Highest ABS average
$228,426
Psychiatrists · #1
🇦🇺ABS May 2023
Highest Paying Jobs in Australia
Ranked national EEH average wages from ABS May 2023 for 55 occupations — from Psychiatrists ($228,426) to Pharmacy sales assistants ($26,504). Compare any two careers, see hourly equivalents, and modeled take-home at each average in Baseline and HELP.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
$228,426
#1 · Psychiatrists
55
Occupations tracked
15+
Featured compare pairs
2
Take-home · Baseline · HELP
Lowest in this set
$26,504
Pharmacy sales assistants · #55
Software programmers
$124,904
$63.21/hr · rank #15
Baseline take-home at software average
$94,415
vs nurses $67,018
Key finding: ABS averages + take-home
Psychiatrists lead our ABS May 2023 EEH table at $228,426 average; Pharmacy sales assistants rank last at $26,504 among 55 tracked occupations. Software programmers ($124,904) vs registered nurses ($84,614) is one of the most searched tech-vs-care corridors.
ABS May 2023 national EEH averages; take-home uses 2026 paycheck model. Data refreshed 2026-08-26.
Key takeaways
- Software programmers vs Registered nurses: $124,904 vs $84,614 ABS EEH averages — $94,415 vs $67,018 modeled baseline take-home.
- Psychiatrists top the ABS May 2023 EEH average at $228,426 — about $115.60/hr.
- Take-home columns apply our paycheck model at each ABS EEH average for an Australian resident (baseline) and the same gross with HELP repayments.
- Australian personal income tax is federal only — there is no state wage income tax on this hub. Private hospital cover in the baseline vignette avoids Medicare levy surcharge.
- Pair any two occupations below, then open profiles for ANZSCO unit-group context and calculator deep links.
What this hub covers
This hub ranks 55 Australian occupations by ABS May 2023 EEH national average annual gross pay (weekly × 52) for ANZSCO 4-digit unit groups that match common profession salary searches.
Each row links to an occupation profile with ABS source links, hourly figures derived from weekly averages, and modeled take-home at the average for baseline residents and with HELP repayments.
Compare pages pit any two careers head-to-head: gross average gap, hourly spread, rank, and a two-scenario take-home ladder using the same paycheck rules as our Australia calculator.
The US hub uses BLS OEWS medians, the Canada hub uses Job Bank / StatCan medians, and the UK hub uses ONS ASHE medians — same ranking, compare, and profile pattern. New Zealand is live with Stats NZ HLFS major-group medians; Ireland is live with CSO SES medians.
Compare any two careers
Pick two occupations to see ABS average wage gaps, hourly figures, and take-home for baseline residents and with HELP repayments.
Featured career comparisons
Software programmersvsRegistered nurses
$40,290 average gap · $124,904 vs $84,614
ICT security specialistsvsSoftware programmers
$354 average gap · $125,258 vs $124,904
ICT systems analystsvsSoftware programmers
$17,207 average gap · $142,111 vs $124,904
PsychiatristsvsAnaesthetists
$28,736 average gap · $228,426 vs $199,690
Pilots & air transportvsTrain and tram drivers
$54,896 average gap · $194,464 vs $139,568
SolicitorsvsPsychologists
$28,434 average gap · $120,136 vs $91,702
Construction managersvsElectricians
$59,244 average gap · $160,108 vs $100,864
Civil engineersvsElectrical engineers
$15,906 average gap · $132,090 vs $116,184
PolicevsFire and emergency workers
$16,152 average gap · $123,490 vs $107,338
Rankings by ABS average (May 2023)
55 occupations sorted by national EEH average annual wage. Take-home columns apply our 2026 paycheck model at each average — Australian resident, federal income tax + Medicare levy (HELP column adds compulsory repayments).
| # | Occupation | ABS average | Baseline take-homeat average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PsychiatristsHealthcare · ANZSCO 2534 | $228,426 | $155,196 |
| 2 | AnaesthetistsHealthcare · ANZSCO 2532 | $199,690 | $139,966 |
| 3 | Other medical practitionersHealthcare · ANZSCO 2539 | $197,787 | $138,957 |
| 4 | Air transport professionalsTransportation · ANZSCO 2311 | $194,464 | $137,196 |
| 5 | Specialist physiciansHealthcare · ANZSCO 2533 | $193,887 | $136,890 |
| 6 | SurgeonsHealthcare · ANZSCO 2535 | $180,684 | $129,147 |
| 7 | Construction managersManagement · ANZSCO 1331 | $160,108 | $116,596 |
| 8 | Other specialist managersManagement · ANZSCO 1399 | $159,162 | $116,019 |
| 9 | Crane, hoist and lift operatorsTransportation · ANZSCO 7121 | $153,109 | $112,326 |
| 10 | ICT business and systems analystsTechnology · ANZSCO 2611 | $142,111 | $105,618 |
| 11 | Train and tram driversTransportation · ANZSCO 7313 | $139,568 | $104,066 |
| 12 | Financial dealersBusiness & finance · ANZSCO 2222 | $132,132 | $99,330 |
| 13 | Civil engineering professionalsEngineering · ANZSCO 2332 | $132,090 | $99,301 |
| 14 | Database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialistsTechnology · ANZSCO 2621 | $125,258 | $94,655 |
| 15 | Software and applications programmersTechnology · ANZSCO 2613 | $124,904 | $94,415 |
| 16 | Other engineering professionalsEngineering · ANZSCO 2339 | $123,916 | $93,743 |
| 17 | Ambulance officers and paramedicsHealthcare · ANZSCO 4111 | $123,594 | $93,524 |
| 18 | PoliceCommunity & personal service · ANZSCO 4413 | $123,490 | $93,453 |
| 19 | SolicitorsLegal · ANZSCO 2713 | $120,136 | $91,172 |
| 20 | Industrial, mechanical and production engineersEngineering · ANZSCO 2335 | $119,579 | $90,794 |
| 21 | Mathematical science professionalsBusiness & finance · ANZSCO 2241 | $117,738 | $89,542 |
| 22 | Electrical engineersEngineering · ANZSCO 2333 | $116,184 | $88,485 |
| 23 | Fire and emergency workersCommunity & personal service · ANZSCO 4412 | $107,338 | $82,470 |
| 24 | Optometrists and orthoptistsHealthcare · ANZSCO 2514 | $105,638 | $81,314 |
| 25 | Dental practitionersHealthcare · ANZSCO 2523 | $101,738 | $78,662 |
| 26 | Contract, program and project administratorsBusiness & finance · ANZSCO 5111 | $101,546 | $78,531 |
| 27 | ElectriciansEngineering · ANZSCO 3411 | $100,864 | $78,068 |
| 28 | Financial brokersBusiness & finance · ANZSCO 2221 | $100,240 | $77,643 |
| 29 | Medical imaging professionalsHealthcare · ANZSCO 2512 | $99,278 | $76,989 |
| 30 | PlumbersEngineering · ANZSCO 3341 | $98,431 | $76,413 |
| 31 | Architects and landscape architectsEngineering · ANZSCO 2321 | $97,172 | $75,557 |
| 32 | Life scientistsEngineering · ANZSCO 2345 | $96,268 | $74,942 |
| 33 | Secondary school teachersEducation · ANZSCO 2414 | $92,154 | $72,145 |
| 34 | Truck driversTransportation · ANZSCO 7331 | $92,092 | $72,103 |
| 35 | PsychologistsLegal · ANZSCO 2723 | $91,702 | $71,837 |
| 36 | AccountantsBusiness & finance · ANZSCO 2211 | $89,378 | $70,257 |
| 37 | VeterinariansHealthcare · ANZSCO 2347 | $85,218 | $67,428 |
| 38 | Registered nursesHealthcare · ANZSCO 2544 | $84,614 | $67,018 |
| 39 | MidwivesHealthcare · ANZSCO 2541 | $84,354 | $66,841 |
| 40 | PharmacistsHealthcare · ANZSCO 2515 | $82,035 | $65,264 |
| 41 | Social workersLegal · ANZSCO 2725 | $77,553 | $62,216 |
| 42 | Audiologists and speech pathologists / therapistsHealthcare · ANZSCO 2527 | $73,991 | $59,794 |
| 43 | Real estate sales agentsBusiness & finance · ANZSCO 6121 | $73,356 | $59,362 |
| 44 | Travel attendantsTransportation · ANZSCO 4517 | $72,571 | $58,828 |
| 45 | PhysiotherapistsHealthcare · ANZSCO 2525 | $71,963 | $58,415 |
| 46 | Bus and coach driversTransportation · ANZSCO 7312 | $70,377 | $57,336 |
| 47 | Carpenters and joinersEngineering · ANZSCO 3312 | $70,221 | $57,230 |
| 48 | Occupational therapistsHealthcare · ANZSCO 2524 | $68,801 | $56,265 |
| 49 | Court and legal clerksLegal · ANZSCO 5992 | $61,240 | $51,205 |
| 50 | Medical techniciansHealthcare · ANZSCO 3112 | $56,701 | $48,186 |
| 51 | Dental hygienists, technicians and therapistsHealthcare · ANZSCO 4112 | $54,246 | $46,554 |
| 52 | Veterinary nursesHealthcare · ANZSCO 3613 | $53,815 | $46,267 |
| 53 | Dental assistantsHealthcare · ANZSCO 4232 | $43,612 | $39,322 |
| 54 | Education aidesEducation · ANZSCO 4221 | $39,390 | $36,029 |
| 55 | Pharmacy sales assistantsBusiness & finance · ANZSCO 6214 | $26,504 | $25,958 |
Average wages by industry category
Management and specialist roles dominate the top tier; hospitality and sales assistant roles anchor the lower end of this curated set.
Healthcare
20 occupations tracked
- Top
- Psychiatrists · $228,426
- Lower in set
- Dental assistants · $43,612
Transportation
6 occupations tracked
- Top
- Pilots & air transport · $194,464
- Lower in set
- Bus and coach drivers · $70,377
Management
2 occupations tracked
- Top
- Construction managers · $160,108
- Lower in set
- Specialist managers · $159,162
Technology
3 occupations tracked
- Top
- ICT systems analysts · $142,111
- Lower in set
- Software programmers · $124,904
Business & finance
7 occupations tracked
- Top
- Financial dealers · $132,132
- Lower in set
- Pharmacy sales assistants · $26,504
Engineering
9 occupations tracked
- Top
- Civil engineers · $132,090
- Lower in set
- Carpenters and joiners · $70,221
Community & personal service
2 occupations tracked
- Top
- Police · $123,490
- Lower in set
- Fire and emergency workers · $107,338
Legal
4 occupations tracked
- Top
- Solicitors · $120,136
- Lower in set
- Court and legal clerks · $61,240
Education
2 occupations tracked
- Top
- Secondary school teachers · $92,154
- Lower in set
- Education aides · $39,390
Top 5 averages
- #1Psychiatrists$228,426
- #2Anaesthetists$199,690
- #3Other medical practitioners$197,787
- #4Pilots & air transport$194,464
- #5Specialist physicians$193,887
Lowest 5 in this set
- #55Pharmacy sales assistants$26,504
- #54Education aides$39,390
- #53Dental assistants$43,612
- #52Veterinary nurses$53,815
- #51Dental hygienists$54,246
How to read this ranking
1Step 1
Read the average rank
Occupations sort by ABS EEH national average annual gross pay (weekly × 52, highest first). #1 is the highest published average in this set.
2Step 2
Scan take-home columns
Baseline and HELP show modeled take-home for an Australian resident at each average — federal income tax and Medicare levy; HELP column adds compulsory loan repayments.
3Step 3
Compare two careers
Use the pair picker or featured corridors (software vs nursing, cyber vs software, pilots vs train drivers) for wage gaps, hourly figures, and scenario take-home ladders.
4Step 4
Model your offer
Open an occupation profile or the Australia paycheck calculator for HELP, Medicare levy surcharge, residency, and salary-sacrifice inputs.
Software programmers vs registered nurses
ABS May 2023 EEH lists software and applications programmers at $124,904 ($63.21/hr) and registered nurses at $84,614 ($42.82/hr) — a $40,290 average gap. At those averages, modeled baseline take-home is $94,415 vs $67,018; with HELP repayments, net pay moves to $86,108 vs $64,755.
How HELP repayments change take-home at the same ABS average
Gross averages ignore loan repayments. These four occupations show modeled take-home for an Australian resident when gross equals the published ABS EEH average — baseline (no HELP) vs with HELP repayments. Private hospital cover in both vignettes avoids Medicare levy surcharge.
| Occupation | ABS average | Baseline take-home | HELP take-home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrists | $228,426 | $155,196 | $132,353 |
| Software programmers | $124,904 | $94,415 | $86,108 |
| Registered nurses | $84,614 | $67,018 | $64,755 |
| Secondary school teachers | $92,154 | $72,145 | $68,751 |
HELP repayments typically shift annual take-home by $8,306 or more versus baseline at the same software-programmer average — before rent or salary sacrifice. Australian personal income tax remains federal only.
Learn: averages, ANZSCO codes, and take-home
Average vs total compensation
ABS EEH cash averages exclude equity and many non-cash benefits. Tech and specialist total pay often runs above published cash averages even when base salary matches.
Why baseline anchors take-home
Australian personal income tax is federal only — there is no state wage income tax. Baseline (resident, private hospital cover, no HELP) is our primary take-home column before you compare HELP repayment drag.
Education and licensing
Health and legal rows often require years of training; teaching and aide roles show how credential barriers interact with published averages.
All employees, not full-time only
Data cube 11 averages cover all employees in the unit group. Part-time schedules pull the average down relative to full-time-only benchmarks — especially in retail, care, and aide roles.
Employees only
ABS EEH focuses on employees. Self-employed consultants, partners, and sole traders sit outside these occupation averages.
Geography matters
National averages blend high-COL Sydney and Melbourne with regional markets. A CBD tech offer and a regional care role can both be typical while far from the national mean.
Myths vs facts
Myth: Highest average always means highest lifetime earnings.
Fact: Career length, unemployment risk, student debt, and Super balances vary by field. A lower-average education row can still win on job security or defined pathways not in ABS cash wages.
Myth: ABS averages match every job posting.
Fact: ABS aggregates employee reports nationally. A senior specialist in Sydney can exceed the ANZSCO average while an entry role sits below it.
Myth: Take-home at average is your paycheck.
Fact: The take-home columns are a standardized Australian-resident model at the published average. Your HELP balance, private hospital cover, residency status, and salary sacrifice change the result.
Myth: Gross average gap equals lifestyle gap.
Fact: A higher-paying occupation in Sydney can net less purchasing power than a lower average in a lower-rent city after housing. Pair wage tables with metro paycheck examples (Australia).
Myth: States change your income tax rate.
Fact: Australian personal income tax is federal only. States do not levy a separate wage income tax on this model — take-home at equal gross matches nationwide before HELP and MLS settings.
Glossary
- Average wage (EEH)
- Mean weekly total cash earnings for all employees in the ANZSCO 4-digit unit group from ABS Employee Earnings and Hours. This is not a median — ABS does not publish free unit-group medians in Data cube 11.
- ANZSCO unit group
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations 4-digit code — for example Software and applications programmers (2613) or Registered nurses (2544). Profession salary searches map to the closest published unit group.
- Weekly→annual (×52)
- ABS publishes weekly averages; we annualize as weekly × 52 (rounded) for ranking and take-home modelling.
- Take-home at average
- Our paycheck model applied to the ABS EEH average gross — Australian resident, federal income tax + Medicare levy. Baseline uses private hospital cover (no Medicare levy surcharge) and no HELP; the HELP column adds compulsory HELP repayments.
- HELP repayments
- Higher Education Loan Program (HELP/HECS) compulsory repayments withheld once taxable income exceeds ATO thresholds. Superannuation Guarantee remains employer-side and is not deducted from employee take-home in these columns.
Who this helps
Career changers
Compare published averages and modeled take-home before committing to a degree or VET path.
Students & parents
See how software, nursing, trades, and teaching averages stack nationally — then filter by category.
Recruiters & coaches
Ground offer conversations in ABS EEH unit-group anchors instead of anecdotal screenshots.
Career salary checklist
- Match the ANZSCO unit group to the job posting — software programmers ≠ ICT security specialists
- Read the hourly column when comparing salaried roles to hourly offers
- Check baseline and HELP take-home columns if you have an outstanding HELP balance
- Remember EEH averages include all employees — part-time mixes can lower the mean
- Model your exact offer in the Australia paycheck calculator — average vignettes are anchors only
- Pair high averages with training debt and licensing timelines before choosing a path
Common mistakes
- ✕Using national averages as entry-level or senior offers without reading the unit-group mix
- ✕Comparing total compensation (base + bonus + Super) to cash-wage ABS EEH averages
- ✕Assuming a state of residence changes your income tax rate — Australian wage tax is federal only
- ✕Assuming the highest-average occupation is best without hours, shift work, or on-call schedules
- ✕Treating ABS employee averages as sole-trader or contractor income
- ✕Skipping metro tables when the employer names a specific city
vs other salary & tax tools
| Topic | This hub | Related tool |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ABS EEH average wage rank + take-home at average | Metro paycheck examples Australia — Major Australian cities at A$100k |
| HELP modelling | HELP column inside take-home | Australia paycheck calculator — HELP, MLS, residency detail |
| City context | Australia-wide ABS EEH averages | Metro paycheck examples — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & more |
| Gross from net | Occupation vs occupation | Net to gross calculator — Reverse PAYG from take-home target |
Planning tips
- Cross-check metro paycheck examples (Australia) when the offer names a specific city.
- Use the HELP column when you still have an outstanding HECS-HELP balance.
- Remember Super Guarantee is employer-side — package comparisons should add Super on top of cash wages.
- Open the paycheck calculator with your residency, HELP, and private hospital cover — the average vignette is a starting anchor.
- Compare two careers side-by-side before committing to a multi-year degree or certification path.
Highest paying jobs FAQs
On ABS May 2023 EEH averages in our table, Psychiatrists lead at $228,426. Pharmacy sales assistants anchor the lower end of this curated set at $26,504.
ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2023 (Data cube 11). Each occupation cites Data cube 11 average weekly total cash earnings (Persons) by ANZSCO 4-digit unit group. Take-home uses our 2026 Australia paycheck model at the published average.
Averages. ABS EEH Data cube 11 publishes average weekly total cash earnings for detailed occupations. Free unit-group medians are not in that cube, so this hub ranks the official published averages and labels them as averages.
The HELP column does. The baseline column models an Australian resident with private hospital cover and no HELP. Both include federal income tax and Medicare levy — there is no state income tax. When the ABS average is below the ATO HELP repayment threshold, the HELP and baseline columns match.
Yes — use the pair picker on this page or open a featured corridor like software programmers vs registered nurses. Compare pages show wage gaps, hourly figures, and take-home in both reference scenarios.
ANZSCO does not publish a separate free EEH unit-group line for nurse practitioners in Data cube 11. Nurse practitioner roles sit inside the registered nurses unit group (2544), so that is the official published cash-earnings anchor we use.
We multiply the ABS weekly average by 52 and round. Hourly figures divide weekly average by 38 ordinary hours.
Yes — see Highest paying jobs US (BLS OEWS), Highest paying jobs Canada (Job Bank / StatCan), Highest paying jobs UK (ONS ASHE), Highest paying jobs New Zealand (Stats NZ HLFS), and Highest paying jobs Ireland (CSO SES) for the same ranking, compare, and profile pattern.
ABS May 2023 EEH lists Software and applications programmers (ANZSCO 2613) at $124,904 average annual cash earnings — the closest published unit group for software engineer salary searches.