3 days ago
The unexpected job that pays Aussies $200k a year
23. Sheet Metal Worker – Average salary: $95,000. Fabricates and installs sheet metal products, including ducts, roofs, and siding. Certificate III in Engineering/Sheet Metal Work required. Workers often remain in this role for 10-20 years before advancing into supervisory positions. All you need is a box of scraps and a cave, just ask Tony Stark. Picture: Supplied
18. Real Estate Agent – Average salary: $100,000. Assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties, providing market insights and negotiation services. Requires a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice and the ability to say 'This place has character' when it's clearly held together by duct tape and a dream. Picture: Supplied
13. Boilermaker – Average salary: $110,000. Fabricates, assembles, and repairs metal structures and equipment. Completion of a Certificate III in Engineering/Fabrication Trade is necessary. One wrong move working with high temperatures could mean serious injury. Picture: Supplied
10. Police Officer – Average salary: $115,000. Enforces laws, maintains public order, and responds to emergencies. Completion of a police academy training program required. Officers typically serve for 20-30 years, with many retiring by 55. While most officers don't go undercover in high school like in 21 Jump Street, the job still demands quick thinking and resilience. Picture: Supplied
9. Sales Manager – Average salary: $120,000. Oversees sales teams, formulates strategies, and drives revenue growth. Most candidates selected are aged between 35 and 50, bringing extensive industry-specific experience and well-developed leadership skills. That employee who convinced you to walk out with four phone accessories instead of just a screen protector? The Sales Manager is the one who trained them, set the bonus target, and made sure you felt like it was your idea all along. Picture: iStock
8. Elevator Installer and Repairer – Average salary: $120,000. Designs, installs, maintains, and repairs electric and hydraulic passenger and freight lifts, escalators, and moving walkways. Are they the ones who put up the Do not use lift in case of fire sign? No – but they're definitely the ones who'd roll their eyes if you ignored it. Completion of a Certificate III in Engineering/Lift and Escalator Mechanic required. Professionals often remain in this role for up to 25 years, moving up into technical specialist positions. Picture: iStock
7 Body Corporate Manager – Average salary: $125,000. Manages the administration and maintenance of strata-titled properties, ensuring compliance and resolving disputes. Requires a Certificate IV in Strata Community Management or equivalent. They've probably approved more cavoodles than your local council. Picture: iStock
5. Train or Tram Driver – Average salary: $130,000. Transport passengers and freight on rail networks. Completion of a Certificate III in Transport and Logistics necessary. Drivers often remain in the role for 20-30 years, with many retiring in their mid-60s. Passengers often assume delays are due to the driver, but in fact, they're usually caused by signal faults and track issues. Picture: Supplied
4. Coal Miner – Average salary: $130,000. Operates plans to excavate, load, and transport coal in underground or open-cut mines. Requires a Certificate III in Resource Processing, along with industry-specific safety training. Many miners work for 5-10 years, often transitioning to supervisory or safety roles. One underground miner told 'It's one of those industries where it's not what you know, it's who you know.' Picture: Supplied
1. Horticulture Manager – Average salary: $200,000. Manages the cultivation and care of plants, as well as day-to-day operations in nurseries, gardens, and agricultural settings. Usually requires a Diploma in Horticulture, Landscape Management, or a related field. Professionals typically stay in the role for 5–10 years, often progressing to senior management or consultancy roles. The most common age group is 40–50, indicating a high level of experience and leadership. Some large commercial horticulture operations in Australia manage over a million plants at a time, meaning these managers aren't just good with greenery, they're running a logistics empire. Picture: Supplied
