Infographic: Top 5 Paying Industries in Australia
While average incomes can vary widely across state lines, these top 5 industries in Australia boast some of the highest paying jobs. The Australian economy is stable in 2018, but in states like Queensland and Western Australia, major road and rail projects in the public sector are driving job growth. Demand for skilled infrastructure workers is also pushing up salaries in the mining, resources and energy, as well as construction industries.
In major metropolitan hubs like Sydney and Melbourne, wages are high due in the consulting and IT industries. “In most major cities, the big drivers of jobs growth in 2018 will be the technology and infrastructure sectors,” noted Giles Daubeney, Deputy CEO of recruitment firm Robert Walters in their Salary Survey 2018. “Technology is fundamentally reshaping organisations across every industry sector as businesses seek to become more efficient and customer-focused.”
The ACT leads the Australian states on average (that is, mean) salary. The mean is derived from adding all salaries together, then dividing by the number of workers. This can sometimes be misleading, however, as very high salaries can push the number up. The median Australian salary, which is a more accurate representation of the average person’s salary, is estimated at about $50,000.
Salary Increases
While Australian markets are doing well in general with very high employment rates, job growth overall remains relatively flat.
The industries with the biggest salary increases are:
Sometimes it’s easier to understand it in a visual form, so we’ve put together this handy infographic, breaking down the highest paying industries in Australia and average salary by state.

Feel free to share the infographic on your own page with this code:
Highest Paying Industries in Australia
Across Australia, you can expect to earn the most in the mining, consulting and construction industries, as major infrastructure projects get underway. IT roles are in demand as technology plays an increasingly bigger role in business.
- Mining, Resources and Energy
- Consulting and Strategy
- Construction
- Engineering
- Information & Communication Technology
Average Advertised Salary by State
ACT leads the Australian states in terms of mean salary, followed closely by NSW and Western Australia.
- Australian Capital Territory: $86,532
- New South Wales: $85,532
- Western Australia: $85,481
- Victoria: $83, 185
- Northern Territory: $83,043
- Queensland: $80,923
- South Australia $78,538
- Tasmania: $74,103
Courses found:
HD Brow Course
Want to offer a bespoke brow treatment and earn a minimum of $120 per hour? What about creating a fuller more define brow shape while stimulating natural brow growth? Our HD Brow course is the latest industry trend to hit the Australian and New Zealand...


Spray Tan Course
Want to become a pro tan artist and earn a minimum of $100.00 per hour? How about operating a successful brand while prompting return clientele? Our advance spray tan and contour course includes the core fundamental theoretical and practical components...


Combination Eyelash Extension Course (Includes Classic & Russian Volume)
Classic Eyelash Extension Course Our award-winning and Nationally Accredited Pro Educator delivers this technical, intricate course which consists of both theory and practical components. Russian Volume Eyelash Extension Course This advanced, elite cou...


Lash Lift & Tint Course
Our elite lash lift and tint course includes the theoretical and practical skills required to offer your clients longer and curlier lashes that can last up to 8 weeks! Our training is delivered by Nationally Accredited Pro Educators who dissect each co...


Bachelor of Media and Communication with a Major in Advertising
Create commercial content with clout as a graduate of our Bachelor of Media and Communication with a Major in Advertising. As one of the very few universities to offer an online advertising degree, Swinburne gives you the opportunity to learn from indu...


Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)
For young children, the time leading up to entering primary school is an important one, in which a child grows both physically and mentally, and cognitive skills develop at a faster rate than at any other time of life. Early childhood teachers play a v...


Bachelor of Business with a Major in Finance
Our Bachelor of Business with a Major in Finance will help you to master the core skills and knowledge of business, management and operations. With this qualification, you will understand how to analyse and assess financial forecasts as well as the val...


Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting and Financial Planning
Master the core skills and knowledge for business, management and operations with a Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting and Financial Planning. This degree will set you up for a career in the accounting and financial planning industry, incl...


Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting and Finance
Our Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting and Finance will help students master the core skills and knowledge in the fields of business, management and operations in order to succeed in roles in modern organisations. A major in Accounting and...


Bachelor of Business with a Major in Financial Planning
Stay ahead of the game – gain a degree in financial planning with Swinburne Online and you will be ready to meet the new education requirements of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).Our Bachelor of Business with a Major in Fin...


Online courses also available
Latest Articles
Why It’s Time to Finally Put Your Study Goals First
Have your study dreams been keeping you up at night? If you’re feeling like your study goals have be...
“It Can Be Heartbreaking”: Raw Insights Into Becoming a Counsellor
Counselling is a noble and desperately needed profession. If you’ve been tossing up whether to beco...
Becoming a Counsellor in Australia: Your One-Stop Guide
The way we view mental health is Australia has been changing for the better over the years. We’re sh...
Want to read more?
How to Start a Blogging Career
Blogging is quickly becoming one of our favourite pastimes. Whether it’s finding easy recipes,...
Infographic: Highest Paying Real Estate And Property Jobs In Australia
What is the highest paying real estate job? What are the highest paying jobs in the property industr...
7 Jobs That Allow You to Work Outdoors
Being cooped up in the office all day long isn’t for everyone. These jobs can provide you with a bre...