When we moved to Australia, like many families, we dreamed of stability, a happy life for our kids, and maybe even one of those high‑paying jobs you see in the news. Articles like Australia’s Highest‑Paid Jobs Revealed make the numbers look amazing. If you are numbers‑minded like me, it is tempting to do the maths and imagine life with a bigger paycheque.

As we settled into a simple, down‑to‑earth routine, the truth sank in. These jobs are not easy to get. They do not come with signs saying, “Apply here and make $200K.”

Let’s look at some of these high-paying jobs and break down the reality of actually landing one, especially if you’re just starting out here like we were.

Chart: salaries for Australia’s highest‑paid jobs

Pretty crazy numbers, right? I mean, the thought of earning $480,298 as a surgeon seems like the answer to all of life’s problems. But here’s the kicker—it’s not as easy as just deciding, “Hey, I’ll be a surgeon now.”

How Do You Actually Get These Jobs?

These roles need years of training. Take doctors. If you want to become a surgeon or an anaesthetist, you are looking at a decade of study and experience, plus tough exams. The cost of that pathway is high. For a young family trying to save for a home, taking on large study debt is not always practical.

And CEOs and top‑tier lawyers? Unless you have been climbing the ladder for years, those roles feel out of reach. Not impossible, but more a long‑term path than an immediate goal for new arrivals like us.

The Struggle to Even Get Here

Before we arrived, we applied for many jobs from overseas. No replies. It felt like we were being ignored. We started to think it was not possible to break in without being here. My husband’s company transfer finally gave us a foot in the door. Without that, moving would have been very hard.

Australian Experience vs Overseas Experience

One thing we noticed, Australian experience matters. Overseas experience helps, but often it is not enough. Employers want people who know local systems, whether health, legal, or just construction standards.

A friend who was an engineer back home had to take extra courses to be considered for a similar role here. Many trades, like electricians or carpenters, need Australian certificates. No matter your experience, you might still need to start from scratch.

Reality Check: Is It Worth It?

Is it worth chasing these high‑paying jobs? Sure, if that is your passion. For us, balance matters more. My husband works hard. We are not pulling in $480,298, but we make do. We find joy in the little things, our Saturday dinners out, the home‑cooked meals on Sundays, and knowing we have a safe home for our kids.

We still ask “what if” at times. But chasing those top jobs would mean sacrificing time with our kids, and the simple life we love.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

If you are looking at these high‑paying jobs and wondering if it is possible, my answer is maybe. It takes time and often starting lower on the ladder, especially if you are new to Australia. There is no rush. If you are happy with the little things, you do not need the biggest salary to feel successful.

Our family finds happiness in the small moments. The numbers do not always add up as we expected, but being together and content matters most. That, to me, is wealth.

If you want a grounded view of real household costs and trade‑offs, this breakdown of our spending in the west may help: The Real Costs of Family Life in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs.

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Note: I have the whole list of Australia’s Highest-Paid Jobs—426 jobs in total! If you’re interested, feel free to contact me, and I’ll be happy to share it with you.