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Surge in Salaries: Australia’s Fastest Growing Jobs
Recent data from SEEK has highlighted the Australian job market’s shifting salary landscape, illuminating roles with the most significant wage increases. Of particular note is the fact that some positions now boast salaries exceeding $165,000. While overall average wages in Australia rose by only 3.4%, certain sectors have experienced growth rates of over 25%.
Key Findings
Government Analysts Lead the Pack
Analysts operating within government and defence sectors have seen the most substantial salary growth, with their compensation soaring by 26.8% over the past year, culminating in an average salary of $130,117.
Taxation Consultants
Following closely are taxation consultants within accounting, where advertised salaries have surged by 24.5%, reaching an average of $95,375.
Operations Analysts
In the banking and financial services sector, operations analysts have experienced an impressive salary increase of 21.1%, now averaging $98,301.
High-Paying Occupations
Electrical engineers working in the mining, resources, and energy sectors report the highest average salary on this list, with their compensation rising by 18.3% to reach an average of $165,917. SEEK senior economist Blair Chapman indicated that the rapid growth in wages for this position reflects increased competition between the mining sector and renewable energy providers seeking skilled professionals.
Other Notable Increases
Demand for project administrators in the construction industry has also seen significant growth, with advertised salaries climbing 16.8% to an average of $92,788. This rise is attributed to an increase in building approvals and project commencements, which were notably low at the start of 2024.
The data compiled by SEEK focuses on average advertised salaries, comparing figures from February to April in 2024 with the same period in 2025.
Top 10 Fastest Growing Salaries
- Analyst (Government and Defence): $130,117 (up 26.8%)
- Taxation Consultant (Accounting): $95,375 (up 24.5%)
- Operations Analyst (Banking and Financial Services): $98,301 (up 21.1%)
- Maintenance Manager (Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics): $146,613 (up 19%)
- Electrical Engineer (Mining, Resources, and Energy): $165,917 (up 18.3%)
- Project Administrator (Construction): $92,788 (up 16.8%)
- Finisher (Trades and Services): $90,695 (up 16.6%)
- Customer Service Representative (Retail and Consumer Products): $64,027 (up 16.2%)
- Membership Consultant (Sport and Recreation): $68,435 (up 16.1%)
- Assistant (Hospitality and Tourism): $70,762 (up 15.6%)
Comparison with Top-Paying Careers
In a related study by the Australian Taxation Office, the highest earning roles were identified based on details gathered from tax returns for the 2022-23 financial year. Surgeons topped the list, with an average annual salary of $472,475, followed closely by anaesthetists at $447,193.
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs
- Surgeon: $472,475
- Anaesthetist: $447,193
- Financial Dealer: $355,233
- Internal Medicine Specialist: $342,457
- Psychiatrist: $286,146
- Other Medical Practitioners: $259,802
- Mining Engineer: $206,423
- Judicial or Other Legal Professional: $206,408
- Chief Executive Officer or Managing Director: $194,987
- Financial Investment Advisor or Manager: $191,986
For context, it’s worth noting that the average Australian income is $74,240 annually, while the median income stands at $55,868.
These insights reflect ongoing trends in the labour market, indicating strong demand for skilled talent in specific sectors, particularly those associated with technological advancement and infrastructure development.
Stay Informed
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