The top 10 jobs with six-figure salaries that don’t require a degree – and the surprise career paying women more than men

Real estate agents and air traffic controllers are among the top 10 careers in Australia that don’t require a university degree and come with a six figure salary.

Instead of spending years at university, and accumulating a higher education debt running into the tens of thousands of dollars, it’s possible to have a well-paid career after completing a 12-month diploma.

Transport jobs, from aviation to trains, typically offer jobs with average salaries in the six figures that don’t require a degree, along with careers in construction, mining and real estate.

In a surprise twist, female bulldozer operators were found to be paid more than their male colleagues.  

Air traffic controllers had an average salary of $153,445 in the 2021-22 financial year, new Australian Taxation Office data showed.

Helicopter pilots are typically paid $125,105, with this job requiring a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter) that can be completed at TAFE

This was more than double the average declared salary of $69,994 on tax returns. 

Even female air traffic controllers were well remunerated with an average salary of $123,193, compared with $161,123 for men who made up 80 per cent of the 1,824 people working in this safety role.

Air traffic controllers are required to complete a Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control),  a qualification which takes 12 months on average to complete.

Helicopter pilots are typically paid $125,105, with this job requiring a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter) that can be completed at TAFE.

Aeroplane pilots have an average salary of $143,403, with this job requiring a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) from a flight training school.

Those with a fear of flying have options in public transport with railway station managers having an average salary of $115,264.

This job doesn’t even require formal qualifications but there are vocational and education courses in rail operations management.

Railway signal operators are even better paid, earning $124,767 after completing a Diploma of Railway Signalling Systems.

Train drivers did better still, with an average pay of $132,430, in a job requiring a Certificate IV in Train Driving.

Coal miners typically earn $130,033 with more experienced workers completing a Diploma of Underground Coal Mining Management.

Real estate agents have an average salary of $112,815 and they often complete a Diploma in Property (Agency Management).

Coal miners typically earn $130,033 with more experienced workers completing a Diploma of Underground Coal Mining Management

Train drivers had an average pay of $132,430, in a job requiring a Certificate IV in Train Driving (pictured is a Queensland Rail driver in Brisbane)

Auctioneers have an average salary of $102,544, after receiving a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice.

But this occupation has a wide gender pay gap with women typically paid $51,980 compared with $107,829 for men. 

Crane operators have an average salary of $109,165, with this job requiring a Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations.

Unusually for the male-dominated construction sector, female bulldozer operators were better paid.

Australia’s 18 women doing this job earned more, typically making $109,932 compared with $95,974 for the 584 listing this occupation on their tax return.

But the overall pay rate of $96,392 for all bulldozer operators fell short of six figures.