The Top 10 Jobs in Canada with the Highest Salaries
What do you think of when you think of Canada? Ice hockey, poutine,... jobs? Canada has something to offer everyone, and it’s not just Tim Horton’s and Justin Bieber! The economy in Canada is one of the strongest in the world, so there are many job opportunities available there. With more than 8 million jobs available in the country, we decided to compile the top 10 that are the most lucrative based on salary and number of positions available. Check out our list and see if any jobs catch your interest!
1) Actuary
An actuary uses mathematics and financial modeling to assess risk. Actuaries are employed by various organizations and industries, including investment management firms, insurance companies, health care providers, pension funds, and governments. In order to be an actuary you need a bachelor's degree in mathematics or finance and good math skills. You must also pass a four-part examination. Actuaries are rewarded for their analytical skills; as of 2015, median annual salaries for actuaries were $95K USD.
2) Petroleum Engineers
It is difficult to come up with a ranking of Canadian jobs without including petroleum engineers, who are among the most sought-after candidates due to their advanced degree.
Petroleum engineers manage production in the oil and gas industry. They evaluate drilling rigs and geological surveys, and design methods for extracting and purifying petroleum, maintaining safety procedures during extraction, estimating future supplies of crude oil, finding new sources of fuel or natural gas through prospecting or exploration.
Most companies require them to have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering (five years of schooling) as well as some time spent on-the-job training before they can be considered qualified for management roles.
3) Lawyers
Lawyers may earn a very high salary while they can work long hours, but their job is considered one of the most stressful and difficult. To be a lawyer you need to complete an undergraduate degree at an accredited Canadian university or college, and then you must also obtain a law degree from either a Canadian law school or from one of three British common law schools, called Oxford University. As well as completing these degrees successfully, you'll also need to complete more than two years of articles (a type of internship). Your next step will be getting called to the bar by passing the Bar Exam. In order to practice as a lawyer in Canada, you'll need to be licensed by The Law Society of Upper Canada – it's essential that you have these qualifications before going any further!
4) Dentists
Dentists typically earn an annual salary of about $200,000 per year, which is higher than any other profession on this list. On top of that, dentists also make excellent money when they own their own dental practices, so you never need to worry about working for a company that may not be around tomorrow. If you're interested in being a dentist, first take your pre-dental requirements and apply to dental school at university or college. Then find employment through an apprenticeship program or finding an opening at a dental clinic or health clinic. Apprenticeships are often paid positions where you work alongside another doctor while still earning credits towards your diploma or degree program.
5) Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians and Surgeons rank at number eight for salaries, averaging $130,530 per year. If you're looking for a job that is both challenging and well-paying, this might be the perfect option for you. Unlike most other occupations, jobs as a physician or surgeon requires an extensive amount of education (at least 13 years). This includes undergraduate pre-medical education, followed by four years of medical school; four years of general surgery residency; two to five years as a surgical fellow; one to three years of internal medicine residency; followed by three to seven more years of clinical specialty training in ophthalmology. Add on about 5-10 hours of professional time each day, and you can see why these jobs have such high salaries!
6) Chiropractors
Chiropractors are professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of spine-related ailments. And by taking an average of 2 years training, it's understandable that these skilled experts earn a relatively high salary when compared to other occupations. A chiropracotrician's median annual salary is about $80,000. Those who complete two to four years training can expect a median income of $75,000 per year.
And if you are looking for what kind of job opportunities there are for chiropractors in Canada then there is plenty! As it is projected that by 2022 close to 80% of Canadians will be living an urban area which means more people will likely live closer to a chiropractor and they'll need them.
7) Computer Systems Analysts
Computer Systems Analysts are professionals who design and oversee the use of computer systems that organizations or government agencies require. It can take up to a decade for these professionals to learn about how computers operate and how different software operates, which explains why the median annual salary for this position is $83,460. Becoming a Computer Systems Analyst requires more than just an understanding of computers though: often those who want to pursue this career need to have good leadership skills, problem-solving skills, math knowledge, communication skills and many others.
8) Accountants and Auditors
Accountants and Auditors tend to enjoy a long career and earn some of the highest salaries of any profession. Entry-level accountants can expect to make $62,800, while top earners can make as much as $220,800. The median salary for an accountant is $114,000 per year. Another perk of this job is that there's no education required—accountants typically get their degree through continuing education courses or online universities that are accredited by CPA designation boards. So there are many ways to become an accountant without attending a four-year program full time.
9) Financial Managers
Canada is home to a large number of thriving sectors, including many new and exciting opportunities. If you’re looking for a well-paying career, consider a career as a financial manager. The annual salary ranges from $98,630 to $107,560. You may also be eligible for one of our company-wide bonuses at the end of each year. In addition to this substantial income, we offer an incredible employee benefits package that includes health insurance, dental coverage and an RRSP matching program. With a background in finance or accounting you could have success and security as part of one of Canada’s most prosperous organizations. Apply today!
10) Air Traffic Controllers
Canada is one of the largest and most populous countries in North America. The economy of Canada is a whole other story. It relies heavily on trade, agriculture, and resource extraction. They are currently experiencing an unemployment rate of 7%. Over seventy-six percent of Canadians who work make an hourly wage or salary which has a limit set by minimum wage. Minimum wage for most provinces and territories is around $10.00/hour plus benefits but can be higher in some areas.
