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Think high salaries only exist in big cities? While major urban centers shine, remote towns are quietly rising—with annual incomes exceeding $170,000! Which areas top the income charts? Latest data released!

#01: Major Cities Dominate High-Income Rankings—Sydney’s North Shore Tops $177K
When imagining "high earners," Sydney and Melbourne’s affluent suburbs come to mind—but 2022–23 tax data reveals remote towns now rival cities. Northbridge in Sydney’s Lower North Shore leads nationally with $177,109 average income, while North Sydney/Hornsby ($103,117) and Eastern Suburbs ($101,126) also exceed six figures29. Lavender Bay, Waverton, and McMahons Point average $122,216—reflecting Sydney’s status as Australia’s financial hub, where banks, tech firms, and law practices compete globally for talent29.

Conversely, Sydney’s southwest (Liverpool, Fairfield, Cabramatta) averages just $68,736, and regional NSW areas like Coffs Harbour hover near $56,000–$58,0002.

In Melbourne, inner-south suburbs (Brighton, Cheltenham) lead at $86,512, while Albert Park/Middle Park hit $144,015. The northwest (Glenroy, Sunbury) trails at $71,118, and rural northwest Victoria (e.g., Mildura) sinks to $54,7932.

Brisbane’s inner west (Ashgrove-Bulimba) averages $87,220, with Bardon peaking at $124,231. Wide Bay ranks lowest in Queensland at $59,3902.

#02: Remote "Dark Horses" Surge—Mining Towns Outearn Capitals
Shockingly, remote mining regions now surpass urban incomes. Western Australia’s northern outback (Port Hedland, Broome, Karratha) averages $90,069—nearly matching Perth’s inner city ($91,343). Cottesloe/Peppermint Grove in Perth hits $141,33628.

This reversal stems from mining’s lucrative packages: base pay + remote allowances + shift bonuses. Queensland’s Mount Isa/Torres Strait outearns Gold Coast/Cairns by ~$7,00024. Though isolated, these areas attract workers with high wages and lower living costs.

Northern Territory’s Casuarina averages $111,605, while WA’s Wheatbelt (Albany, Northam) sits at the bottom ($57,826)28.

Final Insight
Amstid inflation and soaring living expenses, these "mining boomtowns" are reshaping Australia’s wealth map. Would you relocate for higher pay?

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