{"id":465990,"date":"2026-02-08T07:32:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T07:32:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/465990\/"},"modified":"2026-02-08T07:32:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T07:32:12","slug":"aussie-making-90-an-hour-in-male-dominated-industry-with-huge-shortage-so-much-flexibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/465990\/","title":{"rendered":"Aussie making $90 an hour in male-dominated industry with huge shortage: ‘So much flexibility’"},"content":{"rendered":"

An Australian woman has shared the benefits of her well-paid job<\/a>, which she can do whenever she wants, wherever she wants, across the country. Gold Coast woman Pamela Sanchez works the hours she chooses in a high-demand role across Australia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The mum said she became a driving instructor <\/a>five years ago, wanting a role with more flexibility so she could spend more time with her kids.<\/p>\n

“It’s been really enjoyable,” she told Yahoo News, adding it’s “incredibly rewarding” seeing learners pass their tests and go on to enjoy the freedom a driver’s licence can offer.<\/p>\n

Pamela spends her days teaching learner drivers across the northern part of the Gold Coast. Her students are “really diverse” and range in age from 16 to 89.<\/p>\n

She’s just one of a dwindling number of female driving instructors across the country. Research conducted by EZ Licence revealed women make up just 23 per cent of the 6,000 instructors across the country.<\/p>\n

“The feedback I get constantly is that there are not a lot of us around,” she said.<\/p>\n

She thinks the industry is more male-dominated, with women preferring more “professional” roles.<\/p>\n

“I am heavily booked most days,” she said.<\/p>\n

Pamela says she’s capable of restricting both the hours she works, and the locations she operates in, charging students $90 an hour for her expertise.<\/p>\n

\"Pamela<\/p>\n

Many of Pamela’s clients say it’s rare to see a female driving instructor. Source: Supplied<\/p>\n

However, she says, it’s a great job for those looking for flexibility.<\/p>\n

“It’s wonderful for women who might be returning to the workforce, because it offers so much flexibility. From a woman’s perspective, it’s an ideal role.<\/p>\n

She admits that anyone who becomes an instructor requires a “calm disposition”.<\/p>\n

“If you are an anxious driver or you find you get nervous in heavy traffic conditions, you\u2019re going to pass that feeling on to someone new and learning,” she said.<\/p>\n

“You don’t need to be the best driver in the world, but very patient and very calm. It\u2019s a critical thing that you remain calm when things are not ideal.”<\/p>\n

Driving school hopes to ‘close the gap’ in driving instructors<\/p>\n

According to national driving school EZ Licence’s Ross Rivalland, female driving instructors are in “short supply” across the country and in high demand among learners who prefer to train with a woman.<\/p>\n

“Closing this gap could give learners more choice and help them feel confident with the instructor they pick,” he said.<\/p>\n

“At the same time, this shortage creates a fantastic opportunity for women seeking a flexible and fulfilling career.<\/p>\n

“If you\u2019re exploring a career change or want to make a real impact, EzLicence can guide you on how to become a driving instructor and get started on this rewarding path.\u201d<\/p>\n

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can also follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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