Real estate agents and air traffic controllers are among the top 10 careers in Australia that don’t require a university degree and command a six-figure salary.
Instead of spending years at university and racking up tens of thousands of dollars in higher education debt, it is possible to have a high-paying career after completing a 12-month diploma.
Jobs in transportation, from aviation to trains, typically offer jobs with average six-figure salaries that don’t require a degree, along with careers in construction, mining and real estate.
In a surprising twist, female excavator operators were found to be earning more than their male colleagues.
Air traffic controllers had an average salary of $153,445 in the 2021-22 financial year, new data from the Australian Taxation Office showed.
Estate agents have an average salary of $112,815 and often complete a Diploma in Property (Agency Management).
Helicopter pilots typically receive a salary of $125,105, and this job requires an Aviation Diploma (Commercial Pilot License – Helicopter) which can be completed at TAFE.
This was more than double the average salary of $69,994 reported on tax returns.
Even female air traffic controllers were well compensated, with an average salary of $123,193, compared to $161,123 for men, who made up 80 percent of the 1,824 people working in this security role.
Air traffic controllers must complete an Aviation Diploma (Air Traffic Control), a qualification that takes an average of 12 months to complete.
Helicopter pilots typically receive a salary of $125,105, and this job requires an Aviation Diploma (Commercial Pilot License – Helicopter) which can be completed at TAFE.
Aircraft pilots have an average salary of $143,403, and this job requires an Aviation Diploma (Commercial Pilot License – Airplane) from a flight training school.
Those with a fear of flying have options on public transportation, and train station managers have an average salary of $115,264.
This job does not even require formal qualifications, but there are vocational and educational courses in railway operations management.
Railway signal operators are even better paid, earning $124,767 after completing a Diploma in Railway Signaling Systems.
Train drivers fared even better, earning an average salary of $132,430, in a job that requires a Certificate IV in Train Driving.
Coal miners typically earn $130,033, with more experienced workers completing an Underground Coal Mining Management Diploma.
Train drivers had an average salary of $132,430, in a job that required a Certificate IV in Train Driving (pictured, a Queensland Rail driver in Brisbane)
Coal miners typically earn $130,033, with more experienced workers completing an Underground Coal Mining Management Diploma.
Estate agents have an average salary of $112,815 and often complete a Diploma in Property (Agency Management).
Auctioneers have an average salary of $102,544, after receiving a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice.
But this occupation has a wide gender pay gap: Women typically earn $51,980 compared to $107,829 for men.
Crane operators have an average salary of $109,165, and this job requires a Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations.
Unusually in the male-dominated construction sector, female excavator operators were better paid.
The 18 women in Australia who did this job earned more, typically earning $109,932 compared to $95,974 for the 584 who listed this occupation on their tax return.
But the overall pay rate of $96,392 for all excavator operators fell short of six figures.