Highest Paying Jobs in Australia Right Now

Wondering which careers are bringing in the biggest paycheques in Australia right now? Whether you’re choosing your first career path or considering a pivot, it’s smart to understand where the financial rewards are. Below, we highlight some of the highest paying jobs in Australia in 2025—along with how you can get started in each one.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

As the top financial leader in an organisation, the CFO plays a critical role in business success. They manage financial planning, reporting, risk management, and strategy, often overseeing multiple departments like procurement, IT, and operations.

Average Salary:

$156,000 to $300,000+ per year (depending on company size and experience)

How to Get Started:

Begin with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) or a related finance degree. Progress to senior leadership with a postgraduate qualification such as an MBA or CPA certification.

Transformation Manager

Transformation Managers are change-makers who guide businesses through strategic, technological, or cultural shifts. They design and lead change programs, optimise systems, and help companies stay competitive in dynamic markets.

Average Salary:

$145,000 to $220,000+ per year

How to Get Started:

Build leadership and business acumen with a Diploma of Leadership and Management or pursue an MBA specialising in change or innovation.

Information Technology Architect

IT Architects design the digital backbone of an organisation. They create scalable infrastructure solutions to meet current and future needs—making them essential in industries embracing digital transformation.

Average Salary:

$135,000 to $280,000+ per year

How to Get Started:

Start with a degree in IT or systems design, such as a Master of Management Information Systems, and gain hands-on experience in software engineering, cloud architecture, or cybersecurity.

Mining Engineer

Despite industry shifts, Mining Engineers remain among Australia’s top earners—especially those working in remote sites. These professionals design efficient, safe methods of mineral extraction and often oversee on-site operations.

Average Salary:

$150,000 to $260,000+ per year

How to Get Started:

Enrol in a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining or Petroleum Engineering). Practical experience in field environments is essential for career progression.

Tax Director

Tax Directors manage a company’s tax strategy, ensuring compliance while optimising financial outcomes. With tax regulations constantly evolving, their expertise is critical to financial health and risk mitigation.

Average Salary:

$170,000 to $300,000+ per year

How to Get Started:

Pursue a Master of Professional Accounting and aim for CPA or Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) credentials. Extensive experience in corporate tax is essential.

Health and Wellbeing Manager

This role has grown rapidly as companies prioritise employee wellness. Health and Wellbeing Managers design programs to support mental health, work-life balance, and fitness—improving both culture and productivity.

Average Salary:

$110,000 to $195,000+ per year

How to Get Started:

Study a Bachelor of Health and Movement (Health Promotion) or a related health science degree. Skills in occupational health or psychology are a bonus.

Real Estate Agent

Real estate income is often commission-based, meaning top performers can earn well above six figures. Agents help clients buy, sell, and lease properties—and often manage their own businesses or agencies.

Average Salary:

$60,000 to $200,000+ per year (high performers exceed $250,000)

How to Get Started:

Kick off your real estate career with a Graduate Diploma of Property or Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, which is required for licensing in most states.

Explore More Lucrative Career Paths

If high earning potential is a top priority, also explore:

• Online Courses That Will Make You Money
• Top-Paying Jobs You Don’t Need a Degree For

And don’t forget: high salary potential often comes with long-term learning, upskilling, and commitment—so choose a pathway that aligns with your strengths and goals.