Australia is one of the easiest countries in the world for securing well-paid jobs without a university degree. While many think that high-paying roles in Australia require a bachelor’s or master’s qualification, the truth is that thousands of employers hire workers based on skills, experience, attitude, and vocational training — not formal academic degrees.
Whether you’re a local resident, a migrant, an international student, or someone planning to move to Australia, there are countless opportunities to earn $32,000 to $75,000+ per year without ever stepping into a university lecture hall.
This guide gives you a full breakdown of industries, job roles, entry requirements, salaries, career growth, and pathways to move into even higher-paying positions — all without a degree. You’ll also learn how to build employable skills, boost your resume, and access government-supported training programs.
Let’s get started.
Why Australia Offers High-Paying Jobs Without Degrees
Australia is one of the few countries where skills and competencies matter more than formal academic qualifications. Several factors contribute to this:
✔ Skill shortages across multiple industries
Australia has chronic shortages in trades, hospitality, logistics, construction, aged care, transport, retail, mining, and more.
✔ Strong vocational education (TAFE & RTOs)
Australia values hands-on training through TAFE programs, certificates, apprenticeships, and diplomas.
✔ High minimum wage
Australia has one of the world’s highest minimum wages (over $23+ per hour in 2025).
✔ Growing migrant population
Many migrants settle into the workforce without Australian university degrees.
✔ Employers value experience over theory
Practical skills = direct job performance.
Because of this, thousands of jobs pay $32k to $70k+ yearly without requiring a university qualification.
Top 20 Jobs in Australia Paying $32,000+ With No University Degree
Below are the best-paying roles for people without university degrees. Salary ranges are based on 2025 standards and vary by location, experience, and industry.
1. Retail Sales Assistant – $32,000 to $55,000
Retail is one of the biggest employers for non-degree holders.
Duties:
- Customer service
- Sales
- Stock handling
- Operating registers
Why it’s good:
Easy entry, flexible hours, and pathways into management roles.
2. Hospitality Worker (Café, Bar, Restaurant) – $32,000 to $60,000
Australia’s hospitality industry is booming and always hiring.
Roles include:
- Waiter
- Bar staff
- Barista
- Kitchen hand
Why it’s lucrative:
Tip culture + weekend penalty rates significantly boost earnings.
3. Receptionist / Front Desk Officer – $35,000 to $65,000
Front desk roles exist in hotels, clinics, offices, and agencies.
Skills required:
- Communication
- Basic computer skills
- Customer service
A great entry point into the corporate world.
4. Disability Support Worker – $45,000 to $70,000
NDIS funding has created massive demand for support workers.
You help:
- People with disabilities
- Clients needing daily support
- Community participation
Entry pathway:
Certificate III or IV in Individual Support (no degree).
5. Aged Care Worker – $45,000 to $65,000
Aged care is one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries.
Benefits:
- Guaranteed jobs
- Government training subsidies
- Clear promotion pathways
Cert III/IV training is sufficient.
6. Construction Labourer – $40,000 to $75,000
Construction is overflowing with demand.
Roles include:
- General labourer
- Traffic controller
- Site assistant
Why it pays well:
Overtime + weekend work + union benefits.
7. Warehouse Worker / Picker Packer – $45,000 to $65,000
Warehousing has exploded due to the rise of online shopping.
Popular employers:
- Amazon
- Coles
- Woolworths
- Kmart
- DHL
Forklift licenses lead to even higher pay.
8. Delivery Driver – $40,000 to $70,000
Options include:
- Van delivery
- Courier services
- Postal delivery
- Supermarket delivery
Drivers earn excellent penalties and overtime.
9. Bus Driver / Transport Worker – $55,000 to $80,000
Public transport workers enjoy high hourly rates and benefits.
Requirements:
- Light or heavy vehicle license (training available)
- Good driving history
10. Truck Driver – $65,000 to $120,000
This is one of the best-paying non-degree jobs in Australia.
Why salaries are high:
- Driver shortages
- Long-distance transport
- High demand in mining regions
HC, MC, or HR license required.
11. Security Officer – $45,000 to $70,000
Security work is in steady demand across retail, construction, airports, and events.
Requirements:
Security license + background check.
12. Cleaner / Commercial Cleaning – $40,000 to $60,000
Cleaning jobs pay well and offer stable hours.
Specialised sectors:
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- Office buildings
13. Childcare Assistant – $40,000 to $65,000
With strong growth in the childcare sector, assistants are always needed.
Qualification:
Certificate III or Diploma (no degree).
14. Landscaper / Gardener – $45,000 to $70,000
Outdoor work with strong demand from councils, schools, and private businesses.
15. Warehouse Forklift Operator – $55,000 to $75,000
Forklift operators receive higher-than-average pay.
Training:
Short forklift license course.
16. Plumber / Carpenter / Electrician Apprentice – $35,000 to $95,000
Trades are some of the best-paying careers in Australia.
Why?
Massive shortages + high government demand.
Earning potential after qualification:
Over $100k per year.
17. Admin Assistant – $40,000 to $65,000
Great entry role for office work.
Tasks include:
- Filing
- Scheduling
- Data entry
- Assisting managers
18. Call Centre Operator – $35,000 to $60,000
Customer service roles provide stable salaries and bonuses.
19. NDIS Support Coordinator – $50,000 to $75,000
Helps clients navigate disability support programs.
20. Mining Entry-Level Roles – $65,000 to $110,000
Mining companies hire workers for:
- Cleaning
- Driving
- Labouring
- Support roles
These jobs often include free FIFO flights and accommodation.
Why These Jobs Don’t Require a Degree
Most of these roles rely on:
- Practical skills
- Communication
- Reliability
- Physical work
- Customer service
Instead of theoretical knowledge from university degrees.
In almost every case, experience matters more than qualifications.
Paths for Career Growth Without a Degree
Even without a degree, you can build a long-term, high-income career.
Here’s how:
1. Start with entry-level jobs → move into supervisor roles
Example:
Warehouse worker → Team Leader → Warehouse Manager ($100k+)
2. Use TAFE certificates to upgrade your skills
Certificate and diploma courses can qualify you for:
- Aged care
- Disability support
- Childcare
- IT support
- Construction trades
- Hospitality management
- Business administration
Cost-effective and fast.
3. Use apprenticeships & traineeships
You get:
- Paid work
- Nationally recognised qualification
- No student debt
- Employer sponsorship
4. Get licenses & short courses
Some high-paying roles require simple certifications:
- Traffic control license
- RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol)
- Security license
- Forklift license
- First Aid
- White Card for construction
Most cost $50–$500 and lead to great jobs.
5. Enter industries with shortages
Industries facing the biggest shortages:
- Care sector (NDIS, aged care, childcare)
- Construction & trades
- Transport
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Mining
Employers in these fields actively hire people with no degree.
Average Salaries for Non-Degree Workers in Australia
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Care & Community | $45,000–$70,000 |
| Retail | $32,000–$55,000 |
| Hospitality | $32,000–$60,000 |
| Logistics | $45,000–$75,000 |
| Construction | $40,000–$80,000 |
| Transport | $55,000–$120,000 |
| Mining | $65,000–$110,000 |
| Office/Admin | $40,000–$65,000 |
Jobs paying over $32,000 are available across all states.
Where to Find Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
Use these platforms:
✔ SEEK
✔ Indeed
✔ Workforce Australia
✔ Jora
✔ Harold’s Career (Trades & Construction)
✔ Gumtree Jobs
✔ Company hiring pages
Search with keywords:
- “No experience
- “No degree required”
- “Entry level”
- “Certificate III”
- “Traineeship”
- “Apprenticeship”
Cities With the Most Non-Degree Jobs
🇦🇺 Sydney
Retail, hospitality, construction, aged care.
🇦🇺 Melbourne
Warehousing, factory, disability support, admin roles.
🇦🇺 Brisbane
Trades, transport, childcare.
🇦🇺 Perth
Mining, FIFO, logistics.
🇦🇺 Adelaide
Manufacturing, healthcare, admin.
🇦🇺 Regional Australia
Huge shortages → Higher pay + visas.
Australia Migration Pathways Without a Degree
If you are overseas and want to work in Australia without a degree, these pathways help:
✔ Working Holiday Visa (417 / 462)
For 18–35-year-olds.
✔ Student Visa Pathway → Work
Study a diploma or certificate (not necessarily a degree).
✔ Employer Sponsored Visa (482)
Many non-degree roles qualify if skills are validated.
✔ Regional Visa (491)
For skill shortages in regional towns.
✔ Permanent Residency (189/190)
Possible after gaining Australian qualifications and work experience.
Australia welcomes skilled workers regardless of degree status.
Tips to Get a $32k+ Job in Australia Fast
✔ Build a simple, clean resume
Highlight practical skills and past work.
✔ Apply widely, don’t wait
Most entry-level jobs hire quickly.
✔ Consider shift work
Penalty rates increase earnings.
✔ Get a license or certificate
1–2 day training can double your opportunities.
✔ Prepare for simple interviews
Communication and reliability matter most.
✔ Use references
Supervisors can help you get hired faster.
Conclusion
You do not need a university degree to earn $32,000 or more in Australia. With a strong labour market, countless entry-level roles, high demand across multiple industries, and one of the highest minimum wages in the world, Australia is a land of opportunity for non-degree workers.
Whether you want to work in retail, warehousing, hospitality, care services, trades, construction, transport, or mining, there are thousands of stable job openings every year. With the right training, certifications, and mindset, you can grow your income from $32k to $100k+ over time—even without a degree.