‘Left of field’ job opportunities for Aussie workers that are paying big bucks

Aussies seeking a pay rise should consider moving into these four careers that are experiencing greater demand and offering lucrative salaries, experts say.

Aussie workers chasing more money must look “left of field” to find a role with lucrative pay.

As cost-of-living pressures continue, high salaries are a top priority for workers. Research from recruiter SEEK shows more than a third of Australians plan to change employment in the next six months, with “not being paid enough” the main trigger driving their job search.

SEEK head of customer insights and strategy Aimee Hutton says considerable financial rewards are available to those who make the right career choice.

“If you are looking to increase your salary, it is worth considering roles or industries that are experiencing greater demand – even if they may seem a little left of field based on your previous career moves,” she says.

“We often see that when there is high demand for the right talent, employers may be more willing to meet your salary expectations to have a competitive edge.”

Here are four high-paying roles you may not previously have considered.

Thousands of truck driving roles are available in Australia. Picture: iStock

Truck drivers

Truck drivers are commanding salaries of up to $150,000, as the profession battles critical worker shortages.

Thousands of roles are available, says Volvo Group Australia people and culture vice-president Jane Humphreys, ranging from short-trip courier jobs to long distance haulage.

The “blokey culture” that previously discouraged women from truck driving no longer exists and driver safety and comfort features are now standard in heavy vehicles, Humphreys says.

“Truck driving has never been seen as a glamorous or appealing career choice – there are perceptions around the long hours (worked), around the periods away from home and also the physicality of the work,” she says.

“But from my experience, it’s an absolute thrill and privilege to be behind the wheel of one of those powerful machines. It’s such an exhilarating experience … and it’s not bad money, not bad at all.”

She says flexible working hours are available for those that require a family-friendly career.

Ethical hackers

As technology continues to infiltrate all sectors, cyber security specialists remain highly sought after – and highly paid.

Ethical hackers, who play a crucial role in ensuring data security and system integrity, are in extremely short supply. This is despite them earning salaries between $125,000 and $135,000, says Nic Cola, chief executive officer of RMIT Online, which offers a range of cyber security courses.

“As an ethical hacker, you have to keep up with the ever-moving threat cyber attackers pose, current attack methods and offensive strategies, so having a keen interest in upskilling and lifelong learning is crucial,” he says.

“Ethical hackers are employed across a wide range of industries and government agencies, from big technology and internet companies to law enforcement agencies.

“We’re increasingly seeing demand for new roles in workplaces. Positions like data analysts, blockchain technologists and impact officers are becoming increasingly commonplace, and yet, were unheard of several years ago.”

Clean energy engineers are in high demand.

Clean energy engineers

To help Australia transition to clean energy, a host of attractive benefits – on top of a competitive salary – are on offer to clean energy engineers.

Energy infrastructure company Enerven is wooing workers with up to $900 off their power bills, 18 weeks of paid parental leave and relocation support – welcome incentives during the cost-of-living crisis.

Graduate engineer salaries start from $71,500 and there are also roles available for apprentices, providing opportunities for a range of skill levels, says Enerven chief executive officer Richard Amato.

“We’re in a hugely exciting phase in the industry,” he says.

“Enerven is building some of the world’s biggest batteries, supporting the delivery of substations, wind farms and virtual power plants, in addition to looking after the HV (high voltage) electrical maintenance of many large industrial and utility customers.

“These jobs provide lucrative opportunities for apprentices and graduates looking to pursue a career in the renewable energy sector.”

Climate activist

The continued focus on sustainability is also creating demand for workplace climate activists.

WorkforClimate director Lucy Piper predicts the profession will become mainstream this year, with workers required in a range of areas, from communications and marketing to technology and risk compliance.

“2024, going into 2025 and beyond, is where the rubber hits the road to achieve the net-zero goals that many companies have committed to,” she says.

“Companies need workers who understand how their industry is contributing to, and responding to, climate change.”

Piper says premium salaries will be offered to those with green skills, much like those paid to tech workers at the start of the digital age.

“You don’t need to have specific technical skills, so long as you have the fundamental concepts and an understanding of climate literacy – that’s enough to get started,” she says.

Bernie Wilney has made climate activism his profession.

Making a difference without a pay cut

Bernie Wilney has turned his personal crusade as a climate activist into a professional career.

Working in supply chain and operations management at Who Gives A Crap, Wilney, who had recently completed a WorkforClimate Academy course, last year offered to help shift his employer’s Melbourne warehouse to solar power.

Since then, he has transitioned to full-time sustainability director and is now exploring ways the toilet paper juggernaut, which has a growing EV delivery fleet, can further decarbonise its supply chain and business operations.

“As more and more companies are starting to realise that acting sustainability is good from a business perspective, as well as financially rewarding and good for the environment, there’s going to be a lot more hiring of people in sustainable-specific roles,” he says.

“(Workplace climate activist roles) are well paid – at least, I feel my role is – so it’s nice to know you don’t have to take a pay cut to take on a role that makes a difference.”