Let’s get straight to the point, what are the highest paying jobs in Canada? Here are my top five lists (for both genders): Top 5 highest paying jobs in Canada that men should strive to get into in 2018 – and why they pay so well (LinkedIn). Top 5 highest paying jobs in Canada that women should strive to get into in 2018 – and why they pay so well (LinkedIn).
1. Software engineers, median salary $100,000
The growing need for software is driving the demand for qualified tech professionals across many fields. What’s more, as firms look to cut costs and replace full-time employees with freelancers, they are increasingly looking to technology—specifically cloud-based SaaS solutions—to manage tasks that previously required a full-time employee. That’s good news for experienced IT pros.
2. Actuaries, median salary $100,000
The job of an actuary is to help insurance companies determine their pricing, particularly when it comes to life insurance. One of the most common formulas an actuary will use is called a life table, which basically helps insurance providers predict how long their clients are likely to live. It’s a pretty important gig—insurance companies need actuaries if they want to stay in business!
3. Financial auditors & accountants, median salary $90,000
The pay is high for a reason. This can be a pretty stressful job that requires you to ensure accuracy and security of financial records, including income tax returns, corporate reports and other filings. It’s also important to make sure business transactions are being carried out according to rules, regulations and laws so they don’t violate securities regulations. Financial auditors need a university degree as well as several years of experience under their belts before they can expect to land one of these top jobs.
4. Air pilots/navigators/flight engineers, median salary $87,900
Air pilots and flight engineers operate, navigate and maintain aircraft while flying. The first category is paid more, with a median salary of $92,000 per year, compared to an annual median wage of $71,000 for flight engineers. Both professions require at least a high school diploma and licensing/certification by Transport Canada. Flight engineers also require a license from their employer prior to entering training at an airline or general aviation company. (Source: Government of Canada)
5. Lawyers (advocates & solicitors), median salary $84,600
Jobs for advocates and solicitors typically involve drafting, interpreting and enforcing legal rules and regulations. Successful lawyers need to have excellent research skills, strong communication skills, intellectual rigour and a good sense of humour. You also need a law degree from an accredited university to practice law. Law students can complete their studies at four-year universities or at private institutions that offer undergraduate degrees or postgraduate diplomas.
6. Economists & economic policy researchers, median salary $84,600
You can work with economists to help create policies and strategies, or you can be one yourself. You’ll help businesses and governments make sure they’re operating efficiently. To become an economist or economic policy researcher, you will need a degree in economics or a related field. Ideally, you’ll also want some experience studying economic theory (maybe you’ve already done that!). As for your actual salary as an economist?
7. Dentists, denturists & dental surgeons (dentistry), median salary $83,800
Dentists, denturists, and dental surgeons work to restore teeth to health, and provide relief from pain or problems associated with teeth, gums and other parts of the mouth. They also may diagnose and treat oral diseases such as infections or abscesses. The median salary for these professionals was $83,800 in May 2016. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 data.
8. Pharmacists and pharmacologists ,median salary $80,700
Pharmacists dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. They also may conduct health and safety inspections of locations where drugs are manufactured, stored, or distributed. Most pharmacists work in pharmacies, but some are employed by hospitals or other healthcare facilities. The median annual wage for pharmacists was $80,700 in May 2015.
Nursing is an on-the-rise career that pays very well – $74,440 annually.
Canadian universities with the highest graduate employability
We’ve surveyed employers from around the world and asked them to rank their top choices of universities. Take a look at what they had to say. It might give you some ideas about where to focus your time and energy, or where you should try applying for admission.
Canadian universities with highest graduate employability – Third Paragraph: The employability survey results were published in a report called The World’s Most Attractive Universities 2017, which is also available online.
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Montreal
- McMaster University
We also recommend these Canadian universities which offer great education resulting in good employment opportunities after graduation:
- Thompson Rivers University
- University of Winnipeg
- York University
- Humber College
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Summary
Canada is famous for its cool, laid-back attitude. But for people on top of their careers, there’s a different attitude at play: one that values ambition and high achievement above all else. And for Canadians who make it to those top positions, there are plenty of rewards waiting for them, especially if they choose to work with Canadian companies. Let’s take a look at some of the highest paying jobs in Canada today.
In general, there are three ways to make it onto a list of high-paying jobs: experience, skill, and specialization. Most of these careers require at least two years’ worth of training and often specialization.