The eight highest paying jobs in Australia that don't require a degree

The highest eight paying jobs without the need for a degree have been revealed.

Aussies can make big cash without having to dedicate so much time studying and  paying off an ever-increasing HECS debt.

With the current high cost-of-living crisis, these jobs could be welcome news to Aussies who want to rake in the cash without paying for a degree.

Below, Daily Mail Australia has compiled a list revealing the top jobs that don't require years of studying at a university.




Overseeing tradies on construction sites can bring in a big pay (stock photo)





Mining is another industry paying their workers a high average salary (stock photo)

1. Construction manager

This is the highest paid role in Australia without needing a university degree.

If you like co-ordinating tradies and juggling build schedules, you could earn a gobsmacking average annual salary. 

The pay for overseeing construction sites is a cool $150,000.

2. Underground Miners 

The mining industry in Australia still pays their staff top dollar, usually due to an element of danger and isolated work sites.

Underground miners can take home an average pay of $120,500 a year.

But that's nothing compared to the whopping amount more experienced miners can make - up to $170,000.

Around one-third of workers in the mining industry are understood to not hold a post-school qualification, but around 50 per cent have completed a Vocational Education and Training qualification.

3. Auto electricians

For applicants who enjoy doing electronic wiring and electronic components in vehicles, this could be the industry for you.

A high salary is on offer for workers who have a Certificate III in Automative Electrical Technology.

Auto electricians with this TAFE qualification can earn an average yearly salary of between $115,000 to $135,000. 

4. Business development managers  

For a more white-collared job, consider becoming a business development manager, as they also bring home a huge salary.

If you like strategic planning, working with clients and helping a business experience growth, you could earn between $95,000 to $115,000 yearly.




Security for businesses pays very well and applicants do not need a degree (stock photo)

5. Security managers  

The role of security manager would typically require a relevant VET qualification as well as a Certificate II in Security Operations and/or Certificate IV in Security Management.

But don't let that put you off. Security managers often earn $110,000 annually. 

6. Recruitment managers

Another job which doesn't require a university degree is recruitment manager.

Many people in the role possess a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management or a Diploma of Human Resource Management.  

But fortunately, it isn't necessary to earn the average salary of $115,000. 




Ethical hackers and digital marketing managers also do not require a degree to earn top dollar (stock photo)

7. Ethical hackers  

If you're good at hacking and want to utilise your skills for good, rather than evil, you could earn big bucks. 

A degree or any qualification is not required to carry out the role, however a Diploma of Informational Technology (cyber security) may come in handy.

Job applicants just need to be good at hacking and will earn $102,000 a year.

8. Digital marketing managers 

The role of a digital marketing manager is another highly-paid job that does not require university education.

Overseeing marketing campaigns and driving traffic to a brand's website, can be part of the role.

Instead of a degree, applicants only need demonstrable experience with SEO, marketing database, email, social media and advertising campaigns.

And for their trouble? The role pays an average of $101,000.




Mining continues to be lucrative for those without an undergraduate degree (stock photo)

What the expert says   

Career Development Association Australia National President Linda Jeffrey told Daily Mail Australia there are many positions in the job market for people without degrees.

'Employers want ‘job-ready' employees and often this is better achieved through vocational training rather than an undergraduate degree,' she said.

And whilst degrees aren't essential for the eight high paying jobs, Ms Jeffries still believes qualifications are important to successful job hunting.

'The ‘right' qualifications are increasingly important. Jobseekers at all career stages are finding they must regularly upskill or retrain to keep ahead of the rapidly changing requirements of employers,' she said.

'Over the last 10 years' this impact has been driven by digitisation; it's currently being driven even faster by the rise of AI.' 

Ms Jeffries suggests microcredentials could play a big part in helping an employee. 

'Microcredentials may provide a bridge for employees to keep their skills current without having to commit to years of study then find their new qualification is already out of date!' she said.

Ms Jeffrey warns the current job market in Australia isn't as robust as it has been.

'Following a period where jobseekers had the upper hand, competition for the shrinking number of available jobs is making it a bit harder to secure a new role,' she said.

'Government policy to attract migrants to fill key skill area deficits in the health, aged care, education, and information technology sectors could increase competition in the job market.'




Construction managers earn an average of $150,000 annually  (stock photo)