Across Canada, people are putting their talents, self-taught skills, time, and university educations to good use and securing high-paying jobs.
In fact, at the time of writing, Canada’s unemployment rate was low and flat, and employment numbers in Canada were strong.
As Canadians, we’re lucky to live in a country with such a diverse landscape and economy, making jobs like engineering and managerial positions the most sought after, and for good reason.
While not everyone gives salary the top priority when choosing their career path, it’s certainly a factor to be considered.
If you are laid off, unemployed, or if you’re stuck at a job that’s making you unhappy or you want to earn more than minimum wage, check out the information below. It might just give you the motivation you need to make a change or commit to your current job.
Top High-Paying Jobs In Canada
The following are some of the highest-paying occupations in Canada, along with their salary range, job description, and required education and training.
Cardiologist
- Average salary range: $177,853 – $348,949
- Education required: Completion of medical school, followed by another 6-7 years of residency training
Cardiologists diagnose and treat patients with heart disease and defects of the cardiovascular system, including the heart and vessels. In addition to medical school, cardiologists must specialize in the area of cardiology for another 6 to 7 years and complete residency at a Royal College-approved level.
Orthodontist
- Average salary range: $177,853 – $348,949
- Education required: Dental school, followed by 2-3 years in a Master’s program in orthodontics
Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in teeth and jaw irregularities. Including issues with occlusion, bites, and the straightness of your teeth. To become an orthodontist, you need to become a dentist first, then complete another 2 or 3 years in a Master’s program in orthodontics at a university.
General Dentist
- Average salary range: $119,250 – $275,000
- Education required: Doctor of Dental Medicine in dental school
Dentists are doctors who diagnose and treat oral health conditions. They fill cavities, repair fractured teeth, eliminate tooth decay, and whiten and clean teeth. To become a dentist in Canada, you must first complete 4 years of undergraduate studies, followed by another 4 years in dental school.
Software Engineering Manager
- Average salary range: $100,000 – $172,000
- Education required: Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, followed by 5+ years of working experience
Software engineers design and develop software solutions for clients. They typically specialize in a variety of areas, such as content management systems, operating systems, web applications, databases, etc. To become a software engineering manager in Canada, you need a Bachelor of Science degree in software engineering. To reach the senior level of management, you must have at least 5 years of work experience in the field.
Pharmacist
- Average salary range: $92,097 – $170,727
- Education required: Bachelor’s or Doctor degree in Pharmacy
Pharmacists fill prescriptions for patients and ensure that the medicines prescribed are suitable. They also advise patients on medications, including how to take them and potential reactions that may occur. Anyone wishing to become a pharmacist must graduate with a degree in Pharmacy. You can apply to a school of Pharmacy after a year or 2 of undergraduate studies for a total of at least 5 years of university education.
Data Scientist
- Average salary range: $97,425 – $149,400
- Education required: Bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s or doctoral degree
A data scientist interprets and analyzes complex digital data to provide businesses with insight and make informed decisions. To become a data scientist, you need a bachelor’s degree in math, statistics, computer science, or another related field. A college program in computer science and a master’s or doctoral degree in data science, machine learning, or another related field is also typically required.
Corporate Controller
- Average salary range: $64,000 – $204,000
- Education required: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, payroll, or another related field, along with professional certification
A corporate controller supervises a company’s day-to-day accounting operations, including payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable. They also assist businesses in making sound financial decisions. To become a corporate controller, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in accounting, payroll, or financing, and certification to practice.
Cyber Security Engineer
- Average salary range: $120,063 – $148,883
- Education required: Degree in computer science, systems engineering, IT, or another related field, along with at least 2 years of relevant work experience
Cyber security engineers perform multiple security-related tasks to protect networks, devices, and services from cyber-attacks. A university degree is required, followed by a couple of years of experience on the job.
Psychiatrist
- Average salary range: $165,000 – $461,000
- Education required: Completion of medical school, followed by specialization in a specific field and provincial or territorial licensing
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. Those who want to become psychiatrists must first complete medical school, then complete specialized training in one of many fields that fall under the psychiatry umbrella.
Mobile Developer
- Average salary range: $74,998 – $146,250
- Education required: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering
Mobile developers are specific types of software developers that specialize in mobile technology and build apps for mobile devices. Typically, you’ll need to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering to become a mobile developer.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
- Average salary range: $66,022 – $145,544
- Education required: High school diploma with courses including grade 12 math, physics and chemistry
Nuclear power reactor operators are in charge of overseeing nuclear reactors. They modify control rods that influence the amount of electricity a reactor generates. Interestingly, only a high school diploma is required to become a nuclear power reactor operator, though you’ll need specific math and science courses as part of your high school career.
Where Can You Find A High-Paying Job In Canada?
| Indeed | Learn more |
| Monster | Learn more |
| Canadian Job Bank | Learn more |
| Jooble | Learn more |
| Learn more |
Other In-Demand High-Paying Jobs In Canada
The above-mentioned occupations aren’t the only high-paying jobs in Canada. The following jobs also pay very well:
HR Manager
Average salary range: $75,000 – $156,000
Education required: University degree or college diploma in HR management or a related field
Job description: HR managers plan, coordinate, and oversee the administrative tasks of a company. They recruit, interview, and hire new employees, assist executives with strategic planning, and serve as mediators between management and its staff.
Welder
Average salary range: $40,000 – $74,000
Education required: High school diploma, followed by a 3-year apprenticeship program or a combination of 3+ years of work experience and some post-secondary courses in welding
Job description: Welders work with various metals and are involved in multiple projects, such as building bridges and vehicles.
Registered Nurse
Average salary range: $68,000 – $94,000
Education required: 4-year university nursing program
Job description: Registered nurses care for patients in hospitals and doctors’ offices. They can also consult and educate the community in various settings.
Business Systems Analyst
Average salary range: $62,000 – $142,000
Education required: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, business administration, or a related program
Job description: Business systems analysts work in computer science and assist clients with the best software types required to carry on various business operations.
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Average salary range: $62,000 – $122,000
Education required: Degree in marketing, communications, or sales
Job description: Digital marketing coordinators are involved in online marketing campaigns to draw customers to businesses.
How To Get A High-Paying Job In Canada
If you want to land a job that pays very well in Canada, consider the following tips:
Develop Your Skills
Education and formal training may be foundational for high-paying jobs, but you can go the extra mile by developing your skills with additional training, courses, or apprenticeships. The more hands-on experience you have in the field you’re striving to work in, the better your chances of landing a great job.
Expand Your Network
Sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know when it comes to getting a great job. Get out there and interact with people within your field of interest. Try to find experts in your industry who have had great success in their careers and mimic their actions and habits. Consider working with a mentor who can show you the ropes.
Pursue Further Education
Many jobs require ongoing education to ensure workers are up-to-speed with changing work environments and requirements. But in addition to what the job requires, consider being proactive with further education by enrolling in other certifications or even a postgraduate degree to enhance your resume.
Most Bachelor’s Degrees take at least three years to complete. Tack on an extra year or two if you want to go for a Master’s. You could also consider trade school as an option.
How To Pay For Post-Secondary Education?
Gaining the education required to secure high paying jobs in Canada is expensive. According to Statistics Canada, most undergraduate students graduate with debts averaging around $28,000. To help you finance your education, here are some options to consider:
- Student Government Loans – Both the federal and provincial governments offer various student loan programs to help student finance their education. The most popular student loan program is called the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP). The government also has a Student Grant Program that awards students with scholarships and grants.
- Personal Loans – If you’re unable to qualify for any government student loans or grants, you can opt for a student personal loan instead. You can apply for these through most banks and alternative lenders. Your ability to qualify will depend on your credit score and finances. As such, be sure to check your credit score and evaluate your finance before applying. If your overall financial health isn’t the best, you may require a co-signer.
Find Out More About Your Position And Salary
You may already be working in your dream job, but are you making as much as you should? Take some time to do some homework on what other people in similar positions earn. Armed with this information, you can find more opportunities that offer your desired salary.
Final Thoughts On High-Paying Jobs In Canada
There are tons of high-paying jobs in Canada, which typically require extensive post-secondary education. However, there are some that may only need a high school diploma and some work experience. Regardless of your salary goals and the type of industries that interest you, be sure to research what’s needed to get the job you want and earn the salary you strive for.
One final note about high paying jobs in Canada. You can do more than one of them in your lifetime. Your soft skills plus some extra training online can take you to another great opportunity. And if you did have a great high-paying job and got laid off, with or without severance pay, you can get employment insurance (ei) and use the time and the benefit to retrain.
