introduction
In 2025, Canada’s job market is set to offer some incredible high-paying career paths. The range of highest paying jobs in Canada goes beyond the usual suspects in fields like medicine or law, extending into technology, finance, and skilled trades. Many of these jobs pay over $100,000 a year and have excellent growth potential and often, the most unexpected roles hold great growth opportunities. With proper education, experience and by upskilling and reskilling, you can go a long way in your career.
If you're looking to advance or switch your career, it’s helpful to understand the specific requirements for these top-paying roles. Technical expertise is no longer the only priority; soft skills such as leadership, critical thinking, and adaptability are equally essential. Whether you’re a student, a new graduate, or an experienced professional, exploring the highest-paying jobs in Canada can help you make more informed career choices and improve your earning potential in the years ahead.
executive assistant
Behind every great executive is an incredible assistant. They don't just manage schedules—they keep everything running smoothly, balancing work, family, and social commitments. Their ability to anticipate needs, stay organized under pressure, and keep things moving makes them a valuable asset. It's no wonder companies value executive assistants who can offer that level of support and trust.
The average salary of executive assistants in Canada is around $74,000 annually. Moreover, the employment outlook for executive assistants has grown, with many new job openings nationwide.
application architect
With the rapid growth of technology, the demand for application architects is rising.
Application architects play a crucial role in the tech industry, earning annual salaries that average between $105,000 and $164,000 or more, depending on their experience and location.
Application architects design and oversee the development of software applications, ensuring they align with business objectives and meet user needs. Moreover, their expertise in crafting robust and efficient software solutions makes them highly sought-after in the competitive tech landscape.
As technology evolves, application architects remain at the forefront of innovation, developing cutting-edge applications that power our digital world.
cloud architect
The cloud industry is experiencing rapid growth, and with it, the need for skilled professionals.
As more businesses move to the cloud, cloud architects become crucial in defining the future of digital infrastructure and services. They design and oversee cloud systems, ensuring they are scalable, secure, and cost-effective.
Cloud architects are in high demand in the ever-expanding realm of cloud computing, earning annual salaries typically ranging from $100,000 to $140,000 or more, depending on experience and location.
Moreover, their expertise in harnessing the power of cloud technology makes them invaluable assets for organizations looking to innovate and streamline their IT operations.
contract administrator
Contract administrators are valuable professionals in various industries and are among the highest paying jobs in Canada. Depending on experience and the complexity of the contracts they manage, they typically earn annual salaries ranging from $60,000 to $93,000 or more.
They play a critical role in the efficient operation of organizations by overseeing the negotiation, creation, and management of contracts. Contract administrators ensure contracts comply with legal requirements and meet the organization's objectives.
Additionally, they manage contract lifecycles, track vital dates, and facilitate communication between parties. Their attention to detail, legal acumen, and negotiation skills help organizations avoid disputes and maximize the value of their contracts.
millwright
Millwrights are among the fastest-growing trades, and their demand is expected to increase as advanced manufacturing equipment becomes more widely adopted.
Entry-level millwrights earn around $78,000, while those in senior positions earn up to $102,000. Since millwrights are in high demand, they have quickly become some of the highest-paying skilled trade jobs available. In fact, they are considered among the highest paying jobs in Canada.
As machine automation continues to rise, millwrights need to maintain these machines and ensure they operate effectively. Top millwrights are sought after and have higher wages, making it a great time to be in the field.
controller
Controllers are key financial professionals within organizations. They play key roles in managing finances, handling accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. Their annual salaries usually range from $100,000 to $180,000 or higher. As a result, their expertise is highly valued across various industries.
Controllers ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data and compliance with regulatory requirements. Their role extends beyond number-crunching, as they also provide strategic financial guidance to executives and play a central part in decision-making processes.
With their financial analysis and reporting expertise, controllers help organizations navigate economic challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities.
In an increasingly complex business environment, controllers remain essential figures in maintaining financial health and driving sustainable success.
director of operations - engineering
Directors of operations in the engineering field are responsible for overseeing and optimizing operational activities. The average annual salaries range from $159,000 to $215,000 or more, depending on experience and the size and complexity of the organization, making it one of the highest paying jobs in Canada.
Directors of operations are pivotal in ensuring that engineering projects and processes run efficiently, safely, and in alignment with strategic goals.
These professionals provide strategic direction, manage resources, and foster collaboration among engineering teams. They set and achieve performance targets, control costs, and maintain high quality and safety standards.
Directors of operations in engineering play a vital role in driving innovation, process improvement, and overall operational excellence within their organizations.
project manager
A project manager is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. They are responsible for a project's success and work in various industries, from construction to software.
Given their critical role, they typically earn annual salaries ranging from $94,000 to $164,000 or more, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects they manage.
Moreover, in today's dynamic business environment, project managers are indispensable in delivering projects efficiently, meeting client expectations, achieving organizational objectives, making them integral figures in project-driven industries.
director of financial planning & analysis
Directors of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) play a pivotal role in shaping their companies' financial strategies and are among the highest paying jobs in Canada. Depending on experience and the size and complexity of the organization, they typically average annual salaries ranging from $162,000 to $210,000 or more.
Moreover, these professionals provide strategic financial guidance, oversee budgeting and forecasting processes, and lead teams responsible for financial analysis, reporting, and performance measurement.
They are responsible for aligning financial goals with the company's strategic objectives, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring financial transparency and accuracy.
plant manager
Plant managers oversee all aspects of plant operations to ensure efficiency, safety, and productivity. As a result, given their pivotal role in manufacturing and industrial settings, they typically earn annual salaries ranging from $125,000 to $172,000 or more, depending on experience and the size and complexity of the manufacturing facility.
In the manufacturing sector, Plant managers are indispensable in achieving production goals, maintaining operational excellence, and upholding safety standards, making them key figures in the success of manufacturing facilities.
benchmark your salary
Explore the average salaries for your job role in your specific location and understand how your earnings compare to the market average. Our online pay comparison tool makes it easy to see how your current compensation measures up against similar positions based on location.
submit your resume
New year, new salary! The job market is hot right now with appealing salaries and positions. It’s a great time to increase your salary and find high-paying opportunities. Share your resume so you can work with a recruiter to find a job.
