The Highest Paying Jobs in Australia for 2024, With & Without a Degree

As you stand on the threshold of the post-high-school world in Australia, you might find yourself lacking career ideas. There's a lot to think about, and it can be difficult to find a direction. As you'll find out as you pass through your career,  it's essential to balance job satisfaction with the practicality of earning a solid wage.

Finding a role you're passionate about is important for long-term happiness, but you need to have financial stability, too. As an adult, you'll be navigating living costs, perhaps saving for future education or travel, and investing in your independence, so it really matters.

University Isn't the Only Path to a Well-Paid Job

While a university degree can open many doors, it is not the only path to a fulfilling and well-paid career. There are trades and vocational education that also offer entry into industries where skilled work is often in high demand and well-paid.

Furthermore, apprenticeships and traineeships present opportunities to earn while you learn, leading to qualifications and employment prospects in diverse and thriving sectors.

So, if you're approaching graduation and you're thinking, "OMG, what career should I do?" this blog is for you. Come with us now as we explore some of the best-paying jobs in Australia in 2024 for those who take the degree path and those who don't.

Well-Paid Jobs in Australia That Require a Degree

When you're trying to carry out your personal career assessment, it's important to understand the reality of each option open to you. Let's first take a look at the salaries on offer to those who opt to spend 4-5 years of full-time study at university.

Medical Professionals (Doctors & Surgeons) - Good with your hands? Detail-oriented and resilient? Able to handle pressure and have a passion for helping others? Then, you could pursue a medical career. It takes upwards of 6 years to get qualified as a doctor or surgeon, including a 4-year postgraduate medical degree, plus a 1-year internship needing to be taken.

Earning Potential: It's a lot of studying and challenging work, but you can earn, on average, $156k per year as a doctor and as much as $210k per year as a surgeon.

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) - Are you a strategic thinker or a good decision-maker? Are you a born leader who feels ready to climb the corporate ladder? Another of the well-paid career options is to become a company CEO, which will typically require that you get a Masters or PhD in Business Administration.

Earning Potential: You'll be studying for at least 4 years full-time and need to be a driven individual, but you can earn an impressive $150k-$300k per year, leading companies to success.

Lawyers - Another of our well-paid career ideas you could pursue is to become a lawyer, representing clients in court and providing legal advice. You'll need excellent negotiation and analytical skills and be good at handling pressure. You'll need to gain the minimum of a Bachelor of Law degree, which will take you around 3-4 years to complete.

Earning Potential: Helping others in this regard comes with financial benefits, as the salary range for lawyers in Australia lies between $101k-$154k per year.

Each of these roles calls for specialised knowledge and skills that only a university degree can provide.

If you're driven, passionate about your chosen field, and ready to commit to years of further education, one of these careers could be your ticket to a rewarding and lucrative future.

So, What About the Jobs That Don't Require a Degree?

Any career guidance you get when leaving high school should be balanced, particularly as there are a bunch of roles out there that are much quicker to get into and still offer the chance to earn a really good living. Here's a snapshot of lucrative jobs that don't require a degree.

Electricians - Are you technically minded? Good a fixing gadgets? Then you should seriously consider a career as an electrician. Involving installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems in residential and commercial properties, a 4-year on-the-job apprenticeship, including Certificate III in Electrotechnology, can get you there. You earn as you learn, too!

Earning Potential: As a qualified electrician in Australia, you can earn between $92k and $135k, which is not to be sniffed at, at all!

IT Support Specialists - Good with computers? Got an aptitude for problem-solving? Another of our career ideas to consider is to become an IT support specialist which requires a Diploma of Information Technology that will take you around 3 years of full-time study, which can again be part of an apprenticeship.

Earning Potential: Your skills will be in high demand as technology is here to stay, allowing you to earn between $70k-$100k per year.

Real Estate Agents - As a licensed real estate agent, you’ll help people find and buy their dream homes. You'll need charm, persuasive abilities and ideally, a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, followed by one year of hands-on experience.

Earning Potential: This is a challenging yet fulfilling role in which you can earn a great salary that ranges from $77k to $140k, depending on your experience.

If you're ambitious, ready to learn on your feet and prefer a more practical approach to your career, these paths can lead you to both financial success and job satisfaction. What's more, you get to where you're going and into the thick of it much faster than with a degree.

Wandr - Giving You Valuable Career Ideas & Guidance

Not sure about whether to go uni or go straight into the workforce? No problem. Our Trial Run, Career Kickstarter and Skillin' It! and Essentials courses can give you the careers ideas you need without having to commit years of your time and thousands of dollars to what you ‘think’ might be a good option.

Among the wide range of areas covered by Wandr training, you'll find:

• Business, Management & Entrepreneurship
• Mental Health & Wellness
• Graphic Design & FX
• Fitness & Nutrition
• Cyber & Tech
• Travel & Tourism
• Photography
• Beauty & Fashion

With the Wandr learning and discovery platform, you can find the career options that suit you best at your own pace. Accessible via your phone, laptop or tablet and delivered by real-world experts, our learning is also available at a reasonable monthly cost.

Find Your Way in the Working World With Wandr

Leaving high school can be scary when you're not sure which way to go. The Wandr discovery and learning platform lets you see what it's really like to work in a wide variety of sectors via interactive, video-led career content that covers thousands of topics. Furthermore, the 1-to-1 career coaching we offer from real-world experts offers priceless guidance to help you on your way.

To find out more about Wandr training, visit us today at www.wandr.au. Alternatively, have a chat with our friendly team by calling 1300 611 404 or emailing support@wandr.au? They're ready and waiting to steer you in the right direction.