20 jobs that command top salaries
Ready to recruit for a new role? Will it demand one of the highest salaries in Australia? We’ve crunched the numbers to reveal 20 job titles that command top dollar in Australia.
While money may not be every candidate’s primary motivation, it remains one of the greatest drivers of attraction. An understanding of the top-paying roles can help to shape your budget and drive a successful recruitment strategy.
The following list of high-paying jobs titles includes a description of the role, the average advertised salary and some similar job titles that may help you in shaping your next job ad:
1. Discipline Manager
Salary: $177,600
About the role: A Discipline Manager supervises the teams assigned to an engineering discipline, such as a structural engineering team.
Most advertised in: Engineering
Similar roles: Principal Engineer
2. Business Unit Director
Salary: $175,000
About the role: A Business Unit Director leads a department within an organisation and develops strategic plans to support growth.
Most advertised in: Healthcare & Medical
Similar roles: Business Unit Lead, Business Unity Manager
3. Java Algorithmic Trading Developer
Salary: $175,000
About the role: Working with an electronic trading team, this role involves building market trading applications using Java software.
Most advertised in: Information & Communication Technology
Similar roles: Java Developer (Algorithmic trading)
4. Construction Director
Salary: $174,090
About the role: Construction Directors plan and manage construction activities at a building site and require deep industry knowledge.
Most advertised in: Construction
Similar roles: Head of Construction
5. Head of Project Management Office
Salary: $173,636
About the role: A Head of Project Management Office oversees the implementation of projects, including budgeting and quality control.
Most advertised in: Information & Communication Technology
Similar roles: Director of Project Delivery
6. Underground Manager
Salary: $173,095
About the role: An Underground Manager for a mine has the responsibility to control and supervise the underground mining operations.
Most advertised in: Mining, Resources & Energy
Similar roles: Senior Mining Engineer, Mine Manager
7. Mobile Maintenance Supervisor
Salary: $168,333
About the role: This role includes the supervision of maintenance teams to ensure a mine’s targets are met in a safe and timely manner.
Most advertised in: Mining, Resources & Energy
Similar roles: Field Maintenance Supervisor, Mobile Plant Maintenance Supervisor
8. Security Solutions Architect
Salary: $166,000
About the role: A Security Solutions Manager safeguards technology solution designs by building and implementing security systems.
Most advertised in: Information & Communication Technology
Similar roles: Information Security Manager
9. Legal Director
Salary: $165,000
About the role: This role manages the team that provides direct client representation and may serve as lead counsel in major litigation.
Most advertised in: Legal
Similar roles: Senior Legal Officer
10. Technology Director
Salary: $165,000
About the role: This role oversees the technical operations of an organisation, which may include managing infrastructure and IT teams.
Most advertised in: Information & Communication Technology
Similar roles: Head of Technology
11. Exploration Manager
Salary: $164,583
About the role: This role leads a mining company's exploration function by evaluating opportunities and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Most advertised in: Mining, Resources & Energy
Similar roles: Senior Exploration Geologist
12. Mine Manager
Salary: $164,500
About the role: A mine manager oversees mining production operations through the effective organisation of teams, resources and assets.
Most advertised in: Mining, Resources & Energy
Similar roles: Underground Manager
13. Head of Financial Planning
Salary: $164,333
About the role: This role leads the financial planning team to help individuals and organisations set and meet their financial goals.
Most advertised in: Accounting
Similar roles: Financial Planning and Analysis Lead, Director of Financial Planning
14. Head of Practice
Salary: $164,166
About the role: A Head of Practice develops and manages the operational, administrative and financial functions within a law firm.
Most advertised in: Legal
Similar roles: Practice Director
15. Head of Software Development
Salary: $164,166
About the role: This role oversees the design and development of software systems to ensure they are delivered on time and on budget.
Most advertised in: Information & Communication Technology
Similar roles: Software Development Team Lead
16. Enterprise Sales Manager
Salary: $163,928
About the role: An Enterprise Sales Manager helps drive the growth of new technologies by increasing sales and market penetration.
Most advertised in: Information & Communication Technology
Similar roles: Enterprise Business Development Manager
17. VP
Salary: $163,571
About the role: A VP (Vice President) typically works for a large investment bank. Their role includes managing clients and efficiently closing deals.
Most advertised in: Banking & Financial Services
Similar roles: Director
18. Health and Wellbeing Manager
Salary: $163,333
About the role: This role is responsible for the support and improvement of workplace health, safety, performance and employee wellbeing.
Most advertised in: Human Resources & Recruitment
Similar roles: Health and Safety Manager
19. Commercial Contacts Manager
Salary: $162,500
About the role: A Commercial Contracts Manager's role includes developing, negotiating, reviewing and managing construction contracts.
Most advertised in: Construction
Similar roles: Senior Contracts Administrator
20. Business Readiness Manager
Salary: $161,250
About the role: A Business Readiness Manager prepares an organisation for change by planning the transition and managing the impact.
Most advertised in: Consulting & Strategy
Similar roles: Change Manager
Source: SEEK Salary Review, annual full-time salary averages by role type, 2011/12-2018/19, SEEK.