Which courses lead to the highest paying jobs in Australia?

Choosing which course to take is one of the most important decisions a student will ever make. In addition to personal interest and academic ability, the job prospects of a degree are significant. For overseas students seeking to build a bright future, Australia provides good educational standards, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and exciting work opportunities.  

If you want to get one of the highest paying jobs in Australia, you should choose a course of study that will lead to a career that is always in demand and pays well. This blog delves into the top courses associated with Australia's highest-paying professions, the normal study-to-work pipeline, and wage benchmarks based on reliable data sources.  

Top-earning occupations (what the data shows)  

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) consistently publishes data on taxable incomes by occupation. According to its most recent reports, medical specialists, finance professionals and executives are the highest paid. Surgeons,  anaesthetists, and senior financial brokers had some of the highest taxed incomes in 2022-23.  

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)  said that the average full-time weekly pay was more than AUD 2,000 in 2025. This means top earners in medicine, finance, engineering, and IT are significantly above the national average, offering a secure and financially rewarding career path.  

Average Salary Benchmark in Australia 

Selected high-paying occupations and the courses that lead there  

1. Medicine and allied specialties  

If you are looking for the most dependable way to reach one of the highest paying jobs in Australia, medicine tops the list. Medical specialists dominate the ATO’s annual income rankings, with surgeons, anaesthetists, and psychiatrists among the highest earners.  

The journey is demanding:  

• Step 1: Earn a medical degree (MBBS or Doctor of Medicine).  

• Step 2: Complete an internship and residency.  

• Step 3: Undertake years of specialist training and fellowships.  

The training can take more than 10 years, but the financial and career benefits are huge, with annual salaries ranging from AUD 200,000 to AUD 400,000.  

If you’re uncertain about admissions and SOP preparation, Career Gyan provides expert assistance in applications and program selection.  

2. Finance and investment careers  

The world of finance offers excellent earning potential. Senior investment bankers, financial dealers, and treasury heads consistently feature in high-income categories.  

Education Pathway:  

• Begin with a Bachelor of Commerce or a degree in Economics/Finance.  

• Strengthen your profile with certifications like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CPA (Certified Practicing Accountant).  

• Progress through internships, analyst roles, and mid-level finance jobs before entering senior dealer or treasury positions.  

According to the Hays Salary Guide, these senior roles often exceed AUD 180,000 annually, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.  

Planning a career in finance? Book a Career Gyan consultation to align your degree with internships and scholarship opportunities.  

3. Engineering — especially mining and petroleum

Australia’s resource-driven economy makes mining and petroleum engineers some of the highest-paid professionals.  

Why mining pays well:  

• Many roles are located in remote regions, and companies offer extra allowances.  

• The demand for skilled engineers in extraction, safety, and resource management remains strong.  

Jobs & Skills Australia portal reports median weekly earnings for mining engineers at AUD 2,500–3,500, above the national average.  

Interested in engineering? Read Career Gyan’s Study in Australia guide to explore top universities and course options.  

4. Information technology and specialized tech management

Technology careers are growing rapidly, with IT managers, data architects, and cloud specialists reaching high pay brackets.  

Career Pathway:  

• Study Computer Science or Information Technology at the undergraduate level.  

• Gain certifications in high-demand fields like cloud computing (AWS, Azure) or cybersecurity.  

• Transition into management roles that combine technical expertise with leadership skills.  

According to Payscale Australia, IT managers earn more than AUD 120,000 annually, with salaries higher in major cities.  

Career Gyan’s blogs cover scholarships and tech-focused study abroad opportunities for international students.  

5. Law and executive leadership  

Law and business leadership can also lead to some of Australia's highest-paying careers.  

• Law: Corporate lawyers and partners in large firms often command salaries far above the average.  

• Leadership: Chief Executives and Managing Directors typically have a background in commerce, economics, or business administration. Many pursue MBAs for career acceleration.  

The Michael Page Salary Benchmark confirms executive salaries well into six figures, with top-tier CEOs earning AUD 500,000+.  

If you’re aiming for an MBA or law program, Career Gyan’s SOP services help make your application truly stands out.  

Understanding Australia's Income Tax Rates (2025–26)  

Australia employs a progressive income tax system. For the 2025–26 financial year, the tax brackets for residents are as follows:  

Additionally, a 2% Medicare Levy applies to most taxpayers, and high-income earners may incur a Medicare Levy Surcharge of up to 1.5% if they don't have private health insurance.  

How to pick a course that leads to a high-paying outcome  

• Start with the occupation. Instead of picking a degree at random, identify your career goal first.  

• Check entry and licensing requirements. For professions like medicine and law, ensure you understand registration rules (see Medical Board of Australia).  

• Look for work-integrated learning. Internships, placements, and industry-linked programs significantly increase employability.  

• Weigh cost vs. return. Use ABS earnings data to measure the long-term return on investment of your course.  

• Factor in demand trends. Review Jobs & Skills Australia for forecasts of which occupations are growing.  

Conclusion  

If you choose a course with a clear professional path, you can land one of Australia's highest-paying jobs. Medicine, banking, engineering, IT, law, and business leadership all have high earning potential, but each has its own timeframe and criteria. You may make informed choices about your education and career by using official data and strategic planning.  

For international students, the path may appear complicated, but assistance is available. Career Gyan can help you with everything from filling out application forms to picking classes and getting a visa. We can help you reach your academic and career goals in Australia.