The top 10 happiest jobs in Australia revealed

The happiest jobs in Australia have been revealed, thanks to data from SEEK.

“The average Australian spends about 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime,” the SEEK report said.

“Being happy at work is essential for good mental health.”

Australia currently ranks 12th globally for workplace happiness.

Multiple factors contribute to job satisfaction including job security, work-life balance, autonomy, and feeling appreciated for your work.

This wide range of factors means the top 10 most satisfying jobs in Australia are equally diverse — covering emergency services, creative fields, social work, software development and more.

“Studies on job satisfaction challenge the belief the happiest jobs are high-paying and easy,” the report said.

“Instead, the jobs with the highest satisfaction levels are those that are engaging, allow people to help others, provide good work-life balance, and offer fair pay and security.”

1. Firefighter

Coming in at No.1 with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 for job satisfaction, firefighters earn about $55,000 per year.

“It’s a classic childhood dream job for many — a role that involves protecting the public in emergencies such as fires, rescues and road accidents,” the report said.

“Despite the role’s challenges, firefighters find fulfilment in helping others — making the tough job worthwhile.”

2. Care worker

Care workers are highly sought after in Australia and come in second place for job satisfaction, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 and an approximate annual salary of $65,000.

Care workers provide in-home help and nursing assistance to elderly and/or disabled people and may live on-site or independently, SEEK’s report said.

3. Content creator

Coming in third place is content creators, who are responsible for producing a wide variety of content for different audiences, and can work in-house at a company, as a freelancer, for an agency, or for their own channels.

On average, content creators make about $73,000 per year and have an overall job satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5.

“The ability to be creative every day is one of the most frequently mentioned aspects of why content creation is one of the happiest fields in the country,” the SEEK report said.

4. Counsellor

Counsellors placed fourth on the job satisfaction list, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5.

They offer guidance and therapy in various areas — including relationships, trauma, stress, and mental health — and make approximately $93,000 per year.

“Part of why being a counsellor is a satisfying job comes down to helping people and empowering them to overcome challenges,” the SEEK report said.

5. Java developer

The fifth most satisfying job on SEEK’s list is also the job with the highest salary — with java developers making approximately $130,000 per year.

The role involves designing, testing and implementing software using the Java programming language and has an overall job satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5.

“Java developers typically love their job thanks to the ability to constantly learn and evolve their careers to different technologies,” the SEEK report said.

6. Nutritionist

Coming in sixth place for job satisfaction is nutritionists, who have an overall job satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5.

With an average salary of $85,000 per year, their day-to-day role involves helping people improve their health and well-being through food.

This can mean formulating meal plans, offering advice on supplements and vitamins, and even preparing food.

“This high rating reportedly comes from being able to help people overcome health challenges and increase well-being through their nutritional guidance,” the SEEK report said.

7. Producer

Film, TV and media producers rank seventh for job satisfaction in SEEK’s report, earning an average salary of $85,000 per year with a job satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Producers manage the daily operations of film, TV, music and media productions, which can involve team recruitment, location scouting, budgeting and any production problems that arise.

“Though this is a high-pressure job, it comes with a high level of satisfaction when projects are completed successfully,” the SEEK report said.

“It’s also an exciting and dynamic field to work in.”

8. Systems analyst

Coming in eight on SEEK’s list is the systems analyst, which boasts the second-highest salary on the list of $105,000 and an overall job satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Their work involves maintaining and optimising computer systems for users, maintaining and upgrading systems, creating user documentation, providing training, and analysing functionality for more efficiency processes.

“Getting to work on a wide range of different projects and organisational systems is a big reason systems analysts love their jobs,” the SEEK report said.

9. Tour guide

If you’re looking for jobs with a high satisfaction rating in travel, SEEK’s report suggests becoming a tour guide.

With an overall job satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5 and an average salary of $60,000, this role ranks ninth on SEEK’s list.

“As a tour guide, you get to introduce people to exciting destinations, providing engaging and informative commentary and working with local tourism providers,” the report said.

“Getting to travel and share new experiences with people are common reasons tour guides rate their job as one of the happiest in Australia.”

10. Concierge

Rounding out SEEK’s list in 10th place is the concierge, with an overall job satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5 and a typical salary of $65,000.

A concierge works at a hotel, helping guests with things such as making dinner reservations, recommending shopping, entertainment and attractions, calling taxis, making travel arrangements, answering questions and more.

“Concierges get to work in a stimulating environment, helping people enjoy their holidays, and (have) the opportunity to work in lots of different places around the world — all ingredients for job satisfaction,” the SEEK report said.