INTRODUCTION
According to Statistics Canada, the average weekly wage in Canada is $952, or just under $50,000 annually. Frequently, the positions on our list of high-paying jobs have salaries that are triple as much (And the lowest paying occupations pay less than half the average).
Typically, jobs at the bottom of the pay range only pay the local minimum wage. That works out to about $9.95 an hour at the low end, which, assuming 40 hours of work each week, would bring in just over $20,000.
List of High Paying Jobs in Canada
- Surgeon
- Psychiatrist
- Dentist
- Utility Manager
- Engineer Managers
- Pilot
- Lawyers
- IT Managers
Surgeon
Canada’s healthcare sector and system are among the best in the world when compared to other nations. Canada ranks in the bottom half of the world rankings for having only 3 doctors for every 1000 people, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Because of this, a lot of the highest-paying jobs in Canada—those for medical professionals—are currently vacant. In Canada, the job market for family physicians and general internists is anticipated to develop at a second-faster rate. Even though 50,900 more employment will become available by 2028, just 19,400 new physicians are predicted to enter the industry. The need for fresh college graduates to fill the shortfall will therefore increase.
| Average Annual Salary | 340,000 CAD [INR 2 Cr] |
| Job Profiles | Physician, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Neurosurgeon, Orthopedic Surgeon |
| Eligibility Criteria | MD with a Residency Program in relevant specialization) |
| Top Colleges | University of Toronto |
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. In 2018, there were 48,500 people working in this sector in Canada. It is projected that this will rise by 32,500 between 2019 and 2028. In contrast, a mere 20,000 fresh faces are anticipated to enter the labour force. About 22% of these grads are projected to be from outside of Canada, per Jobs Bank Canada.
| Average Annual Salary | 293,000 CAD [INR 1.7 Cr] |
| Job Profiles | Clinical Psychology, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, and Patient Counselling |
| Eligibility Criteria | MD with Psychiatric Residency |
| Top Colleges | University of Toronto
University of British Columbia McGill University McMaster University |
Dentist
As a profession, dentistry is highly respected and well compensated in Canada. Preventive dentistry is a subspecialty of medicine concerned with keeping one’s teeth and gums healthy. Job Banks of Canada projects that there will be 12,200 new dental opportunities in Canada by 2028, and that there will be more than 7,000 new people entering this field of study during that time. For international students, this supply-and-demand gap represents a golden opportunity to cash in on Canada’s high wages in the high-paying jobs sector. In Canada, dentists are required to have a bachelor’s degree and a 4-year master’s degree in the field (DDS).
| Average Annual Salary | 233,000 CAD [INR 1.3 Cr] |
| Job Profiles | Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant, Office Administrator |
| Eligibility Criteria | BDS + DDS |
| Top Colleges | University of Toronto
University of British Columbia McGill University McMaster University University of Montreal |
Utility Manager
Managers in the utility industry oversee essential services like water, electricity, power, natural gas, and more. They plan, coordinate, oversee, and evaluate the infrastructure that brings these essentials to people’s homes via their respective networks. Utility Managers are in high demand and there is a relatively small pool of qualified candidates, making this a top-tier profession in Canada. A total of 31,700 estimated new jobs will be available by the year 2030, and it is projected that there will be 35,000 people actively seeking employment at that time.
| Average Annual Salary | 233,000 CAD [INR 1.3 Cr] |
| Job Profiles | Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant, Office Administrator |
| Eligibility Criteria | Masters in Dentistry |
| Top Colleges | University of Alberta
Memorial University of Newfoundland |
Engineer Managers
As the job title suggests, an engineering manager’s primary responsibility is to oversee engineering teams and direct their efforts toward completing projects. Even though they earn a good salary in Canada, not many people there need their services. By 2028, 17,900 new college grads are expected to enter the workforce, and roughly 15,200 new jobs are expected to be created in the sector, as reported by Labor Banks Canada. Therefore, competition for available positions is high. The high salaries in this sector, however, make it attractive to recent graduates.
| Average Annual Salary | 203,000 CAD [INR 1.2 Cr] |
| Job Profiles | Quality Control Manager, Design Manager, Product Engineer |
| Eligibility Criteria | Masters in Engineering Management |
| Top Colleges | University of Alberta |
Pilot
One of the best-paying professions in Canada is that of commercial pilot. One of a pilot’s responsibilities is to keep everyone on board the plane safe. Jobs Bank Canada reports that there is little fluctuation in the availability of employment in this sector due to the fact that the number of new pilots entering the profession is roughly equal to the number of new jobs created in the sector.
| Average Annual Salary | 180,000 CAD [INR 1 Cr] |
| Job Profiles | Airline Pilot, Copilot, Flight Engineers |
| Eligibility Criteria | Commercial Pilot License |
| Top Colleges | Canadian Aviation College
Chinook Helicopters Flight Training Prairie College |
Lawyers
Legal counsel is provided by lawyers and attorneys, who also take care of their clients’ many legal responsibilities (could be a single entity or organization). As of 2018, approximately 106,000 Canadians held this job, according to data compiled by Jobs Bank Canada. The number of new LLM graduates entering the market in 2028 will be about equal to the number of new posts that will be created for judges, attorneys, and Quebec notaries. As a result, it has risen to the ranks of Canada’s well-paid professions.
| Average Annual Salary | 140,000 CAD [INR 86 lakhs] |
|---|---|
| Job Profiles | Legal Counsel, Attorney/Lawyer, General Counsel |
| Eligibility Criteria | LLM in Canada or equivalent |
| Top Colleges | University of Toronto |
IT Manager
The duties of an IT Manager include formulating IT strategy, investigating potential solutions, and supervising staff. While the income for an IT manager is lower than that of a dentist or doctor, getting into the field in Canada is much less difficult. One only needs a four-year degree in Computer Science, IT, or a similar field. A master’s degree holder in Canada can expect a salary 29% more than that of a bachelor’s degree holder in Computer Science.
| Average Annual Salary | 90,000 CAD [INR 53 lakhs] |
| Job Profiles | IT Director, IT Operations Manager |
| Eligibility Criteria | Masters in Computer Science or equivalent |
| Top Colleges | Simon Fraser UniversityMcMaster UniversityQueen’s UniversityUniversity of Windsor |
Here are the lowest paying jobs in Canada
Sewing machine operator – $22,514 – $41,546
Technicians who work with sewing machines create or alter garments and other textiles. They ensure that sewing machines have enough thread, place the fabric under the needles, and direct the stitching. These workers take final measurements of every completed product to guarantee precision.
Cook, fast food – $20,994 – $26,026
A fast food cook’s job is to rapidly and precisely fulfil orders while maintaining high levels of cleanliness and sanitation. All kitchen appliances must be operated, dishes must be prepared according to recipe, and finished products must be packaged or presented to customers.
Cashier – $21,183 – $29,156
Cashiers are responsible for accepting and processing payments at retail locations. Cashiers’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to, operating a cash register (processing payments, issuing receipts) Assisting customers by saying hello and answering their queries.
Dishwasher – $21,286 – $28,540
As a dishwasher, you’ll be responsible for washing all kind of dishes, glasses, silverware, cookware, and more. Make use of dishwashing equipment like sprayers to get the dishes spotless. Put all the clean cutlery, dishes, and glasses back where they belong.
Bartender -$20,091 – $42,837
The Bartender’s duties will include serving customers at the front bar and preparing drinks for the dining room, keeping an eye on the cash drawer, and helping to keep alcohol stocks at the right levels by taking inventory at the end of each night.
Restaurant host/hostess – $21,113 – $29,120
A host or hostess’s duties in a restaurant include smilingly greeting customers as they enter, showing them to their tables, and presenting them with menus. They play an important role as the restaurant’s gatekeeper, herder, and first and last impression.
Service station attendant – $21,052 – $32,357
They also do basic repairs on cars and sell things like gas and oil. Also called a “Driveway Attendant.” To work as a Service Station Attendant doesn’t require any specific education or training. It’s possible that employees will receive some form of on-the-job instruction.
Food and beverage server – $22,360 – $30,369
Professionals in the food and beverage industry provide excellent service to patrons in restaurants, bars, and other businesses. Food and beverage servers not only serve customers, but also set tables, clear away dirty plates, and sometimes even prepare small meals.
Food counter attendant / kitchen help – $21,184 – $32,888
Kitchen aids and cashiers are responsible for assisting head cooks in the kitchen. Customers can get meals from the counter on occasion.
Babysitters, nannies, and parent’s helpers – $20,880 – $37,354
Immigrants are most likely doing this work. It currently ranks among the lowest paid occupations in Canada.
Work Environment in Canada
Collaboration and Integration
Graduating into Canada’s hospitable work culture is only one reason why local and international grads should make an effort to build professional relationships. Considering your level of enthusiasm and the breadth of your professional connections, it is safe to assume that you have already secured a satisfying position after completing your formal education.
Fair Work Hours
The standard workweek in Canada, as in many other nations, consists of Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Teamwork is highly appreciated in the workplace, so if you’re applying for a position, it’s important to inquire about the dress code and the team you’ll be working with.
In most cases, managers treat their staff members fairly, and any suggestions they may have are always taken into consideration. Maintaining a strict adherence to the stated schedule is highly praised as well.
Communication is key
Managers put a premium on a pleasant workplace atmosphere, so it’s important to have a positive outlook on your teammates, superiors, and responsibilities at all times. It is encouraged that you ask more questions if you are not satisfied with an answer or do not fully grasp anything.
High Paying Jobs in Canada After Diploma
| Job | Annual Median Salary (in CAD) |
| Stationary Energy Sources Installer and Operator | 128,310 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies | 74,248 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention & Treatment Professions | 69,163 |
| Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians | 68,748 |
| Ground Transportation | 66,950 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | 64,910 |
| Environmental, Mining & Petroleum & Other Engineering Technologies/Technicians | 64,382 |
| Civil Engineering Technology/Technician | 63,742 |
| Drafting, Architecture, Surveying and Mapping | 61,725 |
| Precision Metal Working and Production Trades | 58,691 |
Canadian Universities With the Highest Graduate Employability
The following are the finest higher education institutions in Canada, according to statistics from the Global University Employability Ranking:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Montreal
- McMaster University
- University of Waterloo
- University of Calgary
- University of Alberta
- Queen’s University
Highest-Paying Jobs in Canada’s Largest Cities
Toronto
- Computer and information systems manager
- Managers in health care
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- Financial and investment analysts:
- Restaurant and food service managers
Vancouver
- Construction managers
- Financial auditors and accountants
- Court officers and justices of the peace
- Engineering managers
- Managers in social, community, and correctional services
Edmonton
- Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians:
- Nursing coordinators and supervisors
- Human resources professional
- Information systems analysts and consultants
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
FAQs
What is highest paid job in Canada?
In Canada, becoming a doctor is likely the best-paying job. Especially for surgeons, cardiologists, radiologists, and anesthesiologists, salaries can reach $300,000+ annually.
Which is the easiest job with high salary in Canada?
Radiologic Technologist.
Cardiology Technologist.
Medical Laboratory Technician.
Massage Therapist.
Optician.
The ability to make more than $25 per hour can be a game changer. As a result, many people consider $25 an hour to be the bare minimum for a respectable wage. Discovering gainful employment that pays at least $25 per hour can mean the difference between scraping by and making progress toward one’s goals.