💼 Market Data
Job Market Insight
Compare graduate salaries across 12 Australian industries. See starting pay, mid-career growth, and demand levels to guide your study decision.
Australian Graduate Salaries by Field (2026)
| Field of Study |
Starting Salary (Graduate) |
Mid-Career (5–8 yrs) |
Growth Potential |
Industry Demand |
| 💻 Software Engineering |
AUD $70–90K |
AUD $130–185K |
📈 Very High (150%+) |
CRITICAL |
| 🛡️ Cybersecurity Specialist |
AUD $100K |
AUD $120–148K |
📈 High (20–48%) |
CRITICAL |
| 📊 Data Scientist |
AUD $100K+ |
AUD $130–180K |
📈 Very High (30–80%) |
CRITICAL |
| 👨⚕️ Registered Nurse |
AUD $65–85K |
AUD $90–120K |
📈 High (30–85%) |
CRITICAL |
| 🏗️ Civil Engineer |
AUD $65–85K |
AUD $95–130K |
📈 High (50%+) |
HIGH |
| ⚡ Electrical Engineer |
AUD $73K |
AUD $96–164K |
📈 Very High (124%+) |
HIGH |
| 📚 Secondary Teacher |
AUD $65–75K |
AUD $90–120K |
📈 Medium (38–85%) |
HIGH |
| 📈 Accountant (General) |
AUD $55–70K |
AUD $80–95K |
📈 Medium (35–45%) |
MODERATE |
| 📊 Data Analyst |
AUD $60–75K |
AUD $90–120K |
📈 High (50%+) |
CRITICAL |
| 🏥 Physiotherapist |
AUD $65–80K |
AUD $85–110K |
📈 Medium (32–69%) |
HIGH |
| 🏢 Business Manager |
AUD $65–80K |
AUD $100–135K |
📈 High (54%+) |
MODERATE |
| 📰 Humanities / Arts |
AUD $60–70K |
AUD $80–95K |
📈 Low (29%) |
LOWER |
📊 Industry Comparison: Salary Growth Potential
🎯 Key Insights
1. Tech Premium (50%+ Higher): IT, Cybersecurity, and Data Science graduates earn AUD $100K+ straight out of university — 35–50% higher than the national graduate median of AUD $73K. Growth to AUD $150–200K+ by mid-career is common.
2. Healthcare Stability & Demand: Nursing and allied health roles start at AUD $65–85K with consistent demand and clear career progression. No redundancy risk; strong PR pathway post-graduation.
3. Engineering Trades Shortage: Mining, Electrical, and Civil Engineering roles face critical skills shortages. Graduates aged 25–35 with 5+ years experience can reach AUD $130–164K+.
4. Humanities / General Skills: Arts, Commerce, and general Business degrees start at AUD $60–80K with slower growth (typically 20–30% by mid-career). Career flexibility needed.
💡 Smart Choices for PR & Long-Term Earning
Best for Fastest PR (Within 3 years):
🏥 Nursing, Healthcare, and 🎓 Teaching. High demand, automatic points boost post-qualification.
Best for Earning Potential:
💻 Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science. Starting salary + growth = highest lifetime earnings (AUD $2M+ over career).
Best for Balance (Demand + Growth):
⚡ Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering. Stable, high pay, clear progression, strong industry demand.