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The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has just released its latest 2024 report on the top ten highest-earning occupations across Australia — and the results once again reinforce a familiar pattern:
Healthcare, finance, law and engineering remain the most reliable pathways offering both high income and strong demand.
As migration lawyers, we are often asked:“Which degree leads to better job prospects?”“Which profession offers the best chance of skilled migration?”
This annual salary data offers valuable insights into how career and migration planning can — and should — go hand in hand.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Jobs in Australia (ATO, 2024)
Beyond Salary: What This Means for Migration Strategy
Not surprisingly, six of the top ten roles are in healthcare, with incomes well ahead of other sectors. These occupations are not only well-paid — they also frequently appear on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making them eligible for key skilled migration pathways.
Other high earners like mining engineers, legal professionals, and investment advisers offer strong alternative routes for students outside the medical field, especially where postgraduate qualifications are required.
Important: High Salary ≠ Easy Migration
While high pay is appealing, some of these occupations — particularly in medicine — involve lengthy training, internship requirements and registration hurdles, especially for international graduates.
On the flip side, so-called “less glamorous” professions like nursing, education, social work or IT consistently rank among the most migration-friendly and job-secure options.
That’s why course selection should be based on a combination of:
- Personal interests
- Job market realities
- Visa policy trends
- Academic entry pathways
Not just headline salaries.
If you have any questions or would like professional assistance, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: enquiry@riverwoodmigration.com). We are committed to providing transparent, expert migration services to help you achieve your dream of moving to Australia.
