Last updated: August 17th, 2023
We know what it can be like in an unpredictable economy, with high living costs and an unstable job market. Your current salary isn’t always adequate to survive and thrive.
Unfortunately, most high-paying jobs require experience, knowledge, or further education to get your foot in the door. However, some technical skills can only be taught in a practical environment, and on-the-job training is the most appropriate way of learning in certain industries.
At AEX, we firmly believe that a lack of experience does not mean a lack of knowledge or ability.
(Related: How To Deal With A Toxic Boss).
Finding A High-Paying, Entry-Level Job.
Whether you’re looking for a change in your career path or a recent graduate struggling to get your foot in the door, do not fear.
We’ve compiled a list of the best high-paying jobs for job seekers in Australia with no experience needed. Enjoy, and get applying!
1. Real Estate Agent.
The most successful real estate agents started in an entry-level position. They retain the same responsibilities as their less senior counterparts but with the added responsibility and stress of more lucrative deals.
Like senior agents, entry-level agents:
- Build relationships and network in their area.
- Negotiate rental agreements.
- Match potential buyers with homes.
- Poach properties yet to come onto the market.
- Investigate sales in the area — commercial or residential property, land, or housing.
Entry-level agents also handle most of the paperwork, research, coordination of meetings, marketing material and showings of properties.
These are excellent skills to inform your future career in real estate!
How does it work? Real estate agents work off commission. Depending on the market, you will receive a fee on a percentage of the total sale. Most agents earn commission only, but some companies provide base pay.
Starting salary in Australia: $77,250
2. Virtual Assistant.
Nowadays, most workplaces offer the option to work entirely online, which is increasing the demand for virtual assistants. Freelancers Union estimates that 50% of the workforce could be virtual by 2028.
Businesses can save as much as 78% of their operating costs by hiring virtual assistants compared to in-house workers.
That means, as a VA, you can work from home or wherever you choose. The job requirements will differ depending on the client and their needs. You will need the following:
- A computer.
- A working space.
- Phone.
- Internet.
- Bookkeeping services (we love Xero).
You must remain available to your client in their timezone and be adaptable to last minute-pressures or requests. The benefits are endless: assistants undertake a diverse range of tasks across multiple industries and have the potential to extend to in-person duties too!
Average salary in Australia: $82,900
3. HR Assistant.
A human resources assistant is an essential role in any organisation. You will be heavily involved in administrative tasks to support your boss and the broader company.
These roles function similarly to administrative or office assistants, with more involvement in human resources.
Your role would involve:
- Being trusted with personal records.
- Organising company-sensitive information.
- Planning and undertaking performance reviews.
- Scheduling meetings.
- Addressing salary discrepancies.
- Record-keeping.
- Emails and note-taking in meetings.
- The hiring process and exit interviews.
This role is a great option to get your foot in the door with a company you love or as a starting point if you see yourself working in HR.
Starting salary in Australia: $75,700
4. Sales Representative.
A sales representative or ‘sales rep’ s a person who sells products for a company.
This role is excellent for self-motivated people who love speaking and connecting with others. It will involve:
- Travelling to different locations.
- Presenting products in person.
- Calling potential buyers or investors.
- Educating buyers on the benefits of the product.
- Solving customer problems.
A sales representative can be a challenging role that involves a lot of rejection. However, you may possess the natural negotiation, communication, and presentation skills to thrive. Many salespeople love the game of convincing strangers to trust and invest!
How does it work? Each company will be vastly different. Your salary will include commission, yet it is common to have base pay and health benefits as part of your salary package.
Starting salary in Australia: $65,000
5. Junior Web Developer.
Any design job pays well due to the training and education that goes into mastering the programmes (such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator) needed to excel in these roles.
As a web developer, you will create graphics and websites, either in-house or freelance. ‘Web-devs’ often specialise in one of three fields: front-end, back-end, and full stack.
- Front-end: These designers deal with the visuals and behaviours of users.
- Back-end: These developers control the servers and any bugs or issues.
- Full-stack: These developers do both, involving building new websites and applications for their company or clients plus problem-solving any performance issues.
As a junior web developer, you will likely shadow a senior developer to learn the specific tricks and coding utilised for that organisation. You will also work on reviewing designs and website maintenance.
This a fulfilling career that is great for creative types who love to problem-solve!
Starting salary in Australia: $55,000
6. Junior Recruiter.
Recruitment is a flexible industry with lucrative salary benefits, but it is an excellent option if you’re competitive, love connecting with people and find targets motivating.
As a junior recruiter, you will:
- Assist with writing job descriptions.
- Manage job postings.
- Screen and schedule interviews for candidates.
- Schedule follow-up calls and interviews.
- Communicate with candidates about the next steps.
- Handle all paperwork and emails.
You will also attend recruiting events to find future talent before organising background checks.
The best part? You have the potential for incredible career growth. You can work up to a senior recruiter or Head of Recruitment in-house for a large corporation.
Starting salary in Australia: $61,000
(Related: How To Deal With Difficult People At Work).
7. Claims Adjuster.
The primary role of a claims adjuster is to evaluate and determine the validity of insurance claims.
Claim adjusters operate across housing, cars, corporate, hospitality and all other insurance industries.
As a claims adjuster, you will:
- Investigate property damage or personal injury.
- Conduct interviews (this can include police, hospital staff and witnesses).
- Consult with specialists such as lawyers, engineers and architects.
- Negotiate payments.
- Determine whether or not insurance fraud is a possibility.
- Prepare reports for use by claims examiners of investigation findings.
You will then weigh up all the details and information to decide on the validity of an insurance claim. A claims adjuster is an exciting role where all days (or cases) are different.
Starting salary in Australia: $75,000
8. Proofreader.
Proofreading is a fabulous option for those who love literature and creative writing. It’s essential in most industries to elevate brand messaging and tone.
As a proofreader, your meticulous attention to detail and organisation skills will result in a high-responsibility role with high pay.
The primary duty of a proofreader is to read and double-check various texts to ensure that everything is grammatically correct.
You may write across:
- Print media.
- Blogs.
- Websites.
- Email marketing.
- Social media and more.
Proofreaders function much like editors, yet they focus purely on grammatical errors rather than structural and tone changes.
Beginning your editing journey as a proofreader provides you with much room for growth. You can move into a role in a publishing company, act as a self-employed independent contractor or choose to work in-house as Head of Copy for a brand.
Starting salary in Australia: $60,000 (more if self-employed)
9. Entry-Level Police Officer.
Police officers, like all front-line workers, are necessary for the safe functioning of our society.
This role is high responsibility as you must protect and account for the lives of others in many different circumstances. It’s also high-stress due to the unpredictable nature of emergencies and danger.
Whilst you do not need experience, you will undergo significant training and assessment to be fit for the role, plus probationary periods at different stations.
Many find this to be a satisfying and challenging career with a great sense of camaraderie.
Starting salary in Australia: $70,000
10. Junior Financial Analyst.
Financial analysts are an excellent choice for those who love numbers, finance and accounting.
As a junior financial analyst, you will partner with senior analysts to:
- Complete accounting tasks.
- Undertake financial management of a business.
- Analyse data from various markets.
- Offer financial guidance in line with business strategy.
- Manage and maintain a business’ financial paperwork.
Financial analysts complete many
Starting salary in Australia: $95,000
11. Blogger.
Whilst blogging may have fallen off the radar over the last five years with the rise of social media, it is undoubtedly making a comeback.
Many businesses implement blogs to reach wider audiences or educate customers on the power of their services and products. This content is valuable, engaging, and accessible.
If you’re creative and love words, you have options for blogging!
- Self-run: As a freelancer, you can buy a domain to host your website and provide free content (in your niche), plus connect this to your social platforms.
- Employed: You may blog for one company or multiple clients as an independent contractor or a full-time employee, providing you with flexibility and diversity.
A blogger’s pay and speciality can vary greatly depending on the following:
- What you write.
- Who you write for.
- The education or knowledge required to construct articles.
- The time it takes to research.
The great news: this role is predominantly virtual, and you can work from wherever you choose!
Starting salary in Australia: $74,000+
12. Flight Attendant.
Thanks to the travel perks, being a flight attendant is a highly sought-offer role.
It is, however, policy and procedure-heavy, which involves significant training.
You will:
- Welcome passengers.
- Assist passengers to their seats.
- Be responsible for checking tickets.
- Run through safety procedures.
- Offer refreshments and assistance.
- Manage crowds in the event of an emergency.
You may start as a domestic travel agent before entering an international role. The possibilities are endless!
Starting salary: $65,000
How Do I Get The Job?
Once you have refined your skillset, updated your resume and applied to your favourite companies, here are a few tips to help you nail your interview.
Regardless of whether or not your role is entry-level (and you have no experience), you should be well prepared, have undertaken your research, and be ready to speak about the values and vision of the business.
Our tips:
- Ace Your Cover Letter: You should outline why you are the best fit for the role engagingly and professionally.
- Explain Your Why: Infuse your motivation for the job throughout your resume. Be sure to utilise our top-rated resume template here.
- Adapt Your Experience: Edit your resume to favour your most aligned skills at the top.
- Research the Company and the People: Understand the company’s culture and vision and how this matches your own.
- Prepare for the Interview: Explore our tips here!
Most importantly, remember to be yourself. Be honest, be confident and remain open to the learning experience that interviewing can provide.
Landing A High-Paying Job.
Whilst high-paying jobs often require education relating to the field, many corporations understand that it can be challenging to attain experience and are open to training on the job. You have the ideal personality for hiring if you show a hunger to learn, a positive attitude, and a willingness to admit your faults.
Remember – don’t hire for skills. Hire for attitude. You can always teach skills.
Use this list as inspiration in your job search to find different roles that may align with your interests. Remember that AEX is always here for career advice, coaching, or resume assistance.
Irene
