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:

  • Surgeon

  • Anesthesiologist

  • Psychiatrist

  • Dentist / Orthodontist

  • Pharmacist

  • 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:

  • Software Engineer

  • DevOps Engineer

  • Data Scientist

  • AI / Machine Learning Engineer

  • Cloud Architect

  • Cybersecurity Analyst

Average salaries: $90,000 – $180,000 CAD


⚖️ Law & Finance Careers

High income + strong career growth:

  • Corporate Lawyer

  • 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:

  • Electrician – $70k – $120k

  • Plumber – $65k – $115k

  • Heavy Equipment Operator – $70k – $120k

  • Welder – $60k – $110k

  • HVAC Technician – $65k – $120k

These occupations are also in demand for immigration.


✈️ Aviation & Transportation

  • Airline Pilot – $90k – $200k

  • Air Traffic Controller – $100k – $180k

  • Marine Engineer – $90k – $150k


📈 Best Paying Jobs Without a Degree

  • Commercial Truck Driver

  • Real Estate Agent

  • Construction Manager

  • Power Line Technician

  • Sales Manager


🇨🇦 Provinces with Highest Salaries

  • Alberta

  • Ontario

  • British Columbia

  • Saskatchewan

Energy, tech, finance, and healthcare hubs pay the most.


How to Qualify for High-Paying Jobs in Canada

  1. Choose in-demand occupation

  2. Obtain required education or certification

  3. Gain work experience

  4. Improve English/French (IELTS/TEF)

  5. 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.

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