Top 10 highest-paying jobs in Australia

New data from SEEK shows the top 10 professions earning the highest yearly advertised salaries are made up of workers in IT, health care, construction, banking and engineering.

The highest-paying job, based on salaries advertised on SEEK, is held by people who head up technology teams, and they earn an average yearly salary of $223,726. 

Anaesthetists come second, earning an average advertised salary of $222,004, followed by GPs at $218,268.

Psychiatrists, earning an average advertised salary of $211,766, and banking and financial services directors, at $208,688, round out the top five.  

The SEEK data shows all the top 10 average advertised salaries rose between 5 and 10 per cent with the exception of heads of technology, whose salaries jumped by 22 per cent, and technical directors in engineering, whose salaries did not change over the past year.

Technology roles demand high salaries because professionals in this field are in short supply, said Matthew Dickason, Hays chief executive Asia Pacific. 

“Tech salary trajectories run on one of two speeds,” he said. 

“Many roles experience a steady salary increase over time. But for roles where demand exceeds supply, salary increases trend upwards at a faster speed. 

“The highest tech salary earners are in leadership positions. In today’s complex and changing technology landscape, effective tech leaders spearhead digital transformations and deliver business value.

“They must be able to drive innovation, manage change and shape strategy. This is reflected in their remuneration.” 

Medical or health professions occupy five positions in the top 10 earners. Photo: Getty

Medical or health professions occupy five positions in the top 10 earners, which is no surprise with widespread skills shortages in the medical & healthcare industry.

Statistics from the federal government show healthcare jobs only attracted 1.1 suitable applicants per vacancy in March this year.

“Surgeons, anaesthetists and GPs have high earnings potential,” Dickason said. 

“Salaries are rising for allied healthcare professionals too, such as psychiatrists. Demand for trained allied health professionals with university qualifications is expected to continue to grow strongly over the next decade.

“But there’s a huge shortage across the country, especially in remote and rural locations. In response, salaries are an important part of the equation to attract and retain talent.” 

Explore jobs on SEEK and find better job matches than ever before.