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The top 10 jobs with six-figure salaries that don’t require a degree – and the surprise career paying women more than men

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The top 10 jobs with six-figure salaries that don’t require a degree – and the surprise career paying women more than men

Real estate agents and air traffic controllers are among the top 10 careers in Australia that don’t require a university degree and come with a six figure salary.

Instead of spending years at university, and accumulating a higher education debt running into the tens of thousands of dollars, it’s possible to have a well-paid career after completing a 12-month diploma.

Transport jobs, from aviation to trains, typically offer jobs with average salaries in the six figures that don’t require a degree, along with careers in construction, mining and real estate.

In a surprise twist, female bulldozer operators were found to be paid more than their male colleagues.  

Air traffic controllers had an average salary of $153,445 in the 2021-22 financial year, new Australian Taxation Office data showed.

Real estate agents have an average salary of $112,815 and they often complete a Diploma in Property (Agency Management)

Helicopter pilots are typically paid $125,105, with this job requiring a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter) that can be completed at TAFE

Helicopter pilots are typically paid $125,105, with this job requiring a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter) that can be completed at TAFE

Top 10 jobs with six-figure salaries that don’t require a degree 

 Real estate agents/auctioneers

Air traffic controllers

Crane operators

Bulldozer operators

Coal miners

Helicopter pilots

Aeroplane pilots

Railway station managers

Railway signal operators

Train drivers

This was more than double the average declared salary of $69,994 on tax returns. 

Even female air traffic controllers were well remunerated with an average salary of $123,193, compared with $161,123 for men who made up 80 per cent of the 1,824 people working in this safety role.

Air traffic controllers are required to complete a Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control),  a qualification which takes 12 months on average to complete.

Helicopter pilots are typically paid $125,105, with this job requiring a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter) that can be completed at TAFE.

Aeroplane pilots have an average salary of $143,403, with this job requiring a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) from a flight training school.

Those with a fear of flying have options in public transport with railway station managers having an average salary of $115,264.

This job doesn’t even require formal qualifications but there are vocational and education courses in rail operations management.

Railway signal operators are even better paid, earning $124,767 after completing a Diploma of Railway Signalling Systems.

Train drivers did better still, with an average pay of $132,430, in a job requiring a Certificate IV in Train Driving.

Coal miners typically earn $130,033 with more experienced workers completing a Diploma of Underground Coal Mining Management.

Real estate agents have an average salary of $112,815 and they often complete a Diploma in Property (Agency Management).

Coal miners typically earn $130,033 with more experienced workers completing a Diploma of Underground Coal Mining Management

Coal miners typically earn $130,033 with more experienced workers completing a Diploma of Underground Coal Mining Management

Train drivers had an average pay of $132,430, in a job requiring a Certificate IV in Train Driving (pictured is a Queensland Rail driver in Brisbane)

Train drivers had an average pay of $132,430, in a job requiring a Certificate IV in Train Driving (pictured is a Queensland Rail driver in Brisbane)

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 with women typically paid $51,980 compared with $107,829 for men. 

Crane operators have an average salary of $109,165, with this job requiring a Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations.

Unusually for the male-dominated construction sector, female bulldozer operators were better paid.

Australia’s 18 women doing this job earned more, typically making $109,932 compared with $95,974 for the 584 listing this occupation on their tax return.

But the overall pay rate of $96,392 for all bulldozer operators fell short of six figures. 

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