Looking ahead to the future, it’s essential to stay informed about the current job trends, especially if you’re a recent high school graduate, a career-changer, or a professional impacted by the global pandemic. Australia is a land of vast opportunities, and being aware of the jobs that are currently in demand can be beneficial. With the economy rebounding, we can expect to see a surge of high-paying careers across various industries in the coming years. Whether you’re interested in healthcare or business, this article will reveal the top jobs in Australia that are anticipated to have the highest annual salaries in 2024.
Medical Field Dominates
Surgeons
The medical field ranks high in the list of top jobs in Australia, with surgeons earning impressive figures. With an average salary of around AUD 394,303, surgeons are medical specialists who operate on patients to treat diseases, injuries, or deformities.
The income varies with the type of surgery and the surgeon’s expertise and qualifications. For instance, neurosurgeons are the highest paid, with an average income of AUD 600,387, followed by reconstructive surgeons and ophthalmologists.
Anaesthetist
Anaesthetists are medical professionals specialising in patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. They earn an average salary of AUD 386,065, making their profession one of the top jobs in Australia. Their primary responsibilities involve pain relief, surgery preparation, and implementing patient care plans.
Internal Medicine Specialist
Internal medicine specialists diagnose and manage complex health disorders, often liaising with other practitioners. They may specialise in various areas like infectious diseases, cardiology, geriatric medicine, or rheumatology. With an average salary of AUD 304,752, they are among the top earners in the medical field in Australia.

Financial Industry Giants
Financial Dealer
Financial dealers, earning an average salary of AUD 275,984, analyse market conditions, government regulations, and client’s financial circumstances. They buy and sell commodities for profit, making their role crucial in the financial sector.
Financial Investment Advisor
Financial investment advisors help clients build wealth and manage financial risks by creating long-term strategies and investment portfolios. With an average salary of AUD 169,608, their role is among the top jobs in Australia.

The Commanders of the Corporate World
CEO or Managing Director
CEOs or Managing Directors command the highest rank in a company, earning an average salary of AUD 177,508. They are responsible for managing the company’s operations, resources, and people, making strategic decisions to ensure profitability.
Enterprise Architecture Manager
Enterprise and systems architect managers, with an average salary of AUD 168,762, oversee the technical aspects of a company’s IT networks. They ensure the seamless functioning of hardware and software systems, making their role crucial in the digital age.
Vice President
Vice Presidents, earning an average salary of AUD 151,358, manage short and long-term operations of a company. They oversee training procedures and assist in developing business plans, budgets, and strategies.

Legal Professionals
Judge or Legal Professional
Judges and legal professionals, including lawyers and paralegals, earn an average of AUD 193,388 per year. Their role ranges from interpreting and applying law in court cases to providing legal advice and services.
Legal: Equity Partner
Becoming a partner in a law firm is a highly coveted achievement that requires an exceptional level of dedication and hard work. The process is rigorous and demands an unwavering commitment to the firm. A successful candidate must have exceptional legal skills, a track record of success, personal skills and the ability to attract and retain clients.
As an equity partner, you will have the opportunity to share in the profits of the firm, make important decisions, and contribute to shaping the future of the organisation. The journey to becoming an equity partner may be challenging, but the rewards are immense and well worth the effort. However, the pay is really good! Equity partners in the top private practices earn average salaries of over AUD 500,000, which makes it one of the top jobs in Australia. So, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, it’s definitely a career path to consider!

Engineering Marvels
Mining Engineer
Mining engineers are excellent! They are responsible for overseeing the construction of mines and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. They work hard to identify potential development sites, coordinate staff employment, and implement safety programs so everyone can work safely. After mining is completed, they also work hard to restore mines to their original state. Did you know that, on average, mining engineers earn an impressive salary of $AUD 184,507?
Engineering Manager
Engineering managers, with an average salary of AUD 159,940, oversee teams of engineers and plan technical operations. They handle budgets, schedules, and quality and safety procedures, making their role crucial in the engineering field.

The Handlers of Human Resources
Head of HR/HR Director
Heads of HR or HR Directors in large organisations typically earn around AUD 300,000 per year. Their responsibilities include developing HR strategies, managing workforce planning and performance, and ensuring legal compliance, making it one of the top jobs in Australia.

Technology Wizards
CIO and CTO
The positions of CIO (Chief Information Officer)and CTO (Chief Technology Officer) are essential roles within a company’s hierarchy. The CIO is responsible for overseeing the organisation’s technology and information systems. At the same time, the CTO focuses on the technological aspects of the company’s products and services. Earn an average salary of AUD 306,000. They oversee the strategic planning and implementation of technology in an organisation, ensuring its alignment with business goals.
Director of Information Security
Information security directors, earning an average salary of AUD 149,204, safeguard company data from security threats. Their role varies with the type of organisation or industry. Generally, it involves implementing security, data, and technology policies and procedures.

Champions of Retail
General Manager
General managers in the retail sector earn an average salary of AUD 510,000. They oversee the operations of a retail store or a chain of stores, ensuring profit maximisation and customer satisfaction.

Energy Sector Leaders
Project Delivery Director
Project delivery directors in the renewable energy sector earn an average salary of AUD 357,000. They utilise their ‘soft skills’ to manage stakeholder relations and adopt a strategic approach to big projects.

Property Professionals
Development Director
Development directors in the property sector earn an average salary of AUD 388,000. They analyse potential development sites and oversee the planning and execution of construction projects.

Sustainability Stewards
Head of Sustainability
Heads of sustainability or ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) earn up to AUD 310,000. Their role involves developing and implementing sustainability strategies to ensure their organisation’s operations align with environmental and social standards.

The Psychology Experts
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illnesses, earning an average salary of AUD 270,412. Their role involves psychotherapy, prescribing medication, and admitting patients to hospitals, making their profession one of the top jobs in Australia.

Summing Up: Top Jobs in Australia for 2024
In conclusion, being informed about the top jobs in Australia can help you make prudent career decisions. While monetary compensation is a significant factor, remember to align your career choice with your passion and interests. Furthermore, most of these top jobs require a considerable investment in education and training, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and professional development.