Top university degrees for high-paying jobs

While passion and purpose are of the utmost importance when choosing a career, financial security is another big consideration for many Australians. Picking the right university degree can pave the way to a long and lucrative career, with long-term stability and plenty of growth opportunities ahead of you.

But which degrees should you consider looking at in 2025 if you want to nab that high-paying job? It depends on a number of things, so let’s explore all the considerations that matter most when planning your career path.

Why your choice of degree matters for high-paying jobs

A university degree is more than just a qualification. Instead, think of it as being your gateway to expertise, networking opportunities and the chance to enter competitive, high-paying industries.

According to the Department of Education, people with a university degree earn more over their lifetime than those without one. As they put it: “Higher educational attainment leads to higher total incomes, more diverse sources of income and reduced reliance on the aged pension.”

For students and professionals who want to make the most of their earning potential, it’s best that you know about the pathways to top-paying careers.

High-paying careers and the degrees that lead to them

Certain fields consistently rank among the highest paying in Australia, thanks to high demand, specialised skills, rigorous qualifications and being part of a network of professionals. Here are the degrees linked to some of these well-remunerated careers:

Medicine and Healthcare

Medicine continues to be one of the highest-paying professions in Australia, with specialties such as anaesthesiology, cardiology and surgery topping the list. Figures from the ATO show that medical and mental health professionals hold five of the top 10 spots for highest taxable income.

To pursue a career in medicine, students must complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or an equivalent degree. This is followed by years of practical training, internships and postgraduate fellowships. Despite the long road to qualification, the financial rewards and job stability make it a seriously worthwhile investment.

Engineering

Engineers are highly sought after in sectors like construction and technology. Degrees in civil, mechanical, electrical and mining engineering can lead to lucrative career paths. According to Engineers Australia, the median starting salary for engineering graduates is among the top five highest for any discipline.

Engineering degrees can bring a wealth of opportunities, including roles in project management, research, development and more. Plus, the growth of the renewable energy sector and sustainable infrastructure has created even more opportunities for engineers.

Law

Legal professionals – especially those operating in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property law – enjoy high earning potential. To become a lawyer in Australia, students usually complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD), followed by practical legal training and admission to their state or territory’s Supreme Court.

While the legal profession is known for its long hours and demanding workload, the financial return and prestige among the community make it a popular choice for aspiring high earners.

Business and Finance

Careers in business and finance – whether that’s investment banking, management consulting, executive leadership, etc. – can deliver competitive salaries and big opportunities for advancement to the C-suite. Degrees in business administration, finance or economics are popular entry points into these roles.

Postgraduate qualifications like a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can increase your earning potential even further. According to a report by the Australian Financial Review, graduates from top MBA programs in Australia report an average salary increase of 28% post-completion.

Information Technology and Computer Science

The exponential expansion of technology innovations has led to a high demand for professionals skilled in software development, cybersecurity, biometrics and data science. Degrees in computer science and information systems, for example, will prepare graduates for these lucrative roles.

With Australia’s tech industry growing at a rapid rate, IT professionals can command competitive salaries, especially if they have expertise in emerging areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The role of postgraduate degrees in increasing earning potential

Attaining an MBA or Master’s, or completing a doctoral program, can greatly increase your earning potential through expanding your expertise and developing your leadership skills. It will also help you network with likeminded professionals. Many high-paying careers require – or will at least benefit from – postgraduate qualifications.

For example, completing an MBA can position professionals for C-level roles in industries like finance and consulting. Similarly, medical specialists need extensive postgraduate training to qualify for their roles.

Considerations beyond salary

While earning potential is of course an important factor, it shouldn’t be your only thought when choosing a degree or career path. You’ll also want to think about:

• Job satisfaction: Does this career align with your interests and values?
• Work-life balance: Will this high-paying role come with demanding hours or lots of travel, which could impact your quality of life?
• Future growth: Does this industry have strong growth prospects to protect your long-term job security?
• Geographic opportunities: Would a different career have more opportunities where you live or exist in regions you’d like to explore?

Protect your work and life goals

Balancing your financial goals with your personal and professional priorities is what’s most important when building a sustainable, satisfying career. 

When you do decide to take the leap, consider whether a life insurance or income protection insurance policy would suit your needs. Learn about Guardian Life Insurance as well as Guardian Income Protection Insurance to see how it can help financially protect you into the future.