Some of Australia’s highest-paid careers are open to people without a university degree, with skilled trades and technical roles offering salaries well into six figures, new SEEK data suggests.
The figures highlight the earning potential available to workers who choose apprenticeships, vocational training and licences instead of a traditional university route.
Heavy diesel fitters in the mining, resources and energy sector topped the list, with an average salary of about A$167,210. Automotive electricians in the same industry were close behind on A$163,611.
Other lucrative roles included construction site managers, on around A$162,759, healthcare facilities managers on A$151,099 and construction forepersons on A$143,807.
Trade careers among Australia’s highest-paid jobs without a degree
Maintenance managers in engineering were listed at A$139,668, while payroll managers could earn about A$138,439. Electricians working in mining, resources and energy were reported to earn an average of A$137,966.
Licensed aircraft maintenance engineers were also among the better-paid options, with salaries of about A$134,305. Marketing managers, meanwhile, were listed at just under A$116,000.
SEEK said the figures reflected the specialist skills, formal training and practical experience needed for the roles. Many workers enter the professions through apprenticeships or vocational education, allowing them to earn while they train.
Dr Blair Chapman, SEEK’s chief economist, said vocational pathways could lead to “very strong earnings”, particularly for people who preferred hands-on work or wanted to avoid university debt.
She cautioned, however, that the jobs should not be viewed as low-skilled alternatives. Many require substantial training, industry licences and years of experience before workers reach the highest salary levels.
Jobs and Skills Australia data shows electricians remain a significant occupation in the country’s labour market. Pay can also be higher in mining and other remote industries, where employers compete for workers with specialist qualifications and are often required to offer additional allowances or fly-in, fly-out arrangements.
