Canada’s Highest-Paying Jobs by Education Level

Canada remains one of the top destinations for people seeking better career opportunities, a safe environment, and a high quality of life. Whether you’re planning to relocate, continue your studies, or simply explore where your qualifications can earn the most, understanding which jobs pay the highest based on your education level can help you make smarter career decisions.

This guide breaks down Canada’s top-earning professions for each stage of education—from high school diploma holders to Ph.D. graduates—so you can see where you fit in and how to plan your next step.

Why Education Matters in Canada’s Job Market

Education plays a major role in career growth and earnings across Canada. According to Statistics Canada, over half of working-age adults (25–64) hold a post-secondary degree or diploma, making Canada one of the most educated countries in the world.

Generally, the more education you have, the higher your potential salary. For example:

• Workers with only a high-school diploma earn a median income of about CAD 46,000 per year.

• Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher make around CAD 68,000 annually or more.

However, not all degrees pay equally. Fields such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), healthcare, and skilled trades often command better salaries due to demand and specialized expertise.

Let’s look at what you can earn at different education levels.

1. High-School Diploma (or Less)

Even without university or college, you can still find high-paying, skill-based jobs in Canada—especially in trades, logistics, or management.

Top Careers and Average Pay

• Truck Driver – Approx. CAD 48,000 / year

  • Transport goods nationally or internationally. Requires a valid license and clean driving record.

• Construction Manager – Approx. CAD 79,000 / year

  • Oversees entire construction projects, manages workers, budgets, and safety compliance.

• Real Estate Agent – Approx. CAD 108,000 / year

  • Helps clients buy and sell property. Requires licensing and excellent communication skills.

• Electrician – Approx. CAD 31.57 per hour

  • Installs and repairs electrical systems after apprenticeship and certification.

• Plumber – Approx. CAD 30.61 per hour

  • Maintains and repairs water systems after apprenticeship and trade certification.

• Police Officer – Approx. CAD 77,857 / year

  • Enforces law and ensures public safety. Requires training at a police academy and physical fitness.

2. College Diploma or Certificate

College programs prepare you for specialized, technical, and applied careers. Graduates often find stable, well-paid jobs across healthcare, engineering, and technology.

Top Careers and Average Pay

• Dental Hygienist – Approx. CAD 70,000 / year

  • Provides oral health care, cleans teeth, and educates patients on hygiene.

• Aircraft Mechanic – Approx. CAD 60,000 / year

  • Inspects, repairs, and maintains aircraft. Requires certification from Transport Canada.

• Web Developer – Approx. CAD 62,000 / year

  • Builds and maintains websites or apps; requires coding and design skills.

• Paralegal – Approx. CAD 58,000 / year

  • Assists lawyers in research, documentation, and case preparation.

3. Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree opens doors to managerial and professional positions. These roles usually require analytical skills, innovation, and responsibility.

Top Careers and Average Pay

• Software Engineer – Approx. CAD 92,000 / year

  • Designs and maintains software systems. A degree in computer science or software engineering is required.

• Financial Analyst – Approx. CAD 76,000 / year

  • Interprets data to guide investment and budgeting decisions.

• Registered Nurse (RN) – Approx. CAD 76,000 / year

  • Provides patient care, manages treatment plans, and educates families on health. Requires RN licensing.

4. Master’s Degree

Master’s graduates hold advanced expertise that qualifies them for senior or leadership roles. They often enjoy six-figure salaries and higher job security.

Top Careers and Average Pay

• Pharmacist – Approx. CAD 104,000 / year

  • Dispenses medication and provides drug information to patients and doctors.

• Engineering Manager – Approx. CAD 106,000 / year

  • Leads teams that design and develop technical systems or infrastructure.

• Data Scientist – Approx. CAD 102,000 / year

  • Uses analytics, machine learning, and AI to interpret data and make predictions.

• Lawyer – Approx. CAD 135,000 / year

  • Provides legal advice and represents clients in court. Requires passing the bar exam.

• Physiotherapist – Approx. CAD 74,000 / year

  • Helps patients recover physical movement and strength through therapy and exercise.

• Marketing Manager – Approx. CAD 85,000 / year

  • Develops and executes marketing strategies for products and services.

5. Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or Professional Doctorate)

Doctoral degrees unlock Canada’s most elite and highest-paying professions. These positions often involve advanced research, leadership, or specialized practice.

Top Careers and Average Pay

• Physician (Medical Doctor) – Approx. CAD 339,000 / year

  • Diagnoses and treats patients. Requires MD degree and residency completion.

• Dentist – Approx. CAD 142,000 / year

  • Provides dental treatment and preventive oral care.

• University Professor – Approx. CAD 115,000 / year

  • Teaches, supervises research, and publishes academic work.

• Research Engineer – Approx. CAD 104,000 / year

  • Develops and tests new technologies across scientific or industrial sectors.

Conclusion

Education remains one of the strongest predictors of income in Canada. While hands-on trades and technical jobs can pay very well without a university degree, higher academic levels often open the door to even greater financial rewards, leadership opportunities, and career flexibility.

When planning your career, consider:

• Your skills and interests

• The demand for your field in Canada

• Regional differences in pay and opportunity

Whether you stop after college or pursue a Ph.D., Canada’s economy has a place for you. What matters most is combining education with experience, determination, and continuous learning.

Start exploring your path today—and build a future that matches your ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the highest-paying job in Canada overall?
Physicians, surgeons, and senior executives are among the top earners, often making over CAD 300,000 annually.

2. Which degrees lead to the best-paying careers?
STEM degrees—especially engineering, computer science, and health sciences—usually yield the highest earnings.

3. Can I get a high-paying job in Canada without a degree?
Yes. Trades such as construction management, real estate, and commercial driving can pay well with certifications or apprenticeships.

4. Do salaries vary by province?
Absolutely. Alberta and Ontario tend to offer higher wages, while Quebec and Atlantic provinces may have lower average salaries but reduced living costs.

5. How important is Canadian experience?
Very important. Employers value local experience, but strong international credentials can still secure top positions if recognized in Canada.

6. Can foreign degrees be accepted in Canada?
Yes, but you may need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or licensing verification for certain professions like nursing or engineering.

7. What is the average salary for international graduates working in Canada?
International graduates with Canadian education typically earn between CAD 45,000 and CAD 75,000 per year in their first full-time job, depending on the province, degree type, and industry. Graduates in STEM and healthcare often start at higher salary brackets.

8. Are master’s degrees worth it in Canada’s job market?
Yes. A master’s degree can boost earnings by 15 to 25 percent compared with bachelor’s-only holders. Employers in engineering, technology, finance, and data analysis especially value advanced academic credentials and specialized knowledge.

9. Which provinces in Canada pay the highest salaries?
Provinces such as Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia generally offer the highest wages, particularly in energy, technology, and finance sectors. However, living costs are higher in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, so real take-home value depends on lifestyle and location.

10. How can newcomers increase their salary potential in Canada?
Newcomers can:

• Upgrade credentials through Canadian certification programs.

• Gain local experience via internships or volunteering.

• Improve English or French proficiency.

• Network through LinkedIn or professional associations.

• Target provinces offering labour-shortage incentives and immigration pathways.

11. Do remote or hybrid jobs in Canada pay as much as on-site jobs?
Many Canadian employers now offer remote or hybrid roles that pay equally well—especially in IT, design, marketing, and customer support. However, salary may differ if the employer adjusts pay according to your home province’s cost of living.

12. How often do salaries increase in Canada?
Most Canadian companies review pay annually, with average raises between 2 and 5 percent. Promotions, certifications, or switching employers can yield bigger jumps. Public-sector roles and unionized positions often have structured pay scales with predictable increments.