Are you dreaming of a six-figure career?
The 2020 median total income after tax for Canadian families and individuals is $66,800 per year, according to Statistics Canada. But the potential to earn more is there.
While many jobs may not start you off with a six-figure salary, you can work your way up the ladder with hard work, personal development, and dedication o your craft.
Below, I’ll share some of the highest-paying jobs in Canada in the tech, medical, professional, and engineering industries so that you can see for yourself!
The Highest-Paying Tech Jobs In Canada
From software engineering to information technology, the tech sector offers some of the highest-paying jobs in Canada.
It’s also one of the few industries where those without a traditional university degree can carve out a space for themselves by educating themselves, building a portfolio of projects, or gaining credit by working with a start-up.
Larger companies may favour computer science graduates, but many of the smaller, up-and-coming companies look for talent over technicals.
If you’re proficient with computers, enjoy the challenge of programming, and have other in-demand skills, the tech industry can be incredibly rewarding and versatile.
1. Full-Stack Developers
- Average Salary: $85,207
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s in computer science
If you’re looking for a job with limitless career prospects, pursuing a job as a full-stack developer is one of the best things you can do.
A full-stack developer is a jack of all trades and is proficient in multiple programming languages. They can work with front-end languages like Javascript, HTML, and CSS just as easily as they can work with back-end languages like Python, Ruby, and others.
From building and maintaining websites and web applications to developing complex back-end frameworks, full-stack developers have the power to design, create, and bring to life amazing digital experiences for users.
With their front-end skills, they create the look and feel of the website. And with their back-end skills, they ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently behind the scenes. They can code up anything from a simple landing page to a complex e-commerce platform.
Their versatility is why full-stack developers are in high demand. They can easily switch between different departments and fill multiple roles, which means they’ll have plenty of job prospects and are a good fit for a management position as well.
2. Software Engineering
- Average Salary: $87,242
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s in computer science
Software engineering is one of the highest-paying jobs in Canada. Although many software engineers start with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, many pursue further their master’s degree to learn more, which can result in a higher average annual salary.
A software engineer is a professional responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software systems and applications. They’re responsible for understanding the requirements of a project, selecting appropriate technology and tools, and creating high-quality software.
Most major tech companies employ large teams of software engineers who all work together to improve apps and software constantly. This is why you’re constantly being prompted to update your computer’s operating system and the apps on your phone.
Software engineers combine their knowledge of multiple programming languages and system architecture to create programs and code that meet users’ needs. They generally collaborate with a team of other developers, assistants, and project managers to ensure that the end product is as glitch-free as possible.
3. Artificial Intelligence Developer
- Average Salary: $79,280
- Education/Degree Required: Master’s degree in computer science & machine learning
Artificial intelligence will likely go down in history as our generation’s greatest breakthrough. Companies like OpenAI, Google, Facebook, and others are offering ever-expanding career opportunities for intuitive developers who have what it takes to help develop and program AI programs and software.
AI developers create and develop intelligent systems and applications.
They integrate techniques such as machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision to create algorithms that enable computers to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, image classification, and natural language processing.
Because AI’s are designed to mimic human brain function, AI developers must also understand how the human mind works. For this reason, AI developers often work alongside psychologists and medical doctors who understand the brain.
If you’re looking for a career path with a bright future, this is definitely worth looking into.
4. Information Technology Auditor
- Average Salary: $96,676
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science
Once you’ve worked your way up in the information technology (IT) sector, you’ll develop the skills you need to become a successful IT auditor. They’re essential data scientists with experience in computer programming and systems architecture.
IT auditors are responsible for reviewing and evaluating an organization’s information technology systems, processes, and infrastructure to ensure they are secure, reliable, and compliant with relevant regulations and standards.
They regularly conduct network and system audits to ensure that all of the data (information) on the company’s servers are safe, secure, and easy to recover in the event of a catastrophic event.
The goal of an IT auditor is to provide assurance that the IT systems are functioning appropriately, data is secure and reliable, and the organization is following established standards and regulations.
The Highest-Paying Medical Jobs In Canada
Pursuing a career in the medical field is not for the faint of heart. Medical specialists must undergo rigorous schooling and on-the-job training.
Obtaining a medical degree typically requires a minimum of four years of school in addition to your standard four-year bachelor’s degree. Even after you graduate medical school, you’ll be required to complete several years of residency training (while earning far less than other doctors).
The payoff at the end is worth it, though. There’s no shortage of job openings in the medical field, and being a doctor is one of the highest-paid careers in the world.
5. Dental Surgeon
- Average Salary: $150,000
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree, dental school
Dental surgeons are highly skilled dental school graduates who undergo many years of training to gain the skills they need to perform complex maxillofacial surgery.
Dental surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, such as:
- Extractions
- Dental implants
- Correction of jaw and tooth misalignments
- Veneers
- Pediatric dentistry procedures
Dental school is very similar to medical school and entails around four years of education.
To become a dental surgeon, though, dental school graduates must complete an additional four to six years of residency training before they’re ready to perform their first solo dental surgery. All things considered, becoming a dental surgeon requires between twelve and fourteen years of school.
That being said, dental surgeons earn some of the best salaries in their field.
6. Medical Doctor
- Average Salary: $216,833
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree, medical school
Doctors are professionals in medical sciences and have completed a bachelor’s in science degree, a medical degree, and a two to a four-year residency program. While intense schooling can be hard on one’s mental health, doctors are rewarded with very high salaries.
Average salaries for medical doctors can vary significantly. Depending on your level of skill and experience, the salary range for a doctor can range between $76,759 and $451,997
During your time in medical school, you’ll be required to do your rounds working in various fields before you select your chosen specialization. Some doctors go on to work as family physicians, while others choose to partner with private practices, hospitals, and more.
Experienced doctors may go on to open their own private practice.
Doctors generally have a fast-paced work environment and often have to put their personal interests aside. However, they earn good money and often have the opportunity to save lives.
7. Orthopedic Surgery
- Average Salary: $478,161
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree, medical school
Compared to standard doctors, orthopedic surgeons earn an incredibly high average salary. The average orthopedic surgeon earns just under a half-million dollars per year, making it one of the highest-paying jobs in Canada.
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
Although orthopedic surgeons may try to start with non-surgical treatments, many of their patients require surgical procedures, such as joint replacement or spinal fusion. In addition to performing surgeries, orthopedic surgeons consult with patients to evaluate their conditions and develop treatment plans.
They often work with athletes, the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, or those who were involved in accidents. Their quick work often saves lives and requires a high degree of precision and intuition.
The Highest-Paying Professional Jobs In Canada
Job seekers looking to enter the fast-paced professional job market are generally interested in business, finance, law, and leadership. If you enjoy working with people, have a sharp mind for business, and like the idea of wearing a suit to work, then the professional sector could be for you.
Here are some of the highest-paying jobs in the professional sector.
8. Senior Financial Analyst
- Average Salary: $94,496
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting
Senior financial analysts often begin their career path in general accounting. Here, they’ll learn the skills they need to work with high-profile clients and large companies.
As a senior financial analyst, you’ll be responsible for managing accounts receivable, analyzing a company’s books, and ensuring that the company isn’t going over budget.
The goal of a senior financial analyst is to provide accurate and insightful financial information to support informed decision-making and to help the organization achieve its financial goals.
They often work alongside the chief financial officer and chief executive officer to help set the company’s budget and ensure the organization remains profitable.
9. Chief Marketing Officer
- Average Salary: $149,640
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s in marketing, Master’s in marketing management
The chief marketing officer of a company is responsible for developing marketing strategies and managing ad campaigns designed to bring the company more clients. They may have also pursued an MBA in business administration to help them better manage their advertising team.
Job openings for CMOs (and most executive positions, for that matter) aren’t very common. More often than not, organizations recruit some of their most skilled workers from within the company who’ve shown promise and have experience with the company’s marketing strategy.
10. Corporate Law
- Average Salary: $122,369
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree, law school
Corporate lawyers generally work as part of a team and assist large companies in everything from company acquisitions to lawsuits. Unlike personal lawyers, which are more educated in personal, criminal, and family matters, corporate lawyers have an in-depth understanding of business and finance.
They also work closely with executives and other company stakeholders to ensure that their business activities comply with Canadian laws and regulations, preventing future problems.
The Highest-Paying Engineering Jobs In Canada
If you have a mind for math and engineering, don’t like the idea of being stuck in an office all day, and want to work on large projects, then a career in engineering can be incredibly rewarding.
Pay can vary depending on the province and industry you’re working in, but job seekers will find that engineering is a very high-demand field.
11. Petroleum Engineer
- Average Salary: $101,577
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s and master’s degree in petroleum, civil, or chemical engineering
Canada has large petroleum and natural gas deposits. As such, it’s home to a number of refineries. Petroleum engineers specialize in the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and natural gas.
While modern technology has made this a lot safer, the slightest miscalculation can result in a catastrophic event. Petroleum engineers are responsible for running all of the calculations, overseeing operations, and ensuring that oil extraction goes smoothly.
12. Electrical Engineer
- Average Salary: $78,965
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering
Electrical engineers help to design power distribution systems, large-scale construction projects and can often be found working in Canada’s expansive hydroelectric industry.
Unlike electricians, who handle smaller jobs and installations, electrical engineers handle all of the math and calculations that electricians rely on to get the job done right. They ensure that the right amount of power goes where needed and ensure that electrical systems are maintained to the highest degree of safety possible.
13. Construction Project Management Engineer
- Average Salary: $75,580
- Education/Degree Required: Bachelor’s or master’s in civil engineering
Construction project management engineers often fill the roles of architectural and civil engineers. They often work on large construction projects and ensure that everything is being built to Canada’s rigorous building code and safety standards.
After running their calculations, they’ll work directly with general contractors and building professionals to ensure that the project is constructed in the safest, most efficient way possible.
Do You Need A University Degree To Get Paid Well In Canada?
Ultimately, you don’t always need a university degree to earn good money. I’ve met many high-earning entrepreneurs who dropped out of college (or never attended at all). While starting a business can be profitable, it requires hard work and isn’t for everybody.
If you’re looking for a traditional career that pays well, then pursuing a university degree in your chosen field is definitely worthwhile.
Another strategy you may consider is to pursue a high-paying job opportunity, save as much money as possible, and use your savings to help start your dream business. This will give you valuable on-the-job experience and allow you to see how a successful company works from the inside out.
FAQs About The Highest Paying Jobs In Canada
To wrap up, here are a few quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the best paying jobs in Canada.
What Jobs Are In High Demand In Canada?
The medical and tech sectors are, by far, the most in-demand fields in Canada. If you pursue a degree in computer or medical sciences, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a profitable career path, whether you live in British Columbia, Ontario, or anywhere in between.
Is Medical School Worth It?
Doctors and dentists earn some of the highest salaries in Canada. However, they also undergo some of the most rigorous education in the country. If you’re looking for the easiest job, becoming a doctor is not it.
However, if you’re dedicated to helping others and are willing to put in the work, then you could earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.
Is A Career In Business Administration Profitable?
Business administrators often become vice presidents and executive officers. They may also find themselves in lower-paying jobs or mid-level management.
At the end of the day, you’ll need to network and prove your value if you want to earn a high salary as a business administrator.
Conclusion – What’s The Highest Paying Job In Canada?
The highest-paying jobs in Canada appear to be in the medical field. Doctors, dentists, and surgeons save lives daily and typically undergo almost a decade of schooling and study during residency.
Pursuing a career as an entrepreneur can be equally rewarding, though. With the internet, there are more opportunities than ever. Keep on reading to see my list of the best online businesses to start in Canada!
