Choosing the right career after university is about more than just passion—it’s also about earning potential. With tuition costs rising, knowing which degrees lead to high-paying jobs can help graduates make smarter decisions. The latest Graduate Outcomes Survey reveals the top-earning and lowest-paying jobs for Australian university graduates in 2025.
Highest-Paying Jobs for Graduates
The survey highlights degrees that offer strong salaries right after graduation. Dentistry takes the lead, while medicine and engineering also provide solid financial prospects.
| Job / Degree | Average Graduate Salary |
|---|---|
| Dentistry | $103,300 |
| Medicine | $86,800 |
| Social Work | $82,000 |
| Engineering | $80,000 |
| Teacher Education | $78,800 |
| Law and Paralegal Studies | $76,000 |
| Computing & Information Systems | $75,300 |
| Psychology | $75,100 |
| Rehabilitation | $75,000 |
| Architecture & Built Environment | $75,000 |
Graduates in these fields enjoy high full-time employment rates, reflecting strong demand for their skills.
Lowest-Paying Jobs for Graduates
On the flip side, some degrees provide lower salaries despite strong employment prospects, including pharmacy and creative arts.
| Job / Degree | Average Graduate Salary |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy | $59,500 |
| Creative Arts | $62,600 |
| Tourism, Hospitality, Personal Services, Sport & Recreation | $63,900 |
| Communications | $65,200 |
| Veterinary Science | $70,000 |
| Agriculture & Environmental Studies | $71,500 |
| Business & Management | $72,000 |
| Nursing | $72,000 |
| Science & Mathematics | $72,400 |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | $73,100 |
While these roles may offer lower starting salaries, they can still provide fulfilling careers with opportunities for growth over time.
Gender Pay Gap Among Graduates
The survey also revealed persistent gender pay gaps across most fields:
- Women earn more than men only in pharmacy ($600) and communications ($3,100).
- The largest gaps are in tourism and hospitality ($10,200), architecture ($9,300), law ($5,000), and science & mathematics ($5,000).
Factors influencing these gaps include field of study, occupation level, industry demand, work experience, and other personal factors.
High-Paying Jobs Outside University Degrees
You don’t always need a degree to earn well. According to ATO tax data for 2022-23:
- Drillers, miners, and shot firers earned an average of $133,873 per year, well above the national average.
- The average Australian income was $74,240, while the median income was $55,868.
This shows that vocational careers and trades can sometimes outperform university degrees in terms of salary.
Tips for Graduates
- Consider both passion and earning potential when choosing a career path.
- Research full-time employment rates for your field of interest.
- Build additional skills or certifications to increase employability and salary prospects.
- Be aware of the gender pay gap and negotiate salary proactively.
FAQs
Q1: Which graduate degree earns the most in Australia?
Dentistry, with an average graduate salary of $103,300 per year.
Q2: Are pharmacy graduates poorly paid?
Yes, the average starting salary is around $59,500 despite high employment rates.
Q3: Can non-degree jobs pay more than university degrees?
Yes, trades like drilling and mining can exceed $130,000 per year.
Q4: Does gender affect graduate salaries?
Yes, women generally earn less than men in most fields, except pharmacy and communications.
Q5: Should salary be the only factor in choosing a degree?
No, consider interest, job satisfaction, and growth opportunities alongside salary.
Conclusion
While degrees like dentistry, medicine, and engineering promise strong starting salaries, other fields may offer more personal fulfillment despite lower pay. Graduates should balance financial prospects with career satisfaction, explore alternative high-paying opportunities in trades, and plan strategically to maximize both earnings and professional growth.