The Australian job market has made strides in gender equality, yet women continue to face challenges like the persistent gender pay gap. Reports indicate that as of 2023, women in Australia earn 13.3% less than men on average when comparing full-time weekly earnings. This gap not only limits financial independence but also highlights the need for systemic change. One way to close this gap is by identifying and pursuing high-paying careers in industries that offer significant growth opportunities for women.
If you’re a career-driven woman or an advocate for gender equality, this blog unpacks the highest paying careers for women in Australia, along with real insights, actionable advice, and ways these roles contribute to reducing the gender pay gap.
Understanding Gender Pay Gaps in High-Paying Industries
Before exploring the top-paying careers, it’s key to understand which industries have a history of high gender pay gaps and how they’re changing. Traditionally male-dominated fields like finance, technology, and construction exhibit some of the widest pay gaps. For example, data from Australia’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) shows that women in finance earn 22.3% less than their male counterparts, despite significant steps toward diversity.
However, shifts are underway. Organizations have begun implementing gender pay audits, flexible work policies, and better mentorship programs for women. Fields like healthcare, technology, and law are seeing higher female participation, while industries like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are receiving government incentives to encourage gender equality. This evolution is promising, but progress is slow. That’s why identifying industries with high earning potential and lower barriers for women is essential for personal and professional empowerment.
Top 10 Highest Paying Careers for Women in Australia
If you’re wondering where opportunities and wealth align, here’s a breakdown of the most lucrative careers for Australian women in 2024, complete with salary details and growth potential.
1. Medical Practitioners (Doctors and Specialists)
- Average Salary: AU$200,000+
- Growth Potential: High (aging population and increased healthcare demand)
Medicine remains the highest paying field, with women excelling in specialties such as pediatrics, radiology, and general practice. While the gender pay gap exists, increasing female representation and leadership is reshaping this field.
2. Legal Professionals (Lawyers and Judges)
- Average Salary: AU$120,000–AU$200,000
- Growth Potential: High (rising demand for legal services)
Women make up 53% of law graduates but are still underrepresented in senior positions. However, opportunities in corporate law, intellectual property, and mediation offer promising pathways for high earnings.
3. Engineering Managers
- Average Salary: AU$150,000+
- Growth Potential: High (emphasis on infrastructure and technology projects)
Women are breaking the mold in engineering by stepping into leadership roles in civil and environmental engineering. The field is welcoming more female talent with initiatives like Engineers Australia’s diversity programs.
4. Technology Specialists (Data Scientists, AI Experts, Software Engineers)
- Average Salary: AU$110,000–AU$180,000
- Growth Potential: Very High (AI, big data, and automation trends)
The tech industry offers some of the best high-paying careers for women, particularly in roles like cybersecurity, software engineering, and AI development. It’s one of the fastest-growing sectors for women, supported by scholarships and mentorship initiatives.
5. Corporate Executives (CEOs, General Managers)
- Average Salary: AU$170,000–AU$250,000+
- Growth Potential: Moderate (dependent on experience and industry)
Women currently make up only 18.3% of CEOs in Australia, but those who rise to executive levels enjoy significant earning potential. Corporate leadership remains crucial for addressing broader gender pay disparities.
6. Pharmacists
- Average Salary: AU$95,000–AU$120,000
- Growth Potential: High (consistent healthcare industry growth)
Pharmacy is a top-paying role with strong job stability. Female participation in this sector stands at 63%, offering greater opportunities for women in leadership and specialty roles.
7. Marketing and Advertising Directors
- Average Salary: AU$130,000–AU$180,000
- Growth Potential: High (digital transformation and branding demand)
Combining creativity and strategy, marketing directors enjoy competitive salaries, especially as companies invest in digital transformation.
8. Pilots and Aviation Professionals
- Average Salary: AU$150,000+
- Growth Potential: Moderate (demand for skilled pilots persists)
While only 5% of pilots are women, this high-paying field offers unique opportunities for trailblazers passionate about travel and technology.
9. Accountants and Actuaries
- Average Salary: AU$85,000–AU$135,000
- Growth Potential: High (growing complexity of tax and financial law)
Accounting and actuarial careers provide lucrative opportunities with the bonus of strong work-life balance benefits for women.
10. Dentists
- Average Salary: AU$140,000–AU$180,000+
- Growth Potential: High (rising demand for specialized services)
Women dominate dentistry, representing 60% of new graduates. Higher-paid specialties, such as orthodontics, create strong earning potential.
ASLO READ:
Insights from Women in High-Paying Careers
Women excelling in these careers share valuable advice. For example, Dr. Sarah Kumar, a pediatric specialist, emphasizes the importance of mentorship, saying, “Having a mentor early in my career helped me negotiate better salaries and learn to advocate for leadership roles.” Similarly, Alice Morgan, a software engineer at a leading FinTech company, advises aspiring professionals to “focus on continuous learning to stay ahead in rapidly evolving fields like tech.”
Behind these success stories lies a common theme: perseverance and access to networks and resources. Through mentorship opportunities, leadership programs, and women-centric professional organizations, women are empowering themselves and each other like never before.
Why Gender Diversity in the Workforce Matters
It’s not just about individual success—closing the gender pay gap benefits everyone. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that Australia’s GDP could increase by AU$225 billion by 2025 if gender equality in workplaces improves. Additionally, businesses with diverse leadership outperform competitors by 15% and display greater innovation.
High-paying careers for women play a significant role in closing the pay gap, not only by empowering individuals but also by advancing societal change. Companies that prioritize gender diversity are creating more inclusive cultures and setting new standards for success.
Conclusion
Closing the gender pay gap in Australia requires bold action and proactive choices, both on an individual and systemic level. By identifying and pursuing high-paying careers, women can not only achieve financial independence but also inspire change within industries historically shaped by inequality. From the healthcare sector to law, technology to mining, there are diverse opportunities for ambitious women to thrive and lead.
To take those opportunities, mentorship, continuous skill development, and advocacy are essential. Mentors provide crucial guidance and open doors to new possibilities, while expanding your skill set ensures you stay competitive in fast-evolving industries. Advocacy—be it for equal pay, inclusivity, or workplace representation—not only empowers you but also paves the way for future generations of women to break barriers.
Remember, every step women take toward high-paying, leadership roles is a step toward greater gender equity in the workforce. Now is the time to plan, act, and take control of your career journey. The opportunities are out there—seize them and lead the way for positive change.
FAQs
1. What steps can women take to pursue high-paying careers in Australia?
Women can start by identifying industries with high earning potential and aligning their skills with in-demand roles. Pursuing further education, attending professional development programs, and networking within their desired field are also essential. Additionally, finding mentors and advocating for equal pay and opportunities can help build a successful career.
2. How do mentorship programs help women succeed in their careers?
Mentorship programs provide guidance, support, and valuable insights from experienced professionals. Mentors can help women set career goals, improve their skills, and gain confidence. They often open doors to opportunities and offer advice on navigating challenges, especially in male-dominated industries.
3. What industries offer the most opportunities for women in leadership roles?
Healthcare, law, finance, technology, and mining are some of the industries where women are making notable strides into leadership roles. These industries also feature significant efforts to address gender diversity and create more equitable work environments through initiatives and policies.
4. What skills are crucial for women aiming to enter high-paying fields?
Technical skills, such as expertise in IT, finance, or healthcare, are crucial for many high-paying careers. Additionally, soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving are key for management and executive roles. Continuous learning through certifications and upskilling is also important to remain competitive.
