10 Highest Paying Jobs You Can Get Without An ATAR In 2020
By
Adelle
Too often we are made to believe that ATARs are the be-all and end-all when it comes to snatching a job that pays the big bucks. So we grapple our way into uni thinking it’ll make us more employable, but that’s not exactly the case.
There are a number of sweet paying jobs in Australia that don’t even require an ATAR. Instead, you can get these jobs through experience or relevant qualifications which are easily obtained through an apprenticeship, traineeship or studying a vocational education and training course. Here’s just a few of ‘em!
1. General Foreman
A general foreman is essentially in overall control of a construction site’s operational activities and is also responsible for coordinating health and safety inspections, providing safety briefings, placing material orders and so on.
Average salary: $158,005
Qualifications: You’ll need a trade in a building related discipline as well as five to ten years work experience.
2. Website Designer
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but to be a website designer you would typically be creative in nature and have a knack for picking aesthetically pleasing colour palettes.
Average Salary: $122,000
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree isn’t necessary however getting a Certificate IV in Web-Based Technologies or an Advanced Diploma of Information Technology will definitely help you excel.
3. Sales Manager
Sales managers are responsible for driving sales of a product or service across a range of industries, and leading a team in doing so.
Average salary: $113,424
Qualifications: Landing a job as a sales manager will require you to work up the ladder. You’ll typically need to have several years of experience in sales prior to becoming a manager, but there are also Certificate III and IVs available through a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation to give you a head start!
4. Station Officer, Fire and Rescue
Firefighting is a seriously physically and psychologically demanding gig, especially during major emergencies and involves quick thinking, teamwork and endurance. As a permanent firefighter with experience, you may be able to work up the ranks to a Station Officer position, the supervisor of a fire station platoon.
Average Salary: $108,000
Qualifications: There are no educational requirements, however there are literacy, numeracy and mechanical reasoning testing as part of the recruitment process. Of course, a high level of fitness is also required and a minimum physical aptitude standard must be met.
5. Air Traffic Controller
An air traffic controller makes sure aircrafts take off and land safely, as well as managing the flow of aircrafts into and out of airport airspace. They also monitor aircraft as they travel through the skies.
Average Salary: $105,000
Qualifications: This exciting job typically requires a Diploma of Aviation.
6. Work Health and Safety (WHS) Officer
This is generally a person who makes sure a business is operating safely and complying with WHS laws.
Average Salary: $100,352
Qualifications: You would need a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety as a minimum qualification for this role.
7. Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent assists people in buying, selling or renting properties.
Average Salary: $97,862
Qualifications: There are no formal qualifications required, but experience in customer service and sales would definitely help. There are also real estate courses available delivered by registered training operations, such as a Certificate IV in Property Services.
8. HR Manager
Do you consider yourself a people person? Well a human resource manager is the go-to for all employee issues and essentially does all the hiring (and firing *nudge nudge*) of employees for a business. They also are involved with developing training and development programs for staff.
Average Salary: $90,902
Qualifications: You can gain experience as you go. However to move faster into more senior HR roles, you can enrol in a diploma.
9. Air Conditioning and Heating Technician
If you love problem solving, fixing things and being practical then this may be your calling. Technicians learn how to install, service and repair a range of air conditioning and heating systems that are in high demand!
Average Salary: $90,455
Qualifications: A four-year apprenticeship is required for this role.
10. Events Manager
Events Managers’ roles vary depending on the industry they work in and could range from a business breakfast meeting, to a wedding, to the Olympics!
Average Salary: $80,997
Qualifications: There are no standard qualification requirements, but most people who work in this field have a diploma in event management, PR, marketing or hospitality management.
Now, if you’re still a bit iffy when it comes to what to pursue with or without an ATAR, suss out our post-school plan over here! With q’s that’ll dig deep into your talents, values, interests and personality, you’ll figure out some jobs that might just suit you perfectly. Then, the planner will give you all the hot goss on how to get there!
