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Top 5 highest paying jobs for high school graduates

By Ashleigh Ho
Ashleigh Ho

Did you know you don’t have to spend years at university to score a high paying job? By building a range of core skills, extending your networks, and gaining work experience, you can work in a range of jobs that offer a rewarding salary.

Here are some tips to help you find a career with great remuneration.

Is it possible to get a high paying job even without experience?

One of the biggest myths told to high school leavers is that you need to go to university to secure a good job. But there are many careers out there that you can get without spending years at university. Many people who are new to the workforce or switching careers can enter a role with high pay by using the skills they already have, enhancing those skills or gaining new ones.

It's important to know what to look out for when seeking roles with good salaries. Keeping a look out for apprenticeships, internships and entry level jobs that require no or minimal experience can help propel you to your desired salary and career path within a fair amount of time.  

It's also important to understand best practices and when applying for these jobs. This means knowing how to tailor your CV to a role, highlighting your transferable skills and breaking down and understanding position descriptions.

Which industries have the most high paying jobs?

There are many different industries that offer competitive rates and employment for school leavers and people without experience.

Marketing

The average salary of a Marketing Manager in Australia is $95,000 to $145,000.

The industry is diverse with lots of different roles to suit different skills and interests. Digital marketing and social media marketing are roles that have become widely in demand because of the development of technology in the last few years. Those working in marketing and communication roles need to be skilled in creativity, teamwork and organisation. While many people go to university to study marketing, building transferable skills and taking short courses can help you secure a role in this industry.

Construction

Construction management is a role that is high in demand and well paid. According to Seek, Construction Managers can make anywhere between $155,000 to $175,000.

In this industry, you can be working on projects for both residential and commercial buildings or working on civil engineering projects involving bridges and railways. For this role, you will need to be skilled in project management, leadership and communication. Construction management is a role that can be attained without any experience or formal training. Taking short courses and completing internships can give you the experience needed to make strides in this industry.

Business

The administration and business industry has a diverse range of roles with high salaries. Business Managers can gain earn anywhere between $98,100 and $150,000.

The role of a Business Manager involves managing the day-to-day operations of an organisation. Having skills in communication, problem-solving and organisation are beneficial to all roles in the administration and business industry. The industry has many entry level jobs that can be performed with ease using basic skills.  

Information Technology

IT is famously known for being a well-paying industry with IT Managers making between around $113,500 - 160,000 annually.

IT managers ensure that computer systems are running well within an organisation and resolve issues as they come up. To work in this industry, you will need have computer literacy as well as skills in problem solving, organisation and communication. There is a myth that you need to go to university to work in IT. However, you can work in the industry through completing short courses and building your soft skillset.

Work, Health, and Safety

The salary of a Work, Health, and Safety Manager in Australia can range between $102,300 - $155,900.

WH&S Managers are responsible for the safety and health measures of an organisation. They usually manage a whole team, ensuring that all business standards are being met. To be a WH&S Manager, you will need to be skilled in teamwork, leadership and communication. You can become a WH&S manager by acquiring some transferable skills and taking a few short courses.

What can I do to qualify for high paying jobs?

There are many ways to qualify for high paying jobs such as the below:

Take short courses

Studying short courses can help you gain some ‘hard skills’ for a job. At Upskilled, there are many short courses that can give you an edge when applying for jobs as well as help you gain the skills needed to thrive in a role.

Do internships or try volunteering

Completing internships or volunteering is a great way to kill many birds with one stone. You can get important experience that can help you step into your next role. There are also connections to be made within the industry and there is potential for you to be hired directly by the company.

Attend networking events

Many industries offer events for people working within the trade to mingle with one another. Heading to these events can give you the chance to meet likeminded peers, find mentors and gain important connections that could eventually lead to a job.

Build a diverse skillset

Many soft skills are transferrable between jobs. So, building a key few can help you when you are applying for a job you have no experience in. Skills like leadership, communication, working independently and organisation are highly valued in the workplace.

Ready to build the career of your dreams?

Jobs with high pay are not out of reach for those with no work experience. By building important soft and hard skills, you can score a role with great renumeration. At Upskilled, we offer many short courses to help you take that next step to your dream job. Chat with us today to find a course that’s right for you.

Ashleigh Ho
Ashleigh Ho Ashleigh (she/her) is a freelance writer with an interest in topics relating to being culturally and linguistically diverse and part of the LGBTQ+ community. She is experienced in public relations, digital marketing and social media, and has worked within the arts, education and not-for-profit sectors. Ashleigh is passionate about working with under-represented groups and looks forward to creating content that is inspiring and educational for all communities.