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20 High-Paying Jobs in Canada for Immigrants in 2024

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When planning to immigrate to Canada, the first thing you should know is its job market. Securing a job makes it easier to move to another country as you’ll have a lesser financial burden starting out.

Thus, it’s crucial to research the jobs that are in demand in Canada for immigrants beforehand. This way, you can better plan your strategies for getting a job when you land in Canada and start working on getting the right credentials.

Best Jobs in Canada For Immigrants With a High Salary

1. Accountant

Accountants are key in maintaining financial records and books. They’re responsible for helping individuals and businesses file income tax returns and reviewing, maintaining, and auditing financial statements.

Some requirements to become an accountant in Canada include a university degree, a professional training program, and on-the-job training.

Average Salary: $58,988 per year or $30 per hour

2. Sales Representative

Sales representatives make it to our high-paying jobs in Canada for immigrants list. To qualify for this position, you must have excellent marketing skills, a bachelor’s degree, and some experience.

Being able to communicate in more than one language, particularly English and French, helps you stand out from the competition.

Average Salary: $50,000 per year or $25.64 per hour

3. IT Project Manager

This industry continues to grow at a rapid rate due to the innovation of technology. This job is perfect for individuals keen to develop and manage information technology projects, including their cost, timeline, and scope.

Although there are no mandatory license or certification requirements for being an IT project manager in Canada, acquiring different project management certifications, like PMP Certification, increases your chances of getting the job.

Average Salary: $95,495 per year or $45.91 per hour

4. Account Manager

Being an account manager is one of the best jobs in Canada, with a high salary. Extroverts will love working as one as they’ll have to network with customers, key business executives, and stakeholders to build strong relationships.

The most successful account managers in Canada have a business management degree (or any related field), experience in account management roles, and essential soft skills like communication, leadership, customer service, and value-based selling.

Average Salary: $60,000 per year or $30.77 per hour

5. Business Analyst

If you’re wondering what jobs are in demand in Canada for immigrants, working as a business analyst is one.

The job description of a business analyst includes budgeting and financing, planning and monitoring, variance analysis, and creating opportunities for businesses. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and/or a master’s degree to secure this position.

Average  Salary: $73,655 per year or $35.41 per hour

6. Engineering Project Manager

Canada needs more engineering project managers to support its growth. Engineering project managers direct and assess the day-to-day operations of an engineering team, review proposals, and supervise the budgeting and cost analysis for the project.

This role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, relevant work experience, and a regional practice license.

Average Salary: $89,887 per year or $46.10 per hour

7. Software Engineer

Are you skilled in different programming languages? Then working as a software engineer is for you. It’s one of the highest-paying jobs in Canada per hour, and its job description includes analyzing, modifying, designing, and testing end-user applications to meet user needs.

Besides having a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or other related courses, a master’s or doctoral degree may be required in this industry.

Average Salary: $95,000 per year or $48.72 per hour

8. Recruitment Specialist

Working as a recruitment specialist is one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada. The main responsibility of a recruitment specialist is to help businesses find the right candidate for a specific position.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and years of experience to become a recruitment specialist in Canada.

Average Salary: $52,424 per year or $25.20 per hour

9. Marketing Manager

Marketing managers play a vital role in the success of every business. They undertake market research to understand customer preferences and create marketing strategies.

Aside from a bachelor’s degree in marketing and relevant experience, you need to have excellent communication, leadership, business management, and customer service skills to succeed.

Average Salary: $74,031 per year or $37.96 per hour

10. Nurse

Canada is known for its top-notch healthcare system, which is why nurses are sought after in the country. They’re responsible for identifying patients’ symptoms, administering medications, and working with other healthcare professionals to optimize patients’ comfort.

If you’re an Internationally Registered Nurse or IEN, you need to complete an application with the National Nursing Assessment Service before you can work in Canada.

After, you may apply for a license in your chosen Canadian province as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN).

Average Salary: $72,874 per year or $37.37 per hour

image showing a trucker to represent high paying jobs in canada for immigrants

11. Driver

Truck driving is popular in Canada — and because of the country’s long roads, many also find this job enjoyable. The main responsibility of a driver is to safely transport passengers or cargo from one point to another.

Requirements to become a truck driver vary per province, but the most basic includes completion of secondary school, appropriate licensing, and demonstration of excellent driving skills.

Average Salary: $77,195 per year or $25.89 per hour

12. Welder

Welders assemble pieces of metal or repair damage in metal components. This role requires the completion of secondary school and a three-year apprenticeship program or three years of work experience. Experience with robotics or as a machine operator may be required for this position.

Average Salary: $63,210 per year or $30.39 per hour

Related: Highest paying jobs in Canada

13. Cloud Architect

Do you want to make a name in one of the highest-paying jobs in Canada per hour? Then consider working as a cloud architect in Canada. Cloud architects are IT experts responsible for overseeing an organization’s cloud computing strategy.

After pursuing a degree in computer science or any related field, you need to gain the necessary skills, get experience, and receive certification to qualify as a cloud architect.

Average Salary: $121,800 per year or $62.64 per hour

14. Electrician

Being an electrician is one of the best jobs for immigrants in Canada, as apprenticeship training programs are available across the country.

After completion, you can work as an electrician and offer various services, like installing and repairing electrical wiring, ensuring piping complies with electrical codes, testing electrical systems, and many others.

Average Salary: $68,250 per year or $35 per hour

15. HR Manager

Human resources managers will continue to be in demand in Canada in the future due to the number of businesses opening in the country. HR managers lead the HR department and take on many roles, like hiring staff, administering pay, and implementing company policies.

This role requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology (or any related field) and years of experience.

Average Salary: $88,353 per year or $42.47 per hour  

16. Veterinarian

Working as a vet is one of the best jobs for immigrants in Canada, as you get to meet different pets every day. But vets have a lot of responsibilities, like assessing the health conditions of animals, treating wounds, performing surgeries, and prescribing medication.

To make a career as a vet in Canada, you need to complete at least two years of pre-vet university studies or a college program in health sciences and a five-year degree in vet med.

Foreign-trained veterinarians may be required to complete several board licensing exams.

Average Salary: $90,574 per year or $46.45 per hour

17. Pharmacist

The main responsibility of a pharmacist is to ensure that the supply of medicine is within the law. They may also have to prescribe the correct medicines to patients depending on their condition and advise patients on how they should take them.

This role requires a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, completion of the national board examination, and practical experience.

Average Salary: $105,896 per year or $50.91 per hour

18. Administrative Assistant

When it comes to the in-demand jobs in Canada for international students and new immigrants, working as an administrative assistant is always part of the list. Admin assistants must answer calls, organize appointments, plan meetings, and others.

Completing secondary school and at least one year of college or a program is necessary to land this position.

Average Salary: $42,234 per year or $21.66 per hour

19. Optician

Working as an optician can be fun as you get to help customers find the perfect glasses or contact lenses based on the prescription of their ophthalmologists or optometrists.

To become an optician in Canada, you need to complete a two- or three-year college program in ophthalmic dispensing or optical science, have experience in clinical work, and have a license to practice.

Average Salary: $53,691 per year or $25.81 per hour

20. Sales Associate

Landing a job as a sales associate will require you to work closely with customers. Your responsibilities include getting customers in a polite and friendly manner, assisting customers on the phone or in the store, and educating customers about current promos and discounts.

For entry-level positions, a high school diploma and on-the-job training related to the industry are required. To build your career as a sales associate, you may need to earn a college degree in business administration or any related field and complete certifications.

Average Salary: $38,041 per year or $18.28 per hour

What Jobs Are in Demand in Canada in the Future?

  1. Aircraft pilots: Aircraft Pilots are one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada in the future as the country’s aviation industry continues to grow. Presently, there are thousands of unfilled positions due to the shortage of qualified applicants.
  2. Truck drivers: The trucking industry is crucial to Canada’s economy. However, the number of new drivers diving into this industry might not be enough to replace drivers who are retiring.
  3. College instructors: Due to the increasing retirement rates in Canada, the country’s need for college instructors has increased rapidly. In fact, there might have been a shortage of instructors across the country between 2023 and 2030.
  4. Pharmacists: Canada needs more pharmacists because the older population needs more pharmaceutical assistance to maintain well-being, and more establishments are offering 24/7 pharmacy services.
  5. Psychologists: Over the next years, psychologists will become more in demand in Canada because of the growing importance of addressing mental health concerns.

How to Get a Job as an Immigrant in Canada

To secure one of the best jobs for immigrants in Canada, you need to follow the following steps:

  1. Search and apply for jobs by going to job fairs, researching companies you want to work for, browsing job search websites, or using an employment agency.
  2. Apply for jobs by sending an updated resume and a well-prepared cover letter.
  3. Network to expedite your job search and access the country’s hidden job market.
  4. Work as a volunteer to get Canadian work experience, practice your French or English, network with Canadians, and show potential employers that you can walk the talk.
  5. Look for bridging programs, such as courses, language training, and skills assessments, related to the job you’re applying to stand out from other applicants.

Maximize Job Opportunities

One of the reasons why Canada continues to attract immigrants is because of its job opportunities. Ensure to secure a job first before moving to Canada.

In this way, you’ll get to enjoy the country more and easily apply as a permanent resident in the future.  

FAQs

What is the most common job for immigrants in Canada?

There are plenty, such as sales representatives, accountants, business analysts, recruitment specialists, account managers, and many others.

How much can I earn as an immigrant in Canada?

On average, immigrants in Canada earn $48,750 per year or $25 per hour. Entry-level positions for immigrants start at $39,993 annually, while experienced workers earn up to $72,322 on average annually.

Which is the easiest job with a high salary in Canada?

Some of the easiest yet high-paying jobs in Canada are cloud architects, drivers, tradespeople, and welders.

Is it difficult to get a job in Canada for immigrants?

Yes, because the process takes time, and the country’s standards are high. Immigrants will have better chances of securing a job if they have a top-notch resume, are fluent in French or English (depending on the area), and have relevant job experience for the position they’re applying for.

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Author

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Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu, personal finance expert, author, and founder of Savvy New Canadians, has written about money matters for over 10 years. Enoch has an MSc (Econ) degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School and has completed the Canadian Securities Course. His expertise has been highlighted in major publications like Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC News, Toronto Star, Financial Post, CTV News, TD Direct Investing, Canadian Securities Exchange, and many others. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and recently created a practical investing course for beginners. You can read his full author bio.

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