High school results and salary: Does a high ATAR make a difference to how much you earn?
Key takeaways
- 58% of Aussies with a $150K+ salary do not credit their high school results for their salary.
- Aussies who say their results boosted their pay have a median personal income of $90K-$99K.
- More men than women believe their high school results have led them to earning more.
The majority of Australians believe high school results have little bearing on how much they earn today, according to new research by Finder.
Finder's research revealed 63% of Australians in the workforce say their results did not dictate how much they've gone on to earn in their careers.
One in ten (11%) Australians in the workforce think their high school results had a negative impact on their salary, while 16% believe their high school results equated to higher earnings.
Those who do say their results have led to them having a higher salary have a higher median personal income than those who don't think it had an impact.
Aussies who say their results boosted their pay have a median personal income of $90K-$99K.
Those who say their results held them back have a median personal income of $50K-$59K – a gap of around $40,000 a year.
Still, even among top earners (those with a personal income of $150K and over), nearly 3 in 5 (58%) don't credit their school results for their salary.
Taylor Blackburn, personal finance specialist at Finder, said the majority of Aussies don't think high school results are correlated with earnings in the workforce.
"While high earners are more likely to credit their school results, most – even those on the highest wages – don't think their marks were what got them there.
"A strong ATAR can open doors to certain uni courses and careers, but even if you don't get the results you'd hoped for, that doesn't decide your future.
"There are many intangibles that affect earnings that aren't captured in school results."
More men (18%) than women (13%) believe their high school results have led them to earning more once they left school.
Blackburn said your high school results might influence where you start, but they don't have to put a ceiling on what you earn.
"Some careers require formal qualifications, but experience, practical skills and the ability to keep learning can be just as important as you progress.
"Your earning potential can keep growing long after you've left the classroom.
"Remember, earning a high salary and building wealth aren't the same thing. How you manage your money, pay down debt and put savings to work can make a huge difference to your financial future.
"It's not just about how much you make, it's about how much you keep."
Blackburn said reviewing everyday expenses and comparing financial products can help Australians keep more of their income, regardless of what they achieved at school.
Do you think your high school results have affected how much you earn today?
| No | 63% |
| Yes, I earn more because of them | 16% |
| Yes, I earn less because of them | 11% |
| Not sure | 10% |
| Source: Finder survey of 694 Australians in the workforce (employed, or unemployed and seeking work) September 2026 |  |
Credits
- PR & Insights research team: Taylor Blackburn, Kate Boddington, Natascha Kwiet-Evans, William Capada
- Survey operation: Qualtrics
Sources
Ask a question