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Top Uni Degrees to Get A Job and Make Money
One of the main questions on everyone’s mind is: what degree will get me a job, and a job that pays well? We compiled the top 10 study areas according to the latest Australian Graduate Survey. Find out where the jobs and money are!
Molly Wiltshire Bridle
Jun 25,2025
When it comes to choosing what to study at university, passion matters—but so does employability. If you’re looking for a degree that leads to real job opportunities and strong earning potential, it’s worth understanding which industries are hiring and paying well right now in Australia.
Based on recent data from the Graduate Outcomes Survey and supported by current job market trends, here are the top university degrees for landing a job and making money in 2025.
Healthcare
Median starting salary: $80,000+
The demand for healthcare professionals continues to surge, fuelled by Australia’s ageing population and ongoing workforce shortages. Medical, nursing, and allied health graduates are highly employable—with medical graduates seeing near-universal full-time employment within four months of graduation.
Top-paying roles include:
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Optometry
Don’t want to commit to a six-year medical degree? Consider in-demand alternatives like a nursing qualification, psychology degree, or health science course.
Earth & Environmental Science
Median starting salary: $72,000
With Australia’s energy transition and growing climate resilience agenda, careers in environmental and earth sciences are on the rise. Graduates in geology, environmental science, and sustainability are seeing strong demand in both public and private sectors—especially in mining, renewables, and conservation.
Engineering
Median starting salary: $75,000+
Engineering consistently ranks among the highest-paying and most employable fields. Opportunities are especially strong in civil, mechanical, electrical, software, and renewable energy engineering.
Kick off your engineering journey with an Associate Degree in Engineering or a bachelor’s program tailored to your interest.
Education
Median starting salary: $70,000
Australia faces ongoing shortages of teachers, especially in early childhood, STEM, and regional schools. Teaching offers excellent job stability, government-supported scholarships, and meaningful impact.
Start your path with a Bachelor of Education or explore teacher conversion programs if you’re switching careers.
IT & Computer Science
Median starting salary: $75,000
The tech sector continues to grow rapidly, and skilled IT professionals are in high demand across every industry—from software development and cybersecurity to AI and data analytics.
Build your skills with a Bachelor of IT, programming diploma, or short online course in emerging tech like cloud computing or AI.
Law
Median starting salary: $70,000
Law remains a highly respected and well-paid degree, especially for those who land graduate roles in firms or clerkships. Many law graduates also transition into careers in policy, compliance, consulting, and public administration.
Accounting & Finance
Median starting salary: $65,000
From managing budgets to auditing multinational corporations, finance professionals are always in demand. Accounting and finance offer diverse pathways with strong starting salaries and long-term earning potential.
Explore a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) or Diploma of Financial Services.
Business & Commerce
Median starting salary: $65,000
Whether you’re planning to manage teams, start a business, or climb the corporate ladder, business and commerce degrees provide the flexibility and foundation for many career paths. Graduates in business analytics and digital strategy are especially in demand.
Consider a Bachelor of Business or level up with a MBA to boost your salary potential.
Architecture, Building & Construction
Median starting salary: $62,000
With housing demand, infrastructure investment, and sustainability priorities growing, the built environment is thriving. Roles like construction managers, architects, and building surveyors are in short supply.
Start with a construction management degree or architecture qualification.
Agriculture & Agribusiness
Median starting salary: $60,000
Australia’s food and fibre sectors remain core to the economy. Agronomy, agtech, and sustainability-related degrees offer excellent employment opportunities—particularly in regional and rural areas.
Consider a Diploma of Agribusiness or Bachelor of Agricultural Science.
Final Thoughts: Choose Smarter, Earn Stronger
While your interests should drive your study choice, knowing which degrees deliver strong job outcomes and earning potential helps future-proof your career. Combined degrees, postgrad studies, or industry certifications can give you a competitive edge in high-growth sectors.
Explore courses that align with your goals—and start building a career that pays off.
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About the author
Molly Wiltshire-Bridle covers career advice, job market trends, and education guidance at Career FAQs.
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