Salaries
The real question isn't what it pays — it's what it pays after tax, rent and the flight home
Headline Australian salaries look generous next to UK pay, and often they are. Explore 16 occupations by category, search for yours, and open one for the full breakdown.
How to read these numbers
Superannuation
Employers add 11.5% super on top of salary — real money the headline figure hides.
Penalty rates
Nights, weekends and public holidays often pay 25–150% loading.
Cost-of-living offsets
A bigger number is worth less in Sydney than in Adelaide or a regional town.
Indicative planning rate of A$1.95 to £1. Check a live rate before you transfer money.
General PractitionerHealthcareCritical shortage
+71% vs UKAustralia$300,000
UK equivalent£90,000
Diesel Motor MechanicTradesCritical shortage
+66% vs UKAustralia$110,000
UK equivalent£34,000
Early Childhood TeacherEducationCritical shortage
+57% vs UKAustralia$92,000
UK equivalent£30,000
Aged & Disability Care WorkerHealthcareCritical shortage
+54% vs UKAustralia$72,000
UK equivalent£24,000
ElectricianTradesCritical shortage
+42% vs UKAustralia$105,000
UK equivalent£38,000
Secondary School TeacherEducationCritical shortage
+42% vs UKAustralia$105,000
UK equivalent£38,000
Social WorkerProfessionalCritical shortage
+40% vs UKAustralia$98,000
UK equivalent£36,000
Registered NurseHealthcareCritical shortage
+39% vs UKAustralia$95,000
UK equivalent£35,000
Carpenter / JoinerTradesCritical shortage
+35% vs UKAustralia$92,000
UK equivalent£35,000
PlumberTradesCritical shortage
+35% vs UKAustralia$100,000
UK equivalent£38,000
Civil EngineerEngineeringCritical shortage
+34% vs UKAustralia$125,000
UK equivalent£48,000
ChefTradesHigh demand
+31% vs UKAustralia$82,000
UK equivalent£32,000
Construction Project ManagerConstructionHigh demand
+26% vs UKAustralia$160,000
UK equivalent£65,000
Data Analyst / ScientistTechnologyHigh demand
+17% vs UKAustralia$125,000
UK equivalent£55,000
Software EngineerTechnologyHigh demand
+8% vs UKAustralia$130,000
UK equivalent£62,000
AccountantProfessionalSteady demand
+8% vs UKAustralia$105,000
UK equivalent£50,000
Work out your own take-home number
Plug in a real salary and see what it looks like once Australian tax, and the UK equivalent, are both accounted for.