Your golden ticket to the kind of wealth you’ve always imagined is one of Canada’s best-paying occupations. But this is not your typical 9 to 5 grind. We’re discussing professions that represent the very heights of professionalism, ingenuity, and talent. It’s a never-ending quest for excellence that forces you to get better every day, and the stakes are quite high. However, the benefits are considerably greater.
Explore our list of the 20 highest-paying jobs in Canada if you’re thinking about changing careers, upgrading your skills, or enrolling in college. Remember this in a job market that is changing quickly: a job may pay the bills, but a career creates financial independence.
Human Resources Manager
Required Degree: Human Resources, Business Administration or related
Years to a degree:Â 3 to 4
Median salary:Â $107,743
Salary range: $80,982 to $134,504
The core of a company’s workforce is its HR Manager or human resources manager. Consider them your go-to person for all things employee-related, from hiring new team members to assisting with workplace problems.
An HR manager may be conducting interviews with possible new hires, assist in the resolution of an employee conflict, or plan a training session to help individuals develop new abilities on any given day. They ensure that employers adhere to labor rules and regulations and that workers are treated fairly and paid reasonably. In order to maximize production and reduce labor expenses, they want to establish a positive, productive work atmosphere where everyone can perform at their highest level.
You must earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources management, or a closely related discipline in order to qualify for this well-paying position in Canada. You could require a master’s degree in business administration or human resources to advance to the highest wage tier. Additionally, you want to think about earning the Canadian qualification of Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP). Your credibility will be raised, new work prospects will present themselves, and your earning potential will rise.
Developer, Full Stack
Required Degree: Information Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related
Years to a degree: 3 – 4
Median salary:Â $119,332.50.
Salary range: $89,782 – $148,883
A Full Stack Developer, who can earn over $190,000 a year, is like a highly trained handyman for websites. They are familiar with every aspect of how a website works and are capable of fixing it. The front end—what users see and interact with—and the back end—where data is handled and managed—are both included in this. Additionally, they are adept in ensuring that the servers, databases, and website all function properly.
They are crucial in tech development because of their capacity to comprehend and operate every component of a website. By performing a variety of activities, they can support the team, develop a basic version of a product rapidly, assist team members in better understanding the website, and save money. They are referred to as “full stack” since they are capable of working on any aspect of the website as required.
You normally require a degree in computer science, information systems, or a related subject to work as a full-stack developer. You’ll need to develop your skills in a number of web development-related fields, such as databases, front-end and back-end technologies, and several coding languages. Additionally, you’ll need to comprehend the fundamentals of project management and the full workflow of web development.
Must Read: When Hiring A Developer Avoid These Common Blunders
Engineer for Cybersecurity
Required Degree: Information Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related
Years to degree: 3 – 4 years after high school
Median salary: $135,000
Salary range: $120,063 – $148,883
Since cyber security is a serious issue, it is not surprising that there is a strong demand in Canada for cyber security engineers, with some earning over $148,883 per year. To safeguard devices, networks, and services from hostile digital attacks, cyber security experts carry out a number of security-related duties. The work can be really tough because you’ll frequently be working under pressure.
Young people make up the majority of cyber security engineers in the nation, and some businesses now even accept applications from people without a college degree. For this top-paying job in Canada, all you need are the appropriate abilities, credentials, and demonstrated experience. Even so, a college education might be useful.
Solution Engineer
Required Degree: Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related field
Years to a degree: 3 – 4
Median salary:Â $127,000
Salary range: $84,000 to $170,000
A solution architect sometimes referred to as a technology architect or solution engineer, is an expert at solving technological conundrums for businesses. Their work involves designing and managing the solution to a challenging question: how can we use technology to effectively achieve our business goals? They can earn up to $130,00 per year. To accomplish this, they develop plans for new technological systems (or solutions), making sure they are compatible with the organization’s current technological infrastructure and satisfy the needs of the business.
Consider a business that is creating a new website. The choice of technology, the layout of the site, and its integration with other systems inside the organization may all be decided with the aid of the solution architect. They’ll guarantee that the new site can be constructed within budget, is safe, and can manage the anticipated volume of visitors.
A degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, or a similar discipline is typically necessary for this position, while there is no set educational prerequisite. Candidates having a master’s degree in a relevant discipline may be preferred by some employers. Practical experience with diverse technologies, programming languages, and systems is very vital in addition to academic study.
Software Engineer in Charge
Required Degree: Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
Years to degree: 3-4 years after high school
Median salary: $122,050
Salary range: $100,000 – $172,000
There is a demand for software developers in Canada. Some software engineers earn more than $172,000 a year, or about $122,050 annually. The nicest part about this employment is that you can start working right away without needing a traditional college diploma. While most employers prioritize experience, some could insist on a conventional degree.
To begin your job, you can finish a three- or four-year diploma program. There are also master’s and doctoral degrees offered. As a new software engineer, you can expect to make around $80,000 annually.
Operating Officer, Chief
Required Degree: Business Administration or business relevant
Years to a degree: 4 years after high school
Median salary: $133,188
Salary range: $90,000 – $183,000
This is a highly difficult position that could lead to you becoming the CEO. Chief Operations Officers (COO) make a variety of salaries, with some earning up to $183,000 annually and others earning less than half of that amount. You will directly report to the CEO as a COO and supervise a sizable workforce. Additionally, the majority of COOs in Canada benefit from extra benefits including generous bonuses and paid holidays.
Information Officer in Chief
Required Degree: Information Technology or related
Years to a degree: 4 years after high school
Median salary: $152,525
Salary range: $141,742 – $186,755
This job is particularly interesting because it entails some pretty unusual duties like managing the procedures, tools, and personnel inside an organization’s information technology (IT) department. The average annual salary for chief information officers (CIOs) is $152,525; however, some earn significantly more.
More and more businesses are vying for the top CIOs as digital becomes a critical capability. Since there is such a high demand for this field, most employers prefer candidates with at least ten years of experience. This implies that you will need to advance up the corporate ladder rather than being employed as a CIO immediately out of college.
Pharmacist
Required Degree: Science, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related
Years to a degree: 5 – 6
Median salary:Â $127,000
Salary range: $54,000 to $200,000
Pharmacists, believe it or not, can earn up to $200,000 a year! They serve as one of the highest-paid professions in Canada and are like a friendly neighborhood guide to the world of drugs. They are pharmaceutical professionals who contribute significantly to healthcare; they don’t just send out prescriptions. like coming up with individualized medication strategies to aid in your recovery and maintenance of your health while preventing any possibly fatal interactions.
Pharmacy professionals can also teach. They educate patients about the functions of drugs and safe dosage techniques. They also administer flu shots, which you may have done at a pharmacy in the past. They are qualified to deliver vaccinations, which increases our access to healthcare.
You need a scientific undergraduate degree before earning a pharmacy degree if you want to work as a pharmacist in Canada. Additionally, you’ll require practical instruction under the guidance of a qualified pharmacist. You must register with the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) in your province after completing your education and training.
Actuarial Supervisor
Required Degree: Actuarial Science, Mathematics, or Statistics
Years to degree:Â 3-4 years after high school
Median salary: $126,750
Salary range: $112,125 – $220,000
Are you into numbers? Think about going into the actuarial sciences. An actuarial manager’s primary responsibility is to assess risks and their effects, but they are also responsible for budget management, project prioritization, and progress monitoring.
Being an actuarial manager requires a lot of work. Your bachelor’s degree is the first requirement, however, it might not be enough since 34.8% of actuarial managers have earned at least one master’s degree. A college degree is required to work as an actuarial manager. Additionally, becoming an actuarial manager can take some time because you might need to initially work as an actuary or actuarial analyst before advancing to a managing role.
On the plus side, actuarial managers are in high demand, and some of Canada’s biggest firms actively recruit them. One of the highest-paying positions in Canada, top actuarial managers can earn more than $220,000 annually.
Lawyer
Required Degree:Â Law Degree
Years to a degree:Â 7
Median salary:Â $163,500
Salary range: $77,000 – $250,000
A lawyer, often known as an attorney, is a qualified someone who practices law and offers legal counsel. A lawyer can explain the laws, help you understand your rights, and, if required, represent you in court if you need assistance with a legal matter. They are also capable of negotiating agreements and assisting in the initial avoidance of legal issues.
The second profession that most people think of after doctors is law, and lawyers are among the highest-paid professions in Canada. They can earn up to $200,000 a year and have a variety of specialties, including corporate contracts, family law, criminal law, or assisting clients with the creation of wills and trusts.
You must earn a bachelor’s degree in any discipline to practice law. After that, you must ace the LSAT and graduate with a legal degree from an accredited law school. You are required to complete an “articling” period after law school, which is essentially an apprenticeship under a practicing attorney. The next step is to pass your province’s or territory’s bar exam. In order to practice law, you must then submit an application to the bar. Normally, the entire process lasts seven years.
Canada’s Highest-Paying Careers
Here are the 25 highest-paying jobs in Canada:
- Surgeon – $350,000 to $450,000
- Anesthesiologist – $300,000 to $400,000
- Physician (specialist and general) – $150,000 to $350,000
- Psychiatrist – $200,000 to $300,000
- Lawyer– $100,000 to $250,000
- Corporate Treasurer – $120,000 to $200,000
- Banker – $100,000 to $200,000
- Software Engineering Manager – $100,000 to $180,000
- Public Relations and Communications Manager – $110,000 to $150,000
- Tax Manager – $100,000 to $150,000
- Engineering Manager – $100,000 to $150,000
- Geoscientist – $90,000 to $150,000
- Senior Construction Manager – $90,000 to $150,000
- Petroleum Engineer – $80,000 to $150,000
- Pharmacist – $90,000 to $130,000
- Aerospace Engineer – $80,000 to $130,000
- Marketing Manager – $80,000 to $120,000
- Financial Analyst – $70,000 to $120,000
- Human Resources Manager – $70,000 to $120,000
- IT Manager – $80,000 to $120,000
- Research Scientist – $70,000 to $110,000
- Architect – $60,000 to $100,000
- Dentist – $80,000 to $200,000 (note that this range is wide due to variations in practice ownership and specialization)
- Facilities Manager – $70,000 to $100,000
- Pilot – $50,000 to $150,000 (Take notice that this range is broad due to variations in experience, the kind of aircraft, and whether the pilot works for a public or private organization.)
Conclusion: How to Get the Highest-Paying Jobs in Canada
From the aforementioned list of the highest-paying positions in Canada, it is clear that licensed professionals make the most money annually, with managers in corporate positions coming in second.
As a result, if you’re a young person making life plans and want to earn the greatest money in Canada without starting your own firm, you should enroll in a business, law, or medical school. Obtain high academic standing!
