Ready for a pay rise? These in-demand jobs are paying more
Demand for talent is growing across Australia – and employers are digging deeper to attract the very best. Data from SEEK shows job ad volumes continue to grow and many in-demand roles have seen a rise in salary compared to pre-COVID.
What does this mean for your next career move? The below table shows jobs that have seen a rise in salary, paired with significantly more job ads yet not enough people applying. This means not only is there considerably less competition for these jobs, they’re also offering job seekers a higher salary than they were before COVID.
Where salaries are rising
Trends across the market
The growth in salaries is due to the imbalance of supply and demand. Greg Allen, Director of Michael Page Australia, says border closures have exacerbated a skills shortage and many employers are seeking a solution through bigger pay packets.
“Border closures have played a key role, but we’ve also seen a number of people doing online courses during COVID with a view of changing career,” he says. “More people are also prioritising job security, and employers are offering more money as encouragement to make a move.”
Growth for Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics
This is one of the industries showing the highest volume of job ad growth, paired with rising salaries for a range of in-demand roles.
The average salary for delivery drivers between June and August this year was $54,415 – that’s 10% more than the same time in 2019. Operations supervisors have also recorded a 10% lift over the same period with advertised salaries now averaging $87,578.
Allen, says the increase is fuelled by exponential growth in e-commerce during COVID-19.
“Online shopping has seen huge growth during COVID. The recent Victoria and New South Wales lockdowns have also driven more demand in logistics, warehousing and delivery drivers, for instance.
“Not only are there fewer candidates in the marketplace, but some companies have more budget because they are doing quite well,” adds Allen. “However, we are seeing increases offered more in the casual, part time and fixed-term space. The permanent side is generally within the range that we saw before COVID.”
Allen recommends researching salary trends and discussing your expectations at the start of the interview process.
“Transparency is absolutely key when it comes to talking about salary,” he says. “Explain why you are worth a higher salary and that you understand your market worth based on your experience.
“Keep in mind that employers place a higher value on honest salary discussion as the start of the hiring process,” adds Allen. “You're more likely to get the salary you want if you are clear at the start, rather than trying to negotiate at the end.”
Spike in salary for Trades & Services
The Trades & Services industry also shows strong growth in job ad volumes and salaries. Between June and August this year, average advertised salaries for licenced electricians were up 5% to $74,689 compared to the same time in 2019. Qualified plumbers saw a 6% lift to $72,660.
Kelly Van Nelson, Managing Director of Adecco Australia, says there was a skills shortage across trades before the pandemic
“Now that Covid has impacted trade services as well, this skills gap has widened further,” she says. “Many businesses are trying to attract new talent through offering enhances salaries.”
While tradies are in demand, Van Nelson says you’ll impress employers if your license and tickets are up to date, and if you can show a track record of resilience and a willingness to work hard. She also says you shouldn’t be afraid to ask about salary in your job interview.
“It is not uncommon for candidates to ask what the advertised role is paying to see if this aligns to what their expectations are. However, before participating in the interview, we encourage all candidates to research what the current salary is in the market for the type of role they are applying for and also look at what salary they are willing to accept for the work that is expected of them. If all three align, then everyone wins.”
With demand for talent outstripping supply across many industries, employers are putting more money on the table to attract the very best. Keep an eye on salary trends, so you know your market worth. Your next job may come with a bigger pay packet.
