Canada's job market is thriving in many sectors—especially in tech, supportive healthcare, finance, and law. If you're aiming to earn more than $150,000 a year, there are plenty of opportunities available across the country. These jobs not only offer lucrative salaries but also provide career growth, stability, and prestige.
Whether you're a student planning your future or a professional seeking a switch, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Canada's highest-paying jobs.
Top 11 Jobs in Canada That Pay Over $150,000 (2025)
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Education Requirement | Industry | Locations in Demand |
| Surgeon | $250,000 – $400,000 | MD + Residency | Healthcare | Ontario, BC, Alberta |
| Psychiatrist | $200,000 – $300,000 | MD + Psychiatry Residency | Healthcare | Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia |
| Corporate Lawyer | $180,000 – $350,000 | JD + Bar Certification | Law | Toronto, Vancouver |
| IT Director | $160,000 – $220,000 | Bachelor’s in IT + Experience | Tech | Toronto, Montreal, Calgary |
| Petroleum Engineer | $150,000 – $200,000 | BSc in Engineering | Energy | Alberta, Saskatchewan |
| Airline Pilot | $160,000 – $250,000 | CPL + Flight Hours | Aviation | Nationwide |
| Orthodontist | $180,000 – $300,000 | DDS + Specialty Training | Dentistry | Urban & Suburban Areas |
| Data Scientist (Senior) | $150,000 – $200,000 | BSc/MSc in CS, Data Science | Tech | Toronto, Vancouver |
| Investment Banker | $170,000 – $300,000 | MBA or CFA | Finance | Toronto, Montreal |
| Engineering Manager | $160,000 – $210,000 | BEng + Management Experience | Engineering | Alberta, Ontario |
| Pharmacist (with specialization) | $150,000 – $180,000 | PharmD | Healthcare | Ontario, BC |
Detailed Overview of High-Paying Jobs
1. Surgeon
Surgeons are among the highest-paid professionals in Canada. With years of rigorous medical training and hands-on experience, their salaries reflect their skill and responsibility. Specialties like neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery earn on the higher end.
2. Psychiatrist
Mental health awareness has increased demand for psychiatrists across Canada. They assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders and often work in hospitals or private practice.
3. Corporate Lawyer
Corporate lawyers handle mergers, acquisitions, intellectual property, and complex contracts. Top-tier law firms in cities like Toronto offer extremely competitive packages.
4. IT Director
These tech leaders oversee entire IT departments and play a critical role in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and infrastructure management. With experience, salaries exceed $200K annually.
5. Petroleum Engineer
Mainly concentrated in Alberta, petroleum engineers are responsible for designing and developing methods for extracting oil and gas. Their skills remain in demand despite fluctuations in the energy market.
6. Airline Pilot
Experienced captains with major carriers like Air Canada earn impressive salaries. Pilots must undergo years of training and accumulate thousands of flight hours.
7. Orthodontist
A highly specialized field in dentistry, orthodontists focus on teeth alignment and jaw issues. With growing demand in both urban and suburban areas, salaries remain consistently high.
8. Senior Data Scientist
As data becomes central to decision-making, experienced data scientists are highly sought after. They work with machine learning, AI, and analytics to drive innovation.
9. Investment Banker
Working in capital markets, mergers, and IPOs, investment bankers at top firms can earn bonuses that push their salaries well into the six-figure range.
10. Engineering Manager
They manage engineering teams, oversee large-scale projects, and ensure efficiency and quality. Their leadership is critical to business success, especially in the construction, energy, and tech sectors.
11. Pharmacist (Specialized)
While base pharmacist salaries hover below $150K, those with advanced certifications or roles in hospital management can cross this threshold.
How to Qualify for These High-Paying Jobs
Most high-paying jobs in Canada require:
- Advanced education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate)
- Licensing or certification (e.g., MD, JD, CPA, CFA)
- Experience (mid to senior level)
- Continuous upskilling in your field
Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are hubs for high-paying roles.
Are These Jobs in Demand in 2025?
Yes! According to Canada’s Job Bank and industry reports, demand remains strong in healthcare, tech, finance, and engineering. With skilled labor shortages in key sectors, these high-paying roles are expected to grow steadily.
Final Thoughts
Canada offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. While most require years of education and experience, the financial and professional rewards are well worth the effort. Whether you're starting your career or planning a switch, understanding these roles can guide your journey to a $150K+ salary in Canada.
Explore your options, upskill regularly, and aim high—Canada rewards talent and ambition.