Top High Paying Jobs for Indian Students

Do You Know? In Canada, full-time workers earn an average annual salary of $63,013 (roughly INR 38.6 lakh). Breaking it down, this amounts to $1,211 per week (approximately INR 74.1K). This figure marks a steady 4% year-over-year increase, reflecting consistent salary growth across various sectors.

Recently, several sectors in Canada, including tech and healthcare, are expected to outpace the national average salary increase of 3.4%. High-tech leads with a projected 4.3% rise, followed by telecommunications, data processing, and warehousing services at 3.9%. 

As immigration targets for newcomers are set at 673,650 in 2025, international students are positioned to tap into some of the high paying jobs in Canada. This article highlights 20 top careers offering substantial salaries, real growth potential, and clear pathways for students planning their Canadian journey after graduation.

Top 20 High Paying Jobs in Canada: Overview & Salaries

Canada's economy is rapidly shifting toward skills-based employment. The unemployment rate was 6.7% in March 2025, but high-skilled industries, such as tech, healthcare, and engineering, are facing acute talent shortages.  

An estimated 250,000 digital jobs will need to be filled, totaling 2.26 million digitally skilled workers in 2025. Sectors like IT, finance, healthcare, renewable energy, and engineering are not only expanding but also offering salaries well above the national average. 

Students who align their education with these fields have a stronger chance of securing high paying jobs in Canada and permanent residency pathways. So, which careers are offering the best returns in 2025? 

Here's a detailed look at the top 20 high paying jobs in Canada, including what each role involves and the average salaries you can expect.

Job Title	Job Description	Average Annual Salary
Surgeon	Perform surgeries to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities. Specialize in areas like general surgery, orthopedics, or neurosurgery. Ensure pre- and post-operative care for patients.	CAD 200,000 (INR 1.2 Cr)
Physician	Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions. Provide medical examinations and prescribe treatment plans. Advise patients on preventive healthcare and wellness.	CAD 200,000 (INR 1.2 Cr)
Corporate Lawyer	Provide legal advice to companies regarding business operations. Draft and review contracts, mergers, and acquisitions. Handle litigation and regulatory compliance issues.	CAD 100,000 (INR 61.2L)
Dentist	Diagnose and treat issues related to teeth and gums. Perform dental procedures like fillings, cleanings, and extractions. Educate patients on oral health and hygiene.	CAD 100,000 (INR 61.2L)
Construction Manager	Plan, budget, and oversee construction projects from start to finish. Coordinate with contractors, architects, and engineers. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards.	CAD 98,000 (IRN 60L)
Aerospace Engineer	Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. Develop solutions to improve safety and performance. Conduct rigorous testing to meet regulatory standards.	CAD 82,000 (INR 50.2L)
Engineering Manager	Oversee engineering projects and teams. Develop timelines, manage budgets, and ensure quality control. Coordinate with other departments to meet project goals.	CAD 81,000 (INR 50L)
Registered Nurse (Specialized Fields)	Provide specialized care in fields like ICU, pediatrics, or oncology. Monitor patient conditions, administer medications, and assist in procedures. Collaborate with healthcare teams to develop treatment plans.	CAD 81,000 (INR 50L)
Electrical Engineer	Design, develop, and maintain electrical systems and equipment. Work on systems like power grids, electronics, and telecommunications. Ensure efficiency and safety of electrical infrastructure.	CAD 77,000 (INR 47.2L)
Psychiatrist	Diagnose and treat mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Prescribe medication and provide therapy. Conduct assessments and develop treatment plans	CAD 71,000 (INR 43.5L)
IT Manager	Manage and oversee IT infrastructure and networks. Ensure data security, software updates, and system efficiency. Lead IT teams and align technology with business goals.	CAD 68,000 (INR 41.6L)
Human Resources Manager	Manage recruitment, employee relations, and performance evaluations. Develop policies related to employee welfare and compensation. Ensure compliance with labor laws and promote company culture.	CAD 65,000 INR 40L)
Web Developer	Build and maintain websites and web applications. Write clean, efficient code and troubleshoot issues. Ensure websites are responsive, user-friendly, and optimized.	CAD 61,000 (INR 37.4L)
Data Scientist	Analyze large datasets to extract valuable business insights. Use statistical models and machine learning to predict trends. Develop algorithms for data-driven decision-making.	CAD 59,000 (INR 36.1L)
Business Analyst	Analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements for new systems. Provide data-driven recommendations to optimize business operations.	CAD 58,000 (INR 35.5L)
Pharmacist	Dispense prescribed medications and ensure safe use. Advise patients on the side effects and interactions of medications. Maintain accurate records and collaborate with healthcare providers.	CAD 55,000 (INR 33.7L)
Marketing Director	Develop marketing strategies to promote products or services. Lead marketing teams and manage campaigns across platforms. Analyze market trends to adjust strategies for better engagement.	CAD 55,000 (INR 33.7L)
Petroleum Engineer	Design methods for extracting oil and gas from reservoirs. Monitor drilling and production processes to optimize output. Ensure safety and environmental standards are met.	CAD 55,000 (INR 33.7L)
Financial Manager	Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting. Develop strategies to optimize an organization’s financial health. Ensure compliance with regulations and manage financial risks.	CAD 55,000 (INR 33.7L)
Software Engineer	Design, develop, and test software applications. Write clean, efficient code and troubleshoot software issues. Work with cross-functional teams to meet user needs.	CAD 49,000 (INR 30L)

Source: Glassdoor

Note: The conversion from CAD to INR is based on the current exchange rate and is subject to fluctuation. Please check a reliable source for the most up-to-date conversion rate.

Thinking about studying in Canada? With upGrad’s expert-led study abroad programs, you’ll get support every step of the way, from university admissions to job prospects and salary expectations!

Choosing the right career is just one part of the equation. For international students, aligning their field of study with Canada's most in-demand sectors is equally important to maximize job opportunities and salaries. 

Let's explore the high paying jobs in Canada by field of study to help you plan your academic and professional path more strategically.

High Paying Jobs in Canada by Field of Study

Choosing the right field of study goes beyond interest, it's key to landing future-proof, high-paying jobs. 

Engineering leads the pack, with 9 of the top 16 highest-paying majors five years post-graduation, according to the New York Federal Reserve. Computer engineering tops the list at $80,000 (INR 49.2L) annually, with chemical engineering and computer science also crossing $75,000 (INR 46.1L). 

STEM courses aren’t slowing down either, with growth projected to outpace non-STEM sectors through 2031.

If you're wondering which field of study is most likely to land you high paying jobs in Canada, here's a detailed breakdown to help you plan smarter.

Field of Study	Top Jobs	Average Annual Salary
Engineering	Petroleum Engineer Aerospace Engineer Civil Engineer	CAD 79,000 (INR 48.4L0
Computer Science	Software Developer Data Scientist IT Manager	CAD 100,000 (INR 61.2L)
Healthcare	Surgeon Psychiatrist Pharmacist	CAD 72,000 (INR 44.1L)
Finance	Financial Manager Business Analyst Marketing Director	CAD 70,000 (INR 43L)
Law	Corporate Lawyer Legal Advisor Compliance Officer	CAD 100,000 (INR 61.2L)

Source: Glassdoor

Now, to truly maximize your earning potential, it's equally important to know which companies and industries are offering the highest salaries to skilled professionals. 

Let's take a closer look at the top recruiters and sectors in Canada that international students should have on their radar.

Top Recruiters and Industries Offering the Highest Salaries in Canada

International students planning to stay and work in Canada should focus on industries that consistently offer high salaries and strong career growth. Sectors like healthcare, tech, finance, engineering, and law are seeing the highest pay hikes and job openings.

Recently, Chris Bittle, Canadian Parliamentary Secretary, announced $52 million for 16 projects to fast-track credential recognition and help internationally trained professionals enter Canada’s healthcare and construction sectors faster.

With this growing support, here’s a breakdown of top industries where students can target high-paying jobs in Canada:

Industry	Key Fields	Average Annual Salary
Medical	Surgeon  Psychiatrist  Pharmacist	CAD 55,000 (INR 33.7L)
Information Technology	AI Specialist  Cloud Architect  Data Scientist	CAD 68,000 (INR 41.6L)
Banking & Finance	Financial Analyst  Investment Banker  Risk Manager	CAD 43,000 (INR 26.3L)
Engineering	Petroleum Engineer  Civil Engineer  Mechanical Engineer	CAD 79,000 (INR 48.4L)
Legal Services	Corporate Lawyer  Intellectual Property Lawyer	CAD 71,000 (INR 43.5L)

Source: Glassdoor

Top Recruiters Offering High Salaries in Canada

Securing a high-paying job also involves focusing on the right employers. Certain companies like Google Canada and RBC in Canada are known for offering some of the highest salaries, both for entry-level and experienced professionals, especially to international graduates.

Here's a look at some of the top recruiters:

• Google Canada
• RBC (Royal Bank of Canada)
• Shopify
• McKinsey & Company
• TD Bank
• Suncor Energy
• Deloitte Canada
• GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
• Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
• Amazon Canada

Targeting the right industries and employers is a major first step, but to actually secure high paying jobs in Canada, students need a clear plan. 

From building a strong resume to understanding Canadian hiring expectations, let’s explore steps to help you get hired faster and smarter.

How to Secure a Job in Canada? Key Steps

Getting a degree from a Canadian university is a strong start, but landing a high-paying job requires more than just good grades. International students must build their profiles strategically, as per recruiters' preferences, to compete in the market. 

Here's a practical, step-by-step plan to increase your chances of securing high paying jobs in Canada:

1. Use Canadian Job Portals

Popular platforms like Job Bank Canada, Indeed Canada, LinkedIn, and Workopolis are key tools for finding jobs. 

• Specialized sites like TalentEgg and CareerEdge also focus on opportunities for students and graduates. 
• Always customize your applications to match the specific job description. Generic resumes don’t make it past screening software.

2. Leverage University Career Services

Most Canadian universities offer career services, resume clinics, interview prep sessions, and exclusive job boards. 

• 91.4% of international students significantly strengthened their career prospects via the university's resources.
• Attend workshops and career fairs hosted on campus, which are often linked directly to employers looking to hire recent graduates.

3. Optimize Your Resume for Canadian Standards

Canadian resumes are typically short (1–2 pages), achievement-focused, and omit personal details such as photos, marital status, or nationality.

•  Always highlight specific accomplishments with metrics (e.g., "Increased sales by 15%" instead of "Responsible for sales").
• Use free resume-building resources provided by government sites, such as Job Bank Canada, to match Canadian expectations.

4. Apply for Co-op Programs and Internships

Participating in co-op programs, also known as work-integrated learning, during your studies significantly uplifts your employability. 

• Students participating in co-op programs are significantly more likely to receive full-time job offers after graduation compared to those who don't.
• Many universities, such as the University of Waterloo, UBC, and the University of Toronto, have large co-op networks with employers across various sectors, including tech, finance, healthcare, and engineering.

5. Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is not optional; it’s essential. Around 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to source job candidates before interviews.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile:

• Matches your resume
• Includes a professional photo
• Has a strong headline (e.g., “Mechanical Engineering Graduate Seeking Opportunities in Renewable Energy”)
• List skills and certifications relevant to your field

6. Network Actively

Successful job hunting isn’t about endlessly sending applications; it's about who you know. 80% of your job search should focus on networking, not just applying. In fact, 70% to 85% of jobs are filled through networking, while online applications have a success rate of barely 2%.

• Attend industry events, alumni meetups, professional conferences, and online webinars to connect with people in your field.
• Always follow up after meeting someone; a simple LinkedIn connection request with a thank-you message can open doors.

7. Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Several provinces operate PNPs that prioritize international graduates for permanent residency pathways tied to job offers. For example:

• The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) targets graduates in the tech and healthcare sectors.
• British Columbia PNP offers fast-tracks for students with a job offer in key industries.
• The Alberta Opportunity Stream is open to graduates from Alberta institutions who have employment offers.

Applying through a PNP not only improves your chances of staying in Canada but also signals to employers that you are serious about building a long-term career there.

Building a strong profile and networking smartly are key steps to landing a job, but knowing your work options after graduation is just as important. 

Let's explore the opportunities available to international students in Canada after they complete their studies.

Work Opportunities for International Students in Canada After Graduation

Graduating from a Canadian university doesn't just end with a degree. It opens the door to real, long-term work opportunities. Since 2017, the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) has maintained an approval rate of at least 95% every year, reaching a peak of 98% in 2020. 

This consistently high success rate shows that international graduates from Canadian institutions have a strong chance of securing a PGWP, allowing them to build valuable Canadian work experience immediately after their studies.

Here's a detailed look at the options available after graduation:

1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The PGWP Canada allows students to work for up to three years after completing their studies at an eligible institution. 

• The length of the permit depends on the duration of the academic program.
• Students who complete programs of two years or more are eligible for a three-year work permit.

2. Entry-Level Jobs Leading to PR

Entry-level roles in sectors like healthcare, IT, hospitality, and trades can serve as stepping stones to permanent residency. 

• Even jobs classified under NOC TEER 3, 4, or 5 (such as administrative assistants, retail supervisors, and early childhood educators) can qualify you for immigration streams like the Canadian Experience Class.

3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each province runs its own immigration streams targeting graduates with job offers.

• The Ontario International Student Stream (OINP) favors graduates in tech and healthcare.
• British Columbia Tech Pilot fast-tracks tech workers.
• The Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream supports business-minded graduates who start companies.

4. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Graduates with skilled work experience can apply directly through the Express Entry system under the FSWP. 

• Points are awarded based on education, language ability (as measured by an IELTS score), work experience, and age.
• Holding Canadian education credentials gives bonus points under Express Entry's CRS.

5. In-Demand Occupations Lists

Provinces and the federal government regularly publish lists of in-demand occupations to address labor shortages. Fields like:

• Healthcare (nurses, medical technicians)
• IT (software engineers, cybersecurity analysts)
• Skilled trades (electricians, welders)

These lists help prioritize applicants for immigration programs, such as the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Express Entry.

6. Internships Turning Into Full-Time Jobs

Completing a co-op or internship during studies can significantly increase the chances of full-time employment after graduation. Employers prefer hiring candidates they have already trained.

With strong pathways like PGWP, PNPs, and Express Entry, international students have real opportunities to stay and grow their careers in Canada. 

But beyond getting a job, several factors can determine how much you actually earn. Let's understand the key elements that influence high salaries in Canada.

Factors Affecting High Salaries in Canada

Getting a job in Canada is a major milestone, but what you earn can vary widely based on several factors, including education, certifications, and skill sets.

For instance, it's well known that higher education leads to better-paying jobs. But what’s interesting is that employees with some college experience but no degree still earn about $3,120 more per year than those with only a high school diploma. 

Here's a closer look at the major factors that influence salary levels for international graduates:

• Education Level (Bachelor's, Master's, or more)
  Salaries increase with higher academic qualifications. For example, on average, mechanical engineers with a master's degree earn around 20% more than those with just a bachelor's degree.

Top employers, like Google, Amazon, and Boeing, offer competitive salaries, with job postings often exceeding $90,000 (INR 75.5L).

• Work Experience and Certifications
  Canadian employers place high value on relevant work experience and certifications. For instance, PMP-certified professionals in India earn a median salary of INR 1.8 million, compared to INR 1.3 million for those without the certification, a clear 35.6% salary advantage for PMP holders.
• Province or Territory of Employment
  Salaries vary significantly depending on location.
  • Alberta reports the highest average earnings, while the Maritime provinces generally have the lowest. 
  • When it comes to minimum wage, Ontario leads with $17.20 per hour, compared to approximately $15.30 per hour in the Maritime regions.
• Skillset Relevance (e.g., AI, Robotics, Cloud Computing)
  Specialized technical skills have a direct impact on salary levels. Fields like:
  • ML Engineers can earn between $112,000 (INR 95.2L) and $170,000 (INR 1.4 Cr) per year, depending on their experience, location, and company.
  • AI engineers can earn between $72,000 (INR 61.2L) and $164,000 (INR 1.3 Cr) per year, depending on their expertise and the complexity of their projects.
• Industry Demand and Economic Growth
  Jobs in tech are growing at double the rate of other industries in Canada. High-growth sectors, such as healthcare, finance, and IT, tend to offer higher salaries to attract and retain top talent. 
• Immigration Status (Permanent Resident vs Temporary Worker)
  Employers often prefer candidates with Permanent Residency (PR) because hiring processes are simpler and long-term retention is easier.

Graduates who secure PR status are more likely to receive better job offers, faster promotions, and higher pay packages.

While education, skills, and location all play a role in shaping salaries in Canada, it is also essential to understand how Canadian pay scales compare globally. 

Let's compare the salaries for top careers in Canada to those in other major countries.

Salary Comparison of High Paying Jobs in Canada vs Other Countries

Choosing where to build your career after graduation isn't just about job availability; earning potential is also a factor. 

For international students, Canada offers substantial salaries, combined with easier immigration pathways and more affordable education, compared to countries like the USA or the UK. 

In fields such as healthcare, engineering, and IT, Canadian salaries are globally competitive, while also offering a better cost of living in many regions.

To help you make a more informed decision, here's how high-paying jobs stack up across  some of the top countries:

Country	High-Paying Roles	Average Annual Salary
USA	Orthodontist	$200,000 (INR 1.7 Cr)
	Psychiatrist	$300,000 (INR 2.5 Cr)
	Surgeon	$100,000 (INR 85L)
UK	Corporate Lawyer	£77,000 (INR 87.2)
	Surgeon	£58,000 (INR 65.7L)
	IT Director	£95,000 (INR 1.07 Cr)
Australia	Anaesthetist	AUD 200,000 (INR 1.08 Cr)
	Engineering Manager	AUD 200,000 (INR 1.08 Cr)
	Surgeon	AUD 300,000 (INR 1.6 Cr)
Germany	Senior IT Manager	€100,000 (INR 96.5L)
	Software Engineer	€69,000 (INR 66.6L)
	Corporate Lawyer	€100,000 (INR 96.5L)
India	Data Scientist	INR 14L
	ML Engineers	INR 10.2L
	Investment Banker	INR 11L

Source: Glassdoor

When comparing top careers across countries, Canada offers a strong balance of competitive salaries, accessible immigration pathways, and a high quality of life, making it an attractive choice for international students planning long-term careers abroad.

How Can upGrad Help You in Landing High Paying Jobs in Canada?

Figuring out the Canadian job market as an international student can be challenging without the proper guidance. Understanding salary trends, choosing the right field of study, building a Canadian-standard resume, and networking effectively all take serious planning, and this is where upGrad steps in.

upGrad supports students at every stage of this journey, offering practical mentorship, industry insights, and career-focused learning that align directly with market needs. Here, students work with professionals who understand what Canadian employers look for.

Still unsure which path will lead you to a high-paying job in Canada? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad's industry experts and get personalized advice on maximizing your job prospects in Canada!