Top 8 highest paying jobs in Canada: 2024 edition

Canada is a favourite destination for international students as many have heard about how much easier it is here to transition from university to a job, including some of the highest paying jobs in Canada today. 

A strong economy, paired with welcoming immigration policies, makes it a top choice for those seeking lucrative career paths.

In fact, Canada consistently ranks among the best countries for employment opportunities for international graduates.

Close to 60% of international students who become permanent residents secure employment within their first year, according to the Canadian Bureau for International Education.

As 2024 approaches, the country recorded 18,000 jobs last month.

In early November, there were an additional 23,000 construction jobs and 21,000 information, culture and recreation, according to Statistics Canada.

However, there were 22,000 fewer retail trade workers and 19,000 fewer manufacturing workers.

Is Canada a good place to work? 

Canada is renowned for its high quality of life and emphasis on work-life balance. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver consistently rank high in global quality of life.

Working here is said to be inclusive of people from diverse backgrounds. 

Companies can employ international students for part-time roles during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Ontario has also become the first province in Canada to help internationally trained immigrants work in fields they have studied by banning the use of Canadian work experience as a requirement in job postings. This legislation will take effect in December 2023. 

“For far too long, too many people arriving in Canada have been funnelled toward dead-end jobs they’re overqualified for,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. 

“We need to ensure these people can land well-paying and rewarding careers that help tackle the labour shortage.” 

8 highest paying jobs in Canada for 2024

1. Cardiologist

Annual salary: 386, 717 Canadian dollars (US$282,636.21)

As someone in charge of people’s hearts, it comes as no surprise that cardiologists are among the highest paying jobs. 

As a cardiologist, your main focus is on the heart and cardiovascular system, delving into diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure.

The demand for cardiologists is high as cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death not just in the US, but globally. Each year, it takes an estimated 17.9 million lives each year

However, becoming a cardiologist isn’t easy. You’ll first need a medical degree, followed by a rigorous four to five years of residency training specialising in heart and cardiovascular issues.

After completing your education and training, you must register with the College of Physicians and Surgeons in the province or territory where you plan to practice.

2. Anesthesiologist 

Annual salary: CA$391,377 (US$286,122.03)

Anesthesiologists are among the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2024, and rightfully so.

As an anesthesiologist, your role is essential within the surgical team as you’re the one in charge of the patient’s safety and unconsciousness during medical procedures. 

You are an expert in administering anaesthetic drugs and managing pain, playing a vital role in the success of surgeries.

This takes many years of schooling and training, however.

After medical school, you’ll need to pursue a rigorous five-year residency programme, where you delve deep into understanding the intricacies of the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and liver.

3. Cloud architect 

Annual salary: CA$147,474 CAD per year (US$107,821.93 )

As cloud computing is expanding, cloud architects are in demand and expected to be among the highest paying jobs in Canada next year. 

Your knowledge and skills in this area are crucial as organisations increasingly migrate their data and operations to the cloud.

Your primary responsibility is to design and manage cloud infrastructure and services, ensuring they are scalable, secure and cost-efficient. 

If you want to become a cloud architect, you need a deep understanding of cloud service providers like AWS, Azure or Google Cloud. 

4. Data scientist 

Annual salary: CA$134,960 (USD$98,672.63)

As a data scientist, you are responsible for driving data-informed decision-making and predictive modelling.

Your work involves extracting valuable insights from vast datasets using advanced analytics and machine learning techniques.

To become a data scientist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or mathematics. A strong grasp of computer programming is essential to navigate the complexities of data analysis.

5. Surgeon 

Annual salary: CA$378,634 CAD per year (USD$276,828.78)

Surgeons have one of the highest paying jobs in Canada. While becoming a surgeon is a long and challenging road, the compensation reflects the importance of the work you do. 

Surgeons are specialised medical professionals responsible for performing surgeries to address injuries or illnesses in patients.

This involves developing comprehensive preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative plans and executing them meticulously. Nothing can go wrong as lives are at stake.

As a surgeon, your role extends beyond the operating room too. It includes administrative duties such as doing the rounds and assisting with post-surgery care.

The demanding nature of the profession, coupled with the need to adhere to strict medical laws, guidelines, regulations, and standards, justifies the high average salary and long education and training.

To become a surgeon, you must obtain an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in medicine, followed by five years of residency training in general surgery.

Specialised knowledge in areas such as the alimentary tract, surgical therapy, rehabilitation and the vascular system is advantageous.

The skills required for success in this field include exceptional manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination and visuospatial awareness.

Good organisational and time management skills and excellent communication and decision-making abilities are also necessary.

6. Orthodontist 

Annual salary: CA$269,126 (US$196,764.75)

Choosing to become an orthodontist can land you one of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2024.

Orthodontists are responsible for the oral health as well as the confidence of their patients. Did you know that 93% of people feel more confident are fixing their smile?

Orthodontists are dentists with specific training to address misaligned teeth and diagnose and prevent irregular bite patterns.

Their primary tools include braces, retainers, and other dental devices that get teeth properly aligned.

As we increasingly prioritise oral health and aesthetics, the role of orthodontists in enhancing smiles and overall dental well-being is growing. 

To embark on a career as an orthodontist, you will first have to obtain a dentistry degree, followed by a speciality license. R

Registering with the dental regulatory body of the province or territory where you intend to practice is key. 

7. Controller

Annual salary: CA$207,155 CAD per year (US$151,460.34)

Controllers are predicted to be among the highest paying jobs in Canada in 2024. With their strong impact on an organisation’s financial health and success, this high salary is no surprise. 

Controllers oversee a company’s crucial functions such as accounting, budgeting and financial reporting. What they do ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial data while guaranteeing compliance with regulatory requirements. 

To become a controller, you need a blend of financial and management skills. A bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting is typically required, often complemented by relevant professional certifications such as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant).

An MBA is usually the next step as it provides management know-how that pair well with your technical skills in finance.

Skipping the MBA or a master’s degree in management is unwise.

Controllers are not merely number-crunchers; they also play a strategic role by providing financial guidance to executives and actively participating in decision-making processes.

8. Psychiatrist 

Annual salary: CA$170,910 to CA$326,400 (US$124,959.99 to US$238,645.73)

If you are thinking about pursuing a career as a psychiatrist, you are in luck. Psychiatrists are expected to be one of the highest paying jobs in Canada in 2024.

The high pay reflects the specialised nature of the profession and the important role you play in mental health care, a field that’s growing today.

Psychiatrists are physicians who specialise in mental health, diagnosing, treating and preventing mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. They have the ability to prescribe medication, providing a holistic approach to mental health care. 

To become a psychiatrist, you start by getting a medical degree from an accredited university. Following this, you will need to undergo residency training, focusing specifically on mental health and mental health disorders.

The high compensation for psychiatrists is a recognition of the specialised knowledge and skills required to address the complexities of mental health.

In a society where mental health awareness is on the rise, the demand for skilled psychiatrists is growing.