7 of the Highest Paying Tech Roles in Australia & New Zealand (July 2025)

1. Project Director - $210K AUD or $185K NZD

Overseeing multiple projects ensuring they are completed successfully and within budget and timeframe, this is a senior-level role within the project management sphere.  

Our Project Management courses are the perfect way to kickstart a long and prosperous career, or to help you excel in your current one.  

With almost 6,000 roles currently active on SEEK, this is a career choice which is in high demand in Australia with a generous pay of $210K AUD and $185K NZD. 

2. Architect (Cloud, Azure, Domain, Software) - $185k AUD or $165K NZD

Not in the traditional sense, but the new era of cloud, data, software and domain architects. Technical architects design and oversee the technical aspects of a project or organization's IT systems. You can start your career by developing your software or cloud skills. 

Technical Architects are some of the highest paying roles with salaries averaging around $185k AUD and $165K NZD. 

3. Performance Engineer - $180K AUD

A Performance Engineer needs knowledge in data analysis, performance testing, programming and software development to allow them to identify performance jams, understand system behaviour, and communicate solutions effectively.  

A starting point for this pathway would be working on your development skills, you can learn more hard skills along your career journey without forgetting your crucial soft skills such as learning to communicate and problem-solve.  

The typical salary for a Performance Engineer in Australia is $180K with thousands of jobs currently available across the country.  

4. Cloud Consultant - $153K AUD or $125K NZD

If you have an interest in cloud computing and overarching strategy, then a Cloud Consultant role could be for you. Enter businesses and overhaul their systems by assessing their needs, designing solutions, ensuring security and optimizing costs.  

Cloud qualifications are the perfect way to start your journey to get you earning around $153K AUD and $125K NZD. This a lucrative senior role for any aspiring cloud experts. 

5. Data Manager - $175K NZD

If data and strategy are your thing than a senior level Data Manager role could be the perfect job for you. Managing data infrastructures and establishing data governance could be core parts of your day to day in this role whilst collaborating with other teams.  

To get started on your data journey you should be looking at data courses that cover programs such as Power BI or Azure. A healthy $175K NZD is a typical salary for a Data Manager in New Zealand. 

6. Technical Lead - $150K NZD

Looking to develop your career with software development? A Technical Lead role could be perfect for you. Overseeing the design, development, and maintenance of software systems with a mix of management and programming skills. 

Coding tools such as Python will be crucial in this role alongside a strong set of soft skills such as organisation, emotional intelligence and crisis management.  

A Technical Lead is typically paid around $150K NZD with an 11% increase in job growth over the last 3 months.  

7. IT Manager - $135K NZD

For a lot of people, starting in a basic IT role such as working on a helpdesk can be the perfect stepping stone (along with the right qualifications) to landing an IT Manager role.  

A more senior position like manages IT and computing systems including maintenance and upgrades, as well as identifying problematic areas and implementing solutions.  

Our IT courses offer a range of qualifications that employers are looking for in roles that typically pay $135K NZD.  

Can a Career Consultant help you find a high-paying tech role?

I asked one of my colleagues, a Senior Career Consultant at Learning People, what he says to people hoping to pivot into a high-paying career in tech. He told me,

“A big driver for a lot of people is salary. Of course, we all want to earn as much as possible, but we also want jobs we will enjoy and be good at. We need to choose careers that have prospects and longevity.  

Working in tech for a lot of my students ticks all the boxes, plus it offers added benefits like hybrid working and being able to take their qualifications anywhere in the world.

I try to set realistic expectations with students; you have to work your way up to these senior roles and salaries, but it is possible!”.

Want to start a lucrative, future-proof career in tech?

With a healthy future ahead of it, the tech sector is showing no signs of slowing down, only developing, and our courses can help you stand out to employers.  

Why not arrange a free call with one of our expert career consultants to see how you can kickstart your career in tech?  Simply hit the button below to leave your details, and a career consultant will be in touch, usually within one or two working days.