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 do not require a university degree and come with six-figure salaries.

Instead of spending years in college and racking up higher education debt that can run into the tens of thousands of dollars, it is possible to have a well-paying career after completing a twelve-month degree.

Jobs in the transportation industry, 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 surprising twist, female bulldozer drivers were paid more than their male colleagues.

Air traffic controllers had an average salary of $153,445 in the 2021-2022 financial year, new data from the Australian Taxation Office shows.

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

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

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

Air traffic controllers must obtain a Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control), a qualification that takes an average of twelve months to complete.

Helicopter pilots are typically paid $125,105, with this job requiring an Aviation Diploma (Commercial Pilot License – Helicopter) that can be obtained from TAFE.

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

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

This job does not even require formal qualifications, but there are vocational and training courses in railway operations management.

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

Train drivers fared even better, with an average wage of $132,430, in a job that required a Certificate IV in Train Driving.

Miners typically earn $130,033, while more experienced workers earn a Diploma of Underground Coal Mining Management

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

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 often earn a Diploma in Property (Agency Management).

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

But this profession has a large gender pay gap: women were typically paid $51,980, compared to $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 industry, female bulldozer operators were better paid.

The 18 women in Australia who did this work earned more, typically earning $109,932, compared to $95,974 for the 584 who reported this occupation on their tax returns.

But the total pay rate of $96,392 for all bulldozer operators remained below six figures.