The top 10 highest paying jobs in Australia are in strong demand, particularly in the medical, legal, finance, and technology sectors. Jobs that require special skills or extensive training often pay significantly more.
If you’ve been wondering, “What are the highest paying jobs in Australia?”, here’s a look at the top 10 positions.
What Makes a Job High-Paying?
Jobs that are in high demand and require extensive experience and/or education command the highest pay.
In Australia, here are some of the main factors that contribute to high salaries:
- A job that requires a high level of specialised training or advanced education
- Jobs in high-demand or rapid-growth industries, such as finance, mining, technology, and healthcare
- Leadership roles, executive-level roles, or senior management positions
- Positions located in major metropolitan areas, such as Perth, Melbourne, or Sydney
- Jobs requiring extensive technical expertise
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Australia (2024-2025)
#1 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Neurosurgeon (Avg Salary: $604,582)
- Neurosurgeons are responsible for diagnosing and treating nervous system conditions
- Neurosurgeons beat out reconstructive and plastic surgeons to take the spot at the top of the list of the highest paying jobs in Australia.
- Becoming a neurosurgeon requires rigorous training, including medical school and a residency, often totaling 13 to 16 years after high school
- With a growing ageing population, job demand for neurosurgeons in Australia is strong
#2 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Anaesthetist (Avg Salary: $426,894)
- Anaesthetists play a crucial role in the healthcare system and are responsible for determining and administering the proper amount and type of anesthetic to patients
- Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) provide pain management and pre-and-post-anesthetic care and monitor patients during medical procedures
- Anesthetists hold RN and specialised CRNA certifications through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
- Career growth is projected to grow rapidly in the next few years
#3 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Financial Dealer (Avg Salary: $341,789)
- Financial dealers are professionals who analyse market conditions, buy and sell securities on behalf of clients, and provide investment advice to clients
- Education and experience needed to become a financial dealer varies but typically involves a degree in economics, commerce, finance, or accounting and Registration with the Australian Securities Exchange
- Being a financial dealer is a lucrative professional, often commanding one of the highest salaries in Australia
#4 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Internal Medicine Specialist (Avg Salary: $334,267)
- Internal Medicine Specialists are experts in assessing and treating diseases in all organs of the body
- With Australia’s growing ageing population, internal medicine is a high-demand career with a positive future outlook
- Becoming an internal medicine specialist requires a medical degree, registration with the Medical Board of Australia, and a minimum six-year training program through the Royal Australian College of Physicians (RACP)
#5 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Psychiatrist (Avg Salary: $270,412)
- There is a growing demand for mental health professionals, giving psychiatrists a strong career outlook
- Becoming a psychiatrist requires a medical degree and fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)
- While the average psychiatrist salary in Australia is $270,412, psychiatrists with specialty experience or in private practice can earn upwards of $800,000
#6 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Mining Engineer (Avg Salary: $196,178)
- As a global leader in the export of lead, zinc, and coal, mining engineers are vital to Australia’s economy
- The job outlook for mining engineers in Australia is positive due to strong demand for mined materials
- To become a mining engineer, you’ll need a relevant degree from an accredited university and relative work experience (usually gained through internships and entry level roles)
- Because of the specialised nature and training required, mining engineers command one of the highest salaries in Australia
- The highest earning mining engineers command up to $250,000 a year
#7 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Judicial and Other Legal Professionals (Avg Salary: $193,388)
- The highest-earning legal roles include judges, senior lawyers, corporate law, and general counsel roles
- High paying legal roles require years of training and experience. We recommend this excellent resource to learn more: How to Become a Lawyer in Australia
- General Counsel roles can earn between $285,000 and $440,000 while General Counsel roles can earn up to a million per year
- Demand and job prospects for experienced judicial and legal professionals are strong
#8 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: CEO or Managing Director Avg Salary: ($177,506)
- CEOs reach the top of their industries with demonstrated expertise, proven leadership skills, relevant training, and years of experience and commitment to the company.
- Salary expectations and performance-based earnings affect managing director and CEO salaries. Top-earning CEOs in Australia can command millions.
- Skills and experience needed to become a CEO or managing director vary depending on the job position and industry. Generally, CEOs need extensive applicable work experience, robust and proven leadership skills, strong networking skills, and relevant degrees or certifications.
#9 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Financial Investment Adviser/Manager Avg Salary: $169,608)
- Financial investment advisors and managers play a vital role in wealth management and financial planning in Australia
- Pathways to becoming a high-earning investment manager in Australia include:
Completing an approved bachelor’s degree, passing the financial advisor exam, completing a professional year, applying for registration with the ASIC
- Job stability and future outlook for financial investment advisors in Australia are positive overall
#10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia: Engineering Manager (Avg Salary: $161,514)
- Engineering managers hold a vital role in engineering projects
- Engineering managers lead teams and personnel, organize and plan all technical operations, set project budgets, determine schedules, ensure compliance with safety standards, and ensure projects are completed according to deadlines
- There is a positive job outlook due to the strong demand for engineering leadership roles
- The general steps to becoming an engineering manager in Australia include: Completing a Bachelor of Engineering degree, completing a postgraduate study in Engineering Management, and internships and additional training
How to Increase Your Earning Potential
Looking to increase your salary and earning potential? Seek out high-growth industries with strong demand or find out how to advance within your current role. Check with senior management to find out if there is additional training you can pursue or higher education opportunities.
Some of the highest growth industries in Australia to keep in mind include:
- Mining
- Technology
- Software development
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Engineering
- Finance
- Renewable energy
- Agriculture
- Cyber security
You May Also Like: Future workforce needs and growing sectors in Australia | Jobs and Skills Australia
Tax Considerations for High Earners
High earners in Australia do face tax implications, as evidenced in the 2025 Australian tax rates listed by the ATO:
| Taxable Income | Tax Amount |
| 0 to $18,200 | N/A |
| $18,201 – $45,000 | 16c for each $1 over $18,200 |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | $4,288 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000 |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | $31,288 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000 |
| $190,001 and over | $51,638 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000 |
As you can see, there is a significant tax jump once you begin earning over $135,000 in Australia. High earners should make sure they take advantage of available deductions and strategies for reducing taxable income in Australia, such as:
- Make additional superannuation contributions
- Make donations to registered charities
- Maximise eligible tax deductions (we have many industry-specific tax guides available — see if your industry is listed to make sure you aren’t missing any deductions you qualify for: Industry Specific Tax Guides)
Want to make sure you are filing a 100% accurate return with all eligible deductions and the maximum refund you are entitled to? Consider registering with a tax professional service such as Tax Return AU.
Our registered tax professionals have spent years helping high earners in Australia maximise their returns.
How TaxReturn.com.au Can Help With Expert Tax Guidance and Professionals
The highest paying jobs in Australia fall within a wide range of industries, including healthcare, mining, and technology. With many fast-growing industries and high-demand jobs, now is a great time to look for ways to grow your career and enhance your skills.
Looking to maximise your tax return, no matter your income level? Whether you’re earning a high salary or working your way up, TaxReturn.com.au makes tax time simple. Get expert advice, find out what deductions you’re eligible for, and ensure you’re getting the best possible return.
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