Skills shortage: Australian jobs where you can earn up to six-figures

As competition for staff to fill thousands of jobs across Australia gets fierce, there are a number of industries paying six-figure salaries. See what you can earn.

As competition for staff to fill thousands of jobs across Australia gets fierce, six-figure salaries are up for grabs across a number of industries.

The number of occupations where workers are in short supply jumped from 153 to 286 last year, according to a new report prepared for the federal government.

Luckily there are a jobs that are not only in demand, but bring home the big bucks.

Mining, financial and insurance services, electricity, gas, water and waste services as well as information, media and telecommunications are among the industries where you can earn a six-figure salary.

You can earn up to six-figures in mining.

Superior People recruitment director Graham Wynn said in his 14 year career, he had never experienced a shortage of skilled and experienced people up until now.

He said while the majority of high paying roles require a relevant degree, trade qualifications are also very highly sought in the current market.

“In the current job market, with the right qualifications and experience, high paying jobs are there aplenty. If you are looking to upskill to enter into one of the high paying jobs, you need to also have experience in the relevant industry,” Mr Wynn said.

Australia is currently facing a critical skills shortage.

“Upskilling to a new industry will not automatically gain you entry to high paying jobs, however if you have the correct industry experience, (upskilling) will assist you getting to the next level.

“A number of people with recent qualifications are assuming they can step in to the high paying jobs, but with no experience, this will not happen. Companies looking to recruit at the senior / high paying level, will always be seeking relevant experience, not just qualifications.”

Path to Promotion director and executive recruitment expert Ineke McMahon said working overtime, targeting jobs that are in short skill supply and moving into a leadership role can help you quickly earn a six-figure salary in a number of industries.

Executive recruitment expert and director of career development program Path to Promotion Ineke McMahon. Picture: Supplied

Ms McMahon said if you’re looking to upskill the first thing that you need to do is “look at your current skill set and the job that you want, to identify your skill gaps”.

“For these skill gaps, there are several ways that you can bridge these,” she said.

“You can identify an appropriate course, or get your ‘ticket’ through the relevant association, or you can seek a mentor with the specialist skill that you are seeking to develop and ask them to spend some time with you developing this skill.

“Most effective is to network in the sector that you are seeking to break into and build relationships with potential hiring managers who hire the role that you want. Applying to Seek advertisements when you don’t have the relevant qualifications is almost pointless.”

AVERAGE YEARLY EARNINGS FOR FULL-TIME NON-MANAGERIAL EMPLOYEES

Mining: $144,270

Electricity, gas, water and waste services: $113,172

Information, media and telecommunications: $105,523

Finance and insurance services: $110,973

Professional, scientific and technical services: $108,404

Manufacturing: $84,068

Construction: $96,740

Wholesale trade: $84,557

Retail trade: $69,555

Accommodation and food services: $65,832

Transport, postal and warehousing: $94,660

Rental, hiring and real estate services: $79,331

Administrative and support services: $85,394

Public administration and safety: $98,612

Education and training: $97,328

Health care and social assistance: $92,050

Arts and recreation services: $82,014

AVERAGE YEARLY EARNINGS FOR NON-MANAGERIAL EMPLOYEES

Mining: $139,557

Electricity, gas, water and waste services: $105,231

Manufacturing: $72,334

Construction: $82,094

Wholesale trade: $73,862.88

Transport, postal and warehousing: $79,736

Information, media and telecommunications: $90, 607

Finance and insurance services: $97,653

Rental, hiring and real estate services: $66,196

Professional, scientific and technical services: $93,380

Administrative and support services: $61,058

Public administration and safety: $87,261

Education and training: $69,530

Health care and social assistance: $65,672

Arts and recreation services: $49,467

AVERAGE YEARLY TOTAL CASH EARNINGS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

Managers: $135,012

Professionals: $98,384

Technicians and trades workers: $77,064

Community and personal service workers: $47,174

Clerical and administrative workers: $60,720

Machinery operators and drivers: $75,795

AVERAGE YEARLY EARNINGS FOR NON-MANAGERIAL EMPLOYEES

Managers: $125,590

Professionals: $98,152

Technicians and trades workers: $77,846

Community and personal service workers: $47,124

Clerical and administrative workers: $61,017

Machinery operators and drivers: $76,236

Originally published as Skills shortage: Australian jobs where you can earn up to six-figures