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Getting a job in your field in Canada is one of the most gratifying parts of the immigration journey. But which jobs pay well in Canada? And what level of education do you need to get a well-paying job?
The Government of Canada is a big amplifier of job opportunities in Canada, and they offer not only a job bank of available options but also key insights on which fields of study lead to the highest earnings, based on the median earnings of graduates. Here we are using the latest wages updated on Job Bank on November 19, 2025, to group the highest-paying jobs by education level.
Canada’s highest-paying jobs by education level
Whether you’re already working in one of these fields or looking to figure out your next study program in your home country or in Canada, these key insights can help you make those big decisions in life.
Highest-paying jobs with a Diploma
A diploma is any certification awarded for completing a course or class in a particular subject. Many Canadian universities and colleges offer diploma programs, which are typically focused on a narrow field of study and are less time-intensive than a bachelor’s degree. Earning your diploma shows that you’ve learned the fundamentals of this particular area of study.
In Canada, you usually need to have completed high school education to be accepted into a diploma program. Educational institutions in Canada offer diplomas in fields ranging from accounting to aviation operations, computer programming, and practical nursing.
Some of the most lucrative jobs in Canada you can get with a diploma include:
| Field | Job Bank occupation | Median wage | Approx. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stationary energy sources installer and operator | Power engineers and power systems operators (NOC 92100) | $49.23/hr | ~$102,400 |
| Heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technician | Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) | $37.12/hr | ~$77,200 |
| Allied health diagnostic, intervention or treatment professional | Medical radiation technologists (NOC 32121) | $40.00/hr | ~$83,200 |
| Electrical or electronic engineering technician | Electronics engineering technologists | $34.62/hr | ~$72,000 |
| Job Bank, wages updated November 19, 2025. | |||
Highest-Paying Skilled Trades in Canada
In Canada, you don’t necessarily need any formal education to enter the trades. It’s all about being able to demonstrate practical mastery of the essential concepts of your field. While it’s possible to learn on the go, many trades workers in Canada enrol in formal apprenticeship training programs or attend a vocational school or college to ensure they have a well-rounded understanding of their chosen field.
Working in the trades requires both in-depth knowledge and technical expertise. Some of the highest paying jobs you can secure with a trades background are:
| Field | Job Bank occupation | Median wage | Approx. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stationary energy sources installer and operator | Power engineers (same as diploma) | $49.23/hr | ~$102,400 |
| Heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technician | Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (same as diploma) | $37.12/hr | ~$77,200 |
| Electrical and power transmission installer | Powerline technicians | ~$45.00/hr | ~$93,600 |
| HVAC/refrigeration maintenance technician | Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (NOC 72402) | $37.50/hr | ~$78,000 |
| Job Bank, wages updated November 19, 2025. | |||
Highest-paying Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree
The percentage of Canadians aged 25 to 64 with a bachelor’s degree or higher has been growing steadily for almost 20 years. As of 2021, 32.9% of Canadians in this age group have at least a bachelor’s degree, also called an undergraduate degree. Bachelor’s degrees are available from universities and colleges in Canada and typically require three to four years of full-time study.
Admittance to a bachelor’s degree program in Canada requires a high school diploma or the equivalent. Entrance requirements can be stringent depending on the degree program and the school you wish to attend. Canada is home to many world-class schools, and getting a bachelor’s degree opens up many new opportunities.
This includes some of the highest-paying jobs in Canada in fields like:
| Field | Job Bank occupation | Median wage | Approx. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical sciences | Pharmacists (NOC 31120) | $55.49/hr | ~$115,400 |
| Chemical engineering | Chemical engineers | $51.92/hr | ~$108,000 |
| Miscellaneous engineering fields | No single matching occupation | $56.49/hr | ~$118,400 |
| Nursing | Registered nurses (NOC 31301) | $43.27/hr | ~$90,000 |
| Job Bank, wages updated November 19, 2025. | |||
Highest-paying Medical Careers in Canada After a Bachelor’s Degree
A medical degree, also called a professional doctorate, is a postgraduate degree that demonstrates the graduate has achieved a high level of knowledge in an applied medical field. This means they have practical experience, and after they’ve passed the necessary licensing exams they can work with the public to provide hands-on care.
Medical school is notoriously rigorous, and it makes sense that after so many years of education, workers with this degree are able to secure high-paying jobs. In Canada, some of the highest-paid jobs you can get with a medical degree are in fields like:
| Field | Job Bank occupation | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| General medicine | Family physicians (NOC 31102) | $232,227/yr |
| Dentistry | Dentists | $110,000/yr |
| Veterinary medicine | Veterinarians (NOC 31103) | $60.00/hr (~$124,800/yr) |
| Optometry | Optometrists | $81,000/yr |
| Job Bank, wages updated November 19, 2025. | ||
It’s important to note that these are median income levels, meaning half of licensed professionals earn more than these amounts, sometimes significantly more.
Highest-paying Jobs with a Master’s Degree
A master’s degree typically takes one to two years to earn following a bachelor’s or undergraduate degree. It’s dedicated to a specific area of study and allows the student to focus on developing a much deeper knowledge of their chosen field.
Master’s graduates can feasibly enter the workforce at a higher level than if they stopped studying after a bachelor’s degree. Research also suggests that a master’s degree can yield an earning potential approximately 20 percent higher than a bachelor’s degree.
Some of the high-paying industries you can enter with a master’s degree include:
| Field | Job Bank occupation | Median wage | Approx. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and financial management | Finance manager (10010) | $59.48/hr | ~$123,700 |
| Pharmaceutical sciences and administration | Pharmacists (NOC 31120) | $55.49/hr | ~$115,400 |
| Accounting | Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 11100) | $40.36/hr | ~$83,900 |
| Business, commerce and administration | Business consultant (11201) | $44.10/hr | ~$91,700 |
| Job Bank, wages updated November 19, 2025. | |||
Prepare your banking for your first day of work with the Scotiabank StartRight® Program
Whether you look for job opportunities in Canada before you arrive or wait until you land to start pounding the pavement, you’ve already done the hard work of starting your research. Learning about the jobs in Canada that offer the highest earning potential can help you decide which field to enter or whether you want to complete additional schooling in Canada to boost your earning potential.
However, there’s one task you need to do before you start working in Canada, and that’s setting up your banking. Depositing your first pay cheque won’t be possible until you have an active bank account.
Scotiabank is here to help. The Scotiabank StartRight® Program was designed to offer newcomers to Canada solutions and advice on how to set themselves up for a secure financial future. Their advisors speak your language and can help you navigate the challenges of setting up your banking so you’re fully prepared for your first day of work.
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