Canada is one of the most popular countries for international students to study their Master’s (MS) degree, especially in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, and Healthcare. Along with top-ranked universities and quality education, students also look at the average salary after MS in Canada and the job opportunities available.
The good news is, after completing MS from a Canadian university, students can earn competitive salaries and find jobs in both local and global companies. For example, professionals like Software Engineering Managers, Data Scientists, and Healthcare specialists can earn anywhere between CAD 75,000 to over CAD 300,000 depending on their field, skills, company, and location. Big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary offer higher salaries but also come with a higher cost of living.
Also, many top companies like Amazon, Google, Deloitte, IBM, and RBC actively hire MS graduates in Canada. The country also has a strong job market in areas like Tech, Finance, Pharma, and Research, which opens many career paths for students after their degree.
In this article, we’ll look at the highest-paying jobs, popular MS courses in Canada, average salaries by province, top recruiters, and what factors affect your earnings after completing an MS in Canada.
Highest Paying Jobs After MS in Canada
Here are some highest-paying jobs in Canada after MS:
Software Engineering Manager
Developing and creating software programs or applications are overseen by software engineering managers. Additionally, a Software Engineering Manager will serve as a point of contact for several departments to ensure that the application requirements are satisfied. The technical knowledge of programs is essential for software engineering managers, but they must also be able to convey it to other company executives concisely.
Software Architect
Designers of software program components are known as software architects. The coding standards of any program being built are crucial for decision-making at a high level, and software architects play a vital role in this. To ensure that software products satisfy operational needs, a software architect will also collaborate with company management.
Data Scientist
Large-scale digital data collection and analysis are the work of a data scientist. Data scientists use this data to assist firms in making informed decisions that will support corporate growth. A data scientist typically collects and analyzes information from websites, content management systems, or other internal software, which is then done using scientific procedures and methods.
Chief Marketing Officer
A company’s marketing plans and objectives are supervised by a chief marketing officer. Through numerous tactics, chief marketing officers help businesses cut expenses while increasing income. Initiatives like digital media, print advertising, and Google Adwords are examples of online & offline marketing strategies that a chief marketing officer needs to be familiar with.
Dentists/Orthodontists
Dentists with specialized training to fix crooked teeth are known as orthodontists. Additionally, they aid in the detection and treatment of irregular bite patterns. Most orthodontists use braces, retainers, or other dental appliances in their work.
Anesthesiologist
A key player on the surgical team and a specialist doctor is the anesthesiologist. During operation, anesthesiologists keep patients secure and asleep. A specialist in anesthetic medications and pain control is an anesthesiologist.
Physician
A doctor who treats and diagnoses patients is known as a physician. Physicians come in a wide variety of subspecialties. As a doctor, you may choose to work in a family practice, hospital, or specialty clinic.
Surgeons
Medical professionals who conduct surgery on patients are known as surgeons. To treat an infection, a broken bone, or another condition, a surgeon must cut open a patient is body. Many administrative tasks, rounds, and post-operative care assistance are part of a surgeon’s job description.
Cardiologist
A doctor specializing in the heart and cardiovascular system is known as a cardiologist. Cardiologists treat conditions like atrial fibrillation, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and excessive blood pressure. Cardiologists identify, treat, and aid in the prevention of cardiovascular disorders.
Psychiatrist
A doctor who focuses on mental health problems and diseases is called a psychiatrist. Mental, emotional, and behavioral illnesses are diagnosed, treated, and helped to prevent by psychiatrists. The ability to write prescriptions for their patients’ medications distinguishes psychiatrists from other medical professionals.
The following table showcases the average salary by profession-
Profile
Avg Salary (CAD/year)
Software Engineering Manager
CAD 144,300 base; ~CAD 164,000 total
Software Architect
~CAD 150,000
Data Scientist
~CAD 100,000
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
CAD 200,000–CAD 220,000+
Dentist / Orthodontist
CAD 120,000–CAD 160,000
Anesthesiologist
CAD 305,000
Physician (General Practitioner)
CAD 200,000–CAD 220,000
Surgeon
CAD 300,000+
Cardiologist
CAD 300,000–CAD 400,000
Psychiatrist
CAD 310,000
Source: Glassdoor & Indeed Canada
Average Salary After MS in Canada: Popular Courses
MS in Computer Science in Canada
This is one of the highest-paying MS courses in Canada. Students who study MS in Computer Science mostly get jobs in big tech companies or startups.
Average salary: CAD 75,000 – CAD 110,000
Top roles: Software Developer, AI Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist
MS in Data Science / Analytics in Canada
MS in Data Science in Canada is very popular now. Companies need people who understand data and can give useful insights.
Average salary: CAD 70,000 – CAD 100,000
Top roles: Data Analyst, BI Specialist, Data Engineer
MS in Engineering in Canada
If you do MS in Engineering, you can work in many industries – from construction to manufacturing. Some provinces pay more than others.
Average salary: CAD 65,000 – CAD 95,000
Top roles: Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer
MS in Business / Finance in Canada
MS in Business or Finance can help you get into the banking sector, finance firms, or even startups. Salary depends on your role and company.
Average salary: CAD 60,000 – CAD 90,000
Top roles: Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, Management Consultant
MS in Health / Life Sciences / Pharmacy in Canada
If you are into health and medical research, MS in Life Sciences or Pharmacy gives decent job options. It is a good course for people planning long-term careers in healthcare
Average salary: CAD 55,000 – CAD 80,000
Top roles: Clinical Researcher, Pharmacologist, Health Policy Analyst
Average Salary After MS in Canada – By Province
The average salary after MS in Canada also depends a lot on which province you are working in. Some places pay higher because of more job demand or higher cost of living.
Province
Average Salary (CAD)
Top Hiring Cities
Popular Industries
Ontario
CAD 70,000 – 110,000
Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo
Tech, Finance, Consulting, Healthcare
British Columbia
CAD 68,000 – 100,000
Vancouver, Victoria
Tech, Life Sciences, Film & Media
Alberta
CAD 65,000 – 95,000
Calgary, Edmonton
Oil & Gas, Engineering, Tech
Quebec
CAD 60,000 – 90,000
Montreal, Quebec City
AI, Aerospace, Pharma, IT
Manitoba
CAD 55,000 – 80,000
Winnipeg
Healthcare, Agriculture, Logistics
Nova Scotia
CAD 52,000 – 75,000
Halifax
Education, Healthcare, Government
Saskatchewan
CAD 53,000 – 78,000
Regina, Saskatoon
Mining, Engineering, Research
Newfoundland & Labrador
CAD 50,000 – 75,000
St. John’s
Oil & Gas, Health Sciences
Factors Affecting MS Graduate Salaries in Canada
Many things affect how much salary you get after doing an MS in Canada. Below are the most common ones:
Field of Study: Some courses, like Computer Science, Data Science, or Engineering, usually offer higher salaries than others, like Arts or Social Work.
City or Province of Work: Big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary usually pay more, but they also have higher living costs.
Company Reputation (Startup vs MNC): Multinational companies (MNCs) often pay better than small startups, but some startups also offer high packages if they grow fast.
Work Experience or Internships: If you have internship experience or worked in part-time jobs in Canada during studies, it helps a lot in getting a better salary offer.
Skills and Certifications: Extra certifications in tools or software (like Python, Tableau, AWS, etc.) can help you get more money.
University Ranking: Graduates from top-ranked universities like UofT or McGill University usually get better starting offers, but it is not the only thing that matters.
Top MS Courses in Canada
Doing a master’s in Canada can be very useful for your professional career as they have well-equipped faculty and resources.
Many top companies in Canada hire MS graduates from different fields. The table below shows a list of some of the top recruiters in Canada that hire MS graduates.
MS Course
Top Recruiters in Canada
Popular Job Roles
MS in Computer Science / IT
Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Shopify, IBM, CGI, SAP Canada
Software Developer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Cloud Engineer
Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, Management Consultant
MS in Life Sciences / Health
Apotex, Sanofi, GSK, Health Canada, Toronto General Hospital, Sunnybrook
Clinical Researcher, Health Policy Analyst, Pharmacologist
Conclusion
After completing an MS in Canada, graduates can expect an average starting salary between CAD 65,000 and CAD 86,000 per year, depending on the field and experience level.
High-demand sectors like computer science and data science offer even higher averages, with roles such as data scientist and software engineer earning up to CAD 89,000–110,000 annually for experienced professionals.
Salaries typically increase with experience, advanced skills, and specialization. If you want personalized advice on maximizing your salary and choosing the right MS program, connect with upGrad experts.
FAQs
What is the average salary after MS in Canada for international students?
The average salary after MS in Canada is mostly between CAD 60,000 to CAD 100,000 per year. But it can go higher if you have the right skills and work in a good company or city.
Which is the highest paying MS course in Canada?
MS in Computer Science, Data Science, and Engineering are some of the highest-paying MS courses in Canada. Students in these fields can earn more than CAD 100,000 per year.
Does the salary after MS in Canada change from one province to another?
Yes, it does. Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia usually pay more. But the cost of living is also high there.
What is the starting salary after MS in Computer Science in Canada?
The starting salary after MS in Computer Science is usually between CAD 75,000 to CAD 95,000, but some companies pay more if you have good experience.
How much can a Data Scientist earn after MS in Canada?
A Data Scientist can earn around CAD 90,000 to CAD 110,000 per year, sometimes more. Knowing tools like Python, SQL, and Power BI helps a lot.
Is Canada good for jobs after MS?
Yes, Canada has good job options after MS, especially in tech, finance, healthcare, and engineering fields.
Do companies in Canada hire international MS graduates?
Yes, many top companies like Amazon, Google, IBM, and Deloitte hire international students after MS in Canada.
What is the average salary after MS in Engineering in Canada?
The average salary after MS in Engineering is between CAD 65,000 and CAD 95,000. It also depends on the type of engineering job and city.
How much do healthcare professionals earn after MS in Canada?
People working in Life Sciences or Pharmacy after MS earn around CAD 55,000 to CAD 90,000. Doctors and specialists can earn over CAD 200,000.
Does doing internship during MS help in getting better salary?
Yes, doing an internship or part-time job during MS gives you experience, which helps in getting a better salary and job later.
Does the university ranking affect your salary after MS in Canada?
A top university like the University of Toronto or McGill can help, but companies care more about your skills and work experience.
What are the top skills needed after MS in Canada?
Some in-demand skills are programming (Python, Java), data analysis, machine learning, cloud computing, finance tools, and project management.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland...
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