Navigating career choices often begins with one key question: how much does it pay? In Australia, salaries vary widely based on industry, location, experience, and education. Whether you’re planning your first job, changing careers, or entering a specialised field, understanding the factors that influence pay can help you make informed decisions.
This Remitly Jobs guide offers a detailed overview of salary expectations across key roles in healthcare, legal services, real estate, and aviation. It also provides direct access to in-depth guides on specific professions to support your planning.
Factors That Influence Salaries in Australia
Several key factors shape salary levels across different careers in Australia:
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Industry demand: Sectors like healthcare and aviation often offer higher salaries due to skill shortages or specialised training requirements
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Experience and seniority: Entry-level workers earn less than those with several years of experience or leadership responsibilities
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Geographic location: Salaries can be higher in urban areas, but the cost of living may offset these gains
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Education and certification: Advanced degrees or certifications typically correlate with higher earning potential
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Employment type: Public vs. private sector roles, part-time vs. full-time contracts, and union coverage all influence total compensation
High-Paying Careers to Consider
If you’re looking for a career with strong earning potential, some professions consistently offer above-average salaries. For example:
Anaesthesiologists are among the highest-paid medical professionals due to the complexity and responsibility of their work.
Nurse practitioners also command competitive salaries, especially those with specialisations in critical care or rural health.
Pilots benefit from structured pay scales and union protections, making it one of the most regulated and rewarding careers in aviation. Read more about pilots in Pilot Salary in Australia: A Career Overview.
Healthcare and Allied Health Salaries
Healthcare is one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing sectors, and salaries reflect the demand for skilled professionals. For instance:
Speech pathologists earn salaries that increase with clinical experience and private practice opportunities.
Dental hygienists often work in both public clinics and private practice settings, which can influence pay levels.
Radiographers, essential to medical imaging, have structured pay bands that grow with certification and experience. Read more in our Radiographer Salary in Australia: What You Should Know article.
Optometrists can command high salaries, particularly in rural or regional areas where access to specialists is limited. Read more about optomestrist salaries in our Optometrist Salary in Australia: Insights for 2025.
Salaries in Law, Property, and Social Services
Outside of healthcare, other sectors also offer rewarding salary prospects based on education and client demand:
Paralegals play a crucial support role in legal practice and can earn competitive salaries, particularly in large firms or corporate roles. Paralegal Salary in Australia: What You Need to Know will help you learn more.
Real estate agents in high-demand markets may receive substantial commissions in addition to base income. Learn more in: Real Estate Agent Salary in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide.
Disability support workers, while essential to community care, may earn modest wages that vary based on the employer and region. Read more in our Disability Support Worker Salary in Australia: What to Expect article.
Key Salary Trends for 2025
As the labour market continues to adapt post-pandemic, the following salary trends are worth watching:
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Growth in demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in aged care and mental health
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Rising entry-level wages in skilled trades and essential services
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Greater transparency in job ads about salary ranges
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Increased demand for remote-ready roles in digital industries
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Ongoing negotiations in the public sector for higher base wages
FAQ: Salaries in Australia
1. What is the average full-time salary in Australia in 2025?
The national average full-time salary is projected to be around AUD 95,000, but this varies by industry and region.
2. Are public sector jobs in Australia better paid than private sector roles?
It depends on the occupation. Some public roles have structured, stable pay scales, while private jobs may offer higher performance-based bonuses.
3. How can I increase my salary in Australia?
Gaining additional certifications, switching industries, relocating to high-demand areas, or negotiating with your employer can all improve your earning potential.
4. Do regional workers earn less than those in cities?
Not always. In some industries like healthcare and aviation, rural roles offer incentives or higher base pay due to workforce shortages.
5. How often do salaries increase in Australia?
Salaries typically increase annually through enterprise agreements, inflation adjustments, or performance reviews.