), Macquarie Group, and Telstra Corporation are famous for paying generously for this job.
Highest Paying Jobs in Australia in Medicine
Enough of jobs, aren’t they? Well, let’s look at some more jobs in the sector of medicine. There’s no doubt that medicine is one of the highest paying sectors throughout the world. Australia offers some of the highest-paying opportunities in the field of medicine. Medical professionals in various specialties can earn substantial salaries, reflecting the country’s robust healthcare system. Here are 15 of the highest-paying jobs in Australian medicine:
- Surgeons
- Anesthesiologists
- Radiologists
- Orthodontists
- Dentists
- Medical Specialists
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Psychiatrists
- Pathologists
- Pharmacists
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Physician Assistants
- Medical Researchers
- Radiation Therapists
Suggested Reading: Study MBBS in Australia
Highest paying Jobs in Australia in Engineering
If you’re thinking about becoming an engineer in Australia, you’re on the right track for some pretty good pay. Depending on your engineering area, you could earn a lot. Engineers who specialize in things like petroleum, chemicals, or mining can make way over $150,000 each year.
Here are 15 of the highest-paying jobs in Australian engineering:
- Petroleum Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Mining Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Software Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Telecommunications Engineers
- Aerospace Engineers
- Systems Engineers
- Biomedical Engineers
- Environmental Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Water Resources Engineers
Highest Paying Jobs in Business Administration
Business administration is a field where you can find some high-paying jobs across different industries. If you’re thinking about a business career, there’s a good chance you can make a lot of money. Jobs like Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Managing Directors (MDs) are usually the ones that earn the most, sometimes getting paid millions of dollars. So, if you’re into business, you have a good shot at landing some very well-paying positions.
Here are 15 of the highest-paying jobs in Business Administration:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Managing Director (MD)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Marketing Director
- Information Technology (IT) Director
- General Manager
- Investment Manager
- Strategy Director
- Finance Director
- Legal Director
- Sales Director
- HR Director (Human Resources)
- Supply Chain Director
- Risk Manager
- Compliance Manager
Summing It Up!
When people work really hard and become really good at their jobs, highest paying jobs in Australia can make a lot of money. These top jobs not only pay well but also show that Australia has a strong economy and likes to reward talented folks. For example, in the medical field, doctors like surgeons and anesthesiologists, who help with surgeries, can make a ton of money. In engineering, experts like petroleum and chemical engineers, as well as civil engineers working on big projects, can also earn big bucks.
In business, leaders like CEOs and Managing Directors often make millions, showing how important they are to companies. Australia’s high-paying jobs reflect its dedication to recognizing and paying top talent, making it a great place to build a successful career.
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FAQs
The highest-paying job in Australia varies, but roles like surgeons, CEOs, and IT managers often earn top salaries.
High-demand jobs in Australia include healthcare professionals, IT specialists, engineers, teachers, and tradespeople.
For students, part-time work may include retail, hospitality, tutoring, or internships, but the highest-paying jobs typically require specialized skills and experience.
The top 5 highest-paying jobs in Australia include surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, IT managers, and mining engineers.
The country paying the highest salary can vary, but nations like Switzerland, the United States, and Luxembourg are known for high incomes.

Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.