Careers after a postgraduate degree

Looking to stand out in a competitive job market? A postgraduate qualification might be the answer.

It could give you the tools to become a leader in your field or move into a different job altogether. No matter where you want to go, a postgraduate degree from UNSW can take you there.

Why consider postgraduate study?

A postgraduate qualification can open up more opportunities for your career, whether you’re just starting out, are already working in your chosen field, or making a career change. Postgraduate qualifications improve both your employment and salary prospects, according to the QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, opens in a new window, and they also pave the way for career progression and specialisation.

What is the average postgraduate salary?

People with postgraduate qualifications earn more on average than those who only have undergraduate qualifications, though the average postgraduate salary varies widely depending on the industry and role they work in. The QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, opens in a new window found that, on average, people with master’s degrees earn 35% more than those with bachelor’s degrees.

Studying a postgraduate degree at UNSW gives you even more of a leg up. We’re ranked #1 in Australia for Employment Outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2025) and our graduates earn the highest median salaries among graduates from the Group of Eight universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, medium-term - three years after graduating, 2023).

Highest-paid jobs for postgraduate students

The specialised skills and expertise gained in a postgraduate qualification mean postgraduate students have the opportunity to climb to the top of the career ladder and earn salaries commensurate with their advanced knowledge and experience.

Here are some examples of the highest salaries postgraduates could earn in their chosen fields.

Note: all salaries mentioned below are averages based on data from seek.com.au, opens in a new window, justice.vic.gov.au, opens in a new window, and thelawyermag.com/au, opens in a new window in January 2024.

Mining Engineer, opens in a new window– $165,000, opens in a new window

Aerospace Engineer, opens in a new window – $145,000

Software Engineer, opens in a new window – $120,000

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Chief Executive Officer (CEO), opens in a new window – $215,000

Investment Manager, opens in a new window – $160,000

Financial Adviser, opens in a new window – $110,000

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Chief Information Officer (CIO), opens in a new window – $240,000

Data Architect, opens in a new window – $165,000

Data Scientist, opens in a new window – $113,000

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School Principal, opens in a new window – $185,000

Education Manager, opens in a new window – $120,000

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Communications Manager, opens in a new window – $130,000

Editor, opens in a new window – $100,000

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Supreme Court Judge, opens in a new window – $500,000

Member of Parliament (MP), opens in a new window – $220,000

Lawyer, opens in a new window – $185,000

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Making a career change after a postgraduate degree

If you’re looking to make a career change, a postgraduate qualification is one of the best ways to get there. While it will depend on what you want to study, in many instances you can study a postgraduate qualification that’s different to what you studied at an undergraduate level.

Plus, your career experience to date will often be taken into account – for example, if you have a Bachelor of Arts and want to move into business management, you could apply for an MBA.

FAQs

A postgraduate qualification will make it easier for you to change careers, as it will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a different field, without having to start from scratch.
There are numerous career paths available for every postgraduate qualification, in every industry and sector. Postgraduate study can be a launchpad into a new career in a different field or a great way to accelerate your professional growth in your current profession.

As a postgraduate student at UNSW, you’ll have access to career services, opens in a new window, including 1:1 coaching, to help you figure it all out.
The entry requirements differ for each postgraduate qualification, but in general you will need to have first completed a Bachelor’s degree with a high level of academic achievement. For some postgraduate degrees, you might also need previous experience in your field.
If you want to make a career change, your previous professional experience will give you a leg-up, particularly if there are transferable skills and knowledge. If you’ve completed a postgraduate degree to advance your current career, this could be an opportunity for a promotion in your current role or to search for new roles at a higher level.