On This Page, You Will Find:
- Canada’s highest-paying jobs for 2026, ranked
- Approximate national salaries and NOC 2021 codes
- The sectors that dominate top earnings
- How high pay connects to immigration
- Frequently asked questions
Salaries in Canada vary by province, employer and experience, but some occupations consistently top the pay scale because they require advanced education, long training and specialised skills. Below are 20 of the highest-paying jobs in Canada for 2026, with approximate national average salaries and the relevant National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 code, which matters for immigration. Figures are indicative and drawn from aggregated Canadian salary data; actual pay varies.
1. Orthodontist
NOC 2021: 31110 – Dentists
Approx salary: Approximately $350,000+ per year
Orthodontists diagnose, prevent, and treat misaligned teeth and jaw structures. They develop treatment plans using braces, clear aligners, retainers, and other corrective devices to improve both function and appearance. Orthodontists monitor patient progress throughout treatment and work closely with general dentists and other specialists to achieve the best long-term outcomes.
2. Anesthesiologist
NOC 2021: 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
Approx salary: Approximately $340,000 per year
Anesthesiologists manage patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. They administer anaesthesia, monitor vital signs, manage pain, and respond to medical emergencies in operating rooms, intensive care units, and maternity wards. Their work is essential to ensuring patient safety throughout surgery.
3. Psychiatrist
NOC 2021: 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
Approx salary: Approximately $330,000 per year
Psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. They develop treatment plans that may combine medication, psychotherapy, and behavioural interventions. Many provide long-term care while working with psychologists, family physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
4. Surgeon
NOC 2021: 31101 – Specialists in surgery
Approx salary: Approximately $300,000+ per year
Surgeons perform operations to treat injuries, diseases, and medical conditions across a wide range of specialties. Their responsibilities include assessing patients, planning procedures, carrying out surgery, and overseeing recovery. They also work closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams before and after operations.
5. Cardiologist
NOC 2021: 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
Approx salary: Approximately $300,000 per year
Cardiologists diagnose and treat diseases affecting the heart and cardiovascular system. They interpret diagnostic tests, manage chronic heart conditions, perform specialised procedures, and develop long-term treatment plans. They also advise patients on reducing cardiovascular risk through lifestyle changes.
6. General Practitioner / Family Physician
NOC 2021: 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
Approx salary: Approximately $250,000 per year
Family physicians provide primary healthcare for patients of all ages. They diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatment, manage chronic conditions, perform routine examinations, and coordinate referrals to medical specialists. They often serve as a patient’s first point of contact within Canada’s healthcare system.
7. Dentist
NOC 2021: 31110 – Dentists
Approx salary: Approximately $200,000+ per year
Dentists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth. Their work includes preventive care, fillings, extractions, crowns, and cosmetic procedures. They also educate patients about oral hygiene and help prevent long-term dental disease.
8. Chief Executive / Senior Manager
NOC 2021: 00012 – 00015 – Senior managers
Approx salary: Approximately $150,000+ per year
Senior managers provide strategic leadership across public and private organisations. They establish business objectives, oversee major departments, manage budgets, and make high-level operational decisions. Their responsibilities often include driving organisational growth while ensuring long-term financial performance.
9. Engineering Manager
NOC 2021: 20010 – Engineering managers
Approx salary: Approximately $140,000 per year
Engineering managers oversee engineering teams responsible for designing, developing, and delivering technical projects. They manage budgets, schedules, staffing, and quality standards while ensuring projects meet business objectives and regulatory requirements.
10. Airline Pilot
NOC 2021: 72600 – Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
Approx salary: Approximately $130,000 per year
Airline pilots operate commercial aircraft carrying passengers and cargo. They perform safety checks, monitor weather conditions, communicate with air traffic control, and ensure flights are completed safely and efficiently. Many progress to captain positions after gaining extensive flying experience.
11. Lawyer
NOC 2021: 41101 – Lawyers and Quebec notaries
Approx salary: Approximately $130,000 per year
Lawyers advise individuals, businesses, and governments on legal matters. They prepare legal documents, negotiate settlements, represent clients in court, and provide guidance on contracts, employment, corporate, criminal, and family law. Many specialise in particular areas of legal practice.
12. IT / Software Systems Manager
NOC 2021: 20012 – Computer and information systems managers
Approx salary: Approximately $130,000 per year
Computer and information systems managers oversee an organisation’s technology strategy and operations. They supervise IT teams, manage cybersecurity, implement new systems, and ensure technology supports business goals while maintaining reliable digital infrastructure.
13. Financial Manager
NOC 2021: 10010 – Financial managers
Approx salary: Approximately $120,000 per year
Financial managers oversee budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, and risk management within organisations. They analyse financial performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide strategic advice to senior executives to support business growth and profitability.
14. Petroleum / Mining Engineer
NOC 2021: 21331 – Geological engineers
Approx salary: Approximately $120,000 per year
Petroleum and mining engineers develop methods for extracting oil, gas, minerals, and other natural resources safely and efficiently. They design production systems, assess geological conditions, improve operational performance, and help minimise environmental impacts.
15. Pharmacist
NOC 2021: 31120 – Pharmacists
Approx salary: Approximately $110,000 per year
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and advise patients on their safe and effective use. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals, monitor drug interactions, administer vaccinations, and provide medication management services in community and hospital settings.
16. Nurse Practitioner
NOC 2021: 31302 – Nurse practitioners
Approx salary: Approximately $110,000 per year
Nurse practitioners provide advanced healthcare services, including diagnosing illnesses, ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and developing treatment plans. They often work independently while collaborating with physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver primary and specialised care.
17. Utilities / Natural Resources Manager
NOC 2021: 70012 – Utilities managers
Approx salary: Approximately $110,000 per year
Utilities managers oversee the operation of facilities that provide electricity, natural gas, water, and other essential services. They manage staff, budgets, maintenance programs, and regulatory compliance while ensuring reliable service delivery and operational efficiency.
18. Actuary / Data Scientist
NOC 2021: 21211 – Data scientists
Approx salary: Approximately $105,000 per year
Data scientists and actuaries analyse complex datasets to identify trends, measure risk, and support strategic decision-making. They develop predictive models, evaluate financial and operational risks, and provide insights that help organisations improve performance and plan for the future.
19. Software Engineer / Developer
NOC 2021: 21231 – Software engineers and designers
Approx salary: Approximately $100,000 per year
Software engineers design, develop, test, and maintain computer applications and software systems. They work across industries to build secure, scalable, and reliable digital products while collaborating with developers, designers, and business stakeholders throughout the development process.
20. Construction Manager
NOC 2021: 70010 – Construction managers
Approx salary: Approximately $100,000 per year
Construction managers plan, coordinate, and oversee residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects from beginning to completion. They manage budgets, schedules, contractors, and safety standards while ensuring projects are delivered on time and comply with building regulations.
The Sectors That Dominate Top Earnings
Health care leads by a wide margin — physicians, surgeons and dentists occupy most of the top spots. Beyond medicine, the best-paid roles cluster in executive management, engineering, law, technology and finance. Notably, many of these occupations also feature in Express Entry’s category-based selection and provincial in-demand lists.
How High Pay Connects to Immigration
Many high-paying occupations are also in demand, which can improve your immigration prospects. Health-care, STEM and skilled roles are targeted through Express Entry category-based draws and Provincial Nominee Programs. For related reading, see our guides to the most in-demand jobs in British Columbia, the best cities to live in Canada, and Express Entry immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Primary Sources
- Government of Canada Job Bank — Explore careers by wages: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-wages
- Statistics Canada — Employee wages by occupation: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1410041701
- Government of Canada — Find your National Occupation Code (NOC): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/find-national-occupation-code.html
What is the highest-paying job in Canada?
Medical specialists — particularly orthodontists, anesthesiologists, psychiatrists and surgeons — are consistently the highest earners in Canada, with average incomes well above $300,000 per year. Actual pay depends on specialty, province and practice type.
Are these salaries guaranteed?
No. The figures are approximate national averages drawn from aggregated salary data and are meant as a guide. Real pay varies with employer, region, experience and, for professionals, whether they are salaried or self-employed.
Do high-paying jobs help with immigration?
Often, yes. Many top-paying occupations are also in demand and are targeted through Express Entry category-based draws and Provincial Nominee Programs, which can improve your chances of an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Why is the NOC code important?
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 code identifies your occupation for immigration and labour-market purposes. It determines whether your job is skilled (TEER 0–3) and whether it qualifies for specific Express Entry categories or provincial streams.
Do I need a Canadian licence to work in these jobs?
Many of the highest-paying roles — physicians, dentists, pharmacists, lawyers and some engineers — are regulated professions requiring Canadian licensing or certification. Newcomers usually need to have their credentials assessed and may need to complete additional requirements.