2022’s best-paying careers are…

Updated 03 December 2022

Simon Jones
Written bySimon Jones
Our editorial process
2022’s best-paying careers are…

Time to read : 2 Minutes

This is where Australia’s top earners work.

In the current economic climate, every wants to earn – and save – more money.

🍀 For a number of lucky Aussies, they can rely on their jobs to earn them an incredibly bountiful pay packet. So which jobs were the best-paying in 2022, and how can you increase your earning potential for the future?

Drum roll for the top 10 best-paying jobs in Australia…

Finding yourself in one of these roles takes not just hard work, determination and a little bit of luck, but also years and years of study and experience. While the salaries are certainly enviable, remember that these people worked incredibly hard to forge their career paths. Here are the top 10 best-paying jobs from 2022:

  1. In-house general counsel (Legal): $400,000 p.a.

  2. Anaesthetist (Medical): $386,065 p.a.

  3. Cardiologist (Medical): $351,827 p.a.

  4. General manager / Project manager (Construction): $350,000 p.a.

  5. Company secretary (Legal): $342,500

  6. Head of operations (Mining): $325,000

  7. Surgeon (Medical): $305,276

  8. Internal medicine specialist (Medical): $304,752

  9. Chief technology officer (IT): $300,000

  10. Investment director (Finance): $300,000

How to boost your earning potential

Want to earn more money? You might not be able to command $400k straight away, but you can increase your earning potential in a few different ways.

🧠 Upskill yourself by taking professional development courses, studying part-time or getting a mentor who can help you develop in different areas.

💡 If you want a big lifestyle change, why not reinvent yourself with a career change? It might take a while to climb the rungs, but it could be well worth it. Take inspiration from this 75-year-old Victorian who only just earned her law degree!

💲Earning a bit of extra money on the side is helping lots of Aussies get through the tough times. A side hustle can be anything you’re good at – or simply something to do in your spare time like becoming a ride-share driver.

❓Think you’re worth more in your current job? Ask for a raise! It might not work for everyone, but keep your eyes open on similar jobs that are paying more – a different employer might be able to pay you what you deserve.

Higher-pay hack: Here’s one skill you might want to develop. It’s in-demand, it a core part of high-paying jobs, and it’s future-proof: data analysis.

The bottom line

You could be earning all the money in the world, but would you really be happy if it wasn’t work that you enjoyed doing?

🫶🏽 You don’t necessarily have to love what you do, but it is important to find balance. Money isn’t everything!

Read more:

Is the second income side hustle here to stay?

Aussies are some of the most generous people on the planet

How to save money on your subscriptions

Financial Disclaimer:

The information contained on this web page is of general nature only and has been prepared without taking into consideration your objectives, needs and financial situation. You should check with a financial professional before making any decisions. Any opinions expressed within an article are those of the author and do not specifically reflect the views of Compare Club Australia Pty Ltd.


About the author
author Simon Jones

Simon Jones is a journalist and content marketer with more than 15 years' experience. He specialises in the education, finance and technology sectors, but also writes about insurance, investing and small business.

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