For a lot of us Canadians, our jobs aren’t just about a paycheque: They’re the backbone of our lives. They keep the fridge stocked, the lights on and help us take care of the people we love.
And let’s be honest, the right job can feel pretty great too. There’s nothing like that sense of accomplishment at the end of the day and a reason to get up in the morning.
Or maybe you’re not chasing “fulfillment” at all, maybe you just want a solid paycheque that actually covers rent and a little extra for a Friday night out. Either way, there’s a job out there for you. The trick is knowing where to look and what you need to qualify for it.
Now, here’s the thing: Canada’s job market is always dynamic. New industries emerge, old ones adapt and with technologies such as Artificial Intelligence changing the game, the demand for different skills is shifting faster than ever, making it a tricky market to navigate.
So whether you’re just entering the job market, an experienced worker ready to pivot into something new, or a retiree looking for a gig that’s more about passing time than paying bills, then this article is for you.
Ready to see some of the top jobs in Canada?
Let’s dive into 20 of the best ones, what they pay, what education you’ll need, and why they’re worth a look.
20 best jobs in Canada
Nurse practitioner
Average annual salary: $105,000 per year
Required education: Bachelor of nursing
The field of healthcare is always one that is in high demand in the Canadian job market. Nursing isn’t for everyone, but with an aging and growing population, nurses will see growing demand for years to come.
Nurses can expect to work long hours, with plenty of overtime, which can boost annual income, but also take a physical toll.
If you want a job that helps the people who need it the most, then nursing is something you will want to consider.
Physiotherapist
Average annual salary: $82,000 per year
Required education: Masters of physical therapy
So many of us need regular maintenance on our bodies, especially if we sit at a computer all day. Sitting all day can lead to a stiff neck, shoulders and back, but it’s not just for desk jobs. Manual labour jobs and physically taxing jobs can also require constant care for joints like your knees and shoulders.
Regular trips to the physiotherapist can help maintain your body’s strength and ease your aches and pains. As more companies include physiotherapy in benefits packages, the demand for physiotherapists in Canada will continue to rise.
Pharmacist
Average annual salary: $96,000 per year
Required education: Doctor of pharmacy
With an aging population and improved medical technology and advancements, we can expect Canadians to enjoy longer, healthier lives thanks to better pharmaceutical medication. In most provinces, pharmacists can now prescribe medication without a doctor’s prescription for minor ailments or renewals.
With increased responsibilities and demand, we’ll likely see more med students veering towards being pharmacists over doctors.
Work at Shopify
Average annual salary: Varies based on position
Required education: Varies based on position
As the Canadian tech industry grows, so too will the workforce of one of the biggest and best Canadian companies: Shopify. This e-commerce platform empowers entrepreneurs to open sites to sell products and services and helps them set up their online business. Shopify jobs can range from customer support to sales to an executive-level position.
If you want to grow in one of the fastest-growing industries, consider working for one of Canada’s best companies.
Software engineer
Average annual salary: $118,000
Required education: Bachelor’s in computer science
In a world dominated by technology, software engineers or developers are required to help make everything run smoothly. These engineers learn to write and develop code to help software applications run on our smartphones, computers and other pieces of hardware. While there is some concern that the field is being taken over by AI tools, we are a long way away from not needing software engineers.
The best parts about this job are that they usually have flexible hours, and as long as you have a computer and internet, you can do this work from anywhere in the world.
Teacher
Average annual salary: $79,000 per year
Required education: Bachelor’s of education
Few jobs are as fulfilling and rewarding as being a teacher. It doesn’t matter what age group you teach; a good teacher has the potential to have a lasting impact on people’s lives. There’s a lot to like about being a teacher, too.
Good summer and winter holidays, usually a strong union and weekends off. And we can’t overstate the solid benefits and pension that will help set you up for your retirement. If you’re passionate about helping people succeed, then being a teacher just may be your calling!
Flight attendant
Average annual salary: Varies by airline but starts at approximately $55,000 per year
Required education: High school or GED
If you have the itch to travel for work, then working right on an airplane may appeal to you. Being a flight attendant can be a tiring and thankless job, but it is also an incredible way to see the world while getting paid to do it!
This job doesn’t require much in the way of education, but you to work for a Canadian airline, you will need to be bilingual and take some training and certification as provided by the airline.
Financial advisor
Average annual salary: Varies per company
Required education: Generally, a bachelor’s degree and financial licensing
With investing becoming more accessible to Canadians through online platforms like Wealthsimple and Questrade, there is no excuse not to be invested for the future. But the truth is, so many Canadians just do not have the time to stay up to date with the markets.
Financial advisors can help Canadians manage their investments and grow their wealth for their family’s future.
General labourer
Average annual salary: Varies per company and industry, but starts at $50,000-$55,000
Required education: None, but specialized licensing is beneficial
Here’s one industry we know AI won’t be replacing workers in: construction. As the population grows and there is more demand for housing and infrastructure, the need for blue-collar jobs will skyrocket.
You don’t really need any prerequisites or education to be a labourer, although if you want to get paid more, it’s beneficial to get specific licensing and certifications.
Lawyer
Average annual salary: $105,000
Required education: Bachelor’s of Law
I know, I know. It’s not like it is easy to become a lawyer overnight. You need years of schooling, plus law school, plus articling and then doing your time as a junior lawyer before you can make the big bucks. Becoming a lawyer can be a great way to take your passions and channel them into helping others.
For example, you can be an environmental lawyer or help represent children in family disputes. It can be a gratifying job that earns you respect and a heck of a paycheque.
Veterinarian
Average annual salary: $105,000
Required education: Bachelor’s of science plus a doctor of veterinary medicine degree
Are you an animal lover looking for a new career path? According to the recent Canadian Pet Population survey, about 60% of Canadian households have at least one pet. Guess what happens to a lot of cats and dogs?
They get sick, they get injured and unfortunately, they get old. For every domesticated pet in Canada, they’ll need a vet. This job requires a really smart and driven person and years of school. But, the pay is good, and you get to help animals live long and healthy lives.
Data analyst
Average annual salary: Starts at $65,000 per year
Required education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Have you heard the saying that data is the currency of the future? Almost every billion-dollar corporation is interested in its client’s data. Data analysts work to compile, organize and analyze this data into silos of relevant findings.
Every company in the world is seeking ways to analyze data to enhance its business efficiency and profitability.
Police officer
Average annual salary: Varies by province, but the RCMP starts at over $90,000 per year
Required education: High school diploma plus police academy training
Do you have a strong moral compass and a strong instinct for what is right? Have you ever considered a career in law enforcement? Police officers in Canada work for either city detachments or the federal RCMP. If you are a cop, you get to wear a cool uniform, get firearm training and drive the police car around the city.
Not only do you make a more-than-decent paycheque as a police officer, you get tons of opportunities for overtime and a strong pension as well.
Electrician
Average annual salary: Varies by certification but generally starts at $80,000
Required education: Electrician training
Talk about something I’m afraid to do myself. Electrical work is usually best left to professionals, and for good reason. As houses and technology get more advanced, the need for electricians continues to grow.
Whereas it used to be setting up things like televisions and stereos, today, we have complete smart homes and even electric vehicle chargers built directly into the garage, meaning opportunities for electicians are increasing with each and ever technological advancement. To become a master electrician, you start off as an apprentice, then work your way up to get your electrician’s ticket and work for a company or start your own!
Entrepreneur
Average annual salary: Varies depending on the industry
Required education: Varies depending on the industry
Are you tired of clocking in and out of the same monotonous job every day? Have you ever considered being your own boss in a field that interests you? Whether you are looking for a change of career or a profitable side hustle, starting your own business can be a rewarding experience. Not only can you write off things like your mortgage interest and electricity bills, but you can also be in control of your schedule and work as little or as much as you want!
Some great entrepreneurial industries include running an online store or providing a service like landscaping or cleaning.
Hockey instructor
Average annual salary: Varies, but the average is about $60,000 per year
Required education: Usually none
Is there anything more Canadian than working in the sport of hockey?
You of course need some prerequisites to be a hockey instructor: playing experience helps, and knowing the game from an off-ice perspective.
Playing ice hockey in Canada is a rite of passage for kids, so finding a job as a hockey instructor can help the hockey community from the grassroots levels, all the way up to the NHL.
Blogger or content creator
Average annual salary: Varies by medium
Required education: None
Do you have a lot of interesting stories, but aren’t sure how to tell them?
Why not start a blog or website? The startup costs are minimal, and all it takes is some time and effort. You can’t expect to earn much at the beginning, but with consistency and if you can grow your audience, you can start building a brand and earning revenue from your work.
Whether it is blogging, YouTube, TikTok or any other platform, content creation is the 21st-century way to be a digital entrepreneur.
Truck driver
Average annual salary: Varies depending on seniority or if the truck is owned. Starts at $60,000.
Required education: Class 1 truck driving license
Let’s pretend that autonomous long-haul trucks are still a long way off. Products still need to be delivered from coast to coast, and usually, the cheapest way for companies to do this is by long-haul truck delivery. If you like driving and being solitary for long periods of time, then this could definitely be your calling.
It can be lonely, but being on the road and seeing the country can often sound better to someone than being stuck in a cubicle for 40 hours each week.
Border services (CBSA)
Average annual salary: Varies by position, starting at roughly $75,000 per year
Required education: High School diploma, CBSA training
Did you know that Canada and the United States share the longest border in the world? The border spans about 8,89 kilometres with 119 official border crossings between the two countries.
Each of these needs to be manned by CBSA agents to ensure safety and the protection of Canada from any potential threats. This job can be an exciting and rewarding way to spend your career, and will probably give you some interesting stories to share.
Notary public
Average annual salary: $70,000 per year
Required education: Varies by province. Bachelor’s degree plus some notarial graduate school.
Notary publics often have similar roles and responsibilities to lawyers in Canada, but with less educational requirements and are not able to appear as legal representation.
Notaries can verify documents, witness signatures and provide other legal services at a lower cost than lawyer fees.
FAQs
What jobs pay the most in Canada?
Generally, jobs like those of top lawyers and doctors have the highest salaries in Canada. But these can pale in comparison to the salaries of high-ranking executives at some of the largest companies and some business owners as well.
What jobs pay $500,000 a year in Canada?
In Canada, if you want to earn $500,000 a year, you will need to be an executive with a major corporation or a specialized doctor. Other jobs that could potentially pay that much include being a professional athlete or a successful entrepreneur.
What jobs pay $100,000 a year in Canada?
In Canada, jobs that pay $100,000 are not as rare as you might think. Lawyers, doctors and even police officers and software developers can all easily make $100,000 a year.
What jobs pay $200,000 a year in Canada?
In Canada, successful lawyers and specialist doctors can earn $200,000 a year with ease. Executive officers, high-ranking officials and successful entrepreneurs can also earn $200,000 a year in the Canadian job market.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.