Australia’s job market has seen some significant shifts in recent years, with certain professions witnessing extraordinary growth in salaries. A recent report from job platform SEEK has revealed the positions with the fastest-growing wages in the country, showcasing salaries that are reaching up to $165,000 annually. While the average Australian wage increased by a modest 3.4% over the past year, many specific jobs have experienced pay rises well above this average, reflecting the growing demand for skilled workers in several sectors.
This trend highlights the evolving job landscape and the sectors that are seeing the most competition for talent. The SEEK data presents a detailed overview of these growing salary rates, providing a clear picture of where the most lucrative job opportunities are emerging.
Fastest Growing Salaries in Australia
The data shows that the biggest salary increases are occurring in positions within government, defense, and financial services. Analysts in these fields have seen a dramatic increase in their salaries, with government and defense analysts topping the list with a rise of 26.8%. The average advertised salary for these roles is now $130,117, a significant jump from previous years. Taxation consultants in the accounting sector also experienced a notable salary hike of 24.5%, with their average pay now at $95,375.
These salary increases are not just restricted to a few select roles, as many other sectors have experienced growth. For example, operations analysts in banking and financial services have seen their salaries rise by 21.1%, reaching an average of $98,301. This rise reflects the ongoing demand for professionals who can navigate complex financial systems and regulations.
High-Paying Roles in the Mining and Energy Sectors
Among the highest-paying roles are those in the mining, resources, and energy sectors. Electrical engineers working in these industries have seen their salaries increase by 18.3%, with advertised salaries averaging $165,917. This sector has long been known for offering competitive wages, and it continues to be a major source of high-paying job opportunities in Australia.
The growing demand for renewable energy professionals is partially responsible for these salary increases. With a surge in interest in sustainable energy sources, companies in both the mining and renewable energy sectors are competing fiercely to secure skilled workers. This heightened competition for talent is driving up wages in order to attract and retain top engineers and other technical professionals.
Increased Demand for Project Administrators in Construction
The construction industry has also seen a rise in salaries, particularly for project administrators. With an increase of 16.8%, the average salary for project administrators is now $92,788. This growth is largely attributed to an uptick in building approvals and construction projects across the country. As infrastructure development continues to rise, the demand for skilled project administrators is expected to grow, further driving up wages in this sector.
Blair Chapman, a senior economist at SEEK, highlighted the connection between building approvals, infrastructure projects, and the need for more administrative professionals in the construction industry. As more large-scale projects are approved and commence, companies are facing increased competition to find experienced project administrators.
Rising Salaries Across a Range of Industries
Beyond the high-paying sectors of government, finance, and construction, other industries are also seeing notable salary growth. For instance, roles in trades and services, such as finishers, have seen a 16.6% increase in salaries, bringing the average pay to $90,695. Similarly, customer service representatives in retail and consumer products experienced a 16.2% rise in their salaries, now averaging $64,027.
In addition, roles in sport and recreation, including membership consultants, saw their salaries grow by 16.1%, with an average pay of $68,435. The hospitality and tourism sector also saw salary increases, with assistants earning an average of $70,762, reflecting a 15.6% rise in advertised wages.
