Canada’s labour market continues to show strong demand for skilled administrative professionals, making this an ideal time to pursue higher education in Business Administration. For individuals exploring certifications in the fast-paced field of Business Administration, there has never been a better time to pursue this degree. With a positive job outlook and an abundance of roles across diverse industries, now is the best time to change your career, upskill, or pursue your passion for business with a degree in business administration.
In this blog, we will discuss the highest-paying jobs graduates can explore with a business administration degree, along with other details.
Take your skills to the next level — Explore Doctor of Business Administration courses online
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs with a Business Administration Degree
Take a look at some of the highest-paying jobs with business administration degree that individuals can explore:
| Role | Typical Salary (range) | Why is a Business Administration degree relevant? |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | CAD 83,000 to CAD 260,000 | Builds strong foundations in leadership, organizational strategy, and decision-making needed to run a company. |
| Financial Director | CAD 87,000 to CAD 166,000 | Provides core knowledge of finance, budgeting, and financial analysis essential for managing an organization’s financial health. |
| Marketing Director | CAD 72,000 to CAD 149,000 | Covers marketing principles, consumer behaviour, market research, and strategic planning. |
| Operations Director | CAD 70,000 to CAD 153,000 | Equips students with skills in process optimization, operations planning, and resource management. |
| Human Resources Director | CAD 76,000 to CAD 149,000 | Includes training in HR management, organizational behaviour, talent development, and labour relations. |
| IT Director | CAD 101,000 to CAD 175,000 | Offers understanding of business processes, budgeting, and strategy needed to align IT initiatives with organizational goals. |
| Business Development Director | CAD 75,000 to CAD 160,000 | Builds skills in strategic planning, sales, negotiations, and identifying market opportunities. |
| Project Management Director | CAD 96,000 to CAD 179,000 | Provides knowledge of planning, budgeting, team coordination, and managing large-scale business projects. |
| Supply Chain Manager | CAD 58,000 to CAD 124,000 | Teaches supply chain fundamentals, operations, inventory management, and vendor coordination. |
| Management Consultant | CAD 60,000 to CAD 123,000 | Strengthens analytical thinking, business strategy, problem-solving, and cross-functional business knowledge. |
Salary source: Payscale, as of 10th March, 18th Sept, 2025, etc.
Key Qualifications, Skills & Certifications That Boost Earning Potential
Professionals, in today’s competitive world, need more than experience to stand out in their field. They need specialized skills and recognized certifications as well to significantly increase earning potential. Whether you are aiming for a promotion or planning a career shift, these qualifications can give you a strong edge.
Also read: Top Online DBA Programs for Working Professionals
Key Qualifications Required:
To work in the field of business administration, you will generally require the following:
- A relevant undergraduate degree, like a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or an equivalent degree.
- A relevant postgraduate degree like an MBA after completing bachelor’s.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Strong abilities with communication and interpersonal skills.
- Work experience, internships, and industry placements can significantly improve your chances of securing a role in business administration.
Skills Required:
Obtaining a business administration bachelor’s degree is a good way to develop an excellent range of skills, including:
- Leadership and team management:
Develop the ability to supervise teams, motivate employees, and deal with disputes.
- Financial literacy:
Know how to read financial statements, develop budgets, and analyse risks.
- Strategic thinking:
Learn how to assess market trends and arrive at data-driven business decisions.
- Time management:
Know how to manage time and prioritize work and maximize productivity.
- Communication:
To articulate your thoughts, negotiate effectively, and develop long-lasting relationships.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving:
Address complex business problems with tactical solutions.
- Research and data analysis:
To be able to gather and analyse data to inform business strategies.
Also read: What is the Structure of the DBA Program at upGrad?
Relevant Certifications:
Along with skills and qualifications, you also need relevant certifications, such as;
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Professional Certificate in Team Leadership
- CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional)
Also read: Top Research Websites and Resources for DBA Thesis Writing in Canada
How Industry, Location & Company Size Affect Salary Levels
In Canada, salary levels can vary widely based on several important factors. The industry in which you work will often determine your job demand and salary. Specific industries, such as Finance, Technology, Consulting, and Healthcare typically offer higher salaries. Geography also plays a vital role, as professionals working in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary often earn significantly higher salaries than those in other regions. In general, larger employers will provide a more substantial salary and compensation package than smaller employers in exchange for your services due to their resources and compensation structures.
Also read: Top Industries in Canada Looking for DBA Graduates
Advance Your Career with Business & Management Programs via upGrad.
Looking for online business administration and management degrees? You can choose from several programs offered by credible, reputable institutions on the upGrad platform. These programs range from MBAs and DBAs to other specialized certifications designed to help working professionals gain practical, leadership, and strategic skills to advance their careers.
Here are some options to explore:
- MBA to DBA Pathway from Golden Globe University
- Chief Technology and AI Officer Program
- Doctorate in Business Administration from Edgewood University
- Doctor of Business Administration from Rushford Business School
- Master of Business Administration from Liverpool Business School
- Advanced General Management Program from IMT Ghaziabad
Must read articles:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Admission Requirements in Canada
- Best Online DBA Specializations for Professionals in Canada
- What is the Structure of the DBA Program at upGrad?
- How Much Does a DBA in Canada Cost? A Detailed Breakdown
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FAQs on Best Paying Jobs with a Business Administration Degree
The best-paying jobs in business administration in Canada for business administration graduates often include senior roles like Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), as well as positions in consulting and management, and others such as Director of Business Strategy, Project Management Director, and Marketing/Product Manager.
A master’s or an MBA is not strictly mandatory to reach top-paying roles in Canada. However, an MBA degree can significantly increase your chances of landing top-paying roles and opening doors across sectors.
A business administration degree significantly impacts salary in Canada, with average earnings varying by degree level, experience, location, and specific job role. Depending on your experience and skills, you can earn competitively with your business administration degree.
Most industries in Canada hire business administration graduates. Finance, consulting, and technology are among the primary industries that hire business administration graduates, along with healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, and more.
Major cities, including Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, typically offer higher salaries for management roles than many other cities. Being economic hubs and the presence of large corporations are key factors, along with industry demand and individual experience.
Sources:
- https://occupations.esdc.gc.ca/sppc-cops/content.jsp?cid=61&lang=en&preview=1&utm
- https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/12462/ca
- https://www.robertsoncollege.com/blog/career-advice/top-10-highest-paying-jobs-in-business-administration/
- https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/high-paying-business-jobs
- https://www.lsbf.org.uk/blog/news/education-careers/business-administration-degree-skills-learnt-pros-and-cons-and-job-opportunities
