Industries where salaries have boomed since COVID

If you’re thinking about changing jobs, or just wondering how your current salary stacks up, SEEK’s latest data reveals what salaries are booming to help you in your job search or next salary conversation.

Money is the top reason why people move jobs. In fact, SEEK research shows that for 40% of people, salary and compensation are more important to them than before the pandemic. And with the great job boom upon us, now might be the right time to make your next move.

Find out which Australian industries and jobs are experiencing salary rises by using the drop-down menu in the table below.

Why salaries have been rising

The pandemic has played an important part in driving up salaries for positions advertised on SEEK, says Ivan Colhoun, Chief Economist, Corporate & Institutional Banking at National Australia Bank.

“Significantly, the border has been closed for two years until early 2022. The large numbers of people that usually come to Australia every year haven’t been coming during that time, and it’s also been hard to get workers from interstate.”

Since the borders closed, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports there are an extra 170,000 job vacancies, and unemployment is at 4%, which is the equal lowest since 2008.

That’s meant there are far fewer people looking for jobs than two years ago, and it’s tougher than ever for businesses to find new staff, Colhoun says.

“Advertised salaries in different professions and across sectors have risen, because it's hard to find people.”

Reflecting the tight labour market, there are fewer unemployed workers per job vacancy than ever before, meaning job seekers have greater bargaining power.

“Businesses are having to advertise higher salaries than was the case a year ago. And it's pretty much across the board,” Colhoun says.

The jobs that are in demand

Increased salaries in these industries are a clear indication of the demand for people and skills in these areas, says Kevin Alexander, Managing Director of Adecco Australia.

Some sectors have seen huge increases in average salaries.

Alexander says people looking for work, or who already work, in these industries now have more bargaining power. “It’s a great time for negotiation,” he says.

Education and training top the list for salary growth

In Education & Training, the average advertised salary of an Education Consultant rose 35% to $82,401.

“Education and training were hard hit during the pandemic, and are now seeing a significant ramp-up in activity and need additional skills and support to get them there,” Alexander says.

The average salary of a Group Leader rose 17% to $60,659, while a Childcare Assistant salary rose 15% to $53,835.

Strong salary growth in community services  

In Community Services & Development, the average salary for an Educator rose 21% to $78,960, and an Employment Adviser salary increased by 20% to $71,868.

There’s been an increased need for staff in community services and development during this period, Alexander says. “Demand is high, and as such, people are needed to fill a wide variety of roles.”

Salary growth in other sectors

There’s also been demand increases in healthcare, logistics, trades, hospitality and retail, as well as human resources and talent acquisition, Alexander says.

The tech sector continues to require skilled workers. Alexander says businesses are needing to offer 20-30% more – sometimes as much as 80% more – to attract and keep people compared to a year ago.

How you can take advantage of these market changes

Now, the balance of power has shifted significantly towards job seekers who have some of the most sought-after skills, Rebecca Ramsden, Manager, Robert Walters Adelaide says.

“Professionals can also use it as an opportunity to press for greater career progression and development.”

If you’re looking for a salary increase in your current role, Ramsden has these tips:

• Keep a record of your work so you can justify a raise based on your performance and contribution to the company.
• Outline your commitment to take on new responsibilities and projects that will help meet the company’s goals and objectives.
• Be realistic about what you’re asking for. Your manager may want to reward you with a higher salary but is unable to because of the way the organisation operates.
• Always remain professional, no matter what the result of the negotiation is. Be confidnet but never aggressive or demanding.

Know your market worth, but be realistic about what you’re asking for, Ramsden says. If you’re considering a new role, do your salary sums and work out how your day-to-day costs, such as travel costs, will change.

“Your new salary may not be as high as you would like, however other benefits such as a company car, free health insurance, gym membership or other perks could be included.”

If your industry has seen an increase in salaries, keep this in mind when discussing pay for a new role, or during your next salary conversation. With businesses struggling to find staff, now is the time to look around at what’s on offer. Depending on your industry, there may be some room to negotiate salary with a new employer – or your current one.

Source: Independent research conducted by Nature of behalf of SEEK, interviewing 4800 Australians annually. Published April 2022.

Find out the latest salary trends for your role and industry, so you can negotiate your next salary confidently.