Highest Paying Jobs in Australia for 2024

Are you looking for a career change or a new challenge? Do you want to know which jobs offer the highest salaries in Australia? If so, you are in the right place. In this post, we will reveal the top 10 highest paying jobs in Australia for 2024, based on the latest data from Hays Recruitment, the Australian Tax Office, and other reputable sources. We will also provide some information on the qualifications, skills, and responsibilities of each job, as well as some tips on how to land one of these lucrative positions.

1. Legal: Equity Partner (up to $850,000)

Equity partners are the owners of a law firm who share the profits and losses of the business. They are usually senior lawyers who have proven their expertise, reputation, and client base in a specific area of law. Equity partners in top private practices in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney report average salaries of more than $500,000, with Sydney topping the list at $850,000 plus.

To become an equity partner, you need to complete an accredited law degree, work as a solicitor for several years, and then apply for a partnership position in a law firm. You also need to demonstrate strong leadership, business development, and interpersonal skills, as well as a high level of ethical and professional standards.

2. Executive: CEO and MD ($700,000)

CEOs and MDs are the highest-ranking executives in a company, responsible for setting the vision, strategy, and direction of the organisation. They oversee all aspects of the business, from operations and finance to marketing and human resources. They also represent the company to external stakeholders, such as investors, customers, and regulators. CEOs and MDs in companies with a turnover between $50 million and $500 million typically earn around $600,000 but can reach up to $700,000.

To become a CEO or MD, you need to have extensive experience in senior management roles, preferably in the same industry or sector as the company you want to lead. You also need to have a strong track record of delivering results, managing change, and inspiring teams. Additionally, you need to have excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, as well as a strategic and innovative mindset.

3. Anaesthetist ($386,065)

Anaesthetists are medical specialists who administer anaesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other procedures. They are involved in preparing surgical patients for their procedure, which includes pain relief, surgery preparation and implementing a patient care plan before, during and after the procedure. Anaesthetists are the second highest paid medical professionals in Australia, with an average income of $386,065.

To become an anaesthetist, you need to complete an accredited medical degree, an internship in a clinical setting, a residency in anaesthesia, and a fellowship program with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. The whole process can take up to 14 years. You also need to have a high level of technical and clinical skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure, communicate effectively, and cope with stress.

4. Surgeon ($394,303)

Surgeons are medical specialists who operate on patients suffering from disease, injury or deformity. They can perform various types of surgery, such as cardiovascular, neurosurgery, orthopaedic, plastic, or reconstructive. Surgeons are the highest paid medical professionals in Australia, with an average income of $394,303. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on the type of surgery, expertise, and qualifications. For instance, neurosurgeons were the highest paid with an average of $600,387, followed by reconstructive surgeons at $500,269 and ophthalmologists at $533,511.

To become a surgeon, you need to complete an accredited medical degree, a clinical internship, a residency in surgery, and a fellowship program with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in a surgical specialty. The whole process can take up to 15 years. You also need to have exceptional manual dexterity, analytical and decision-making skills, and the ability to work in a team and handle complex situations.

5. Psychiatrist ($216,075)

Psychiatrists are medical specialists who diagnose, treat, and prevent mental disorders and illnesses. They can prescribe medication, provide psychotherapy, and perform other interventions to help patients improve their mental health and wellbeing. Psychiatrists are the third highest paid medical professionals in Australia, with an average income of $216,075.

To become a psychiatrist, you need to complete an accredited medical degree, a clinical internship, a residency in psychiatry, and a fellowship program with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. The whole process can take up to 13 years. You also need to have a deep understanding of human behaviour, emotions, and cognition, as well as the ability to empathise, communicate, and build rapport with patients.

6. Mining, Energy and Resources: Project Director ($350,000)

Project directors are senior managers who oversee large-scale projects in the mining, energy, and resources sectors. They are responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects on time, on budget, and on scope, while ensuring quality, safety, and environmental standards. They also manage the project team, stakeholders, and contractors, and report on the project progress and performance. Project directors in the mining, energy, and resources sectors typically earn around $300,000 but can reach up to $350,000.

To become a project director, you need to have a relevant degree in engineering, project management, or a related field, as well as extensive experience in managing complex and high-value projects in the mining, energy, and resources sectors. You also need to have strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills, as well as the ability to manage risk, uncertainty, and change.

7. Technology: Chief Information Officer ($300,000)

Chief information officers are senior executives who oversee the information technology (IT) strategy, systems, and infrastructure of a company. They are responsible for aligning the IT goals and initiatives with the business objectives and priorities, as well as ensuring the security, reliability, and efficiency of the IT operations. They also lead the IT team, manage the IT budget, and liaise with external IT vendors and partners. Chief information officers in Australia typically earn around $250,000 but can reach up to $300,000.

To become a chief information officer, you need to have a degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field, as well as extensive experience in IT management and leadership roles. You also need to have a broad and deep knowledge of IT trends, technologies, and best practices, as well as the ability to innovate, collaborate, and communicate effectively.

8. Finance and Accounting: Chief Financial Officer ($300,000)

Chief financial officers are senior executives who oversee the financial strategy, planning, and reporting of a company. They are responsible for managing the financial performance, risks, and compliance of the company, as well as providing financial advice and guidance to the CEO and the board of directors. They also lead the finance and accounting team, manage the financial resources, and liaise with external auditors, regulators, and investors. Chief financial officers in Australia typically earn around $250,000 but can reach up to $300,000.

To become a chief financial officer, you need to have a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, as well as a professional qualification such as CPA or CA. You also need to have extensive experience in financial management and leadership roles, preferably in the same industry or sector as the company you want to work for. You also need to have strong analytical, strategic, and communication skills, as well as the ability to influence, negotiate, and problem-solve.

9. Property and Construction: Development Manager ($250,000)

Development managers are professionals who manage the development of residential, commercial, or industrial properties. They are responsible for overseeing the entire development process, from feasibility studies and design to construction and delivery. They also manage the development budget, timeline, and quality, as well as the relationships with the landowners, consultants, contractors, and authorities. Development managers in Australia typically earn around $200,000 but can reach up to $250,000.

To become a development manager, you need to have a degree in property, construction, engineering, or a related field, as well as experience in property development, project management, or a related role. You also need to have strong commercial, technical, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects, stakeholders, and risks.

10. Sales: Sales Director ($250,000)

Sales directors are senior managers who oversee the sales strategy, operations, and performance of a company. They are responsible for setting the sales goals and targets, developing and implementing the sales plans and processes, and managing the sales team and budget. They also monitor and analyse the sales data and trends, and report on the sales results and outcomes. Sales directors in Australia typically earn around $200,000 but can reach up to $250,000.

To become a sales director, you need to have a degree in business, marketing, or a related field, as well as experience in sales management and leadership roles. You also need to have excellent sales, negotiation, and presentation skills, as well as the ability to motivate, coach, and inspire your sales team.