Do you dream of becoming a doctor, lawyer, scientist, or architect? If you enjoy learning new things, solving problems, and want to make a difference in the world, professional jobs might be your perfect fit! These careers often need special training or university study, but they can be exciting, respected, and rewarding. Let’s explore what these jobs are like — and how you can start working toward your dream today!
Description: Nurses care for people in hospitals and clinics, helping them feel better and stay healthy.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Nursing
Exams: National Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
School Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Health
Average Salary: AUD $88,000–$129,000 per year
Benefits: High job demand, opportunities across Australia, and the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Description: Designs and builds computer programs and apps that people use every day.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering
Exams: None specific; proficiency in coding languages is essential.
School Subjects: Mathematics, Information Technology
Average Salary: AUD $90,000–$120,000 per year
Benefits: High demand in the tech industry, opportunities for remote work, and involvement in innovative projects.
Description: Plans and oversees the construction of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
Exams: Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status may be pursued.
School Subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Average Salary: AUD $58,000–$102,000 per year
Benefits: Opportunities to work on large-scale projects and contribute to community development.
Description: Helps people understand their thoughts and feelings to improve mental well-being.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, followed by postgraduate studies
Exams: Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia
School Subjects: Biology, English
Average Salary: AUD $75,000–$120,000 per year
Benefits: Ability to support individuals’ mental health and work in various settings.
Description: Educates young children, helping them develop foundational skills in various subjects.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Education
Exams: Australian Professional Standards for Teachers accreditation
School Subjects: English, Mathematics, Science
Average Salary: AUD $55,000–$110,000 per year
Benefits: Opportunity to shape young minds and contribute to their growth.
Description: Manages financial records, ensuring businesses and individuals handle money effectively.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
Exams: Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) program
School Subjects: Mathematics, Business Studies
Average Salary: AUD $42,000–$140,000 per year
Benefits: Diverse career opportunities in various industries and financial stability.
Description: Protects computer systems and networks from digital attacks and unauthorised access.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity or Information Technology
Exams: Certifications like CISSP, CompTIA Security+
School Subjects: Information Technology, Mathematics
Average Salary: AUD $95,000–$130,000 per year
Benefits: High demand in the digital age and opportunities across various sectors.
Description: Helps people recover from injuries and improve physical movement and function.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physiotherapy
Exams: Registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia
School Subjects: Biology, Physical Education
Average Salary: AUD $65,000–$96,000 per year
Benefits: Ability to aid in patient recovery and promote healthy lifestyles.
Description: Interprets complex data to help organisations make informed decisions.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields
Exams: Certifications like Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
School Subjects: Mathematics, Information Technology
Average Salary: AUD $80,000–$100,000 per year
Benefits: Critical role in business strategy and decision-making processes.
Description: 🩺 A doctor helps people stay healthy and treats them when they are sick or injured.
Qualifications: 🧠 Bachelor of Medical Science or Health Science → Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Exams: 📝 UCAT, GAMSAT, and registration with the Medical Board of Australia
School Subjects: 🧪 Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English
Average Salary: 💰 AUD $100,000–$250,000+ per year
Benefits: 👩⚕️ Highly respected, saves lives, works in hospitals or private clinics, and is always in demand.
Description: ⚖️ A lawyer helps people understand and follow the law. They solve problems and speak up in court.
Qualifications: 📚 Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD), followed by PLT
Exams: 📄 Admission through the Supreme Court of your state or territory
School Subjects: 📖 English, Legal Studies, History
Average Salary: 💰 AUD $80,000–$150,000+ per year
Benefits: 👨⚖️ Helps people solve issues, good income, respected career, and specialisation options.
Description: 🌏 An environmental scientist studies nature and finds ways to protect air, water, and land.
Qualifications: 🎓 Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related field
Exams: 🧪 May need registration depending on the field
School Subjects: 🔬 Science, Geography, Mathematics
Average Salary: 💰 AUD $60,000–$110,000 per year
Benefits: 🌿 Protects the planet, works outdoors and in labs, growing demand.
Description: 🏛️ An architect designs buildings, from homes and schools to skyscrapers and museums.
Qualifications: 🏫 Bachelor or Master of Architecture, then registration
Exams: 🧾 Architectural Practice Examination (APE)
School Subjects: ✏️ Visual Arts, Mathematics, Design and Technologies, Physics
Average Salary: 💰 AUD $70,000–$120,000 per year
Benefits: 🏗️ Creative job that shapes cities and homes, mix of art and science.
Description: 🐾 A vet is a doctor for animals. They help pets and farm animals stay healthy and treat them when they are sick or hurt.
Qualifications: 🎓 Bachelor of Veterinary Science or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Exams: 🧪 UCAT (for some universities), and registration with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board
School Subjects: 🧬 Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics
Average Salary: 💰 AUD $60,000–$120,000 per year
Benefits: 🐶 Work with animals, make a difference, respected job, opportunities in cities and rural areas.
Description: 😁 A dentist helps people take care of their teeth and gums. They treat cavities, fix teeth, and make smiles healthy.
Qualifications: 🎓 BDS, BDSc, or DMD
Exams: 📝 UCAT, registration with the Dental Board of Australia
School Subjects: 🧪 Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, English
Average Salary: 💰 AUD $90,000–$200,000+ per year
Benefits: 🦷 High-paying, helps people feel confident, clean and safe workspaces, great work–life balance