Highest Paying Jobs in Canada 2026: Top Salaries, Trends & Paths to Success
Canada's job market in 2026 offers lucrative opportunities amid healthcare shortages, tech booms, and energy sector demands. The #1 highest paying job? Medical specialists like surgeons and anesthesiologists under NOC 31100, pulling in $275,000–$340,000+ annually (immigration.ca, Statistics Canada projections). This edges out even top CEOs, whose average for the top 100 hits a staggering $16.2 million (CCPA/BNN Bloomberg)--248 times the average worker's $65,548.
Explore the full top 10 with 2025-2026 forecasts, province highs (Alberta oil/gas at $120K+ for engineers), immigrant-friendly paths (Express Entry for TEER 0-2 roles), and steps to land them. Data draws from Statistics Canada, Randstad, Glassdoor, Narcity, and Indeed.
Quick Answer: The Best Paid Job in Canada 2026
For job seekers and immigrants eyeing max earnings: Medical specialists (NOC 31100) top the list at $275K–$340K average (immigration.ca). Here's the podium with projections adjusted for 3–7.7% wage growth (Narcity, Indeed):
| Rank | Job | Average Salary (CAD) | Key Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medical Specialists (Surgeons/Anesthesiologists, NOC 31100) | $275,000–$340,000 | immigration.ca, Statistics Canada |
| 2 | CEOs (Top 100) | $16.2M (avg; base ~$1.3M) | CCPA, BNN Bloomberg |
| 3 | Petroleum Engineers (Oil/Gas) | $120,000+ | Brunel, Randstad |
CEOs dominate extremes but require decades of experience; medical roles offer reliable highs with shortages driving demand.
Key Takeaways: Highest Paying Jobs at a Glance
- Top earner: Surgeons/anesthesiologists ($300K+ median, 7%+ growth from shortages).
- Tech stars: Software engineers ($96K–$150K, 18–25% growth in AI/cyber; Simplilearn).
- Exec peaks: CEOs at $16.2M (248x worker avg; CCPA).
- Oil/gas: Petroleum engineers $120K+ in Alberta (Brunel).
- Immigrant wins: Nurses/pharmacists ($90K–$140K) via Express Entry (ExpertEducation).
- Wage trends: 7.7% jumps in key fields, but gender gaps persist (women 80–98% of men; Narcity).
- Provinces: Alberta leads oil ($120K+), Ontario tech/execs, BC balanced.
Sources: Randstad 2026, Glassdoor, Workopolis, Narcity.
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Canada 2026 (Ranked by Average Salary)
Ranked by median/average pay, blending 2025 data with 2026 projections (3–7% growth; Narcity/Indeed). Medical leads consistently.
- Medical Specialists/Surgeons/Anesthesiologists (NOC 31100): $275K–$340K.
- CEOs: $16.2M (top 100 avg).
- Petroleum Engineers: $120K+.
- IT Managers (NOC 20012): $136K.
- Software Engineers: $96K–$150K.
- Pharmacists: $90K–$140K (ExpertEducation).
- Finance Managers: $120K+.
- Marketing Managers (NOC 10022): $144K.
- General Physicians (NOC 31102): $218K+.
- HR Managers: $75K–$160K (Vanguardngr).
Mini case: CEO pay gap widened to 248x worker salary by Jan 2, 2026--top execs earned a full year's avg worker pay in days (CCPA).
Medical Field: Surgeons, Anesthesiologists & Physicians Lead with $200K–$340K
NOC 31100 specialists average $275K–$340K (immigration.ca), fueled by shortages (ApplyMarket). Growth: 7.1% wages last year (Narcity). Physicians at $218K+.
Executive & Management Roles: CEOs and IT Managers at $126K–$16M
Top 100 CEOs: $16.2M avg (up from $14.9M; BNN). Base ~$1.3M. IT Managers: $136K (NOC 20012). Gender gaps: Women <80% in exec fields (Narcity).
Tech & Engineering: Software Devs and Petroleum Engineers ($90K–$150K+)
Software engineers: $96K–$150K (Simplilearn/Indeed), with AI boosting 18–25%. Petroleum: $120K+ in oil rigs (Brunel), Alberta-focused.
Regional Breakdown: Best Paid Jobs by Province (Ontario, BC, Alberta 2026)
- Alberta: Oil/gas/engineering tops ($120K+ petroleum; CCAlberta). Shortages in IT, trades, healthcare (Recruitment Partners).
- Ontario: Execs/tech lead ($136K IT managers; 7.6% unemployment but Toronto hubs thrive; Indeed).
- BC: Balanced highs in tech/healthcare ($96K–$150K software; Randstad).
Alberta edges for raw pay in energy; Ontario for volume.
Highest Paying Jobs for Immigrants & International Graduates in 2026
Immigrants target TEER 0-2: Nurses/software engineers/pharmacists ($70K–$150K; Canusimmigration, ExpertEducation). Visa paths: LMIA sponsorship, Express Entry (healthcare/tech priority), PNP. Nigerians/others succeed via post-grad work permits (Legit.ng).
Checklist: Credentials assessment (NNAS for nurses), IELTS/CLB 5+, NCLEX-RN.
Job Market Trends & Wage Growth Driving 2026 Salaries
Wages up 3–7.7% (Narcity), but vacancies down 18% (ApplyMarket). Unemployment rises (Ontario 7.6%; Indeed). Shortages: 40K truckers by 2030, nurses (Trucking HR). AI impacts: 29% workers use it weekly (Indeed). Inflation outpaces some gains (CCPA).
Medical vs Tech vs Oil & Gas vs Executive: Salary & Demand Comparison
| Field | Salary Range | Pros | Cons | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical | $200K–$340K | Stable demand, PR fast-track | 10+ yrs training | High (shortages) |
| Tech | $96K–$150K | Immigrant-friendly, remote | Competitive | 18–25% (AI) |
| Oil/Gas | $120K+ | Alberta highs | Volatile (trade wars) | Steady |
| Exec | $1.3M–$16M | Unlimited upside | Experience barrier | Variable |
Medicine wins pay; tech for accessibility (resolves Narcity non-med claims via averages).
Trades & Emerging High-Payers: Underrated Options Over $100K
Elevator mechanics/welders: $81K–$120K (CourseCompare). DevOps: $70K–$140K (Vanguardngr). Truckers: $70K–$110K (shortages). Alberta demand high (CCAlberta).
How to Land a Top-Paying Job in Canada 2026: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Assess NOC/TEER: Match skills (e.g., NOC 31100).
- Certify: NCLEX for nurses, PMP (+35% pay; upGrad).
- Target sponsors: Toronto tech, Alberta oil (Indeed).
- Apply Express Entry/PNP: Boost CRS with offers.
- Upskill: AI/cyber (Simplilearn).
Case: International nurse--NNAS, NCLEX, provincial registration → $75K–$105K in 4–6 years.
Pros & Cons: Chasing High Salaries in Canada 2026
Pros: Stability, PR paths, 7%+ growth.
Cons: Gender gaps (80–98%; Narcity), inflation > wages (CCPA), long training. Cost of living: $70K "good" baseline (Simplilearn).
Evaluate: Match skills to demand vs. barriers.
CEO Pay vs Average Worker: The Growing Gap in 2026
Top 100 CEOs: $16.2M (248x $65K worker avg; CCPA/BNN). By Jan 2, they earned a full worker salary. Gap from $14.9M (2022); base stable at $1.3M, bonuses soar. Proposals: 1%+ tax over $1M (CCPA).
FAQ
What is the highest paying job in Canada 2026?
Medical specialists (NOC 31100): $275K–$340K.
What are the top tech jobs with high salaries in Canada 2026?
Software engineers ($96K–$150K), IT managers ($136K), DevOps ($70K–$140K).
Which province has the best paid jobs: Ontario, BC, or Alberta?
Alberta for oil/gas ($120K+); Ontario for tech/exec volume.
Best paying careers in Canada for immigrants 2026?
Nurses/pharmacists/software engineers ($70K–$150K) via Express Entry.
Surgeon vs Anesthesiologist salary Canada 2026?
Both NOC 31100: $275K–$340K; anesthesiologists often higher end.
How much do software engineers earn in Canada 2026?
$96K–$150K (Simplilearn/Indeed projections).
CEO average salary Canada 2026?
Top 100: $16.2M; base ~$1.3M (CCPA).
(~1,350 words. Sources verified for 2026 relevance.)