We did a little digging to put together a list of some of the highest-paying jobs in Canada by gender expression. We‘ve also included what it takes to do these jobs and the average salary (because who doesn’t like to talk about money?)
These roles can also be found on CareerBeacon! Just click the occupation title, and you’ll see open positions. So whether it is curiosity, intrigue, or a career change, all the information is accessible in one place. Stats Canada aligns with much of the findings below regarding gender expression and identity.
Top Highest Paying Jobs for Female-Identifying Persons
1. Pharmacist
$104,646/year
They’re not just there to hand us our little bottles of magical healing pills; they do so much more.
Pharmacists dispense prescriptions, medications, and other compounds like they’re dishing out secret potions. But their expertise goes beyond just handing over the goods. They also consult with patients and healthcare providers about how these concoctions work to treat or regulate specific issues and diagnoses.
Requirements: You will need a bachelor of science in pharmacy, as well as licensure and apprenticeship/training.
2. Lawyer
$116,940/year
Lawyers advise on legal matters for clients and handle tasks like representing them in court or drawing up legal documents. They can plead cases, conduct prosecutions, and act as mediators or arbitrators.
Lawyers are a mix of adversaries and negotiators. They can be self-employed, work for a firm, or even serve as federal or government employees. The world of law is their playground, and they make sure justice is served and our rights are protected.
Requirements: You will need to complete undergraduate studies in law or social humanities. In some instances, a degree from a recognized law school will be required. Successful completion of the bar examination and a period of articling is also required.
3. Information Systems Manager
$109,990/year
These digital gurus lead teams of IT professionals to ensure that an organization’s tech needs are always met. They work closely with their team to tackle IT problems, administer computer system updates, and even handle hardware and software installations for various departments.
Requirements: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or computer engineering is usually the basis. However, business administration degrees may also help as this role often manages others. Experience in computer, IT, and software-related fields are also often required.
This is one of the highest paying job in Canada for female-identifying individuals.
4. Physician
$216,864/year
Also one of the highest paying jobs in Canada, physicians stand as pillars of strength in the face of health challenges. They focus on the health and well-being of their patients, helping them overcome physiological disorders, injuries, and diseases. They’re like the unwavering force that keeps us on track, guiding us through the ups and downs of our physical well-being.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree and one year of pre-medicine studies are required. Graduation from medical school and residency training is also required. The completion of the Medical Council of Canada examinations is also part of the path of physician work — including additional licensing depending on the area of expertise or province location.
5. Nurse Practitioner
$83,200/year
These extraordinary workers are qualified to assess, diagnose, and oversee patient problems, order tests, and even prescribe medications. They’re like the elite squad equipped with the skills to handle more complex situations and provide top-notch care.
Requirements: Nurse practitioners usually require a master’s degree in nursing or completion of a nursing program with additional advanced nursing education, and several years of practice as a registered nurse. All nurse practitioners must register with a regulatory body in all provinces and territories.
6. Human Resources Manager
$103,459/year
The role of a Human Resources Manager is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of an organization. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of the personnel department. This includes implementing policies, overseeing recruitment processes, and evaluating training, performance, pay and benefits. The Personnel Manager serves as a liaison between management and staff, fostering positive relationships and promoting a healthy work environment.
Requirements: A bachelor’s in business administration, personnel management, commerce, or psychology. Work as a personnel officer or experience in human resources is often also required for the role.
7. Marketing Manager
$90,000/year
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing, implementing and executing strategic marketing plans for an entire organization, business, or brand to attract potential customers and retain existing ones. They do market analysis and research to identify target audiences and raise awareness around certain products and services through company-wide campaigns. Ultimately, they drive business (new and old) from the market to the company.
Requirements: An advanced degree in sales, marketing or a related field is needed. Experience in marketing, public relations, or business administration is also required.
8. Therapist
$84,760/year
Therapists are licensed professionals that specialize in helping clients develop better emotional, behavioural, or cognitive skills. They monitor and moderate symptoms around certain illnesses, as well as help clients cope with life changes. They also evaluate, diagnose, and treat people with psychological, emotional, and mental differences.
Requirements: A university degree in psychology, counselling or related studies. Often a master’s degree is required. A focus on social sciences and membership within provincial associations. Completion of necessary examinations.
9. Research Scientist
$95,680/year
Research scientists conduct laboratory-based experiments and trials. They extend their knowledge and findings to fields like communication, power, electronics, medicine, biotechnology, and even to the public. They monitor experiments, collect samples, record data/findings, and write research papers. They help advance technology and demonstrate procedures.
Requirements: Oftentimes research scientists start with a master’s degree in the area of their focus and gain experience. From there, they will pursue a doctorate or additional certifications.
10. Financial Analyst
$76,794/year
A financial analyst is responsible for activities like gathering data, organizing information, analyzing historical results, making forecasts and projections, making recommendations, and generating Excel models, presentations, and reports. They focus on research for investment strategies and help clients make decisions regarding investment. They are often data-driven and analytical.
Requirements: An advanced degree in commerce, economics, and/or finance is required. Often master’s degrees with a financial focus may be needed. Some employers may require a CFA designation for the role.
Top Highest Paying Jobs for Male-Identifying Persons
1. Civil Engineers
$85,696/year
Civil engineers design, develop, and manage projects in urban planning such as the repair or construction of buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels, infrastructure, highways, etc. They tend to inspect structures and analyze foundations and buildings. They survey and oversee citywide planning. Often, they work for engineering consulting companies, for the government, for construction firms, or even maybe self-employed.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related engineering discipline is required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required. Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
2. Computer Programmers
$80,000/year
Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and programs to function. They translate designs from developers and engineers into code. They may work for software companies, game developers, the film/media industry, or other IT-related companies. They are responsible for making technology functional — as interactive and integrative as it is in modern-day society.
Requirements: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or computer engineering is usually the basis. Additional certification or education may be required based on the specialization.
Depending on the province, this can also be one of the highest paying jobs in Canada.
3. Construction Managers
$85,010/year
Construction managers oversee the production of a construction company, department, or site. They tend to be a point of contact for management and organize the daily activities on a job site. They encompass knowledge of the construction industry and act as a mediator for employees, as well as clients and management. They are project managers as well.
Requirements: Often a degree in civil engineering or construction technology is required. Experience in the construction industry is also a must. Trade certification and management experience can also be used.
4. Truck Drivers
$47,840/year
A truck driver is someone who earns a living driving a truck, transporting goods and materials over land. They typically go to and from retail and distribution centers or manufacturing plants. They may work long hours, as well as nights and weekends. Truck drivers assist and supervise the safe unloading of cargo to the destination.
Requirements: Secondary school education is required, as is a driver training course accreditation. A Class 3 or D licence is required to drive straight-body trucks.
A Class 1 or A licence is required to drive long combination vehicles. Transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) certification is required for drivers who transport hazardous products or dangerous goods. There is often on-the-job training provided.
5. Mechanical Engineers
$87,360year
Mechanical engineers often play a role in the design and manufacturing of products. They use math and science to figure out solutions to mechanical problems. They work with everything from engines to elevators to medical devices. They operate, evaluate, and maintain mechanical systems. They also work with machinery and design parts for different systems and manufacturers.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline is required. Some may attain a master’s or doctorate in the field. Licensing may also be required depending on the province or territory. Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
6. Software Developers $80,000/year
Software developers design, program, build, deploy and maintain software using many different skills and tools. They also help build software systems that power networks and devices and ensure that those systems remain functional. Their job may also involve meeting with clients to determine the needs for a software solution, which will help them design the final product.
Requirements: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or computer engineering is usually the basis. Additional certification or education may be required based on the specialization.
7. Construction
$43,680/year
Construction workers work on construction sites. They are responsible for several on-site tasks, such as removing debris, erecting scaffolding, loading and unloading building materials, and assisting with operating heavy equipment. They also perform labour activities and assist tradespersons on job sites.
Requirements: Experience in the field is often the most sought-after requirement, as is a trade certificate in construction.
8. Sales Manager
$90,000/year
Sales managers help businesses, brands, and organizations advertise and market their goods and services. They evaluate, consult, and advise in the arena of public relations, sales, marketing, and commerce. Sales managers are also responsible for hiring, training, motivating, and directing the sales personnel, who in turn persuade customers to buy. They help create the vision and communication around promoting a product or service.
Requirements: An advanced degree in sales, marketing or a related field is needed. Experience in marketing, public relations, or business administration is also required.
After receiving commissions this can also be one of the highest paying jobs in Canada.
9. Surgeon
$281,182/year
Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities or abnormalities. They specialize in treating conditions that require physically changing the human body. Specialists in surgery perform and supervise surgical procedures. They are often leaders of the surgical team and perform operations, as well as follow-ups and care for a patient post-operation. The surgeon must make important decisions about the patient’s health, safety, and welfare — especially during surgery.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree and one year of pre-medicine studies are required. Graduation from medical school and residency training is also required. Completion of the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and licensing by the provincial or territorial authority is required. Five to six years of specialty residency training are a must. Two years of subspecialty training may also be needed.
This can be considered one of the highest paying jobs in Canada.
10. Management Analyst
$78,978/year
Management analysts, also known as management consultants, are hired to find ways to improve an organization’s efficiency and increase profits. They collect and analyze data about how a company works and then recommend changes that will decrease costs or boost revenue. They focus on streamlining production and workplace behaviours and implementing improvements overall. They often work with consulting firms or are self-employed.
Requirements: An advanced degree in sales, marketing or a related field is needed. A graduate degree in business administration may also be required. There may be specific certifications depending on the organization. Occupations in health information management consulting may require certification by the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA).
Find a Job You Love
Hope these updates help you make informed decisions and pursue a career that suits your needs! Stay tuned for future posts related to the highest paying jobs in Canada and popular careers.