Your complete guide to landing the most lucrative careers in Australia
Ready to supercharge your earning potential? We’ve identified the exact jobs that are commanding the highest salaries in Australia right now. We’ve crunched the latest Australian Taxation Office data from over 14 million tax returns to give you insights about Australia’s highest-paying jobs.
Here’s your roadmap to the top.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Australia (Latest ATO Data)
| Rank | Job | Average Annual Salary | Number of Workers |
| 1 | Surgeon | $472,475 | 4,247 |
| 2 | Anaesthetist | $447,193 | 3,658 |
| 3 | Financial Dealer | $355,233 | 5,147 |
| 4 | Internal Medicine Specialist | $342,457 | 10,689 |
| 5 | Psychiatrist | $286,146 | 3,238 |
| 6 | Other Medical Practitioners | $259,802 | 31,160 |
| 7 | Mining Engineer | $206,423 | 10,175 |
| 8 | Judicial/Legal Professional | $206,408 | 4,333 |
| 9 | Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director | $194,987 | 231,103 |
| 10 | Financial Investment Advisor | $191,986 | 20,334 |
Source: Australian Taxation Office, 2022-23 financial year, published June 2025
1. Surgeon
Surgeons remain Australia’s highest earners. Whether you’re performing life-saving operations or specialized procedures, the combination of skill, responsibility, and years of training translates into exceptional compensation.
Career Outlook:
Australia’s aging population and medical advances mean surgeons are in constant demand. Specialized areas like robotic surgery and minimally invasive techniques are experiencing explosive growth. Healthcare professionals continue to dominate the list of top earners, with ongoing doctor shortages creating excellent job security. AI and automation are enhancing rather than replacing surgical expertise, making this a future-proof career choice.
Salary Snapshot:
Based on ATO tax data, surgeons in Australia average $472,475 annually, with 4,247 surgeons reporting their salaries. Neurosurgeons are among the highest-paid surgeons in Australia. According to Medrecruit, entry-level neurosurgeons typically earn from $250,000, mid-level professionals with 5-10 years of experience earn up to $800,000, and highly experienced neurosurgeons with a solid reputation can earn over $1 million.
Best locations:
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane (major hospital networks and private practice opportunities)
Common specialties:
General surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, plastic surgery
How to get in:
- Complete a medical degree (6 years)
- 1-2 years Medical internship and residency
- Apply for Surgical Education and Training (SET) program
- Complete 5-6 years specialist surgical training
- Fellowship with Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
- AHPRA specialist registration
Why professionals choose it:
- Highest earning potential in Australia
- Intellectually challenging and continuously evolving
- Direct impact on patient lives and outcomes
- Strong job security and professional prestige
- Opportunities for research and teaching
What to watch out for:
- Extremely long training pathway (12-15+ years total)
- High-stress environment with life-or-death decisions
- Irregular hours, on-call duties, and weekend work
- Significant study and examination requirements throughout career
- Long, unpredictable hours including emergencies
- Massive upfront education costs
- High medical indemnity insurance costs
Professional tip:
Choose your specialty early and build relationships with mentors in that field. Surgical training is highly competitive. Maintain excellent grades and seek research opportunities to strengthen your application. Some areas like cosmetic surgery offer more work-life balance and higher pay than emergency surgery.
2. Anaesthetist
The people of surgical safety, anaesthetists ensure patients remain pain-free and stable during procedures. This critical role commands exceptional salaries reflecting the precision and expertise required.
Career Outlook:
Every surgery needs an anaesthetist, making this one of the most secure medical specialties. Anaesthetics is one of Australia’s highest-paid doctor specialities, with demand driven by an aging population and increasing elective procedures. Telehealth opportunities for pre-operative consultations and pain management are expanding the field beyond traditional hospital settings.
Salary Snapshot:
Based on ATO tax data, anaesthetists in Australia earn average of $447,193 annually. According to Medrecruit, entry-level anaesthetists typically earn from $200,000 annually, while highly experienced anaesthetists with established reputations can earn well over $600,000. Locum anaesthetists, also according to Medrecruit, have the potential to earn between $2,500 and $3,500 per day.
Best locations:
Sydney, Melbourne, Perth (major surgical centers and private hospitals)
Common specialties:
General anaesthesia, cardiac anaesthesia, pediatric anaesthesia, pain medicine, obstetric anaesthesia
How to get in:
- Complete a medical degree (6 years)
- 2 years internship and residency
- Apply for Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) training
- Complete 5 years specialist anaesthetic training
- Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZCA)
Why professionals choose it:
- Excellent work-life balance compared to other surgical specialties
- High earning potential with regular hours in many positions
- Critical role in patient safety and surgical success
- Opportunities for subspecialization (pediatric, cardiac, pain medicine)
- Strong demand across all hospital systems
What to watch out for:
- High responsibility for patient safety during critical procedures
- Potential for irregular hours and on-call duties
- Continuous monitoring and decision-making under pressure
- Ongoing education requirements and recertification
- Emotional stress from dealing with adverse events
- Malpractice insurance costs
Professional tip:
Gain experience in intensive care and emergency medicine during residency. The skills are highly transferable and make you a more competitive anaesthetics trainee. Private practice and obstetric anaesthesia can offer the best earning potential with more regular hours.
3. Financial Dealer
The masters of Australia’s financial markets, financial dealers trade securities, currencies, and commodities for banks, investment firms, and their own accounts. These high-pressure professionals earn substantial rewards for their market expertise and risk management skills.
Career Outlook:
Australia’s growing financial sector and increasing complexity of global markets continue to drive demand for skilled dealers. The rise of algorithmic trading and fintech innovations means dealers who can adapt to new technologies while maintaining traditional trading skills are particularly valuable.
Salary Snapshot:
Financial dealers command an average of $355,233 (ATO data) annually, with significant variation based on performance and bonuses. Jooble reports entry-level salaries close to AU $130,000, and total compensation can exceed $200,000 when performance bonuses and commissions are factored in, particularly for roles linked to trading or revenue performance.
Best locations:
Sydney (financial capital), Melbourne (major trading centers and investment banks)
Common specialties:
Foreign exchange (FX) dealing, equity trading, fixed income securities, derivatives trading, commodities trading
How to get in:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or Business
- Graduate programs at major banks or trading firms
- Financial licenses and certifications
- Start as analyst or junior trader
- CFA or similar advanced qualification advantageous
Why professionals choose it:
- Exceptional earning potential with performance bonuses
- Fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment
- Performance-based rewards and recognition
- Access to global financial markets and opportunities
- Potential for rapid career advancement
What to watch out for:
- Extremely high stress and pressure to perform
- Long hours, especially during market volatility
- Job security tied to market performance and firm profitability
- High burnout rates and intense competition
- Income volatility based on market cycles
Professional tip:
Build expertise in emerging areas like ESG trading or cryptocurrency markets. Develop strong risk management skills and maintain excellent performance records. Your track record is everything in this field.
4. Internal Medicine Specialist
Internal medicine specialists diagnose and treat complex medical conditions in adults, serving as the medical detectives of the healthcare system. These physicians manage everything from chronic diseases to acute medical emergencies, making them essential to Australia’s healthcare infrastructure.
Career Outlook:
Australia’s aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions ensure strong demand for internal medicine specialists. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of internists in managing complex medical cases. Telehealth expansion and subspecialization opportunities in areas like geriatric medicine and hospitalist roles are creating new career pathways.
Salary Snapshot:
Internal medicine specialists in Australia earn an average of $342,457 annually, according to ATO data. Based on SalaryExpert, entry-level internal medicine specialists typically earn average of $226,732, while senior-level positions can reach up to $436,366. For cardiologists, entry-level professionals with 1-3 years of experience earn an average salary of $313,027, while those with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $638,113. (SalaryExpert)
Best locations:
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth (major hospital networks and specialist clinics)
Common subspecialties:
Cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, rheumatology, nephrology, infectious diseases
How to get in:
- Complete a medical degree (6 years)
- 2 years internship and residency
- Apply for Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) training
- 3-4 years basic physician training
- Pass qualification examinations
- Optional subspecialty training (2-3 years)
Why professionals choose it:
- Intellectual challenge of complex diagnoses
- Building long-term patient relationships
- Variety of subspecialty career paths
- Combination of hospital and private practice opportunities
- Strong job security and professional respect
What to watch out for:
- Long training pathway (10+ years total)
- Heavy caseloads and administrative burden
- Emotional stress of managing serious illnesses
- Continuous medical education requirements
- Increasing paperwork and compliance demands
Professional tip:
Subspecialize early in high-demand areas like cardiology or endocrinology. Build strong relationships with referring GPs and consider procedural subspecialties for higher earning potential.
5. Psychiatrist
Mental health specialists who diagnose and treat psychological disorders, psychiatrists are becoming increasingly vital as Australia addresses its mental health crisis. These medical doctors combine pharmaceutical knowledge with psychological expertise to help patients overcome complex mental health challenges.
Career Outlook:
Mental health awareness and treatment demand are at an all-time high, with government initiatives significantly expanding mental health services. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated recognition of mental health as a critical healthcare priority. Mental health awareness and NDIS funding have created unprecedented demand. Psychiatrists specializing in child and adolescent mental health, addiction medicine, and forensic psychiatry are particularly in demand.
Salary Snapshot:
Psychiatrists earn average of $286,146 based on ATO data. In the public sector, they can even earn between $350,000 and $500,000 annually, depending on their experience and location. Psychiatrists in private practice can earn significantly more than those in the public sector. Locum consultant psychiatrists have the potential to earn between $2,500 and $4,000 per day, or more. (AlectoAustralia)
Best locations:
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane (major psychiatric facilities and private practice opportunities)
Common subspecialties:
Child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction medicine, forensic psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry
How to get in:
- Complete a medical degree (6 years)
- 2 years internship and residency
- Apply for RACP psychiatry training program
- 5 years specialist psychiatry training
- Pass RACP examinations and assessments
- Optional subspecialty training
Why professionals choose it:
- Making a real difference in people’s lives
- Growing recognition and respect
- Flexible working arrangements
- Strong job security and demand
What to watch out for:
- Emotionally demanding work
- Risk of vicarious trauma
- Complex cases requiring ongoing management
- Potential for difficult or aggressive patients
Professional tip:
Gain experience in emergency psychiatry and crisis intervention during training. These skills are highly valued and can open doors to lucrative consultation opportunities. Rural areas offer significant financial incentives, and telehealth is opening up new practice models.
6. Other Medical Practitioners
This broad category encompasses medical professionals who don’t fit into specific specialty classifications, including general practitioners, emergency physicians, pathologists, radiologists, and other essential medical roles that keep Australia’s healthcare system functioning.
Career Outlook:
Healthcare demand continues to surge across all medical disciplines, with particular shortages in rural and regional areas. Government incentives for rural practice, telehealth expansion, and aging population demographics ensure strong job security. Many of these roles offer excellent work-life balance compared to surgical specialties.
Salary Snapshot:
This category averages $259,802 annually (ATO data), with significant variation by specialty. Full-time GPs working 9 to 10 sessions per week can earn an average of $436,000, while part-time GPs working 6 sessions or fewer earn around $231,000 per year. (AlectoAustralia)
Best locations:
Nationwide, with rural and regional areas offering significant financial incentives
Common roles:
General Practitioner, Emergency Physician, Radiologist, Pathologist, Dermatologist, Ophthalmologist
How to get in:
- Complete a medical degree (6 years)
- 2 years internship and residency
- For GPs: 3 years GP training program
- For specialists: Additional specialty training
- Additional certifications for specialized procedures
Why professionals choose it:
- Direct patient care and community relationships
- Variety in daily work and cases
- Flexible practice options and locations
- Strong community respect and recognition
- Multiple revenue streams and practice models
What to watch out for:
- Increasing administrative and compliance burden
- Time pressure with patient loads and targets
- After-hours calls and emergency situations
- Challenges with Medicare rebate limitations
- Continuing education requirements
- Malpractice insurance costs
Professional tip:
Consider mixed billing models or developing procedural skills to boost income. Rural practice offers significant financial incentives plus lifestyle benefits, and telehealth is opening new service delivery models.
7. Mining Engineer
The technical experts behind Australia’s resource extraction industry, mining engineers design, develop, and manage mining operations that extract valuable minerals and energy resources. These professionals combine engineering expertise with resource management to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable mining operations.
Career Outlook:
Australia’s position as a global mining powerhouse ensures continued demand for mining engineers. The transition to renewable energy is driving demand for critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements. Automation and digital mining technologies are creating new opportunities for tech-savvy engineers, while environmental sustainability requirements are expanding the field.
Salary Snapshot:
Mining engineers earn an average of $206,423 annually. According to SalaryExpert, the average annual salary with entry-level positions (1–3 years of experience) is approximately $106,643, and senior-level roles (8+ years) reaching up to $189,261. PayScale reports that top earners can make up to $171,000 annually.
Best locations:
Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia (major mining regions)
Common specializations:
Open-cut mining, underground mining, mineral processing, mine planning, environmental engineering
How to get in:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering (4 years)
- Graduate programs with major mining companies
- Professional Engineering registration
- Learn mine planning software and geological modeling
- Optional Master’s degree for advanced roles
Why professionals choose it:
- Excellent starting salaries straight from university
- Clear career progression to senior management
- Working with cutting-edge technology and innovation
- Strong industry networks and global opportunities
- Significant impact on Australia’s economic prosperity
What to watch out for:
- FIFO lifestyle requirements for many operational roles
- Cyclical industry affected by global commodity prices
- Remote locations and harsh working environments
- High responsibility for safety and environmental compliance
- Physical demands and safety risks in mining operations
Professional tip:
Develop expertise across multiple commodities and consider specializing in emerging areas like lithium extraction or sustainable mining technologies. Project management qualifications significantly boost earning potential.
8. Judicial/Legal Professional
The experts of Australia’s legal system, judicial and legal professionals include judges, magistrates, senior barristers, and legal executives who interpret and apply the law. These highly qualified professionals command significant salaries reflecting their expertise and the critical importance of their roles.
Career Outlook:
Australia’s complex regulatory environment and growing focus on compliance ensure steady demand for legal expertise. Areas like cybersecurity law, environmental regulation, and corporate governance are experiencing particular growth. The legal profession offers diverse career paths from private practice to government and corporate roles.
Salary Snapshot:
Judicial and legal professionals earn an average of $206,408 (ATO data) annually. Based on government judicial salary data, judges and magistrates earn $358,680 to $585,980 depending on jurisdiction and seniority, with Queensland magistrates at $407,391 and Victorian magistrates at $358,680, while Chief Justices earn around $585,000 in both states.
Best locations:
Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra (major legal centers and courts)
Common specializations:
Commercial law, criminal law, family law, constitutional law, intellectual property, environmental law
How to get in:
- Complete a law degree from recognised university
- Practical Legal Training and admission to practice
- Several years experience as solicitor or in relevant legal roles
- For barristers: Bar examination and pupillage/reading period
- For judicial roles: Distinguished legal career and appointment process
Why professionals choose it:
- Intellectually challenging and prestigious work
- Opportunity to shape legal precedent and society
- High status and professional recognition
- Potential for significant earning in specialized areas
- Variety of career paths from private practice to judiciary
What to watch out for:
- Extremely competitive field with high entry barriers
- Long hours and high-stress cases with major consequences
- Years required to build reputation and client base
- Economic cycles can impact demand for legal services
- Continuous legal education and professional development required
Professional tip:
Specialize early in high-demand areas like technology law, ESG compliance, or complex commercial litigation. Building a reputation as the go-to expert in your field is essential for commanding premium fees.
9. Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director
The strategic leaders who guide Australia’s organizations, CEOs and Managing Directors are responsible for overall company performance, stakeholder management, and long-term strategic vision. These top executives earn substantial compensation reflecting their accountability for organizational success.
Career Outlook:
Digital transformation, ESG requirements, and post-pandemic business model changes are creating demand for adaptable, visionary leaders. CEO turnover remains high, creating opportunities for rising executives. Skills in change management, digital strategy, and stakeholder engagement are particularly valued in today’s business environment.
Salary Snapshot:
CEOs and Managing Directors earn an average of $194,987 (ATO data) annually, but this varies dramatically by company size and industry. The ATO data average is skewed due to many small businesses. According to the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors’ June 2025 report, the highest paid ASX200 CEO on realised-pay basis earned around $41 million for FY2024. Based on PayScale’s 2025 data, the average salary for a Senior Managing Director in Australia range typically between $78,000 to $260,000 per year.
Best locations:
Sydney, Melbourne (major corporate headquarters)
Common specialties:
Operations management, finance, strategy consulting, industry expertise, entrepreneurship
How to get in:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or relevant field
- MBA from prestigious university (often essential for major roles)
- 15-20+ years progressive leadership experience
- Proven track record of driving growth and profitability
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Board experience and governance expertise
Why professionals choose it:
- Ultimate decision-making authority and strategic influence
- Exceptional earning potential with equity participation
- Opportunity to shape company culture and market direction
- High-profile position with significant industry recognition
- Access to exclusive networks and business opportunities
What to watch out for:
- Extreme accountability for company performance and shareholder value
- Intense pressure from boards, investors, and public scrutiny
- Work-life balance often severely compromised
- Job security directly tied to company and market performance
- Personal liability and reputational risks
Professional tip:
Build your pathway through P&L responsibility in major business units or functional leadership roles (CFO, COO). Successful CEOs combine operational excellence with strategic vision and stakeholder management skills.
10. Financial Investment Advisor
Financial investment advisors help individuals and organizations make informed investment decisions, managing portfolios and providing strategic financial guidance. These professionals combine market expertise with client relationship skills to build and preserve wealth for their clients.
Career Outlook:
Australia’s growing wealth and increasing complexity of financial markets continue to drive demand for qualified investment advisors. Regulatory changes following the Banking Royal Commission have increased professionalism standards, creating opportunities for well-qualified advisors. The rise of ESG investing and digital advice platforms are reshaping the industry.
Salary Snapshot:
Financial investment advisors earn an average of $191,986 (ATO data) annually. Based on the SalaryExpert data, entry-level financial advisors (1-3 years of experience) earn an average salary of $67,948, while senior level investment advisors (8+ years of experience) earn an average of $151,305.
Best locations:
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane (major financial centers)
Common specializations:
Wealth management, retirement planning, portfolio management, estate planning, insurance advice
How to get in:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or related field
- Complete relevant qualifications
- ASIC licensing requirements and compliance
- Graduate programs at major financial institutions
- Professional indemnity insurance and ongoing education
Why professionals choose it:
- Strong earning potential with performance-based income
- Building long-term client relationships and trust
- Flexible working arrangements and practice models
- Helping people achieve financial security and goals
- Diverse career paths from institutions to independent practice
What to watch out for:
- Increasing regulatory compliance and documentation requirements
- Market volatility directly affects client relationships and income
- Sales pressure and business development expectations
- Professional indemnity insurance and liability costs
- Competition from robo-advisors and digital platforms
Professional tip:
Develop expertise in high-growth areas like ESG investing or SMSF management. Focus on building a specialized niche and maintaining strong client relationships for long-term success and referral generation.
Conclusion
These aren’t just random high-paying jobs. They’re careers that require serious commitment, often 10+ years of training and study. But the payoff is massive.
The medical pathway dominates this list for a reason. Australians value healthcare, and we pay our medical professionals accordingly. But the training is long and expensive.
Financial services also feature heavily because money management is big business in Australia. These roles can be more accessible than medicine but come with different risks.
Your next steps:
- Be realistic about the time investment required
- Research the specific entry requirements for your chosen field
- Network with people already in these careers
- Consider the lifestyle trade-offs, not just the money
- Have a backup plan. Some of these careers are competitive
The Australian job market rewards expertise, responsibility, and skills that are hard to replace. These careers represent the pinnacle of earning potential, but they also demand everything you’ve got.
Ready to commit to the long game? These opportunities are real, but they require real dedication to achieve. Choose wisely, work hard, and the financial rewards can be life-changing.
Check out Top 10 Highest-Paying Industries in Australia (2025) to see which sectors are leading the way in salaries
Disclaimer:
This content is for general informational purposes only and is not financial, career, or legal advice. Salary data and job information are based on publicly available sources (e.g., ATO, SEEK, Medrecruit), which may change over time. Echochime makes no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Always verify details with official or professional sources before making career decisions.