Highest Paying Jobs in Canada (2026 Guide)
Canada offers excellent career opportunities across healthcare, technology, engineering, finance, law, and skilled trades. Many of these professions pay six-figure salaries, provide job stability, and are in high demand.
🔥 Top 20 Highest Paying Jobs in Canada
| Rank | Job Title | Average Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surgeon | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| 2 | Anesthesiologist | $280,000 – $450,000 |
| 3 | Psychiatrist | $220,000 – $350,000 |
| 4 | Dentist | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| 5 | Orthodontist | $180,000 – $350,000 |
| 6 | Petroleum Engineer | $120,000 – $220,000 |
| 7 | Software Engineering Manager | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| 8 | Data Scientist | $100,000 – $160,000 |
| 9 | Cloud Solutions Architect | $110,000 – $180,000 |
| 10 | IT Director | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| 11 | Corporate Lawyer | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| 12 | Pharmacist | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| 13 | Engineering Manager | $110,000 – $190,000 |
| 14 | Financial Manager | $95,000 – $170,000 |
| 15 | Airline Pilot | $90,000 – $200,000 |
| 16 | Marketing Director | $90,000 – $170,000 |
| 17 | Mining Engineer | $100,000 – $180,000 |
| 18 | Cybersecurity Manager | $110,000 – $180,000 |
| 19 | Product Manager (Tech) | $95,000 – $160,000 |
| 20 | Actuary | $95,000 – $160,000 |
Figures are approximate and vary by province, experience, and employer.
🏥 Healthcare (Highest Paying Sector)
Healthcare remains Canada’s top-paying and most stable sector due to aging population and staff shortages.
High-paying healthcare roles include:
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Surgeon
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Anesthesiologist
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Psychiatrist
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Dentist / Orthodontist
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Pharmacist
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Nurse Practitioner ($95k – $140k)
👉 Many healthcare roles qualify for Express Entry & Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
💻 Technology & IT Careers
Tech professionals earn strong salaries even at mid-level:
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Software Engineer
-
DevOps Engineer
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Data Scientist
-
AI / Machine Learning Engineer
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Cloud Architect
-
Cybersecurity Analyst
Average salaries: $90,000 – $180,000 CAD
⚖️ Law & Finance Careers
High income + strong career growth:
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Corporate Lawyer
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Tax Lawyer
-
Investment Banker
-
Financial Manager
-
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
-
Actuary
Average salaries: $90,000 – $250,000 CAD
🛠 Skilled Trades (High Pay Without University Degree)
Some trades pay six figures with experience:
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Electrician – $70k – $120k
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Plumber – $65k – $115k
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Heavy Equipment Operator – $70k – $120k
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Welder – $60k – $110k
-
HVAC Technician – $65k – $120k
These occupations are also in demand for immigration.
✈️ Aviation & Transportation
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Airline Pilot – $90k – $200k
-
Air Traffic Controller – $100k – $180k
-
Marine Engineer – $90k – $150k
📈 Best Paying Jobs Without a Degree
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Commercial Truck Driver
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Real Estate Agent
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Construction Manager
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Power Line Technician
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Sales Manager
🇨🇦 Provinces with Highest Salaries
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Alberta
-
Ontario
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British Columbia
-
Saskatchewan
Energy, tech, finance, and healthcare hubs pay the most.
How to Qualify for High-Paying Jobs in Canada
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Choose in-demand occupation
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Obtain required education or certification
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Gain work experience
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Improve English/French (IELTS/TEF)
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Apply through Express Entry or PNP (if immigrating)
FAQs
Q1: What is the #1 highest paying job in Canada?
Surgeons and anesthesiologists consistently earn the most.
Q2: Can foreigners get high-paying jobs in Canada?
Yes. Skilled professionals can apply through Express Entry, PNP, or LMIA-sponsored jobs.
Q3: What job pays $100k without degree?
Commercial pilot, power line technician, construction manager, and some trades.
Q4: Which field has best future in Canada?
Healthcare, IT, engineering, skilled trades, and clean energy.
Final Thoughts
Canada offers many high-paying career paths with excellent living standards and immigration opportunities. Choosing an in-demand profession, building skills, and applying strategically can help you secure a six-figure salary job.