8 High-Paying Jobs in Australia That Don’t Need a University Degree
Do you want to earn a lot of money but don’t want to go to college? You are not alone! Many people want to find high paying jobs without a degree. In Australia, there are some great jobs where you can make a good salary even if you didn’t go to university. These jobs are in different fields like construction, mining, cybersecurity, and more.
Let’s take a look at 8 surprising high paying jobs in Australia that you can do without a college degree. This guide is perfect for students, career changers, or anyone looking for a job in Australia.
1. Construction Manager – Build and Earn Big
If you like building things and managing people, being a construction manager could be perfect for you. This job is one of the highest paying jobs in Australia without a degree.
🛠 What Does a Construction Manager Do?
Construction managers lead workers at building sites. They make sure projects go as planned and are finished on time. They need to know a lot about building and safety rules.
💰 Salary:
You can earn around $195,000 per year, and sometimes even up to $250,000!
🎓 Education Needed:
You don’t need a college degree, but having a diploma in building and construction helps a lot. You also need a white card, which you get from a safety course.
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2. Underground Miner – Dig Deep, Get Paid Well
Mining is one of the best high paying trades in Australia. Many backpackers and workers go to mining areas to make good money fast.
⛏ What Does an Underground Miner Do?
Miners use big machines to dig and move things like coal, rocks, or sand. They usually work in remote parts of Australia, like Western Australia. Many miners work for two weeks and then get one week off.
💰 Salary:
Miners earn about $130,000 per year. Some make between $120,000 and $140,000, depending on their experience.
🎓 Education Needed:
No degree is needed, but many have VET (Vocational Education and Training) qualifications. Some learn on the job through apprenticeships.
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3. Automotive Electrician – Work with Cars and Make Money
If you enjoy fixing cars and playing with wires, this job is for you. Auto electricians install and fix electrical parts in vehicles.
🔧 What Does an Automotive Electrician Do?
They fix things like wiring, lights, and sound systems in cars and trucks. You can work at repair shops, dealerships, or open your own business.
💰 Salary:
They earn around $140,000 per year, but some earn up to $150,000.
🎓 Education Needed:
You need to do a Certificate III in automotive electrical technology and an apprenticeship, which can take up to 4 years.
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4. Business Development Manager – Grow Companies, Grow Your Salary
If you’re good at talking to people and making deals, this could be the right job for you. A business development manager helps companies find new customers and make more money.
📈 What Does a Business Development Manager Do?
They look for new markets and plan how to grow the business. They often work in sales, marketing, or customer service before moving into this job.
💰 Salary:
They make about $105,000 per year, and it can go higher based on the company and experience.
🎓 Education Needed:
You don’t need a degree. A diploma in business and good work experience can help a lot.
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5. Security Manager – Keep People Safe and Get Paid
If you like keeping places safe and enjoy working with teams, you might like being a security manager.
🔐 What Does a Security Manager Do?
They are in charge of all security at a workplace. This includes making safety plans, watching over staff, and handling emergencies.
💰 Salary:
They earn around $115,000 per year, and some make between $105,000 and $125,000.
🎓 Education Needed:
No university degree needed. You can start as a security guard, then work up with certifications like Certificate IV in Security Management. You’ll also need a security license, police check, and sometimes a first aid certificate.
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6. Recruitment Manager – Find the Best People
If you enjoy helping people find jobs and working with businesses, you might like being a recruitment manager.
🧑💼 What Does a Recruitment Manager Do?
They lead hiring teams and help companies find the right people for jobs. You’ll need to be good at interviews, writing job ads, and helping workers.
💰 Salary:
You can earn between $90,000 and $110,000 each year.
🎓 Education Needed:
You don’t need a degree, but many have a diploma or certificate in HR and lots of job experience.
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7. Ethical Hacker – Get Paid to Hack (Legally!)
This is one of the coolest cybersecurity jobs in Australia! If you love tech and want to stop hackers, this is for you.
🧑💻 What Does an Ethical Hacker Do?
They test companies’ computer systems to find weak spots. Some also work as cybersecurity analysts or penetration testers. You can even do this job from home!
💰 Salary:
You can earn between $120,000 and $135,000 per year, or even more if you’re really good.
🎓 Education Needed:
Some people teach themselves! Others take online classes or get certifications in cybersecurity. A degree is not required, but it can help.
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8. Digital Marketing Manager – Advertise Online and Earn
Do you enjoy social media, SEO, or online ads? Digital marketing managers make great money and often work from home.
📱 What Does a Digital Marketing Manager Do?
They create marketing plans, run ads on Facebook and Google, and grow online traffic for businesses. If you know SEO, email marketing, or social media, this is for you.
💰 Salary:
You can earn between $100,000 and $120,000 per year.
🎓 Education Needed:
A university degree is not required. You can take a diploma in marketing, or just show that you have real experience and results.
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✅ Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Degree to Succeed
As you can see, there are many high paying careers in Australia without a degree. You just need to choose a path, get the right skills, and gain some experience. Many of these jobs let you start small and work your way up.
Invest in yourself by learning new things, taking courses, or starting an apprenticeship. The more you learn, the more you can earn!
📌 Summary Table
| Job Title | Average Salary (AUD) | Degree Required | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Manager | $195,000 – $250,000 | ❌ | Project Management, Safety |
| Underground Miner | $120,000 – $140,000 | ❌ | Machinery, Teamwork |
| Automotive Electrician | $130,000 – $150,000 | ❌ | Wiring, Troubleshooting |
| Business Development Mgr | $105,000+ | ❌ | Sales, Marketing |
| Security Manager | $115,000 | ❌ | Safety, Supervision |
| Recruitment Manager | $90,000 – $110,000 | ❌ | Hiring, People Skills |
| Ethical Hacker | $120,000 – $135,000+ | ❌ | Cybersecurity, Tech Skills |
| Digital Marketing Manager | $100,000 – $120,000 | ❌ | SEO, Social Media |
💡 Want to Start Your New Career?
Now is the best time to start a new career in Australia. These jobs are in high demand and can give you a great future. Whether you want to work with your hands, in tech, or from home — there’s something for everyone.
Take the first step today!