Yes. People with bachelor degrees generally earn more and face lower unemployment than those without tertiary qualifications. Australian Bureau of Statistics and government labour data show higher median weekly earnings for degree holders across most industries. Earnings grow further with experience, postgraduate study, and in-demand specialisations.
Graduate salaries vary by field and location. Health, engineering, IT, and education tend to pay higher starting salaries. Creative arts and humanities often start lower but rise with experience, portfolios, and hybrid roles such as UX, communications, and policy.
Some degrees lead to higher salaries than others:
| Degree Field | Typical Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine / Dentistry | AU$100,000–AU$250,000+ | Very high earning potential |
| Engineering | AU$85,000–AU$150,000 | High demand, stable employment |
| IT / Computer Science | AU$80,000–AU$140,000 | Strong growth in tech |
| Business / Accounting / Finance | AU$75,000–AU$120,000 | Especially in banking, consulting, and corporate roles |
| Law | AU$70,000–AU$160,000 | Highly dependent on firm & specialization |
| Arts / Humanities | AU$60,000–AU$95,000 | Flexible but may require additional training or postgraduate study for high-paying roles |
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Yes, having a degree generally increases earning potential and access to higher-level positions in Australia.
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Field of study matters: STEM, healthcare, IT, and business tend to pay more than arts or humanities.
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Experience, skills, and postgraduate qualifications can further improve earnings.
To improve outcomes, choose programs with internships, industry projects, and strong graduate networks. Compare course options at search Australian university and vocational courses or explore architecture programs with clear career pathways.
