Top 10 highest-paying jobs in Australia in 2018

No matter what industry you work in or what your job title is, chances are you want to secure the best possible salary for your role. And while you might think that securing a top salary is out of your reach, some of the best-paying jobs and industries could surprise you.

We recently released the 2018 Michael Page Salary Guide, which outlines salary benchmarks for a wide range of jobs across many sectors throughout Australia. Take a look at the top 10 highest-paying jobs for 2018, according to our report:

1. Retail MD/CEO

Despite the retail industry having a reputation for low-paying jobs, executive-level retail professionals have one of the highest average salaries in Australia. Managing Directors and CEOs in the food and non-food industries secure the highest salaries on average, at $500,000 a year, while those in the apparel industry are just behind at an average of $450,000 a year.

Highest paying retail jobs in Australia

2. In-house General Counsel

Overall, general counsel professionals in the legal industry earn an attractive salary, but experience level and the size of the organisation have an impact on earnings. For example, professionals with 0-3 years’ experience who work for SMEs earn an average of $205,000 a year, while more experienced professionals at ASX 100 companies earn an average of $438,000.

Highest paying legal jobs in Australia

3. CFO/Head of Finance/Finance Director

Not surprisingly, executive-level talent is highly sought-after in the banking and financial services sectors. As such, CFOs, heads of finance, and finance directors can expect to earn an average of $375,000 a year at large companies, or $250,000 at SMEs.

Highest paying finance jobs in Australia

4. Operations Director (Oil & Gas)

Within the engineering and manufacturing space, operations directors are paid generously in most areas, including equipment and utilities. However, operations directors in the oil and gas industries earn the most, at an average of $350,000 at large companies and $275,000 at small-to-medium-sized companies.

Highest paying engineering & manufacturing jobs in Australia

5. Chief Procurement Officer/Director

As you might expect, skilled CPOs and procurement directors are in demand in the procurement sector – and their salaries reflect that. Professionals working at smaller businesses earn an average of $235,000 a year, while those at large businesses can expect a salary of around $350,000.

Highest paying procurement jobs in Australia

6. General Manager (Technical Sales)

Professionals in the technical sales field need to have a unique combination of sales experience, commercial awareness, and technical expertise – and general managers who possess these skills are offered generous remuneration. On average, technical sales GMs earn between $275,000 and $350,000 (including on-target earnings).

Highest paying technical sales jobs in Australia

7. Fund Manager (Property)

Experienced fund managers are in high demand in the property sector, especially within the real estate investment trust (REIT) space. REIT fund managers with more than 7 years’ experience earn an average of $350,000 a year, while those with 0-7 years’ experience earn between $150,000 and $260,000 on average.

8. Sales Director

Sales directors have the onerous responsibility of crafting and overseeing a business’ entire sales approach – which means organisations have a vested interest in offering generous financial incentives to attract the best talent. Sales directors are best paid in the IT&T, consumer goods, and industrial B2B services sectors, earning a maximum of approximately $330,000 a year (including on-target earnings).

Highest paying sales jobs in Australia

9. Construction Manager

Experience is key when it comes to securing the best salary for construction managers. While professionals with 0-3 years’ experience earn an average of $165,000, construction managers with over 7 years’ experience jump up significantly to $300,000 a year.

Highest paying construction jobs in Australia

10. Development Director (Property)

Development directors are responsible for driving forward the entire property development process, meaning the role is crucial to a successfully timed and budgeted project. With this in mind, experienced development directors can expect to fetch an average of $305,000 a year, while those with less experience earn between $160,000 and $250,000.

Thinking about taking the next step in your career? Take a look at our average salary benchmark tool to see what you could be earning. If you’re in the process of salary negotiation, you can also find out how your salary compares with industry averages using our salary calculator or calculate your net income after a payrise using our payrise calculator.

Highest paying property jobs in Australia