Australia’s Highest Paid Jobs have been revealed in new data published by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), showcasing how medical professionals and specialist occupations continue to dominate the nation’s earnings ladder. According to comprehensive statistics released this year and reported by The Economic Times, MSN, and Yahoo Finance, the top earners include surgeons, anesthetists, and internal medicine specialists, many of whom command average taxable incomes well above AUD 400,000 per year.
These insights provide a fascinating snapshot of where the big paychecks are flowing and where high-income professionals tend to live across Australia. If you’ve ever wondered which careers are most lucrative Down Under, here’s everything you need to know.
Key Highlights from the ATO Report
The Australian Taxation Office analyzed millions of tax returns to compile the list of the top 10 highest-paid occupations. Unsurprisingly, health-related professions secured most of the positions in this exclusive ranking.
According to the Economic Times article, surgeons topped the chart, followed closely by anesthetists and internal medicine specialists. Yahoo Finance noted that even the tenth-ranked job on the list—legal professionals—enjoys an average taxable income exceeding AUD 190,000.
MSN further highlighted that these high earners predominantly reside in affluent suburbs such as Toorak in Melbourne and Double Bay in Sydney.
Specs & Features: Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Australia
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1. Surgeons
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Average Taxable Income: AUD 457,281 (~USD 306,000)
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Primary Duties: Performing surgical procedures, consulting with patients
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2. Anesthetists
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Average Taxable Income: AUD 426,894
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Responsibilities: Administering anesthesia, monitoring vital signs during operations
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3. Internal Medicine Specialists
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Average Taxable Income: AUD 334,327
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Specialties: Diagnosis and treatment of adult illnesses
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4. Financial Dealers
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Average Taxable Income: AUD 279,790
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Role: Trading and managing financial securities
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5. Psychiatrists
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Average Taxable Income: AUD 247,933
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Focus: Mental health treatment and diagnosis
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6. Other Medical Practitioners
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Average Taxable Income: AUD 211,024
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Includes: GPs, specialists not classified elsewhere
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7. Judicial and Legal Professionals
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Average Taxable Income: AUD 204,519
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Occupations: Judges, senior lawyers, legal advisors
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8. Mining Engineers
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Average Taxable Income: AUD 202,130
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Sector: Resource extraction, project planning
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9. CEO and Managing Directors
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Average Taxable Income: AUD 197,646
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Responsibilities: Corporate strategy and leadership
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10. Engineering Managers
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Average Taxable Income: AUD 189,325
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Focus: Overseeing engineering projects and teams
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(Sources: ATO, MSN, Yahoo Finance, The Economic Times)
Where the Top Earners Live
The report also detailed the most prosperous postal codes in Australia. Affluent suburbs around Sydney and Melbourne are home to many high-income professionals. MSN reported that Sydney’s eastern suburbs—such as Double Bay and Dover Heights—and Melbourne’s Toorak are prime hotspots where doctors and finance executives reside.
Why These Careers Command High Salaries
Medical professions consistently top income charts due to:
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Years of specialized training and education
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High responsibility and risk
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Demand exceeding supply in certain specialties
Similarly, financial dealers and CEOs benefit from lucrative incentive structures and profit-sharing schemes.
Yahoo Finance noted that mining engineers maintain their place among the top 10 due to Australia’s thriving resources sector.
ATO Statement and Economic Outlook
According to the Australian Taxation Office, these figures reflect taxable incomes and may differ from total earnings, which can include non-taxable allowances and bonuses.
An ATO spokesperson quoted in The Economic Times said:
“The data offers valuable insights into occupational income trends and supports informed career choices for Australians.”
How This Information Can Help You
If you’re exploring career options or considering migration to Australia, these salary figures can help you plan for:
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Cost of living
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Potential earning capacity
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Lifestyle expectations
High-earning careers often require significant investment in education and training, but the long-term financial rewards can be substantial.
For more details, visit the official ATO website or trusted media outlets covering Australian careers and economic trends.