Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Canada in 2024

Canada has been increasingly recognized as a top destination for high-paying jobs. Key factors include its stable economy, demand for skilled labor, and attractive immigration policies. High-paying jobs not only offer financial security but also present career growth, a high standard of living, and work-life balance. Canada’s commitment to healthcare, innovation, and sustainable resources further enhances job stability across several sectors.

Certain industries in Canada lead the way for high-paying opportunities due to factors like technological growth, healthcare demand, and specialized skills requirements. Here are the top fields offering lucrative jobs:

• Healthcare: Positions in healthcare often top the salary lists, especially for medical specialists like anesthesiologists and surgeons. With a demand for skilled practitioners due to Canada’s aging population, this industry provides both stability and high income.
• Technology: Canada’s tech sector has been expanding rapidly, with top-paying roles in IT management, data science, and software engineering.
• Engineering: The engineering sector is a significant contributor to Canada’s economy. High-paying positions in petroleum and civil engineering reflect Canada’s commitment to resource management and infrastructure development.
• Legal and Corporate Services: With Canada’s thriving business environment, corporate lawyers and executive roles in management also command high salaries, especially in large cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Let’s dive into the specifics of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2024, including each role’s duties, average salary, qualifications, and career prospects.

1. Anesthesiologist (NOC 31100)

Average Salary: $391,568 per year

Job Role: Anesthesiologists are responsible for administering anesthesia and overseeing patient care before, during, and after surgery. They play a critical role in surgical procedures, ensuring that patients are pain-free and stable throughout.

Qualifications: Requires a medical degree and at least five years of residency in anesthesiology. Licensing is required through a provincial medical board.

2. Cardiologist (NOC 31100)

Average Salary: $312,000 per year

Job Role: Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart and cardiovascular issues, such as coronary artery disease and hypertension.

Qualifications: Completion of a medical degree followed by a 10-year training process, including residency. Provincial licensure is also required.

3. Surgeon (NOC 31101)

Average Salary: $325,732 per year

Job Role: Surgeons perform operations to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. They may specialize further in fields like orthopedic or neurosurgery, which can yield even higher earnings.

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree, medical school, and a minimum of five years in a surgical residency program are required, along with provincial licensing.

4. Corporate Lawyer (NOC 41101)

Average Salary: $150,000 per year

Job Role: Corporate lawyers handle legal aspects of business, including contracts, mergers, and acquisitions, often for high-profile clients.

Qualifications: Law degree, passing the bar exam, and typically further specialization in corporate law. Career growth is often associated with further certifications or partnership opportunities in a law firm.

5. Petroleum Engineer (NOC 21341)

Average Salary: $208,000 per year

Job Role: Petroleum engineers are critical to Canada’s energy sector, as they develop methods for extracting oil and gas. They work closely with geologists and other professionals to optimize production.

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in engineering (typically petroleum, chemical, or mechanical) is required, along with Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) certification.

6. IT Manager (NOC 20012)

Average Salary: $136,000 per year

Job Role: IT managers oversee a company’s technology needs, including infrastructure, software, and data security, while managing IT teams.

Qualifications: Degree in computer science or IT, with certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) and substantial experience in the field.

7. Marketing Manager (NOC 10022)

Average Salary: $120,000 per year

Job Role: Marketing managers develop and implement strategies for promoting products and services. They work across multiple channels and handle brand awareness initiatives.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in marketing or business, with experience in digital marketing, data analytics, and possibly certifications in specialized areas.

8. Data Scientist (NOC 21211)

Average Salary: $110,000 per year

Job Role: Data scientists analyze and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This role is vital in tech, finance, and healthcare, where data drives strategy.

Qualifications: Degree in computer science, statistics, or data science. Additional certifications in data analytics tools are advantageous.

9. Airline Pilot (NOC 72600)

Average Salary: $104,000 per year

Job Role: Airline pilots fly commercial aircraft, ensuring safety and managing logistics for passenger and cargo flights.

Qualifications: Commercial pilot’s license with certifications, including meeting Transport Canada’s aviation standards.

10. Pharmacist (NOC 31120)

Average Salary: $112,000 per year

Job Role: Pharmacists are responsible for preparing and dispensing medications, advising patients on medication use, and ensuring prescription accuracy.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, PEBC certification, and provincial licensing are required.