Nine surprising jobs where Aussies can earn over $100k per year

Finding a well-paid job can be difficult, especially at a time when the Australian job market is subdued and workers have been told to expect a slim to non-existent pay rise in the year ahead as employers focus on cutting costs.

But Australians don’t necessarily need to be in a high-flying position in the finance, medical or mining sectors to earn a high salary.

Yahoo Finance has identified nine Aussie jobs that have a surprisingly high wage.

Also read: 13 best work-from-home jobs

Elevator mechanic

Elevator mechanics are often on call 24 hours per day, are required to carry and lift heavy machinery and face quite significant risk on a daily basis. But they are rewarded with a surprisingly hefty annual salary of up to $133,000.

Reservoir engineer

Reservoir engineers need to get the maximum amount of energy without over-tapping a reservoir.

Professionals need a technical degree in chemical engineering and but with that under their belt they can easily earn north of $132,600 per year.

Air traffic controller

Being responsible for the safe arrival and departure of aircrafts has its benefits – air traffic controllers can earn up to $129,000 per year.

Software architect

It’s unsurprising that a tech savvy worker can make big bucks, but huge demand for software architects in particular, can see them earn a whopping $122,800 per year with just a math or software engineering degree and an ability to work well with others.

Also read: How to get rich this financial year

Offshore underwater welder

An Australian underwater welder – someone who repairs, installs and inspects pipelines – can earn up to $65,000 per year, but for those who are willing to take the added the risk taking that offshore to deeper oceans can see their annual salary rocket to $180,000.

Drilling engineer

An entry level drilling engineer can earn a respectable $80,000 at the beginning of a lucrative career in oil, gas or water drilling. But with a couple of years of experience under their belt, that can rocket up as far as $300,000.

Abalone diver

Abalone divers have to brave the freezing, murky waters of Australia’s Port Lincoln and Western Australia, but for those bold enough the pay is as great as the risk at up to $120,000.

Special agent

It's not just a job for movie actors.

Being a special agent is a high-adrenaline job you could land for a government organization or for a private company.

Candidates usually have a law enforcement background or military experience along with an undergraduate degree in criminal justice with the ability to quickly earn north of $100,000 per year.

Also read: Australia’s highest paying jobs

Personal shopper

Personal shoppers do exactly what their name suggests: shop for people who don’t have the time or energy, with the potential to earn in excess of $100,000 in the meantime.