Highest-Paying Professions in Canada in 2025 (Excluding Medical Roles)

Canada offers many lucrative career paths outside of medicine. Here are 10 high‑earning professions along with their average annual salaries:

1. Lawyers
   – Specialized fields (e.g., patent, corporate, or trial law) earn around $145,000 per year on average, with top earners surpassing $200,000.

2. Investment Bankers
   – Finance professionals in investment banking can expect base salaries ranging from $150,000 to over $250,000—not including bonuses.

3. Software Engineers
   – With Canada’s thriving tech sector, software engineers earn an average of $120,000 per year, with competitive salaries in major tech hubs.

4. Data Scientists
   – Data science roles command about $110,000 per year as organizations rely on analytics to drive decisions.

5. Petroleum Engineers
   – In resource-rich regions, petroleum engineers typically earn between $110,000 and $140,000 per year.

6. Commercial Pilots
   – Commercial pilots earn around $120,000 to $160,000 per year, reflecting the rigorous training and responsibility required.

7. Architects
   – Architects in Canada average between $90,000 and $120,000 per year, especially in bustling urban markets.

8. Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs)
   – CPAs can earn roughly $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on their industry and level of expertise.

9. Actuaries
   – Actuaries, who assess financial risk, have average salaries in the range of $100,000 to $140,000 per year.

10. Management Consultants
    – Focused on advising companies on efficiency and growth, management consultants earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually.

Factors Influencing These Salaries

Earnings in these fields depend on various factors, including:

• Experience and Specialization: Entry-level roles may start lower, but mid- to senior-level professionals see significant increases.

• Location: Major urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary tend to offer higher salaries due to increased demand and cost of living.

• Firm Size and Market Demand: Larger companies or niche markets often provide higher compensation packages.

These figures provide a snapshot of Canada’s competitive salary landscape for non-medical professions. By choosing the right field and continually upgrading skills, professionals in Canada can enjoy rewarding and financially stable careers.