10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia Without a Degree

Getting a high paying job in Australia doesn’t have to mean getting a university degree. It’s true that many jobs bringing in the highest annual salary require four or more years of full-time study — but there are plenty more high paying career paths with no degree required.

There are so many reasons you might not have a university degree — not least a decision based on personal choice and preference. What we’re here to show you is that a degree is not a prerequisite for career success. These days, there are more and more pathways to achieving goals in job fulfilment  — and even some pretty competitive coin.

So, you say, what are these excellent jobs without a degree and how do I go about getting my foot in the door?  Well, we couldn’t possibly list them all —  but here are ten of the highest paid jobs you don’t need a degree for.

The Role

A Pilot is highly trained to operate aeroplanes or helicopters for the use of transport. Flying a commercial plane can keep you from your home for long periods and tests your mathematics and physics skills.

A job as a Pilot can be exciting; it has a high average salary and offers good job security. For those who had childhood dreams of flying a plane, this could be your chance to make them come true.

Job Requirements

Although you do not need a degree to become a Pilot, you have to take on some serious training. All Pilots must obtain a licence through the  Civil Safety Authority. 

You will be required to pass an initial skill assessment and medical test then complete a series of licences, including practical and theoretical training and assessments.

If you wish to become a commercial pilot, you will also need to complete 1,500 hours of flight time as part of your training, which can be a pretty massive investment in time and money.

The Role

As the project managers of the building world, construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, coordinating operations, staff, and materials. It’s a busy and challenging job, but also rewarding — and in high demand, with over 12,000 new jobs predicted to open up by 2025.

You’ll get to shape systems and processes into the way that works for you, making improvements and seeing results every day. Plus, you’ll spend most of your time outside, supervising and directing staff on construction sites. If you’re super hands-on and with excellent communication skills, this one could be perfect for you.

Job Requirements

A degree isn’t necessary to become a construction manager, but this is a senior-level job and requires extensive experience in construction. Most construction managers start as entry-level labourers, gaining as much experience as possible. 

To get the high-level management skills necessary for success at large projects, take on the Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management).

The Role

As an ICT manager, you’ll lead an IT department and direct an organisation’s technology and communications resources. This job combines a high level of technical knowledge with the ability to lead and manage people.

You’ll make decisions about the types of technology that will best support an organisation to achieve its goals while keeping an eye on maintenance and cybersecurity. Plus, you’ll balance the needs and priorities of different teams within the IT department.

Job Requirements

You can work your way up to an ICT manager role from a junior role in IT, but you will need to develop advanced skills in both IT and management.

While a degree isn’t strictly required, formal qualifications are very helpful to gain the skills you need to succeed — and employers will look favourably on one.

The Role

As the head of the Human Resources department, an HR manager’s job is to take care of the people who work at an organisation. This area has been taking a less formal turn lately, and you’ll often hear it called ‘People and Culture’ rather than HR. 

Alongside managing a department, your responsibilities will cover staff wages, performance, recruitment, policies and procedures. Organisations of all shapes and sizes need an HR manager, and demand is surging — which gives you plenty of choice in where you’d like to work.

Job Requirements

This is a senior role that you can build up to after a few years in the HR game. While you’re not required to hold a particular degree, having some training under your belt, like a Diploma of Human Resources, will greatly increase your chances of getting the job you want.

The Role

An Office Manager role often has aspects of an executive assistant role included. Generally, it requires you to ensure the smooth running of an office environment in all of its facets. Responsibilities would include administration, human resources, document creation, meeting and greeting visitors, basic IT monitoring, EA duties, coordinating meetings and much more.

This role can vary significantly from office to office, so having proficiency in all administration and a support role skillset is essential. 

Job Requirements

A role in Office Management can often be a follow-on from more junior office or administration roles, so experience in an office support capacity would likely be preferable. 

There is no formal training necessary to enter a role as an Office Manager but having studied business administration will be incredibly appealing to future employers. 

The Role

If you are achievement orientated, honest, resilient and optimistic, a job in sales could be perfect for you.

Salespeople are the point of contact between a business and its customer and ensure the customer receives the correct information on products and services, leading to a successful transaction between them and the provider. 

The role can be fast-paced and competitive, but those who thrive in this environment can earn high percentages in commission.

There is also an opportunity for growth in these roles, with Sales Managers and Directors capable of earning over $200k.

Job Requirements

There are no formal qualifications required for a sales position, and you may already have more experience than you think. That tuck-shop or clothing store job you had years ago has set you up with some basic customer-facing skills.

However, any courses completed in customer engagement would be desirable to an employer and make you stand out from the crowd.

How encouraging is it to know that so many career choices are available to you? With the option of certificates, diplomas other flexible learning plans available, if you really want it, your dream job could be just around the corner.

“I got to where I am today because of the work I have put in, because of what I believe to be my own self-worth, not that which a university degree tells someone else how much I should be paid.”

Travis Godde, Business Development Manager, AFL Global
Read Travis’ story of becoming a sales person with the AFL

The Role

While an electrician’s role can vary depending on what you choose to specialise in, generally, you will be responsible for the safe installation, removal or repair of electrical systems. Electricians work inside and outside of commercial or residential buildings.

This career can be rewarding, diverse and offers great growth opportunities. 

Job Requirements

To work as a qualified Australian Electrician, you must complete a four year apprenticeship which will involve completing a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.

The Role

A real estate agent works on behalf of homeowners to arrange the sales or leases for properties. They advocate on behalf of buyers when negotiating purchases and provide market appraisals of properties. 

With an entry-level base salary of around $50k, the commission is where the big bucks come in.

With some jobs paying up to 5% of an overall property sale price, the sky is the limit for earning potential.

Job Requirements

Eligibility to work as an Estate Agent vary from state to state in Australia, so you need to complete the correct real estate qualification and gain your licence relevant to where you want to work. 

You must also complete 12 months of work experience under a licensed Real Estate Agent.

The Role

There are many types of writing jobs. Copywriting, novel writing and technical writing to name a few. All writers create content for commercial or artistic purposes. Perfect for people with solid skills in communication and a creative flair, this can be a lucrative and fulfilling job for life. 

A freelance writer can earn over $100k when setting their own rates, and the potential to start a business is enormous.

Job Requirements

While there is no formal qualification required for a job in writing, having attended a writing course is highly desired by an employer or client. Some structures and formulas take your writing to the next level once you have grasped the basics.

“Take it from me, a freelance writer who has learnt her craft through short courses and on the job experience; a degree is not for everyone, and the lack of one does not stop you from achieving success.”

Laura Squair

The Role

As a Personal Trainer, you will guide clients, based on their goals, to improve themselves physically in a safe way.

Your duties would be to assess clients wants and needs, strategise, work out plans and monitor progress. You will also ensure exercises are performed correctly and have a sound knowledge of muscle anatomy.

Although the average annual salary for this role can start on the lower end, the potential to freelance or create your own business can allow you to set your own rates and hours.

If you choose this route, your earning potential could be more than $100k.

Job Requirements

To become a Personal Trainer, you are required to complete a Certificate IV in Fitness. This can be achieved over 12 months and can be a combination of face- to- face and online learning.

“My qualifications gave me confidence for the real world and the knowledge I needed to know on the job as a fitness professional.”

Maddy Williams, Founder and Director of Bikini Bods Women’s Kickboxing

The Role

A career as a Photographer can be exciting, glamorous and can earn you a significant income. Looking beyond our salary range averages, those who freelance or run a photography business can earn up to and over $150k.

Creating beautiful images for a client is a fantastic creative outlet and a skill that will be needed for many years to come. From commercial projects to corporate portraits and beautiful art, photography can be a diverse and fulfilling career. It is even something you can pick up as a hobby first and move onto small jobs when you are ready.

Job Requirements

It is recommended that a photography course is taken for anyone looking to branch into this field. This will allow you to increase technical skills, learn about lighting, editing, retouching and, of course having experienced mentors to learn from.

Trained Photographers are more likely to get a foot in the door at a studio or gain the confidence of potential clients.

The Role

Bookkeepers can be in-house or sourced outside of the business to maintain a company’s accounting records and financial data. It involves close contact with business owners and can sometimes require imparting advice on how changes to the allocation of money can improve the running of an organisation.

This career choice is best suited to someone with good attention to detail, strong organisation skills, good communication and excellent time management abilities. 

Job Requirements

If you wish to be a Bookkeeper that provides BAS services, you must apply to the Tax Practitioners Board for a licence.

In order to obtain the licence you will be required to have completed at least a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping and other relevant requirements set by the TPB. More information can be found here.

Should you do a free bookkeeping course or invest in a paid one? 

The Role

Enrolled Nurses work collaboratively with and are supervised by other healthcare workers such as registered nurses, specialist nurses and doctors to provide support to patients in the health care and aged care system.

Duties range from helping patients physically and emotionally to more complex care like administering medication and treatments.

There is strong projected job growth in support nursing over the next five years, and with options for further study into registered nursing available, you could work your way into a senior role relatively quickly. 

Job Requirements

To work as an Enrolled Nurse in Australia, you must have completed a Diploma of Nursing, which usually takes one to two years to complete. After this, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and ensure you renew your registration every year.

Founder and Director of Bikini Bods Women’s Kickboxing

Maddy is the Founder of Bikini Bods Women’s Kickboxing Gyms, Australia. Maddy delivers fitness programs for women based around Muay Thai Kickboxing, Boxing and functional training classes with a focus on strengthening and empowering women through fitness.