High-Paying Careers In Australia That Don't Require a Degree

Are your mates always banging on about going to uni after leaving school to get a degree? Is it something that doesn't fill you with excitement in the same way? Maybe you're more keen to get into the working world without spending 4-5 years getting a Bachelor's and then a Master's.

Sure, there are benefits to getting a degree, but you shouldn't believe the misconception that skipping uni means you'll not be able to get a high-paying job in Australia - because it's just not true!

It's possible to get a great career without one - just look at Janine Allis(founder of Boost Juice & Australian Apprentice star), who dropped out of school at 16.

The good news is that the traditional degree path to securing high-paying jobs is not the only one, as countless opportunities are available across diverse sectors, from fitness to IT to animal care. Here, we look at five of the best and how Wandr can help you get there.

The Pros & Cons of Going to Uni:

If you're still deciding whether to go to uni, let's look at what you get from doing so. There are good points and bad, as with anything in life. Australian universities rank among the best in the world, so you're pretty much assured of a quality education. Other benefits include:

• Networking opportunities - As you'll find out as you pass through your career, it's sometimes about 'who you know', not 'what you know', and uni puts you in touch with many interesting people. Professionally and personally, alumni contacts can be great for career progression.
• Cultural diversity - Campuses in Australia are true melting pots that include people from all walks of life. That means you get to meet people from across the world and gain a broad perspective on people. It helps to turn you into a well-rounded person.
• Socially exciting - Another undoubted benefit of going to uni is the social life you enjoy - alongside studying, of course! You'll make great friends too, some that may last a lifetime

It's not all roses studying for a degree, though, so what's not great about going to university in Australia? Here are some of the drawbacks you may encounter…

• It costs a packet - Tuition fees for a degree can be very high. In fact, it can cost anywhere between $20k and $45k to get a Bachelor's in Australia. Also, living in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne can cost a packet.
• It's no guarantee of work - The job market in Australia is super competitive. Having a degree can open doors for you, but it's no guarantee of getting your dream job.
  
• It's a huge time commitment - Obtaining an undergraduate degree (Bachelor's) takes at least three years, with postgraduate studies (Master’s) even more. This is a massive time commitment and will delay your entry into the workforce.

So, what are the options if you've decided that uni just doesn't suit you and your plans? Keep reading as we look at five great careers you can get stuck into much sooner.

5 High-Paying Non-Degree Jobs in Australia

There are dozens of fantastic jobs in Australia that don't require you to go to university, so there are many opportunities. We've narrowed things down to our five best to give you an idea of what's out there.

1. Animal Care Manager

Average Salary: $70,000 - $90,000 per year

If you've got a love for animals, then why not consider becoming an animal care manager? Overseeing everyday operations in vet clinics, animal shelters and zoos. It's a busy role that requires great organisational and people skills.

It can be a rewarding career, and while animal care and veterinary qualifications are beneficial, they're often not mandatory. Many managers in this field gain experience on the job and via short courses online, and with average salaries in the region of $70k-$90k per year, it's very well-compensated work.

2. Beauty Therapist

Average Salary: $53,000 - $72,000 per year

Beauty therapists spend their days making people look amazing with various services ranging from makeup application to skin care. While it's a well-paid sector, advanced beauty therapists trained in specialisations like laser therapy can earn a very lucrative income.

Certifications aren't mandatory, but training and skills can be gained relatively quickly and will greatly benefit your progress. Earning potential ranges from $53k-$72k, depending on your speciality.

3. IT Support Specialist

Average Salary: $70,000 - $110,000 per year

While many IT roles require a degree, an IT support specialist only needs a Certificate III, IV or Diploma in Information Technology. Once in the industry, you can add further certifications like CompTIA A+ or Cisco's CCNA - which can be acquired in a few months - and really open up doors in the industry.

We live in the digital age, to employment in IT is only going to increase in the years to come. Many opportunities can be enjoyed in this area, and salaries are impressive, ranging from $70k-$110k.

4. Personal Trainer

Average Salary: $50,000 - $90,000 per year

If you're someone with a keen interest in your own personal fitness, have you considered turning that passion into a lucrative career? Personal trainers spend their days helping others to realise their fitness ambitions by providing structured workout plans, as well as motivation and guidance.

Basic certification in fitness can get you into the industry, and when you specialise in niche training methods and add nutritional skills to your bow, you can expect to earn between $70k-$110k a year when working in big cities like Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

5. Freelance Web Developer

Average Salary: $70,000 - $130,000 per year

Another great career option if you're tech-minded is web development, a role in which you're tasked with creating visually appealing, easy-to-navigate websites for companies. It's a competitive market, but for people with the right skills and aptitude, the opportunities are significant.

Some roles require a degree, although many don't, while offering huge earning potential ranging from $70k-$130k per year, depending on your experience and role.

Try These Careers On For Size With Wandr Kickstarter/Skillin’ it! Courses

If any of these well-paid careers interest you and you'd like to find out more about whether they're suitable for you, Wandr's Skillin' it! And Kickstarter courses let you try them on for size. Giving you the power to gain marketable skills fast, they’re just what you need to get your career moving.

Able to be taken at a pace that suits you, they give you great insight into what the roles involve in the real world and allow you to talk to real pros to get the low-down.

Whether talking about animal care, fitness, web development, beauty therapy, IT support or more, you can get unlimited access to Wandr's learning library to see whether your talents suit certain lines of work. Dip in whenever you have the time, and you'll get the knowledge you need about your future.

Let Wandr Help You Find Your Ideal Professional Path

We understand that making a decision as important as what career path to take can be tough, especially as there are so many choices out there. However, when you have Wandr by your side, you can peek behind the curtain and see what life is like in various professions, from cybersecurity to photography and everything in between.

We have 1000s of courses to try that deliver what you need to know in easy-to-digest video-based careers content. With one-to-one coaching also available, the Wandr platform can stop you from wondering what to do and start developing the skills you need to succeed.

If you're worried about the cost and how it will be received by the bank of Mum & Dad, visit us today at www.wandr.au and download our Free Parental Guide that lays everything out clearly. Alternatively, get in touch by calling 1300 611 404 or emailing support@wandr.au today, and we'll do everything we can to help you on your quest.

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