introduction

In 2026, the Canadian job market is set to offer some incredible high-paying career paths. The range of highest-paying jobs in the Canada goes beyond the usual suspects in fields like healthcare or technology, extending into finance, engineering, life sciences, marketing and industrial management.

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. While the global economy presents uncertainty, now is the right time to make the most of your job searching endeavor.

This article explores real-time data on several highest paying positions in Canada’s job market and discusses opportunities tailored to your skill profile. Draw upon this data-backed piece for direction in your career pursuits.

Canada’s job market offers you pay, stability and long-term growth.

​Learn about the requirements for top-paying roles and find your niche. 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 be beneficial.

By doing so, you  can make more informed career choices and improve your earning potential in the years ahead.

1

controller

​One of the most in-demand job roles Canada, controllers own financial leadership by overseeing end-to-end accounting operations. In this role, you’re responsible for financial budgeting, forecasting and reporting.

On top of that, you’ll also ensure regulatory compliance. Your typical day is spend solidifying your organization’s financial health. Thus, as a consequence, you’ll guide strategic decisions involving team management and financial auditing.

Furthermore, you undertake operational finance and put together financial statements such as P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow. In fact, you’re the bridge that connect executive leadership with ground reality.

While a bachelor’s degree can help you start off, a master’s degree or equivalent in finance sets you apart. Furthermore, gaining years of experience in the fields of accounting gets your foot in the door. While all of this is non-negotiable, what truly gives you an edge is your skill profile.

​Strong leadership, analytical, communication and tech competencies build career resilience. You’ll bring home an average of $188,697 a year. And, this role offers ample room for growth. You can grab a spot in senior-level positions such as Divisional Controller, Regional Controller or even Finance Director.

Does this career path look very promising? Explore some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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2

engineering manager

​As an engineering manager, you’ll lead a team of engineers. Your expertise rests in bridging technical execution with business goals. In fact, you’ll lead engineering projects effectively, to completion. Your day typically involves overseeing project lifecycles, managing people and monetary resources and developing technical talent.

As a consequence, you will work with a set of diverse people resources such as Project Engineers, Mechanical Engineers or Electrical Engineers as part of your project lifecycle. A robust engineering background puts a spotlight on your expertise.

​Besides, if you sharpen your leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, your career advancement is a walk in the park. Your annual compensation averages to $144,753. This role offers promising growth trajectories in technical and managerial domains.

As an individual contributor, you can advance into Technical Lear or Senior IC, with the right credentials. Conversely, your seniority enables you to oversee diverse engineering teams in roles such as Senior Engineering Manager.

With seniority, your average annual compensation sits between $140,925 and $190,594. Do you want to cash in on your skills? Go ahead and apply for some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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3

pharmacy manager

​As a pharmacy manager, you ensure safe dispensing of medication. Your core responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, managing staff and ensuring compliance with regulations. Furthermore, you’re in-charge of inventory and accountable for customer service.

A bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) is typically required to get your foot in the door. However, obtaining a professional license grants a prerogative. You’ll draw an average of  $143,220 a year and you’ll grow. That’s a promise this career path offers.

You can climb into supervisory positions such as Regional Manager, once you put in the years. Focusing on operations, strategy, compliance and leadership offers a window into leadership positions such as Chief Pharmacy Officer.

Senior-level positions offers an average annual compensation sitting between $137,927 and $185,375. Would you like to take a stab at this exciting career? Go ahead and look for some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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4

plant manager

​As a plant manager, you will oversee all daily operations of your manufacturing facility. You’re accountable for production efficiency, safety, quality and budget adherence at all times. Furthermore, you’re in-charge of workforce planning and development.

Furthermore, you’ll center your efforts on continuous improvement. How will enable this makeshift? Equipment maintenance, regulatory compliance go a long way there. On top of that, you’ll also report performance concurrent to business goals.

This role requires you to have a deep understanding of management principles, budgeting and strategic planning. Also, employers prefer candidates with proven leadership experience. Undeniably so, excellent communication, problem-solving and people management skills non-adjustable necessity.

Your average annual compensation sits at $141,529. Moreover, the career path has scope to broaden your expertise. How? With experience and enough expertise managing multiple larger plans, you can aim for senior-level roles such as Senior Plant Manager or Operations Manager.

Seniority amps your average salary to anywhere between $144,582 and $194,134 a year. If you’re excited about your growth trajectory, take the leap now. Explore some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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5

financial reporting manager

As a financial reporting manager, you’re accountable for accuracy, timelines and compliance of your company’s financial statements and reports. To carry this out, you will ensure adherence to regulations such as GAAP and IFRS.

Furthermore, you’ll manage monthly, quarterly and yearly financial reports, coordinate audits and offer strategy from financial analysis. Your typical day involves collaborating with financial planners, one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada for 2026.

You’ll need strong technical accounting knowledge to land a job in this domain. Furthermore, proficiency with financial software and ERP systems could prove positive for bagging this role. The role offers you an average annual compensation of $137,190. Thankfully, this path offers ample room for growth.

As you begin to oversee broader accounting operations, manage teams and collaborate with leadership, you can grab a spot in roles such as Assistant Controller or Accounting Manager. Additionally, you can climb the ladder to roles such as Director of Financial Reporting.

Seniority offers you an average annual compensation sitting anywhere between $132,649 and $175,879. Would you like to cash in on your skills? Go ahead and apply for some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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6

assistant controller

​In this role, you will support and liaise with Controller, one of the highest paying and most in-demand jobs in Canada for 2026. As a consequence, your typical day is largely focused on preparing financial statements, overseeing budget and forecast and assisting with financial audits.

Furthermore, you’ll be involved in high-level accounting strategy. What skills should you bank on? A bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is good to break in. However, a specialized certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) will give you an edge.

This role offers you an average annual compensation of $136,017. Your career progression typically move to seniority as Accounting Manager or Finance Director, where you will oversee broader finance teams and undertake strategic planning.

With seniority, you can command an average annual compensation sitting between $129,384 and $178,523. Do you want a slice of this pie? Go ahead and apply for some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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7

purchasing manager

An engineering purchasing manager develops strategies to source, procure and manage technical materials, vendors and services. In this role, you will work with engineers of all disciplines to deliver on project promises.

Furthermore, you will monitor inventory, identify future needs and enable timely fulfillment of complex engineering equipment. To land a job, you require a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain or a related field.

On top of that, robust negotiation, contract management, cost analysis, supply chain software skills are obligatory to gain an edge over competition. This role’s average annual compensation sits at $134,629. Thinking of a sure shot growth path? This role could be your best bet.

If you attain deep expertise in specific product lines, you can grab a spot in senior-level roles such as Category Manager or Materials Manager. Seniority offers you an average annual compensation sitting between $130,606 and $172,589.

Do you want a slice of this pie? Explore some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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8

tax manager

As a tax manager, you’re accountable for your organization’s tax compliance, planning and reporting. As part of your routine deliverables, you’ll ensure your tax reports adhere to federal, state and local regulations.

Furthermore, you’ll also be involved in strategic financial planning, audits and risk management. To break in, you require a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field. What’s more? Attaining a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential will get you far in this field.

You’ll draw an average of $134,558 a year. Moreover, with experience leading high-stakes tax projects such as mergers and acquisitions, you can become Senior Tax Manager. Senior-level roles offer you an average annual compensation sitting between $128,640 and $173,630.

If this feels lucrative for you, don’t wait. Apply for some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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9

contracts manager

As a contracts manager, you will supervise end-to-end contract lifecycle. You’re in-charge for drafting, negotiating and executing vendor agreements and partnerships. Furthermore, you’re accountable for financial risk management with regard to your company’s contracts.

Often, a bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or a related field. Additionally, get better at negotiation, time management and understand legal compliance, you’re the most admired professional in the domain.

This role pays you an average of $134,459 a year. Developing deep expertise in the spheres of IT, construction, government or intellectual property, you can progress through ranks and land roles such as Senior Contract Manager, Director of Contracts, Commercial Director, Head of Procurement or Operations Director.

With seniority, your compensation also enjoys an upswing. By how much, though? Senior roles can command an average annual compensation sitting in the range of $132,301 and $170,728. If you want to cash in on your skills, don’t wait. Apply for some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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10

labour relations manager

As a labour relations manager, you’re a strategist. You develop and implement policies, manage union and employee relations, handle grievances and lead contract negotiations. Furthermore, in this role, you’re accountable to ensure labour law compliance and guide leadership with real-time data.

Often, a degree in HR or Business can help you break in. However, a profound comprehension of labour laws, union practices and bargaining can set your skill profile apart. This role offers you an average annual compensation of $131,971.

Learning the ropes of broader organizational strategy, external consulting, legal specialization and diverse high-level transformation can propel your growth strategy toward senior and executive-level positions such as Director of Labour Relations, Director of Employee Relations or VP of HR.

Senior-level roles can offer you an average annual compensation sitting between $130,127 and $175,947. Go ahead and apply for some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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11

pharmacist

Becoming a pharmacist can be a fulfilling and lucrative career path for many. When thinking of healthcare, a doctor or a nurse might come to mind, but pharmacists are just as important in treating illnesses and advising patients on their health concerns.

Pharmacists are specialists in medicine. They dispense prescriptions to patients and ensure they understand them well. They also serve as a "final check" to ensure that doses are correct and patients will not experience harmful drug interactions.

​Many pharmacists go a step further by offering tips for health and well-being. Apart from offering you an exciting career roadmap, this role’s average starting salary is $131,168 annually. Having said that, you can advance into specialized roles in domains such as Oncology, Pediatrics or Nuclear Pharmacy with credible specialization-centric education.

Seniority offers you an average annual compensation sitting between $128,199 and $161,187. Do you want to cash in on your skills? Now is the right time. Explore some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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12

internal audit manager

As an internal audit manager, you plan, lead and execute audits that examine your business’ risks, controls and compliance. Furthermore, you will supervise teams, build audit reports and communicate status to leadership effectively.

You could land a role with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field. However, certifications such as CPA or CFA are largely preferred by employers. You can bring home an average of $129,702.

With experience and the right education, you can progress through ranks in handling complex audits. This expertise opens avenues to aim for senior roles such as Senior Audit Manager, Director or Internal Audit or even Chief Audit Executive.

Senior-level roles command an average compensation sitting between $125,364 and $169,020. If you want to explore this exciting career path, apply for some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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13

human resources manager

As a human resources manager, you’re responsible for HR strategy, recruitment, people management, performance monitoring and employee compensation and benefits. To carry this out, you work toward strengthening employee relations, organizing systematic training and assure legal compliance.

Strong communication, interpersonal, people management and problem-solving skills are a must to land a role in this domain. You’ll bring home an average of $128,413; and, you will grow. Bag more years into the role, and, you’ll end up as Senior HR Manager or Director of HR.

In senior-level roles, you’ll oversee broader HR functions and attend to deeper strategic alignment. At this stage, you can command an average annual compensation sitting between $125,964 and $168,829. If you want to grow, take the leap now. Apply for some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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14

compensation and benefits manager

As a compensation and benefits manager, you’re the orchestrator for your organization’s rewards framework. In this role, you will design, implement and manage total rewards strategy, such as salaries, bonuses and benefits.

Your typical day routines into developing new strategies to improve employee retention and solidify the employer brand of your organization. Furthermore, you’ll also put in hours to adhere to compliance, establishing regulatory precision.

A bachelor’s degree in HR, Finance, Business or a related field can help you get your foot in the door. On top of that, strong analytical and communications skills advance your cause like no other. This role offers an average annual compensation amounting to $128,026.

With broader strategic impact and a keen eye on org-wide innovation, you gather expertise to lead large-scale HR initiatives, C-suite reporting and design global compensation and benefits strategy. This experience lets you in for senior-level roles such as Director of C&B, VP of Total Rewards or Executive Compensation Consultant.

Seniority can enable your skill profile to command an average compensation falling in the range of $123,019 to $164,221. Do you want to cash in on your skills? Go ahead and apply for some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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15

accounting manager

Also one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada for 2026, an accounting manager is accountable for fair financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting. In this role, you’ll supervise daily operations and ensure adherence to compliance standards.

A bachelor’s degree is often required to get your foot in the door. However, relevant certifications such as CPA or CFA can accelerate your career progression. You will draw an average of $127,625 a year. Moreover, this role offers room for growth.

You can advance into team management roles by undertaking strategic financial leadership such as Controller or Finance Manager. Senior-level roles can offer you an average annual compensation sitting between $124,411 and $162,734.

If you want an accelerated career growth trajectory, take the leap now. Apply for some of the highest paying jobs in Canada for 2026.

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16

increase your income with a new job opportunity.

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.

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