The Highest Paying In-Demand Jobs in Canada - 2016 Edition

Posted by Doug Murray on March 17, 2016, Updated on October 18, 2016

Thinking of a career change? You might want to consider one of these high paying and in demand jobs selected by the job rating website Glassdoor. Their 2016 list is a mix of traditional high paying positions (pharmacist, lawyer) and highly skilled tech jobs (analytics manager, solution architect). The list is American, however the Canadian recruiting website Workopolis says that the Canadian market is comparable. The salaries listed are actual salaries reported by Glassdoor users.

As with many of these high paying jobs, a university degree is required — so the sooner you know what you want to do, the better.

And, check out the latest information for 2017: the highest paying in-demand jobs in Canada this year.

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    20. Database Administrator

    Average Base Salary: $97,258

    This is one of the many tech-based jobs that are on the list. Database administrators take care of storing and organizing data using special software. Duties include planning, monitoring and backing-up data. A degree in computer science is helpful.
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    19. Marketing Manager

    Average Base Salary: $100,229

    A marketing manager takes care of a company's marketing and advertising. This could be for the company's products or the company itself. PayScale.com says that in large companies, there many be several marketing managers, each assigned to a different product or line.
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    18. Computer Hardware Engineer

    Average Base Salary: $101,154

    If you like to tinker, this job may be right up your alley. Computer hardware designers create components and systems for use in all areas of computer technology. A bachelor's degree is required in most cases.
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    17. Quality Assurance Manager

    Monster.com says quality assurance managers oversee the consistent quality of production by monitoring and evaluating manufacturing processes. They may also create documentation and manage staff.
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    16. Security Engineer

    Average Base Salary: $102,749

    Security engineers are tasked with keeping computer systems safe and secure. Payscale.com says security engineers must constantly find new ways to stop hackers. Knowledge is key in this job and it all starts with a degree in computer science or cyber security.
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    15. Data Scientist

    A data scientist sifts through huge amounts of data to uncover the insights and knowledge contained therein. They use this data to respond to business challenges a company may face.
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    14. Supply Chain Manager

    Average Base Salary: $106,632

    In many ways, they're the glue that holds a company together. O-Net Online has a laundry list of tasks that supply chain managers perform: direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing and distribution plus forecast costs and limit them, and constantly be on the lookout for ways to streamline systems.

    Important skills include being able to listen and complex problem solving.
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    13. Physician Assistant

    Average Base Salary: $110,871

    The health sector is growing and demand is increasing for many health-related jobs. The role of physician assistant is pretty self-explanatory.

    Tasks include obtaining medical histories, assisting in diagnosing ailments and interpreting tests. In Canada, PAs may also perform examinations and council on preventative care. There are four physician assistant education programs in Canada.
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    12. Product Manager

    Average Base Salary: $113,959

    A product manager oversees the development and some marketing of a product. The role of the product manager varies widely from company to company. Team-building and leadership skills are very important as is a business and/or marketing degree.
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    11. Pharmacist

    Average Base Salary: $114,715

    This is another growing area in the health care field. Pharmacists understand how drugs work, their side effects and advise patients on their use.

    Many Canadian universities offer pharmacy degrees.
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    10. Tax Manager

    Average Base Salary: $114,966

    Tax managers deal with tax preparation and compliance as well as offering planning ideas. An accounting degree and in-depth tax courses are critical for this position, as are strong communication skills.
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    9. IT Manager

    Average Base Salary: $115,642

    According to Monster.com, IT managers maintain information technology strategies by managing staff and researching and implementing technological solutions. They're the technological gurus in any business.

    At minimum you'll need a degree in a computer field, but an MBA with a tech focus is even better.
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    8. Analytics Manager

    Average Base Salary: $115,725

    Skilled analytics managers are highly sought after. Like many data focused jobs, the analytics manager uses data as intelligence.

    You'll need solid business skills for this job. An educational background in math and technology is also very important.
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    7. Lawyer

    Average Base Salary: $120,424

    The demand for legal experts and lawyers continues to grow. Opportunities are quiet varied, so a good lawyer can often find work in a sector of interest. Salaries are high, but don't forget that you have to get a law degree first.
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    6. Solution Architect

    Average Base Salary: $121,522

    A solution architect is one of those hard to understand tech jobs.

    TechTarget describes it this way: "The solutions architect leverages all the tools and design principles delivered by enterprise and SOA (service-oriented architecture) architects to make each solution a success within the larger framework."

    Got that?
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    5. Finance Manager

    Average Base Salary: $123,534

    Here's a job that's easy to understand. A finance manager looks after a company's financial health. They produce financial reports, direct investment and develop long-term goals.

    You'll need a business degree.
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    4. Software Development Manager

    Average Base Salary: $ 123,747

    As the title says, the software development manager oversees the development of software. They manage projects from concept to completion.

    Because they work with a number of people in different departments, excellent communication skills are a must. Experience in project management and a computer science degree are required.
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    3. Software Architect

    Average Base Salary: $130,891

    "Great software architects are designers and diplomats," says CNN. "They create innovative and valuable programs, but they also translate highly technical plans into a vision" that everyone can understand.

    They're the link between management and the tech folks.
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    2. Pharmacy Manager

    Average Base Salary: $131,099

    The pharmacy manager oversees one or more stores. They take care of compliance issues and monitor staff. They also make sure that the pharmacy is run efficiently, so that customers don't end up waiting too long.
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    1. Physician

    Average Base Salary: $212,270

    As the population ages, the demand for medical professionals will keep growing. That's good news if you're just starting med school, as there will be plenty of jobs when you graduate.

    For more up to date info, check out the highest paying in-demand jobs in Canada in 2018.
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