Canada’s Highest Paying in-Demand Jobs in 2018

A machine learning engineer develops artificial intelligence machines and systems. The government’s Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy may help drive the demand for machine learning engineers this year.

Skilled account managers won't become one of the most threatened jobs in Canada any time soon. Account managers are crucial to businesses’ success because they not only find new clients but also do what it takes to keep existing clients. This is why excellent people skills, creative thinking and business know-how are among the top requirements for the job.

Sales representatives are the second most in-demand job in Canada this year, after general labourers, according to the HR firm Randstad. In most cases, what you take home will depend on the commission you earn, so the more you sell, the more you make.

Business management consulting remains in high demand as businesses need expert advice on how to be more productive. You can specialize in a certain field, such as hospitality or tech, which means you’ll need a business degree combined with industry experience in your chosen field. Consulting is also one of the highest-paying jobs you can do on the side.

Engineering project managers remain in demand throughout Canada this year with the booming housing market and infrastructure projects funded by the government. With an average salary of nearly $125,000 a year, this is a very well-paid job and because much of it is about delegation, it’s also one of the best jobs for lazy people.

Business analysts combine financial savvy and tech skills to help businesses streamline their processes and work more efficiently. Entry-level salaries are amongst the best in Canada, but when you’ve worked your way up to senior business analyst, you’ll be able to take home more than $100,000 per year.

Canada’s fleets of aircraft are becoming old and out of date, so the aerospace industry is expected to grow. Aerospace engineers will lead the way toward new, more environmentally sound and safer aerospace systems. The highest-paying jobs are in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. If engineering really isn't for you, don't miss the top 20 high-paying jobs in Canada that don't require STEM.

An accountant will crunch the numbers for you so you don’t have to. If you like crunching numbers, though, accounting is a great career to pursue because you’ll be able to find work almost anywhere, with clients ranging from businesses to private individuals. If you qualify as a CPA, you may even look at a salary of over $200,000 per year. The job usually involves driving around, so it will be helpful to learn how to keep your car costs down.

According to Trade Schools, about half of all truck drivers are approaching retirement age, which means an increased demand in the next few years. Driving trucks can pay surprisingly well, especially in Alberta and up North, even if it’s one of the most sleep-deprived jobs around.

The days when administrative assistants were really just glorified secretaries are long gone. They were one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada in 2017, and for good reason. Administrative assistants now not only manage the pool of other office workers but also have skills in accounting and tech.

IT project managers oversee the development of tech projects, working with a variety of other tech professionals. You’ll need a tech background as well as time-management, business and people skills. If you’re wondering where to look for IT project management jobs, check out the best cities for tech start-ups.

Welders have one of the most in-demand jobs in the manufacturing sector. If you want to greatly increase your earning potential, qualify as a pipe welder or, better yet, an underwater welder. Those at the top can earn over $90,000 a year.

Teachers at all levels are in demand but if you want to earn better money, look at becoming an instructor at a college or vocational training institution. At the latter, industry experience is more important than a string of academic qualifications and teaching part-time will help you retire at 50.

The demand for pharmacists is growing due to two factors: the aging Canadian population and the increasing number of retailers that now include pharmacies. This may not be one of those jobs that could make you a millionaire but it pays well enough to help you retire in comfort.

A growing awareness of the importance of mental health means a growing demand for psychologists and, as Training Schools says, there may even be a shortage of trained professionals in this field in the next few years. Your income will depend on how many patients you take on. Another bonus: it happens to be one of the highest paying jobs that offers the most time off.

As more of our daily life depends on software of some kind, software engineers aren’t just in demand in the tech industry anymore. They can find well-paid jobs in just about any sector, whether it’s banking or government. It’s the kind of job where you won’t have to interact with many people, so it’s one of the perfect careers for introverts.

Doctors of all kinds are still in high demand across Canada and family physicians are especially sought after as the population ages. Qualifying as a family physician takes years of study but the high salary you’ll earn will help you to pay off your student loans fast.

Being an aircraft pilot is a job that lets you retire early and since the median age for pilots in Canada was 44 in 2014, more jobs should start becoming available in the near future. You don’t need to work for one of Canada’s big airlines, either. You can also find work in the mining, logging, medical, firefighting or adventure travel sectors.

Registered nurses are in demand throughout Canada, also in small rural communities where they may be the primary healthcare providers. With aging Baby Boomers requiring more healthcare and many registered nurses reaching retirement age themselves, this is one of the top careers that will be in demand after 2020.