What are the happiest jobs in Australia?
Ready to start your search for career fulfilment? Inspiration begins here.
If your career isn’t sparking joy, or your nine-to-five is lacking in fulfilment, you’re not alone. New research from LinkedIn found that only 15% of employees surveyed feel passionate about their current role.
And burnout is also becoming increasingly common: The TELUS Mental Health Index indicated that 47% of Australian workers feel mentally or physically exhausted at the end of the working day, with excessive workload being a primary cause.
The roles with high job satisfaction
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to what kind of job would best suit you, there are stats out there on the happiest careers in Australia. Data gathered by employment website SEEK shows a surprisingly diverse top 10, which includes roles in healthcare, IT, hospitality and emergency services.
Many of the jobs revolve around helping others and collaborative workplaces. And what might surprise you is that of the ten roles listed, only two have average salaries above $100,000.
1. Firefighter (4.7/5 job satisfaction rating)
Why? Offering a strong sense of purpose as well as plenty of camaraderie, variety, a good work-life balance, stability and a transparent career ladder, it’s perhaps unsurprising that firefighters are a happy bunch.
Which skills do you need? There’s no concrete path to becoming a firefighter, and it’s a rigorous and competitive process. Good physical fitness is a necessity, but other skills include the ability to problem solve, stay calm under pressure, and communicate well with others.
Where to start? Consider this communication skills course, or this course on fire management and emergency response.
Interested in a qualification? If the concept of fire behaviour has piqued your interest more so than firefighting, consider a degree in engineering: you’ll learn how to design fire resistant buildings. And as a postgrad, you could go on to specialise in fire safe engineering.
2. Care worker (4.6/5 job satisfaction rating)
Why? It’s a tough gig, but those who have the right skills for the job can find this pathway deeply fulfilling, plus the hours are often flexible, and there’s plenty of work available. Care workers can choose from a number of different industries, from aged care services (residential or in-home) to disability support services, community care, home health care services, or hospitals and rehabilitation centres.
Which skills do you need? You’ll need to be able to work independently, as well as part of a team, and have a strong emotional intelligence (from empathy and patience to communication skills and relationship building).
Where to start? Learn how to support those with dementia through art and creativity, with this Creativity for Life course, perfect for those thinking of working in aged care or community facilities.
Interested in a qualification? If you’re serious about taking the next steps to a career in frontline care work you’ll need to obtain a Certificate III in Individual Support. But if the broader field of social work and community care appeals, consider this 6-month Undergraduate Certificate in Community Support. It can lead you down multiple paths.
3. Content creator (4.5/5 job satisfaction rating)
Why? It’s a broad remit, spanning everything from social media to videography, graphic design and copywriting. But two attractive features across these sectors are: the ability to work autonomously, and the opportunity to flex your creative muscles.
Which skills do you need? There are a number of different skills necessary depending on what niche most appeals. Typically, you’ll need a mix of technical skills (particularly computer skills), organisational skills, great communication skills, and project management skills. Some roles also require analytical or strategy skills.
Where to start? Aspiring copywriters should consider a short professional writing course, while those more interested in strategy and social media could look into a business marketing course.
Interested in a qualification? Take things a step further with this Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Writing and Publishing.
4. Counsellor (4.6/5 job satisfaction rating)
Why? Counsellors empower others to be their best selves. They also help people find ways to overcome trauma or grief. This work is hugely important and can prove immensely gratifying. The ongoing training can help make you a more well-rounded person too.
Which skills do you need? The best counsellors are great at critical thinking, self-awareness, and of course, communication.
Where to start? Study the foundations of counselling with this introductory Counselling Concepts course.
Interested in a qualification? Kick off your journey with a Diploma of Counselling.
5. Java developer (4.6/5 job satisfaction rating)
Why? Not only does the role attract a high average salary ($130,000) and the opportunity to constantly learn and develop alongside new and emerging technologies. But you also have the potential to specialise in a niche that’s of most interest to you, like android development, enterprise software development or big data. There’s strong enough demand you could land jobs abroad too.
Which skills do you need? First and foremost is the technical know-how. But other attributes that can help include time management, problem solving and teamwork.
Where to start? Try this Programming fundamentals course.
Interested in a qualification? Begin with an Undergraduate Certificate in Information Technology, or dive straight into a bachelor degree.
6. Nutritionist (4.6/5 job satisfaction rating)
Why? Applying your scientific knowledge to help clients overcome personal health challenges or improve their wellbeing can be deeply satisfying. Many nutritionists also enjoy flexible working arrangements, and can choose from a number of career pathways (sports, pediatric, or public health organisations, for example).
Which skills do you need? Aside from developing the necessary scientific acumen, you’ll need strong analytical skills and good communication skills.
Where to start? If you’re looking to dip your toes in the water before committing to a degree, this short Food Studies course might fit the bill.
Interested in a qualification? Study for a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition.
7. Producer (4.5/5 job satisfaction rating)
Why? A collaborative, team-driven, creative and dynamic industry, interwoven with a bit of glamour, there’s a lot to love about TV and film production. While producers often have to pull long hours behind the scenes, little compares to seeing the projects come to fruition.
Which skills do you need? It’s a vast field with different specialisations requiring different skills, from business acumen and problem-solving skills through to creative vision, organisational skills and industry knowledge.
Where to start? If you lean more towards the creative side, try a short scriptwriting course. If you’re more interested in the managerial side of operations, try a business course.
Interested in a qualification? A degree in media studies will give you a great grounding.
8. Systems analyst (4.5/5 job satisfaction rating)
Why? Another IT job with a solid salary ($105,000 on average), and plenty of demand and stability, a career as a systems analyst would be perfect for organised types who love structure, variety and puzzle-solving.
Which skills do you need? Analytical thinking, technical know-how, and good communication skills.
Where to start? Try this short course in Data Driven Web Technologies.
Interested in a qualification? Take a Diploma of Business Information Systems to learn the ropes.
9. Tour guide (4.6/5 job satisfaction rating)
Why? Meeting new people every day, using your knowledge to impress and engage others, experiencing a destination through someone else’s eyes, spending plenty of time outdoors — these are just some of the reasons why tour guides are enamoured with their profession. Typically, there’s lots of flexibility too.
Which skills do you need? You’ll need to be a great communicator, a confident public speaker, and able to memorise information. Foreign language skills help too.
Where to start? If you’re looking to start out on your own, this course on entrepreneurship could be a good place to begin. And language skills such as Mandarin (China is Australia’s third largest source market for tourists) will be an asset too. Or, get to grips with the broader field with this short course in travel and tourism.
Interested in a qualification? Earn a Diploma of Business.
10. Concierge (4.4/5 job satisfaction rating)
Why? Becoming a concierge is ideal for outgoing souls who love their city. It’s another service-focused role that’s all about gaining satisfaction from helping others and using your knowledge to create memories. Hotel workers often get good perks too.
Which skills do you need? Patience, the ability to stay calm under pressure, problem solving, local knowledge, communication skills, attention to detail and multitasking.
Where to start? Demonstrate your eagerness to future employers with a short course in Intercultural Communication, or increase your prospects by learning a foreign language.
Interested in a qualification? Specialise with a Diploma of Business (Hospitality and Tourism Management).
We can help you find a fulfilling career that aligns with your interests. Speak with an Open Universities Australia student advisor to figure out where your passions can take you.
