Eight hours is a long time to spend at a job that causes you stress.
The average person spends about 90,0000 hours at work over the course of their life, which begs the question: how would you like to spend those 90,000 hours?
We would all love to be cliff diving in Croatia or snorkelling in the Caribbean, but in the real world we have bills to pay and families to feed. But having a satisfying and fun job is not as far-fetched a concept as you might think.
We've put together a list of some of the most enjoyable jobs that pay well, in all of Australia. They're not the 15 highest paid jobs in Australia, but that will hardly matter if you get out of bed everyday with a smile and zero stress at your job. And guess what? If you put it into context per industry, these truly are fun jobs that pay well, all considering.
However, people's interests vary. Not all of these jobs will be for you, but the idea is to be inspired by the types of jobs that are out there in Australia, and track down the job that suits you.
What are you looking for in a job? Are you driven by what you can earn, your role, freedom, travel, flexibility in remote work so you can prioritise your family, what is required of you, whether the job is creative, has growth potential, or simply whether you will enjoy what you are doing? Or perhaps you're looking for a strange and unusual job because that's your jam.
These are all things to be taken into account, and the best person to do that for you is you.
1. Video game designer
Average salary: $90,268
When you can't distinguish between your job and your downtime, you're doing pretty well. Video games have become a part of our lives (albeit at varying degrees) since the beginning of the technological age. It may not have been something you thought about while playing, but someone has to actually design them as a job.
Video game designers can range from developing user-friendly programs for different devices, designing the details, code-building and testing the finished product. If you love video games and are interested in making them as amazing as humanly possible, a job as a video designer could give you the job satisfaction you're looking for. There is also massive growth projected in the future and a great salary to earn!
Qualifications:
Aspiring game designers should undertake a diploma, certificate or degree-level qualification such as a Bachelor of Games Design, Certificate in Digital and Interactive Games or a Diploma of Digital and Interactive Games.
Build a portfolio of work and gain work experience in the field.
2. Fashion consultant
Average salary: $62,715
If fashion is your religion, why not get paid for it too? Fashion is an art form, a creative pursuit, and there are many different roles that can incorporate your love of fashion into a sustainable job. One of these is as a fashion consultant. Consultancy is a broad term, but it generally involves supplying expert advice and recommendations to management.
Fashion consultants can work for individuals or companies, and generally concentrate on providing fashion advice, which can involve outfits, colours, styles and fabrics, following and projecting trends, generating and growing client bases and overall, increasing sales, reputation or both, depending on which market you're in. Fashion isn't going anywhere, and there is strong growth predicted going into 2022.
Qualifications:
While not strictly needed, an associate's degree in fashion design, art and textile design or other fashion-related fields is highly regarded when looking for a job in fashion.
Network, complete an internship and gain experience in retail.
3. UX designer
Average salary: $109,895
The UX in UX designer stands for "User Experience", which means it is based on creating a product from start to finish (or end-to-end, as they call it in the industry) to ensure that their user's interaction with the device, program or product is as efficient and smooth as possible.
Some of the duties of a UX designer include content development, analysis and iteration, prototyping and wire framing, customer analysis and user research, as well as testing and competitor analysis. Pay can depend on the role, and whether you are interested in a role as a manager or not. There can also be elements of security and data protection involved, depending on the role. As such, the average salary can be misleading, with good UX designers able to earn much more.
Qualifications:
Diploma, bachelor or master’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field
Experience as a computer programmer and software developer would be an advantage, as will hands-on experience with various systems, hard drives and cloud computing
You can also consider postgraduate studies to further develop skills for a specific job.
For more information on relevant education and upskilling in the information technology sector, we have a range of courses in IT, including a Certificate IV in Information Technology and our Diploma of Information Technology.
4. Graphic designer
Average salary: $72,812
Art is fun, but it also provides opportunity for incredibly lucrative jobs if you're talented and committed. As we see the world continue to go online, we are seeing different fields open up and one of these rapidly expanding industries is graphic design. The ubiquitous use of the internet by companies and individuals means art, advertising and visual stimuli online must be created by someone, and that someone is generally a graphic designer.
As with other artistic endeavours, graphic designers can work across a brand range of fields, and create in many different ways, and for many different reasons. As such, salaries will also fluctuate between low and high. But if you're getting paid to be creative, and that gives you satisfaction, we think that's a pretty good pay off.
Qualifications:
Formal qualification in graphic design, whether it be a diploma, certificate or Bachelors.
Build a design portfolio of work and gain work experience in the field.
5. Events Planner
Average salary: $66,555
If you're a natural party thrower, then event planning could be your true calling. As with many of the jobs we've mentioned so far, the scope and reach of these jobs depend upon you, your interests and what events you wish to pursue. There is no one-size-fits-all for event planning, and that is what makes it one of Australia's most enjoyable jobs.
As an event planner, you are in charge of coordinating, executing and the overall management of events, whether they be meetings, conferences or parties. If you've ever tried to organise a birthday party, you know how much of a headache it can be. That's why people pay others to do it for them.
As with other creative pursuits, these kinds of jobs vary greatly in salaries, depending on experience and track record, but there is room for exponential growth within Australia, high demand and amazing freedom (not to mention travel perks).
Qualifications:
Diploma, certificate or degree in events management, hospitality management or public relations or communications.
Build experience through volunteering, internships or a role as an assistant.
6. Interior designer
Average salary: $77,966
If Feng Shui is in your nature, then the field of interior design would be very enjoyable. Some people don't care about how homes, offices or other spaces are arranged, but if you do care, then you may have the skills to earn money by making places pretty.
Interior designers are in charge of making interior spaces functional, safe and visually appealing. This includes structure, spacing, colour, lighting, and decorative items. You may begin at a lower level, as an assistant, working on plans, designs and blueprints, but when all that work culminates in a finished room, home or building, it will be a good feeling. There is also room to grow into a manager, or owner.
A bachelor's degree is usually required to become an interior designer, so there is some study required, but future demand in Australia is strong
Qualifications:
Pursue a certificate, diploma or undergraduate qualification in Interior Design (pursue Master's if necessary).
If entry-level, specialise, gain experience and build a portfolio.
7. Social media manager
Average salary: $85,725
You may be starting to notice a pattern among these jobs: freedom, future growth and creativity. Social media is a primary part of not only individual's social lives, but also in how businesses connect with their customers, and how celebrities connect with their fans. It is also often an enjoyable job.
The role of a social media manager generally entails monitoring, maintaining and organising the social media site of an individual, celebrity or company, as well branding, known as the online presence, and using SEO and analytics to further the social media sites reach. They also coordinate responses to fans and consumers, reply to comments and messages to ensure good connection and brand transparency.
A social media manager has to be creative, technology-savvy, up-to-date, and able to identify trends so they can capitalise on them. Things move fast on the internet and you've got to be in it to win it.
Qualifications:
Gain a degree in advertising, marketing or public relations (there are also shorter courses, diplomas and certificates available)
Build experience in the area
A strong level of experience in communications, marketing, and social media is looked upon favourably.
Check out our Marketing courses, particularly our Diploma of Social Media Marketing, if this career interests you.
8. Outdoor adventure / tour guide
Average salary: $30.34 per hour
The best part of any outdoor role is the fresh air and less stress. Studies suggest over and over again that sedentary office-based workplaces increase stress which is detrimental to our physical and mental health. The beauty of these kinds of roles is that they are everywhere. Every single area, city, state and country on earth needs tour guides, tourism agents and outdoor adventure roles filled. You are actually able to travel while you're working.
Besides the fresh air, another good part about tour guides and outdoor adventure guides is there isn't that much training required. Some agencies may require a certain level or base of skills, but generally if you are personable, have a good attitude, with an instructor qualification to up your skills, and perhaps a first aid certificate, you could be qualified to get started as soon as possible.
Qualifications:
This will depend on what job or role you're working in. If you want to be a skydiving instructor, scuba instructor or kayak instructor, there are certain (intensive) requirements you will need to fit to be certified as these are high risk activities. However for your standard tour guides, these requirements are a little less stringent.
9. Viticulture hospitality
Average salary: $50,000 - $80,000
Who doesn't love wine? Well, whoever it is, it isn't us. A career in viticulture hospitality will not only be rewarding, but it is actually a blossoming field which data suggests is only going to continue to explode in the coming years. Wine is in high demand, and whether you're looking for less responsibility, more job security or another reason, Australia's wine industry has a role for you… and potentially you’ll be able to work in one of Australia’s beautiful wine-producing regions.
The pay you can earn in viticulture hospitality depends on a number of factors. Your pay will depend on your job, if you're a worker, owner or a manger, whether you're a sommelier or an entry-level worker. Whatever level you're at, it is easy to make a living with a job in the wine industry with minimal study and training. Knowledge of wine is obviously essential, but no formal qualification is needed. However these kinds of roles would be helped greatly with a strong background in hospitality, viticulture or tourism.
We use wine to take stress out of our day, so why not use the wine industry to take stress off your career?
Qualifications:
This is a broad field with many jobs, which means there is no one way to do it. However, to get your foot in the game at a low level, it would be a good idea to get some credentials in the field.
You’ll need a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate which is mandatory for anyone selling, serving or supplying alcohol. This can vary by state.
Pursue courses in viticulture, winemaking or wine technology.
Gain experience in the viticulture industry (other hospitality experience would also be beneficial).
10. Architect
Average salary: $81,620
What could be more rewarding than a job adding a building to the skyline of Australia? We understand that you can't just roll out of bed and be an architect, but the jury is in and it's overwhelmingly touted as a challenging but satisfying career path, and one in which you can earn a lot of money.
Architects are in charge of designing construction projects, as well as alterations to structures and redevelopment also. You can design anything from bungalows, cottages and tiny homes, to skyscrapers, stadiums and concert halls. Don't get us wrong, there is some stress involved in designing and building structures, but that is all part of the fun.
Quite a bit of study, training and education are required to enter this field, but there are many roles around with great pay if you think you've got what it takes to be an architect.
Qualifications:
Complete a bachelor's degree in architecture and, if necessary, a Master of Architecture. You will need to reach the required ATAR, or enter university through an alternative entry pathway.
Obtain experience working in the industry.
Pass the Architectural Practice Examination, which consists of three parts: a completed logbook, a written paper and an interview with practising architects.
Register with the Architects’ Registration Board.
11. Photographer
Average salary: $61,000
If you can’t distinguish between your hobby and your job, then you’re winning at life. Photographers capture everything from weddings and newborns to editorial fashion shoots and food plates, turning fleeting moments into permanent memories and even marketing materials. If you’ve got an eye for composition and love playing with light, then this career is the perfect way for you to share your artistic vision whilst paying your bills.
The best part of photography is that you can specialise in almost anything you could think of. You could focus on portraiture, wildlife, real estate, events or product photography depending on your interests.
Qualifications:
Pursue a diploma or degree in photography, visual arts or a related creative field to build technical skills.
Build a killer portfolio showcasing your best work across different styles.
12. Yoga instructor
Average salary: $55,000
Getting paid to help people stretch, breathe and relax sounds too good to be true, but that’s exactly what yoga instructors do. You’ll guide students through poses, correct their alignment and create sequences that leave them feeling centred and energised. Above all else, you’ll help students find the confidence and strength to hit poses they never imagined would be within their natural range of motion, so this is a great job for someone who enjoys nurturing talent and bringing out the best in people.
Qualifications:
Complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training certification from a registered yoga school.
Develop your own regular practice and gain teaching experience at studios or gyms before branching out on your own.
13. Marine biologist
Average salary: $64,000
If you’d rather spend your days diving with sea turtles than sitting in meetings, we can’t blame you. Marine biologists study ocean ecosystems and conduct research that helps protect marine environments for future generations.
Your work could involve anything from analysing water samples in labs to swimming alongside whale sharks in the open ocean. It’s a perfect career for people who are passionate about conservation and don’t mind getting salty and sunburned regularly in pursuit of saving the turtles.
Qualifications:
Complete a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, marine science or environmental science, then consider postgraduate studies for specialised research roles.
Gain research experience through internships and get scuba certified for underwater fieldwork.
14. Pet groomer
Average salary: $53,000
Working with adorable dogs and cats all day whilst making them look fabulous sounds like a job too good to be true, but it’s the reality of thousands of pet groomers in Australia. They bathe, trim and style pets whilst also checking for health issues their owners might miss during regular grooming sessions.
An unexpected benefit of this fun job that pays well is that it’s also pretty recession-proof. Pets always need grooming regardless of economic conditions, and with more than two-thirds of all households in Australia having pets, you’ll never run out of furry friends to spruce up.
Qualifications:
Complete a certificate in pet grooming or animal care through a registered training organisation to learn breed-specific standards and techniques.
15. Food stylist
Average salary: $77,000
Making food look so delicious that people instinctively reach for their phones and open the Uber Eats app is a real career, and it’s way more fun than it sounds. Food stylists arrange dishes, tweak lighting and use clever tricks to create mouthwatering images for menus, cookbooks, advertisements and social media campaigns. If you obsess over how meals look on the plate and have an artistic eye, this could be a niche, fun career that pays well and satisfies your creative and culinary interests.
Qualifications:
Get qualifications in culinary arts or visual communication to build foundational skills.
Study a Diploma of Social Media Marketing since many food stylists build their businesses through Instagram.
Build a portfolio showing your styling work across different cuisines.
16. Park ranger
Average salary: $61, 000
Getting paid to hang out in beautiful natural areas while protecting wildlife and educating visitors is basically living the dream for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Park rangers patrol trails and maintain park facilities across Australia’s stunning national parks and conservation areas.
The job comes with real purpose, too. You’ll be actively preserving natural spaces and helping visitors appreciate the environment, which beats pushing papers around a desk and having passive-aggressive email chains with finance and HR.
Qualifications:
Complete a diploma or degree in environmental science.
Get first aid certifications.
Build experience through volunteering or by taking seasonal positions with parks and wildlife services.
17. Podcast producer
Average salary: $66,000
Australia has the highest rate of podcast listenership in the world, and it’s estimated that more than two-thirds of Australians will be monthly podcast users by 2030. That means you could make a really enjoyable career that pays well by producing and editing exciting podcasts that people across the world will enjoy. This is perfect for creative people who love telling stories and want to build an audience and community around topics they’re passionate about.
Qualifications:
Go after courses in media production, audio engineering or even journalism.
Study a Diploma of Social Media Marketing to learn about promoting your podcast and building an audience.
Learn how to use audio editing software and build a portfolio by producing your own podcast.
18. Florist
Average salary: $50,000
Spending your days surrounded by gorgeous flowers and natural fragrances sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Florists design bouquets and installations for some of the most important moments in life, like weddings, birthday parties, funerals and special occasions. You’ll develop relationships with regular customers who trust your design sense for their important moments. There’s real satisfaction in knowing your arrangements contributed to someone’s big wedding day or brightened a difficult week.
Qualifications:
Complete a Certificate III in Floristry through vocational training organisations.
Start working at flower shops to learn about seasonal availability.
19. Voice actor
Average salary: $83,000
Ever wanted to be a cartoon villain or the soothing voice guiding someone through a meditation app? Voice actors do all that and more without anyone ever seeing their face. You’ll breathe life into animated characters, narrate steamy romance novels, voice corporate training modules or become the signature sound of a brand’s commercials. No makeup, no wardrobe stress, just you and a microphone creating characters that people won’t forget.
Qualifications:
Invest in acting classes and dedicated voice coaching.
Build a home recording booth with decent equipment for freelance work.
20. Videographer
Average salary: $66,000
If you’ve ever watched a wedding video that made you cry or a brand film that gave you chills, a talented videographer was behind that. They know exactly how to frame shots, coax genuine moments from nervous subjects and edit raw footage into something that moves people.
What makes videography so interesting to so many people is the sheer range of projects available. Film a couple’s bid day in Bali this month, then shoot behind-the-scenes content for a local brewery launch next month. You’re never locked into one style or subject, which keeps things interesting for many years.
Qualifications:
Study film production or media to learn about operating cameras and lighting equipment.
Master editing software like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
21. Cruise ship entertainer
Average salary: $81,000
Cruise ship entertainers sing, act, dance, or host shows for passengers looking to be dazzled during their vacation. If you love performing and have a serious case of wanderlust, then this career lets you see the world whilst doing what you’re passionate about on stage.
The lifestyle isn’t for everyone since you’ll live onboard for months at a time, but the perks are incredible. Free accommodation, meals and the chance to wake up in a different country every week makes up for being away from home for long chunks of time.
Qualifications:
Develop performance skills through drama school, music training or dance academies.
Audition for cruise line entertainment programmes.
22. Barista
Average salary: $53,000
Australia is known for its barista coffee culture all over the world. In fact, three of the five best coffee shops in the world are in Australia, which means that some of the best baristas in the world walk among us. They master espresso machines, milk texturing, recipes and ratios to nail that perfect flat white to wake you up in the morning. If you’re a morning person who enjoys fast-paced environments and connecting with regulars, then working behind a coffee counter could be surprisingly fun and fulfilling.
Qualifications:
Complete barista training courses that teach you about latte art and espresso extraction.
Gain hands-on experience by working in cafes.
23. Brewery worker
Average salary: $62,000
Working in a brewery means you’re literally surrounded by craft beer all day. What’s not to love about that? You’ll help with the brewing process, package finished products, maintain equipment and sometimes pour tasters in taprooms. If you appreciate good beer and don’t mind physical work, then one of the happiest jobs for you is for sure at a brewery.
Qualifications:
You’ll need a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate which is mandatory for anyone selling, serving or supplying alcohol. This can vary by state.
Besides the above, you don’t need any formal training, although certificates in food and beverage or hospitality can help.
Learn all about the brewing process and beer styles.
24. Music producer
Average salary: $80,000
Turning raw musical ideas into polished tracks is the dream for anyone obsessed with music. These producers work with artists to arrange compositions, record performances, mix audio and create the final product that hits streaming platforms.
You’ll work across genres from hip hop to electronic to indie rock, constantly learning new production techniques and collaborating with talented musicians. The work stays creatively fulfilling even when you’ve been tweaking the same track for two weeks straight.
Qualifications:
Study audio engineering, music production or sound design through diplomas or degrees.
Build a portfolio of produced tracks and gain experience by working with local artists.
25. Surf instructor
Average salary: $72,000
Teaching people to catch their first wave is a magical experience. Everyone takes surfing lessons as a beginner, and you could be the reason a newbie gets hooked on the thrill of riding ocean swells. You’ll give lessons to complete beginners, help rookies perfect their craft and even show tourists some of Australia’s world-famous surfing culture.
Plus, let’s not even get started on how your office is literally the beach. And you’ll stay incredibly fit just from being in the oceans teaching lessons throughout the day. No more counting every step you take when you’re not at your desk!
Qualifications:
Complete a surf coaching course through accredited institutions like Surfing Australia.
Get first aid and water safety certifications so you know how to react if there’s an accident.
26. Food truck operator
Average salary: Varies
Running your own mobile kitchen lets you serve food you’re passionate about without the massive overhead of traditional restaurants. Plus, you could post up in beautiful places like beaches and parks, helping create a fun and tasty atmosphere anywhere you and your food truck go. You’ll be a small business owner, so this is one of the best fun jobs that pay well for entrepreneurial people in Australia.
Qualifications:
Get all the required permits and licenses from your local government to run a food truck.
A Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business will teach you everything you need to know about starting a new business.
Gain experience in hospitality or catering.
27. Children’s book illustrator
Average salary: $61,000
Remember the picture books that made you fall in love with reading as a child? Someone drew those characters and worlds that lived in your imagination for years. Children’s book illustrators create the visual magic that brings stories to life, all usually from the comfort of their own home or from coffee shops around the world. This is a very enjoyable job that also happens to be one of the best work from home jobs in Australia.
Qualifications:
Complete a Bachelor of Illustration or Diploma of Graphic Design.
Build your graphic design portfolio and focus on your character design and development skills.
28. Travel writer
Average salary: $137,500
Imagine getting paid to eat street food in Bangkok, hike through New Zealand’s mountains or explore hidden beaches in Greece, then writing about it. Travel writers search far and wide for the best travel destinations and tips so they can share them with savvy travellers who want to make the most of their trip. Some writers land staff positions with travel magazines or websites, but most freelance for multiple publications whilst building personal brands through blogs and social media.
Qualifications:
Study journalism or communications to develop your writing skills.
Get a Diploma of Digital Marketing to learn about monetising content on the internet.
Launch a personal travel blog to build your portfolio.
29. Museum curator
Average salary: $69,000
Most people go to the museum for fun, but a select few get to call it the office. A museum curator is essentially a storyteller who uses objects instead of words, designing exhibitions that make history or science accessible for everyone. The research rabbit holes you’ll dive down on your day-to-day are endless and one of the most fascinating perks of this job.
Qualifications:
Complete a Bachelor degree in art history, history, archaeology or related fields, followed by a Master of Museum Studies for competitive positions.
Volunteer or intern at museums and art galleries as much as you can before shooting for a full-time position.
30. Cake decorator
Average salary: $53,000
Three-tier wedding cakes covered in hand-piped roses. Birthday cakes sculpted to look like dinosaurs or cartoon characters. Dessert tables that make guests gasp before they even taste anything. Cake decorators transform butter, sugar and flour into edible sculptures that become the talk of any event.
Qualifications:
Complete a Certificate III in Patisserie or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery.
Become an apprentice at an established bakery to master all the skills.
31. Tattoo artist
Average salary: $43,000
Your art doesn’t hang in galleries or sit in someone’s home collecting dust. It walks around on people’s bodies for the rest of their lives. Tattoo artists permanently mark skin with designs that can be as simple as a tiny minimalist icon or as detailed as full sleeve masterpieces.
While this can be an extremely fun job that pays well, it also comes with intense responsibility because mistakes are literally permanent. But watching someone tear up over a tribute tattoo you just finished makes the pressure worthwhile.
Qualifications:
Secure an apprenticeship with an established tattoo artist to learn the skills of the trade.
Apply for a tattooist license once you’re done with the apprenticeship so you can practise on your own.
32. Makeup artist
Average salary: $69,000
Weddings, fashion shoots, film sets, theatrical productions, special effects for horror movies. Makeup artists find work in wildly different environments, transforming faces with brushes and creativity. One day you’re creating a natural bridal glow, the next you’re turning an actor into a realistic zombie or designing high-fashion editorial looks. If you’re interested in make up as a hobby, then you might end up having the time of your life making it your career.
Qualifications:
Complete a Certificate III in Make-Up to learn the basics.
Build a portfolio documenting your work with your clients.
33. Life coach
Average salary: $98,000
Some people have a natural talent for helping others see their potential and push past whatever’s holding them back. Life coaches guide clients through career transitions, relationship challenges, confidence issues or major life decisions by asking powerful questions and providing accountability. If friends constantly come up to you for advice and you love watching people transform their lives, then coaching might be your calling.
Qualifications:
Complete accredited life coaching certifications like a Certificate IV in Life Coaching Practice.
Consider additional qualifications in areas like NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) or positive psychology to enhance your coaching.
34. Cheese monger
Average salary: $55,000
Unless you and dairy aren’t on great terms, you very likely love cheese like most people do. So, why not make a career out of making cheese? Cheese mongers are part salesperson, part educator, helping people choose from the thousands of unique cheese varieties to find the perfect pairing for a dinner party or wine session. If you’re passionate about food culture and love introducing people to products they’ll love, then this niche career could make you super popular at dinner parties.
Qualifications:
Pursue a Certificate III in Food Processing whilst developing deep knowledge of cheese varieties.
Gain hands-on experience at speciality food shops or delicatessens.
35. Chocolatier
Average salary: $51,000
Making fancy chocolates for a living sounds like something only Willy Wonka could do, but it’s a real job that’s out there and could be yours. Chocolatiers craft those expensive bonbons in glass cases that cost $5 a pop, and there are very few things people wouldn’t do for the right chocolate.
The work is fiddly and precise because chocolate can be super temperamental, but there’s something deeply satisfying about creating beautiful confections that make people happy. You could work in boutique chocolate shops or even work freelance, filling orders for birthdays and weddings.
Qualifications:
Complete a Certificate III in Patisserie to learn all about gourmet desserts.
Get an apprenticeship with established chocolatiers to learn from the best.
36. Wildlife conservationist
Average salary: $83,000
Australia’s unique ecosystems are under serious threat and wildlife conservationists are the people actually doing something about it. This work takes you into remote locations tracking endangered species and restoring damaged habitats.
Some days you’ll be knee-deep in wetlands tagging frogs, other days you’re analysing population data or convincing farmers to adopt conservation-friendly practices on their land. It’s not always glamorous work since fundraising is tight and progress can be frustratingly slow, but knowing your efforts are preventing species extinction makes the challenges worthwhile.
Qualifications:
Complete a Bachelor of Environmental Science and a Master’s degree if you’re interested in more research-heavy positions.
Gain practical experience through internships with organisations like the Australian Wildlife Conservancy or state parks.
37. Animation designer
Average salary: $51,000
Every cartoon character you’ve ever loved, every animated explainer video that made sense, every video game scene that gave you chills started with an animator bringing static images to life frame by frame. Animation designers work on everything from big studio films to indie games to corporate training videos that won’t completely bore viewers to tears.
The medium keeps evolving as technology progresses, so there’ll always be something new to learn. Some animators specialise in 2D work whilst others focus on 3D modelling, so you can niche down on the style or technique that interests you the most.
Qualifications:
Study a Diploma of Screen and Media or a Bachelor of Animation to learn the technical side of animating.
Build a killer showreel showcasing your animation abilities across different styles.
38. Bookstore worker
Average salary: $61,000
If you’ve ever spent hours browsing bookshops on a Saturday afternoon, imagine getting paid to do essentially that. Bookstore owners help customers find their next obsession, organise shelves by genre, run book clubs and author events and get early access to upcoming releases before anyone else. The pay isn’t spectacular but being surrounded by thousands of stories whilst connecting with fellow bookworms with novels they’ll love beats soul-crushing corporate jobs.
Qualifications:
None needed, but having read dozens of books from different genres can prepare you to give helpful recommendations to customers.
Having prior retail or customer service experience can help you land your first bookstore job.
39. Art therapist
Average salary: $70,000
Sometimes people can’t put their trauma, grief or mental health struggles into words, but they can express it through paintings or drawings. Art therapists guide clients through targeted creative processes that help them process difficult emotions and work through psychological challenges in ways traditional talk therapy sometimes can’t.
You can do this at hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centres, schools and private practice. Each setting is slightly different, but the goal stays the same: using creativity as a tool for healing and self-discovery.
Qualifications:
Complete a Master of Art Therapy or Master of Creative Arts Therapy from accredited universities.
Register with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) to network and develop your skills.
40. Environmental consultant
Average salary: $70,000
Businesses and governments need someone to tell them when their projects are going to wreck the environment and how to avoid that outcome. Environmental consultants assess development impacts, recommend mitigation strategies and help organisations comply with regulations without completely derailing their operations.
While it’s not exactly the most thrilling job, you can find real value in it if you care about sustainability and want to work within the system to make positive change. The work covers diverse industries like mining and agriculture to construction and manufacturing. Some projects involve assessing contaminated sites, while others focus on protecting endangered species. You can choose to specialise in the area you care about most and do your part to help the planet heal.
Qualifications:
Complete a Bachelor of Environmental science, Environmental Engineering or related field.
Gain experience through graduate programmes or entry-level environmental positions and pursue additional certifications like the Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) scheme.
Industries that report the happiest people
According to a study by Curtin University, the industry with the most employee satisfaction was the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry, which encompasses growers, farmers, nurseries, and of course fishermen, grow and harvest timber and many more jobs. There is not a lot of stress amongst them. While the average role in this field is physically demanding, it is often specialised work undertaken by people with vested interest in it or around the area. It is also mostly outdoor or remote work, often occurring in regionally isolated areas. Of course farming in particular can be taxing, even heartbreaking work, but work satisfaction, ties to the land and close-knit community are all considered a positive of the role.
Also high on the list of satisfying industries was the Arts and recreation service industry, which covers a wide range of occupations from artists, musicians and live performers, to venue operators, sporting or recreational activities, exhibition of historical, cultural or education information, zoos, parks, casinos, you name it, the list goes on.
Least satisfied
It may not surprise you to learn that the least satisfied workers in Australia have been identified in the Accommodation and Food Services sector. That's right, hotels, takeaway restaurants, bars and cafes statically have the least happy employees in all of Australia due to the stress the involved in the hospitality role.
Tips on landing a career you’ll enjoy
Be self-aware
Einstein wrote that everybody is a genius, but if we judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing it is stupid. This is an incredibly important concept in education, but also in the careers we choose. By understanding ourselves, what we are good at, what we a drawn to and what we aren't, we can steer ourselves to the careers that we are naturally designed to thrive in.
Use your strengths and weaknesses to guide you
Again, school was the best indicator of interest. There were always kids who excelled in mathematics but seemed to tune out when poetry was being analysed, and vice versa. If science made you balk, you probably don't want to be a neuroscientist. There really are jobs for everyone, and the basis of YOUR job, particularly if you want to enjoy it, is finding a job that you are naturally talented at, interested in and possess a desire to excel at.
So ask yourself: What am I good at? What am I bad at?
Then find careers where those strengths are a bonus and those weaknesses don't matter.
Start early
It is best to start planning out your career path as early as possible. This is because of experience and the time it takes to rise through the ranks of some industries. However, if you're reading this as a 30-year career person looking for a change, do not stress. There is a massive influx of older workers who are changing career paths into fields they are interested in, passionate about and that will make them happier. If this is you, it's about figuring out what route you need to take, and starting.
Experience
No matter what, you need to know what you're doing. Once you've decided what career or industry you're interested in, you need to research what you need.
Some jobs require years of education, while others simply require a tafe course, or less. Understanding the experience you have, what areas you need to bush up in, and what extra courses would help land you a job at the end of it all is absolutely essential.
Re-brand
Build a career-specific resume!
Stress and burnout is causing many people to jump out of their careers in order to pursue their passions. This is a brave and empowering thing to do. But it takes more than just wanting it. You have to do an entire re-brand. What this entails is an overhaul of your resume, your Linkedin, everything! Of course we aren't telling you to delete your work history, but if you're traversing into a new work realm that is not related to your current one, it is likely that your resume and brand needs to be specialised and targeted for it. It would also help to establish an online presence which focuses on the new direction you are heading in.
Keep the relevant stuff, get rid of the irrelevant stuff.
Mentors and networking
You know the old adage: it's not what you know, it's who you know! Of course your brand and experience matter. No one is going to hire someone with no skills. But often what will get a foot through the door is connections - So network! Establish connections in the industry you're interested in, seek out guidance, attend meetings and speeches, ask questions and get them answered. Nothing is more attractive than passion, and when your name keeps popping up with positive reviews and glowing commendations, there's a good chance doors will open.
The most enjoyable and fun jobs that pay well are contextual
Australia is a land of opportunity, but everyone has different interests, motivators and frames of reference. Statistically speaking, the happiest workers are in Agriculture, forestry, fishing and arts and recreation, but that doesn't mean it will make you happy. Not everyone is the outdoor type, some people aren't into art or travel… and that's okay!
The trick is to centre your career around your interests and passions. What makes an enjoyable job is not necessarily the average salary, job security or the potential growth, but rather the satisfaction it gives you and the relief of stress. After all, 90,000 hours is a long time to spend in a career that you don't find rewarding.
Need more help deciding on your next career move while you're exploring the most fun jobs that pay well? Chat to one of our Course Consultants.
*All data sourced from Payscale and is current at time of review, as of November 2025.