Choosing a career in Canada often involves balancing personal interests, qualifications, and earning potential. While salaries vary by province, employer, and experience level, certain occupations consistently rank at the top because they require specialised skills, advanced education, and long training periods.
Based on national average salary data from Indeed Canada, this updated guide ranks the 20 highest-paying jobs in Canada, from highest to lowest pay. Each role includes a brief description and the relevant NOC 2021 code, which is important for immigration and labour market purposes.
On This Page You Will Find
- Canada’s highest-paying jobs for 2026 ranked from top to bottom
- National average salaries based on Indeed Canada data
- Job descriptions and key responsibilities
- Education, licensing, and training requirements
- Sectors that dominate Canada’s top earnings
1. Orthodontist
NOC 2021: 31110 – Dentists
National average salary: $398,523 per year
Orthodontists diagnose, prevent, and treat misaligned teeth and jaw structures. They design long-term treatment plans using braces, clear aligners, retainers, and other corrective devices. Orthodontists also monitor oral health outcomes, coordinate care with general dentists, and guide patients throughout treatment.
2. Anesthesiologist
NOC 2021: 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
National average salary: $339,938 per year
Anesthesiologists manage patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. They administer anaesthesia, monitor vital signs, manage pain, and respond to emergencies in operating rooms, intensive care units, and maternity wards.
3. Psychiatrist
NOC 2021: 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
National average salary: $333,711 per year
Psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. They develop treatment plans that may include medication, therapy, and behavioural interventions, often managing long-term patient care.
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4. Surgeon
NOC 2021: 31101 – Specialists in surgery
National average salary: $327,976 per year
Surgeons perform operations to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. Their work includes surgical planning, performing procedures, managing surgical teams, and providing post-operative care to support patient recovery.
5. Cardiologist
NOC 2021: 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
National average salary: $275,716 per year
Cardiologists specialise in diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system. They diagnose conditions such as heart failure and arrhythmias, interpret diagnostic tests, perform specialised procedures, and manage long-term treatment plans.
6. Physician (Family or General Practice)
NOC 2021: 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
National average salary: $218,742 per year
Physicians provide primary medical care by diagnosing illnesses, prescribing treatment, and managing chronic conditions. They often serve as the first point of contact in the healthcare system and coordinate referrals to specialists.
7. Chief Marketing Officer
NOC 2021: 10022 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
National average salary: $144,389 per year
Chief marketing officers lead an organisation’s marketing strategy, brand positioning, and customer engagement. They manage marketing teams, oversee budgets, analyse market trends, and align campaigns with business growth objectives.
8. Software Engineering Manager
NOC 2021: 20012 – Computer and information systems managers
National average salary: $136,038 per year
Software engineering managers lead teams responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. They oversee project timelines, code quality, and collaboration between technical teams and business stakeholders.
9. Vice President
NOC 2021: 00015 – Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services
National average salary: $127,236 per year
Vice presidents oversee major business units and support strategic decision-making at the executive level. They manage senior teams, control budgets, and ensure organisational objectives are met.
10. Director of Information Technology
NOC 2021: 20012 – Computer and information systems managers
National average salary: $126,924 per year
IT directors manage an organisation’s technology strategy, infrastructure, and security. They oversee IT staff, system upgrades, cybersecurity risks, and ensure technology supports overall business goals.
11. Enterprise Architect
NOC 2021: 21211 – Data scientists
National average salary: $123,125 per year
Enterprise architects design and manage an organisation’s overall IT structure. They ensure systems, data platforms, and infrastructure align with long-term business and digital transformation strategies.
12. Corporate Controller
NOC 2021: 10010 – Financial managers
National average salary: $123,125 per year
Corporate controllers oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance. They play a key role in financial governance and support executive decision-making with accurate financial insights.
13. Software Architect
NOC 2021: 21231 – Software engineers and designers
National average salary: $116,842 per year
Software architects design high-level system frameworks and establish technical standards. They guide development teams on architecture, scalability, security, and performance.
14. Pharmacist
NOC 2021: 31120 – Pharmacists
National average salary: $113,985 per year
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications, advise patients on safe use, and collaborate with healthcare providers. Many also administer vaccinations and provide medication management services.
15. Data Scientist
NOC 2021: 21211 – Data scientists
National average salary: $96,641 per year
Data scientists analyse large datasets to identify patterns, forecast outcomes, and support business decisions. They develop models and work closely with technical and non-technical teams.
16. Product Manager
NOC 2021: 21221 – Business systems specialists
National average salary: $95,214 per year
Product managers oversee the full lifecycle of products, from concept to launch. They define product roadmaps, prioritise features, and coordinate across engineering, marketing, and sales teams.
17. Cybersecurity Analyst
NOC 2021: 21220 – Cybersecurity specialists
National average salary: $94,386 per year
Cybersecurity analysts protect organisations from cyber threats by monitoring systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and responding to security incidents. Their work is critical to protecting sensitive data.
18. Sales Director
NOC 2021: 60010 – Corporate sales managers
National average salary: $91,842 per year
Sales directors lead sales teams, set revenue targets, and develop strategies to grow market share. They manage key client relationships and analyse performance data.
19. Construction Manager
NOC 2021: 70010 – Construction managers
National average salary: $88,967 per year
Construction managers plan and oversee building projects from start to finish. They manage budgets, schedules, contractors, and safety standards to ensure projects are delivered successfully.
20. Mechanical Engineer
NOC 2021: 21301 – Mechanical engineers
National average salary: $85,714 per year
Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems across industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. They ensure designs meet performance and safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-paying job in Canada?
Orthodontists currently rank as the highest-paid professionals in Canada, with national average salaries approaching $400,000 per year. The role requires extensive education, specialist training, and provincial licensing.
Which sectors dominate Canada’s highest-paying jobs?
Healthcare dominates the top of the salary rankings, followed by senior management and technology roles. Medical specialists and executive positions consistently earn the highest incomes.
Do high-paying jobs in Canada require licensing?
Many of the highest-paying roles are regulated professions. Doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers must obtain provincial licences before practising in Canada.
Are these salaries the same across all provinces?
No. Salaries vary by province, city, and demand. Urban centres and regions facing acute labour shortages often offer higher pay to attract talent.
Can immigrants qualify for Canada’s highest-paying jobs?
Yes, but many roles require Canadian credential recognition, licensing, or work experience. Immigrants often need to complete bridging programs or additional training before qualifying.
