According to a SEEK report in 2024, only 55 per cent of Australians feel happy in their jobs. The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that nearly a third of 2.1 million Australian workers who left or lost their jobs in 2024 were people who left for a better role or just wanted a change. These figures indicate that there is room for improvement when it comes to workplace happiness among Australians.
Let’s explore the importance of job satisfaction and take a look at some of the top careers in Australia that are rewarding.
What is job satisfaction?
The definition of job satisfaction is simple: how content a person is at work. While contentment is often a deeply personal matter, being content in a professional setting usually comes down to how motivated, happy and healthy people are.
It’s not just employees who benefit from strong job satisfaction; employers also reap the rewards of an optimistic and robust workforce. Happy co-workers are less likely to call in sick, are more productive and more likely to stay with a company for the long run.
Unhappy employees, on the other hand, are more likely to leave their jobs or fields, leaving gaps within companies and contributing to the broader Australian skills shortage.
What influences job satisfaction?
Many factors inform how satisfied people are at work. According to the SEEK report, the top three elements that influence workplace happiness for employees are purpose at work, their manager and daily duties.
Other factors can include:
- career stability
- salary
- work-life balance
- workplace culture
- work location
- opportunities for promotion or a pay rise
- company policies
- working hours
- autonomy
- feeling valued at work
The top 7 business jobs in Australia
Salary can be a big factor for some professionals to be happy in their roles. Fortunately, you can find various roles that pay well and have high ratings in terms of job satisfaction in Australia.
The business roles listed below have an average annual salary of more than $100,000 and have job satisfaction ratings of more than four stars on SEEK. Find out more about what they entail and how they can become some of the most rewarding careers in the country:
1. Chief operating officer (COO)
A COO is responsible for the overall operational aspects of an organisation. Their responsibilities may include examining the operational effects of business strategies, designing and executing company-wide policies and identifying ways to enhance business processes and reduce costs.
With a 4.4 job rating on SEEK, the level of autonomy that comes with this role in influencing a company’s operational strategies can make it highly satisfying for many professionals.
COOs are also in great demand as the role is projected to grow by 7.9 per cent in the next five years. SEEK reported that the average salary for a COO ranges between $215,000 and $235,000 a year.
2. Chief technology officer (CTO)
A CTO drives technological alignment, systems and resources in a company. They channel their skills into managing the IT department, increasing revenue through the refinement or creation of services or products and collaborating with third-party suppliers to solve problems within the productivity chain. They also have a keen sense for people, leading enhancement and hiring within the IT department.
Business professionals who enjoy taking on high-level technological challenges and driving innovation to make significant business impact can find this role greatly satisfying.
CTO jobs are expected to boom over the next five years, with its projected growth sitting at 17.7 per cent. This position also has a high job satisfaction rating of 4.4 on SEEK.
The average annual salary of a CTO is between $190,000 and $210,000.
3. Managing director
Managing directors use strong leadership skills to drive a business towards success. Their duties mainly contribute to improving business performance, which may include managing resources effectively, developing corporate strategies and engaging with the board, shareholders and clients.
These professionals tend to have high levels of employee satisfaction due to their ability to instigate change and make a difference within an organisation. The role is rated 4.4 for job satisfaction on SEEK.
Job openings for managing directors are set to increase by 4.6 per cent in the next five years. The typical salary for a managing director is between $180,000 to $200,000 per year.
4. Supply chain manager
A supply chain manager oversees the acquisition of raw materials for an organisation’s manufacturing operations. They play a vital role in building a positive relationship with vendors, distributors and suppliers. This role also optimises various supply chain processes, which may include inventory management and transportation of goods.
The projected job growth for supply chain managers is 3.5 per cent in the next five years. This role can be a fulfilling career path as it continues to be in positive demand, offering the job stability that many professionals look for.
With a job rating of 4.4, the typical annual salary for a supply chain manager sits within the range of $125,000 and $145,000.
5. Brand manager
Brand managers take care of the overall perception and image of a brand or a business. Their duties may include performing market research to identify potential demand for new products or services, planning and executing brand management campaigns as well as forecasting future consumer trends.
This role is essential in marketing functions across various industries, accounting for the predicted 11.4 per cent rise in job growth within the next five years.
If you thrive in roles that require creative and strategic thinking, this role may offer you job satisfaction. SEEK reported a 4.3 job rating for this position.
Brand managers can expect to earn $100,000 to $120,000 per year on average.
6. Chief financial officer (CFO)
A CFO manages a company's financial health, keeping a detailed eye on things like profit and loss reporting, budget use and distribution as well as forecasting potential risks to the business. They also provide leadership to the accounting and finance departments and use their financial acumen to develop financial strategies.
Careful financial management is indispensable in today's market, as CFO roles are set to grow by 7.9 per cent over the next five years. This role can be highly satisfying as you are heavily compensated for your contributions to improve your organisation’s financial performance.
With a job rating of 4.2, the average salary of a CFO runs between $180,000 and $200,000 per year.
7. Chief executive officer (CEO)
CEOs sit at the top of the corporate ladder as they navigate the business direction of their organisation. They make major decisions on various aspects of business, such as strategy, company culture and organisational goals. CEOs also present themselves on behalf of their company to the public, media, shareholders and government agencies.
In Australia, CEO jobs are projected to grow by 4.6 per cent in the next five years. SEEK also reported a job rating of 4.1 for this role. CEOs can enjoy great satisfaction at work with their high level of autonomy, influence and financial reward.
The typical annual salary of a CEO ranges between $180,000 to $200,000.
Make your dream job a reality
Job satisfaction is a priority for many Australian workers. According to SEEK’s report, 69 per cent of workers who are happy at work are motivated to go above and beyond in their roles.
Meanwhile, 83 per cent of unhappy workers think about changing jobs often. This shows how employees who aren’t satisfied in their roles are more likely to quit or make career changes than to continue working in unhappy environments.
Having a negative attitude towards your role can even lead to burnout, which is already a pervasive issue within the Australian workforce. A 2024 research report by specialised recruitment company Robert Half reveals that 80 per cent of Australian employees are experiencing burnout at work.
Hence, it’s important for you to take action if you don’t feel happy in your current role.
A postgraduate degree can help you make the career change you’re looking for
Studying a postgraduate degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), is a great way to make a career change without sacrificing your current work or personal life. Advancing your studies helps you to obtain the tools, knowledge and skills to explore more career opportunities.
By choosing this path, you can:
- make a career transition at any age
- keep progressing in your current career while working towards a new one
- maintain work-life balance
- work towards your new career at your own pace
- enter your new career with qualifications, experience and connections
Step into some of the top jobs in Australia with a postgraduate degree
Given that many Australians spend the majority of their waking hours at work, it’s crucial that they feel safe, respected and happy while on the clock.
If you’re feeling stuck or unhappy at work, pursuing postgraduate studies can help you make your next career move. Explore various MBAs or postgraduate courses in various fields such as marketing, leadership, finance and more offered by leading universities in Australia.