01 Dec 2019

It’s a common misconception that going to uni is the only way to guarantee yourself a good income. The truth is, there are plenty ways to earn some good money without ever stepping foot on a uni campus and you can nab a qualification that’ll set you on the path to a high paying job in other ways. Check ‘em out and the top tier salaries below.

1. Cyber Security Specialist - $132,456

Contrary to what Hollywood will have you believe, not all hackers are the bad guys. An ethical hacker is employed by a company to identify and fix weaknesses in its digital systems, in order to protect their data and assets.

Who it would suit? Ethical hackers need to be creative problem solvers. They need to have an attention to detail, and to be good with computers. They should also have the self-control to use their powers for good, and not evil.

How do you get there? If you’re interested in becoming an ethical hacker, TAFE NSW can help you get there. Their Bachelor of Information Technology (Network Security) is the perfect stepping stone towards becoming a network security specialist, and they also now offer a Diploma in the same field.

2. User Interface/Experience Designer - $113,498 

UI/UX designers are all about making a website or app that is functional and easy to use – think about the Instagram app on your phone. It was probably a UI/UX designer that came up with double tapping to like a photo, swiping up to go to a link and swiping across to get to your DMs. Another part of the job is to make sure that everything looks and feels good – things like font and colours come into play here.

Who would it suit? If you’re got a thing for design and are keen on working with digital products and in tech, then this could be the gig for you. It’s a pretty sweet mix between creative and practical problem-solving.

How do you get there? There’s a couple of different ways into this career, you can start with a course in website development and crack into the tech side of things. Or, you can start with a qualification in design to get your foot into the industry before developing your tech skills. Either way, TAFE NSW has got ya covered.

3. Pilot - $105,222

Pilots don’t just fly thousands of Australians to Bali every week. Aerial photography, crop dusting, rescue operations, and working for tour companies are just some of the other fields you could find yourself in as a pilot.

Who it would suit? Of course, you should like flying. And travel. And heights. On top of that, though, it’d really help if you can handle a bit of physics and maths – because you’ll be doing a fair bit of it.

How do you get there? To fly, you need a licence. In fact, there’s a few licences you need, and quite a bit of practical training. Completing a VET qualification in aviation (TAFE NSW has plenty of these) is one route you could take. Some airlines offer cadetship programs that’ll also train you up, so do a bit of research into the best pathway for you.

4. Data Infrastructure Engineer - $93,476

Big data is a fast-evolving field, and business has a growing demand for professionals with the expertise to build IT solutions.

Who would it suit? To be a data infrastructure engineer, you need to have attention to detail, appreciation for clean design, good communication skills and be passionate about always learning (the tech world changes quickly so constantly learning is the only way to keep up).

How do you get there? Data Infrastructure Engineers need to have a wide range of tech skills including an understanding of networking, technology and data security and plenty of people are kicking off high-paying jobs by working with big data – they key is making sure you’re getting enough real-world experience while you’re learning so you can get to the top which means you could land this gig without ever even getting a degree.

TAFE NSW has got you covered here: you could go with a Cert II or III in Information, Digital Media & Technology which will give the skills to use computer operating systems and hardware, work in an ICT environment and operate app software packages (and that’s just the start). Or you could go for a Bachelor of Information Technology (Data Infrastructure Engineering).

5. Senior Care Worker - $83,000

Senior care workers lead and develop a team of carers as they provide support to the elderly, disabled, and mentally or physically ill with their daily activities and personal tasks.

Who it would suit? To be a care worker you should be caring, empathetic, patient, and possess great interpersonal skills. For the more senior roles, you need to show leadership traits and the ability to coordinate large groups of people.

How do you get there? To become a qualified care worker, studying a Cert III in Individual Support or a Diploma in Nursing through institutions like TAFE NSW is the way to go. To reach the senior levels, you’re going to need to work your way up the ladder with experience, so start working as soon as possible!

Sources: https://bestinau.com.au/highest-paying-jobs-in-australia-without-a-degree/ & https://www.businessinsider.com.au/10-best-jobs-in-australia-that-dont-need-a-degree-2018-7 & https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Salaries & https://au.indeed.com/salaries/

Feel like a space cadet when thinking about the future? Have a rough plan of what you want in the next few years? Know exactly what you wanna pursue?

Our Year13 Expo has something for everyone and is designed to help you find and follow your passions!

Running from May 17-19, you’ll hear from 30+ red hot speakers and over a hundred exhibitors exploring work, study and travel. There’ll be comedians, pro surfers, veterinarians, hip hop artists, doctors, scientists, influencers, lawyers, netballers, and business owners, just to name a few. RSVP here so you don’t miss it (and can suss out all the red hot competitions).