Top 18 Highest Paying Jobs in Canada With Annual Salaries (2023)
Are you wondering what are highest paying jobs in Canada? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re considering which field to study in Canada or a switch in career, salary plays a big role in your decision-making process.
Whether you’re just starting on your job search journey or already have an established career path, I’ll reveal career opportunities with high earning potential in Canada.
From engineering and healthcare to banking and finance, these are some of the best-paying positions available in the country’s job market.
Read on to learn more about each job, the annual salary, and what qualifications it takes to get hired.
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1.Anaesthesiologist
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 424 999
Average Hourly Rate: $ 218
Job Description:
Anaesthesiologists/anesthetists are medical doctors who are experts in administering anesthesia prior to surgical procedures. They provide medical care to patients during the surgical process, monitor vital signs and administer additional drugs as needed.
Education and Training Requirements:
Not surprisingly, one of the highest paying jobs in Canada are in the healthcare industry. However, they’re also the jobs that require one of the longest time and financial commitment for training and studies.
To become an anesthesiologist, MDs need to finish a five-year residency program after completing 4-year medical school. The program includes training, adult and child anesthesiology, obstetric anesthesiology, critical care, and chronic pain management.
After finishing the residency, medical professionals must pass the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s qualification exam and get licensed by their province or territory.
2.Surgeon
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 375 240
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 192
Job Description:
A surgeon is a type of physician who treats various illnesses through surgical procedures. They usually choose a specialization in areas of medicine, such as neurology, cardiology, or orthopedics, but can also perform general surgery.
Education and Training Requirements:
Surgeons must complete years of studies and hands-on training. The job also requires a set of qualifications to become licensed and practice.
To begin, they need a bachelor’s degree in a field of science. Following this, they must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and be admitted to one of Canada’s 17 medical schools. The medical school takes four years of study.
After medical school, they must pass additional exams – the Medical Council of Canada Evaluation Examination (MCCEE) and a residency program at a Canadian hospital that depends on their area of specialty.
General Surgeons need to complete a five-year residency program and many specialties require an additional two to three years focusing on the particular specialty.
Finally, they must take a certifying examination from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada to comply with the specific provincial regulations.
3.Orthodontist
Average Annual Salary: CA$338 933
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 174
Job Description:
Orthodontists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. They design and fit braces to correct teeth that are improperly aligned.
Education and Training Requirements:
To become an orthodontist, you must first become a dentist and consequently complete another wo-to-three-year master’s program in orthodontics at an accredited Canadian university. (see education and training requirements for dentists).
4.Forensic Pathologist
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 336 546
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 173
Job Description:
Forensic Pathology is a specialized field of medicine focused on the investigation and evaluation of sudden, suspicious, or unexpected fatalities. Forensic pathologists work in close collaboration with medical examiners, police officers, and coroners to determine the cause, time, and manner of death.
Education and Training Requirements:
Becoming a forensic pathologist requires extensive training and education. To get started, applicants should take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and apply to medical school which lasts 4 years.
Upon completion of medical school, you must pass a two-part exam known as the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination to become a licensed physician. The next step is the completion of a residency program at a Canadian hospital that lasts between 2 to 6 years to get on-the-job training.
To gain specialized knowledge, you’ll need to join a fellowship in forensic pathology. After completing all the training and other requirements, you can apply for a full medical license.
Psychiatrist
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 312,701
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 160
Job Description:
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental disorders. Their job includes conducting psychiatric evaluations, prescribing medication, and providing psychotherapy or counseling for patients with mental health problems.
Education and Training Requirements:
Becoming a psychiatrist requires obtaining a medical degree from one of the Canadian-accredited medical schools.
The next step is applying for 5 years of psychiatric residency through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). You can choose the facility you want to work for to learn how to treat, diagnose and prevent medical conditions such as substance abuse, depression, and developmental disabilities.
To legally practice psychiatry, you must obtain a license from the province or territory’s licensing authority and pass the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons’ certificate exam.
5.Airline Pilot
Average Annual Salary Range: CA$50,000 – CA$250 000
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 42.50 (the hourly rate depends on the type of aircraft you fly and whether you’re qualified as a Captain, First Officer or Relief Pilot and a few other factors)
Job Description:
Airline pilots in Canada operate the plane and are licensed by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), ensuring safety during flight, especially during take-off and landing, monitoring all instruments while in flight, communicating with air traffic control, and following specific procedures.
Education and Training Requirements:
To become a licensed pilot in Canada, one must first obtain a Private Pilot Certificate. This certificate allows you to legally fly an aircraft and includes passing theoretical tests and medical examinations.
The training to earn this certificate typically consists of 20 hours with a flight instructor, as well as 20 hours of solo flight time.
If you want to become a commercial pilot in Canada, the next step is getting a Commercial Pilot License, which requires a minimum of 200 hours of flight time and 80 hours of ground school, and passing the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) written exams and flight test.
Furthermore, you’ll need a Medical Certificate from a Canadian Aviation Medical Examiner (CAME) Doctor. Most airlines also require pilots to have an instrument rating on their license that allows them to fly in all weather conditions including low visibility.
6.General Practitioner
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 250 000
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 128
Job Description:
General practitioners (GPs), also known as family physicians are primary care doctors in Canada who diagnose and treat a wide range of patient conditions. They conduct general medical exams, provide preventative health services, assess symptoms, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans and refer patients to specialists.
Education and Training Requirements:
The first step to becoming a general practitioner is completing a degree from an accredited medical school.
After graduation, you’ll need two to three years of family medicine residency training. The last step is passing the Medical Council of Canada and getting licensed by the provincial or territorial licensing authority.
7.Dentist
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 208 885
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 107
Job Description:
Dentists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral diseases. They also perform dental surgery, provide advice on proper dental hygiene, and make dentures or other prosthetic devices.
Education and Training Requirements:
A university degree is a prerequisite for applying to dental school. Make sure to choose a degree and subjects that will meet the criteria for dental universities to get a title of the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), or the Bachelor of Dentistry (BDS).
If you wish to enroll in dental schools, you’ll also need to pass the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), as per the requirements set by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). The program typically lasts 4 years.
To become a fully licensed dentist, you’ll need to pass the exam conducted by The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), including the written exam and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
8.Petroleum Engineer
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 185 889
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 95
Job Description:
Petroleum engineers are responsible for finding new sources of oil and natural gas, developing ways to extract them from the earth, and refining the raw materials. They also develop improved methods of drilling, maintain operating equipment, and oversee production processes.
Education and Training Requirements:
Almost all employers in this field require you to have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering.
In Saskatchewan and Quebec, you’ll also need to obtain an engineers-in-training (EIT) certificate. Society of Petroleum Engineers also provides further certifications to boost your resume.
9.Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: CA $184 110
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 94
Job Description:
Lawyers provide legal advice to their clients, represent them in court proceedings, and draft legal documents. They may specialize in specific areas such as tax law, family law, property law, crime law, and many others.
Education and Training Requirements:
In order to become a lawyer, an undergraduate degree and law school education are required. The schooling typically takes seven years in total. Before you can apply to law school, you will need to pass the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
Additionally, you’ll need to gain some practical legal experience between six to 12 months of on-the-job training while shadowing an established attorney.
Every province has slightly different requirements to become a fully licensed lawyer.
10.Marketing Director
Average Annual Salary: CA $175 970
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 90
Job Description:
Marketing directors develop and execute marketing strategies for companies to help them increase sales revenue, and reach their target audience.
Education and Training Requirements:
Generally, you’ll need 5+ years of experience and a degree in marketing.
You may also want to consider obtaining certificates from the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA). It’s also a great platform to network in the industry.
11.Software Engineer
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 153 751
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 79
Job Description:
Software developers and software engineers are responsible for developing software applications for computers and other devices. They create, test, maintain, and troubleshoot software to ensure it meets user requirements and company standards.
Education and Training Requirements:
To become a software engineer, you’ll need at least a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering from an accredited university.
An alternative education usually involves online classes in coding and programming languages. To learn technical skills, a good starting point is to find an internship in an established company or tech start-up.
12.Bank Manager
Average Annual Salary: CA $147 140
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 75
Job Description:
Bank managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a bank branch. They must ensure that all staff members provide excellent customer service and adhere to banking regulations, manage finances, and develop strategies to increase profits.
Education and Training Requirements:
To become a bank manager, you must have a university degree or college diploma in business administration, commerce, economics, or a related field.
In addition to this educational requirement, it is beneficial to possess a master’s degree in business administration, finance, or management science for managing large commercial loans.
You can also look into recognized financial designations, such as (CFA, CFP, CIM, or others).
13.Full Stack Developer
Average Annual Salary: CA$146 120
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 75
Job Description:
Full-stack engineers are responsible for the architecture, design, and development of web applications (both front-end and back-end). They create and maintain databases, develop user interfaces, and ensure that applications are secure and compliant.
Education and Training Requirements:
To begin your career as a full-stack developer, you’ll need a degree in computer engineering, software development, or any related field.
Full-stack development courses can last anywhere between a few months to years. You’ll need to master some fundamentals of computer science and programming languages of front-end (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to the back end (e.g., PHP, Python, MySQL, Git, GitHub) and beyond.
14.Geoscientist
Average Annual Salary: CA$126 829
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 65
Job Description:
Geoscientists are scientists who study the Earth, its composition, and its physical structure. They use research-based methods to investigate a wide range of geological processes, from earthquakes to landslides.
They’re other subfields like geologists, seismologists, geochemists, and geophysicists. They usually work in architectural engineering, as consultants, or in laboratories.
Education and Training Requirements:
You’ll need a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in the field of geoscience and then apply to become a P.Geo. (Professional Geoscientist). Each province might require a different licensing.
15.Financial Advisor
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 124 323
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 63
Job Description:
Financial advisors provide financial advice to clients on topics such as retirement planning, investment strategies, insurance, and tax planning. They may also help with risk management and other financial information.
Education and Training Requirements:
Although it is possible to become a financial advisor without a degree, having it can open up more job opportunities. Most financial advisors hold a bachelor’s degree in fields such as accounting, business, economics, math, or finance, regardless of the specific financial advice and services they offer.
You can also get certifications for the aspect of financial counseling you want to focus on. For example, you can become a certified financial planner (CFP)to show your expertise in financial planning. Other possible certifications are the Professional Financial Advisor (PFA) and Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS).
16.Human Resources Manager
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 106 121
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 54
Job Description:
Human resources managers are responsible for overseeing the hiring and onboarding processes of a company. They must ensure that all recruitment and employee relations procedures meet employment law requirements, while also providing assistance to employees in need.
Education and Training Requirements:
Most companies require a bachelor’s degree in human resources. You can apply for a bachelor’s degree in commerce, business administration, arts, or social science with a major in human resources or labor relations.
If you want to take your career in human resources to the next level, you can become a CPHR or Chartered Professional in Human Resources. This is the highest qualification you can get in Canada in this field.
17.Construction Project Manager
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 100 000
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 51
Job Description:
Construction project managers are responsible for overseeing the entire construction process, from planning to completion. They must ensure that construction projects are completed on time and within budget while adhering to safety standards.
Education and Training Requirements:
To become a construction project manager, you’ll need a college diploma in construction technology, engineering, or architecture. As in any profession, it’s important to gain lots of experience and eventually build your way up to supervising position.
Although certifications may not be required, they can greatly increase your chances to get hired. Some of them are Gold Seal Certification provided by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) and Project Management Competence Certification provided by the Project Management Association of Canada.
18.College Professor
Average Annual Salary: CA$ 95 577
Average Hourly Rate: CA$ 49
Job Description:
Professors teach at universities or colleges. They design their own courses, create course materials, deliver lectures, and lead discussions in the classroom. Professors are also responsible for assessing students’ work and providing guidance to students on their research projects.
Education and Training Requirements:
To become a college professor in Canada, you need to have a doctoral degree in the field of study you want to specialize in.
It’s important to achieve a good GPA (grade point average) throughout your studies, as this significantly increases your chances of becoming a professor.
Another requirement is to have teaching experience, either as a lecturer or in an assistant position, and to publish academic texts or articles in your field before becoming a professor.
Final Word
If you’re new to Canada, you should consider the province that has abundant job openings in your specific field of expertise.
If you’re looking into a new career, identify in-demand skills in a province, where you’d like to settle.
Every province has different minimum wages, income taxes, and regulations.
The highest minimum wage is in British Columbia, followed by Ontario and Alberta. These are also the provinces with the highest salaries in Canada.
My job research has revealed that you can find some of the best-paying jobs in Canada in health care, IT, finance industry, or marketing. The only downside is that many of these professions often require 5+ years of post-secondary study and training.
International students pay roughly three times higher tuition fees than Canadian residents or citizens, therefore long college studies can be very financially draining and unattainable to many expats.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s the list of side jobs in Canada and the highest-paying jobs without a degree that you can start today.
Do you need help with your job search or obtaining a work permit? Consider hiring a job consultant and Canada immigration lawyer.
