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10 High-Paying Jobs in Australia (based on real data)

If you’ve got your sights set on a high-paying career, it’s essential to know the requirements to set yourself up for success.
We’ve crunched the data to reveal the highest-paying jobs you can get with a certificate course vs. a diploma course.
Highest-paying jobs in Australia with a certificate course
Job title | Average salary range ($AUD) | Courses |
---|---|---|
Data analyst | $85K – $100K | |
Business development manager | $90K-$115K | |
Web developer | $95K – $115K | |
Digital marketing manager | $100K – $120K | |
Construction supervisor | $100K – $120K |
1. Data analyst
Data analysts play a crucial role in today’s data-driven world. They collect, process, and interpret complex data to provide valuable insights that drive informed business decisions.
Responsibilities include designing data models, identifying trends, and creating visualisations to communicate findings. As you gain experience, you could progress to roles such as senior data analyst, data scientist, or even data engineer.
To get started, consider pursuing a Certificate IV in Information Technology and enhance your skills with programming languages like Python.
Want to learn how to become a data analyst?
Learn how to become a data analyst including the courses you have to study, job market insights, role responsibilities and more.
Navigating your IT career path: A comprehensive guide
Want to explore other roles in the IT industry? Learn how to navigate your IT career path in this guide.
2. Business development manager
Business development managers are instrumental in driving business growth by identifying opportunities, building partnerships, and expanding client networks.
They analyse market trends, strategise sales approaches, and negotiate deals. With experience, you could advance to roles such as director of business development or head of sales.
To begin your journey, you could start with a Certificate III in Business, Certificate III in Business Administration, or Certificate IV in Marketing to lay the right foundations.
Explore all courses in business, business administration, and marketing below:
How to become a business development manager
This is your perfect guide to becoming a business development manager, Learn about the role, skills you’ll need, courses to study, and more.
3. Web developer
Web developers are essential for creating and maintaining websites. They utilise coding languages and design tools to bring web concepts to life. As you progress, you can become a senior web developer or specialise in front-end or back-end development.
Start by enrolling in certificate courses that cover web development, programming, and design principles. A certificate III or IV in information technology with a focus on web development is a great option.
Want to become a web developer?
Find out what skills you need and the steps to follow to land a job as a web developer.
4. Digital marketing manager
Digital marketing managers are key players in the online landscape, strategising and executing digital marketing campaigns to increase brand visibility. They manage social media, content creation, and online advertising.
With the right experience, you could move into roles like head of marketing or chief marketing officer. Certificate courses in digital Marketing and social media gives you the knowledge and skills you need to start your career in marketing.
5. Construction supervisor
Construction supervisors ensure smooth project execution by coordinating activities, overseeing safety compliance, and managing resources. They play a vital role in the construction industry’s success.
Progression opportunities include becoming a project manager and moving into senior management positions within the construction industry. Kickstart your career with a Certificate IV in Building and Construction to gain a solid foundation of knowledge and the wider industry.
Highest-paying jobs in Australia with a diploma course
Job title | Average salary range ($AUD) | Courses |
---|---|---|
Systems administrator | $100K – $120K | |
Logistics manager | $110K – $130K | |
Health and safety manager | $115K – $135K | |
Human resources manager | $120K – $140K | |
Project manager | $125K – $145K |
1. Systems administrator
Systems analysts play a pivotal role in organisations by evaluating and improving IT systems to meet business needs. They analyse technology requirements, design solutions, and troubleshoot issues to enhance efficiency. As you gain experience, you can specialise in areas like business systems analysis or database management.
Career progression could lead to roles like IT Manager or Head of IT. Starting with a Diploma of Information Technology gives you the foundation you need to succeed. You can then upskill and expand your knowledge and skills with an Advanced Diploma of Information Technology.
How to become a systems administrator
Want to become a systems administrator? Here’s your step-by-step guide.
2. Logistics manager
Logistics managers operate and manage the movement of goods, optimising supply chains and distribution networks. They ensure products reach customers efficiently. With experience, you could become a supply chain manager or operations director.
If you want to become a logistics manager, consider aa diploma of logistics, supply chain or procurement.
3. Health and safety manager
Health and safety managers are responsible for creating safe work environments and preventing workplace accidents. They develop and implement safety programs and ensure compliance with regulations. As you progress, you could become a health and safety director or a risk management specialist. A Diploma of Work health and Safety is all you need to get your foot in the door and start your career in this industry.
4. Human resources manager
Human resources managers are the backbone of many organisations, handling recruitment, employee relations, and talent development. They shape company culture and support employee well-being. With experience, you could advance to roles like HR director or head of human resources.
If you want a career in HR, there are lots of study options to get you there. You can complete a Diploma of Human Resources or an Advanced Diploma of Human Resources depending on your current skill level. You can also complete double diplomas to combine two specialisation areas like human resources and business, or human resources and leadership.
5. Project manager
Project managers oversee projects from initiation to completion, ensuring successful delivery within scope, time, and budget. They collaborate with teams and stakeholders to achieve project goals.
Progression opportunities include roles like program manager or chief project officer. Courses in project management, business, and leadership and management will all be useful in your role as a project manager.
Start with a Diploma of Project Management, or combine it with leadership and management by completing a double diploma instead. This will provide essential skills for career advancement.
Learn how to become a project manager
Set yourself up for success with this guide on how to become a project manager.
If you’re looking to start a new career and you’re striving for a high-paying job, consider one of the above roles. There are many opportunities to unlock with a certificate or diploma course.
Explore online courses from hundreds of providers to get started on your new career and chase that bag! 😏
Featured Provider
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Courses found:
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (Perth Only) MSM30116
Advance your knowledge, gain more skills in Process Manufacturing. This course is tailored to students interested in advanced production work utilising a range of different support functions related to producing products. You will gain skills across va...
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40912
THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS IN VICTORIA ONLY This course covers common skills relevant for the plumbing industry in addition to specialist streams relevant to drainage, gas fitting, roof drainage, sewerage and more. These plumbing training cou...
Certificate III in Hospitality (Perth Only) SIT30616
The Certificate III in Hospitality is the perfect qualification for those looking for a career in hospitality including working as barista, bar attendant, waiter/waitress. Whether you imagine working in a restaurant, hotel, motel, funky bar, café, club...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Melbourne Only) CHC33021
Are you compassionate and wanting to make a difference? Our CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is a course designed for those wanting to help care for vulnerable people that need assistance. To be an individual support worker, you should po...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (SE Melb Only) CHC33015
If you are looking for a career that is challenging, diverse and offers you the opportunity to make a difference to someone else’s life, then a career in Aged Care could be for you! Aged Care is a rapidly growing industry and during the course you will...
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (SE Melb Only) CHC43015
Get the most sought after qualification in the caregiving industry. Aged care is a rapidly growing industry, thanks to an overall ageing population. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia has a larger proportion of the population b...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (QLD Only) CHC33021
People with disabilities and the elderly are often most in need of our help. Begin a rewarding and fulfilling career supporting people with a disability. A CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) will prepare you with skills to prov...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (QLD Only) CHC33021
If you have a passion for helping those most in need, studying a Certificate 3 in Individual Support Ageing is one way you can utilise your knowledge for the benefit of others. This course will give you the skills and knowledge to provide person-centre...
Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315
Forecasts indicate there will be around 6,000 new job openings each year until 2023, with a total of 30,000 job openings. This is due to diagnosed mental health issues being on the rise in Australia, so there is a need for more mental health workers in...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) CHC33021
The Aged Care and Disability sector is one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing service industries. In 2021, 266,900 persons were employed in the Aged Care and Disability sector, and it is estimated to grow to 341,800 by 2026. With this nationall...
Data Analytics Immersive (Full-Time)
Get the tech skills, career advice and networking opportunities needed to start a career in Data Analytics, in as little as three months. General Assembly’s Data Analytics certificate is a transformative course designed for you to get the necessary ski...
Product Management (Part-Time)
Get the tech skills, career advice and networking opportunities needed to advance your career in Product Management, in ten weeks. General Assembly’s Product Management short course is designed to help you balance business viability, technical feasibil...
User Experience Design Immersive (Full-Time)
Get the tech skills, career advice and networking opportunities needed to start a career in UX Design, in as little as three months. General Assembly’s UX Design Certificate is a transformative course designed for you to get the necessary skills for a...
Software Engineering Immersive (Full-Time)
Get the tech skills, career advice and networking opportunities needed to start a career in Software Engineering, in three months. General Assembly’s Software Engineering certificate is a transformative course designed for you to get the necessary skil...
Certificate III in Dental Assisting HLT35021
Dental Assistants are highly sought after and enjoy a great pay rate. This Nationally Recognised qualification provides students with skills and knowledge required to work as a Dental Assistant in a Dentist’s Practice. We provide the students with thei...
Diploma of Practice Management HLT57715
The Diploma in Practice Management is a Nationally recognised qualification developed for people who are keen to work as practice managers for medical/dental/allied health practices. The Diploma combines skills from the business units with health care...
Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (Melbourne Only)
The qualification CHC40221 – Certificate IV in School Based Education Support is referred to in industry as the Cert 4 Education Support or your teacher’s aide course. Education support workers assist teachers and support student learning in a range of...
Graduate Certificate of Psychology
Be empowered to understand, explain and influence human behaviour through your knowledge of psychology. With ECU’s Accelerated Online Graduate Certificate of Psychology, you will build your psychological literacy and gain a foundational understanding o...
Graduate Diploma of Psychology
In Australia, the demand for registered psychologists and other professionals with skills in psychology is growing. With ECU’s 100% online Graduate Diploma of Psychology, you will build your foundational knowledge of psychological science and develop a...
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
We’re living in a time where the lives of children and adolescents are more complicated than ever before. The demand for professionals in mental health has never been greater. VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health will...
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