Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree

Do you really need a uni degree to get a job that pays well? . If you don’t want to spend four years studying and accruing a large debt in order to walk into an entry-level role, you have other options.

There are plenty of jobs that don’t require a university degree, and many of them have incredibly competitive pay when compared to your average Bachelor’s graduate. Here are 12 of the highest paying jobs in Australia without a degree.

Project Manager

Project Manager average pay

According to SEEK, Project Managers earn $135,000 to $165,000 per year on average.

What do Project Managers do?

Project Managers play an important role in the development and execution of projects, large and small. From engineering to digital transformation, your opportunities as a project manager will never be limited.

As a Project Manager, your role will include outlining the project scope, determining the overall budget and itemised costing, and implementing time management protocols to ensure that the project is finished on time and within budget. 

How to become a Project Manager

To begin your career journey as a Project Manager, start studying a BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management. You'll learn the skills that make Project Managers valuable in any business setting.

Human Resource Manager

Human Resources Manager average salary

According to SEEK, Human Resources Managers earn $120,000 to $140,000 per year on average.

What do Human Resources managers do?

Human resources is a hugely important part of our modern economy. Recruiters, Hiring Managers and Human Resources Managers play a large role in attracting and retaining the best talent for businesses.

Working in human resources will give you great insight into the way organisations work and how they develop the skills of their employees. 

How to become a Human Resources Manager

There are a number of career paths available with the right qualification, and with some commitment and hard work, you could end up in a position of serious responsibility within a large company.

A BSB50320 Diploma of Human Resources Management will equip you with the skills and qualifications you need to start your career as a Human Resources Manager.

Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant average salary

According to SEEK, Dental Assistants earn $60,000 to $70,000 per year on average.

What do Dental Assistants do?

If you’re looking for a role that combines practical, hands-on work with administrative duties and other office tasks, then a job as a Dental Assistant might be right for you. Dental Assistants perform a wide range of tasks in a dental practice, from helping the dentist during procedures to managing the front desk.

How to become a Dental Assistant

There are multiple pathways to becoming a dental assistant. A HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting is the basic qualification you’ll need to learn the skills and attributes required to carry out the role. Alternatively, you can pursue a HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting, a Dental Radiography Specialisation or both.

Early Childhood Educator

Early Childhood Educator average salary

According to SEEK, Early Childhood Educators earn $65,000 to $75,000 per year on average.

What do Early Childhood Educators do?

Working in Early Childhood Education and Care can be a very rewarding career path. As an Early Childhood Educator, you’ll have a huge impact on the early lives of young people, helping to shape them into happy, productive adults.

Patience, energy and a passion for the work are core requirements for anyone entering the childcare industry. You’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with children, their parents and your coworkers. 

How to become an Early Childhood Educator

To become an Early Childhood Educator, you can study a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

With enough time in the industry and a CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, you can work your way into leadership roles with the possibility of owning your own childcare centre.

Medical Receptionist

Medical Receptionist average salary

According to SEEK, Medical Receptionists earn $60,000 to $70,000 per year on average.

What do Medical Receptionists do?

Medical receptionists are an important part of any healthcare organisation, from small general practices to large hospitals. They ensure that the ship stays afloat and that medical professionals are able to continue carrying out their role without interruption. 

As a medical receptionist, you’ll carry out a number of administrative and customer service duties, such as assisting patients with enquiries, appointment scheduling and general clerical duties.

How to become a Medical Receptionist

The Medical Receptionist field is growing rapidly. The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing in Australia, and qualifications in this sector will go a long way towards ensuring your job security.

If you want to become a Medical Receptionist, start with the BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Medical Administration) to get qualified.

Practice Manager

Practice Manager average salary

According to SEEK, Practice Managers earn $85,000 to $105,000 per year on average.

What do Practice Managers do?

Working as a Practice Manager in healthcare can be an extremely rewarding career path. You'll oversee the business side of medical practices, making sure they run smoothly so healthcare providers can focus on patient care.

Strong organisational skills, leadership abilities and excellent communication are core requirements for anyone entering practice management. You'll need to manage staff and ensure quality patient service.

How to become a Practice Manager

To become a Practice Manager, you can study the HLT57715 Diploma of Practice Management.

With experience in the healthcare industry and this nationally recognised qualification, you can work in various healthcare settings including medical clinics, dental practices and allied health facilities, with opportunities to advance to senior management roles.

Teacher Aide

Teacher Aide average salary

According to SEEK, Teacher Aides earn $65,000 to $75,000 per year on average.

What do Teacher Aides do?

Teacher Aides play a vital role in the education of school children. Whether you’re working with developmentally challenged children or assisting students who are behind in different aspects of learning, you’ll be an important factor in their ongoing development.

Teacher Aides, also known as Teacher Assistants or Learning Assistants, need a high degree of sensitivity and empathy in order to relate to the students under their care. With the potential for very competitive pay and flexible working conditions, it’s a great career choice for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives. 

How to become a Teacher Aide

You don’t need a degree to be a Teacher Aide. A CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support or CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support will fully qualify you for the role.

Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant average pay

According to SEEK, Executive Assistants earn $85,000 to $105,000 per year on average.

What do Executive Assistants do?

Executive Assistants handle schedules, emails and office tasks for busy company leaders, making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. They have a level of insight into a business's operations that few other employees can ever hope to achieve. With the right qualifications, skills and attitude, you can work for some of the world’s greatest business leaders and provide a valuable contribution to their overall leadership ability.

How to become an Executive Assistant

Executive assistants are one of the more glamorous jobs that don’t require a university degree. There are enormous opportunities for anyone pursuing a career as an executive assistant, particularly if they decide to branch out into other career paths, such as management. To get started, you’ll need a BSB40120 Certificate IV in Business (Business Administration).

Work Health and Safety Officer

Work Health and Safety Officer average pay

According to SEEK, Work Health and Safety (WHS) Officers earn $85,000 to $100,000 per year on average.

What do Work Health and Safety Officers do?

Working as a WHS Officer gives you the chance to make workplaces safer for everyone. You'll identify WHS hazards and risks and implement control measures that protect workers from injury and illness.

Strong attention to detail, confidence, communication skills and knowledge of safety legislation are essential for success in this field. You'll need to effectively engage with all levels of staff, from workers on the floor to executive management.

How to become a Work Health and Safety Officer

To become a WHS Officer, you can study a BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety.

Sales Team Manager

Sales Team Manager average pay

According to SEEK, Sales Team Managers earn $105,000 to $125,000 per year on average.

What do Sales Team Managers do?

As a Sales Team Manager, you'll guide and motivate a team to hit their targets and grow revenue. Your days will involve coaching sales staff, tracking performance metrics and developing strategies to outperform competitors.

You'll need strong leadership abilities and a proven sales background. Success in this role comes from your ability to build a cohesive team culture while maintaining focus on bottom-line results.

How to become a Sales Team Manager

Most Sales Team Managers work their way up from sales roles, proving their ability to consistently exceed targets before taking on team responsibilities.

To become a Sales Team Manager, you'll need demonstrated sales success combined with leadership training such as a BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management.

Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager average pay

According to SEEK, Business Development Managers earn $100,000 to $120,000 per year on average.

What do Business Development Managers do?

Business Development Managers are the growth engine for their organisation. As a Business Development Manager, your role will primarily be finding new opportunities and forming strategic partnerships. You'll spend time researching market trends, meeting with potential clients/partners and developing proposals.

How to become a Business Development Manager

You’ll need to study to become a Business Development Manager. A BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management is a great place to learn how to manage business resources to succeed in this role.

Restaurant Manager

Restaurant Manager average pay

According to SEEK, Restaurant Managers earn $75,000 to $85,000 per year on average.

What do Restaurant Managers do?

Managing a restaurant can be an incredibly challenging job. It’s physically and mentally demanding and often leaves even the most highly qualified and experienced people completely drained. However, if you can handle the heat, you can earn yourself a reputation as a highly reliable hospitality manager.

As a Restaurant Manager, your role will be highly varied. From bookkeeping to employee management, you’ll need to be on your toes at all times. It’s a dream job for a lot of people, but the skills and qualifications required can be a roadblock to many.

How to become a Restaurant Manager

Certificate-level courses will allow you to enter the industry at a lower level and work your way up, gaining valuable experience along the way. Start with a SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality and move up to a SIT40422 Certificate IV in Hospitality to learn about management.

Get jobs that pay well with the help of Foundation Education

There are hundreds of great, fulfilling jobs that don’t require a university degree. You might find something that looks like it could be added to this list of the highest paying jobs in Australia without a degree.

If you’re ready to start your journey to career success, enquire now or call us on 1300 616 197 to get in touch with our Careers Advisors. We’ll discuss your needs and help you develop a plan that will get you where you need to be.