You’re an engineer. Congratulations! You’ve chosen a field that is both challenging and rewarding, and Canada is a great place to be an engineer. In fact, according to the 2016 Engineer Salary Survey, the median salary for engineers in Canada is over $85,000.
But what are the highest-paying engineering jobs in Canada? And what kind of work can you expect to do in each role? Below, we take a look at the top 10 highest-paying engineering jobs in Canada.
Engineering Jobs in Canada
When it comes to choosing a career path, salary is often a deciding factor. If you’re an engineer in Canada, you may be wondering which engineering jobs offer the highest salaries.
Fortunately, the Canadian engineering industry is booming, and there are plenty of high-paying engineering jobs available. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at the highest paying engineering jobs in Canada, so you can make an informed decision about your career.
Petroleum Engineers
If you’re an engineer, Canada is a great place to be. Not only are the salaries competitive, but the job market is growing. And within the engineering field, there are some jobs that pay better than others.
Petroleum engineers are at the top of the list, with an average salary of $172,000. They’re responsible for developing and implementing solutions to drilling and production problems in the oil and gas industry. If you have a knack for problem solving and a passion for math and science, this could be the perfect career for you.
Software Engineers
Software Engineers are one of the highest paying engineering jobs in Canada. These engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing and implementing software programs. They must have a strong knowledge of mathematics, computer science, and engineering principles in order to effectively create and maintain computer programs.
Software Engineers can find work in many industries, including finance, health care, telecommunications, manufacturing, and the public sector. Salaries for Software Engineers in Canada can range from $60,000 to $100,000 per year.
Additionally, Software Engineers typically enjoy excellent job security, with many employers offering benefits and flexible work hours.
Metallurgical engineer
is one of the highest paying engineering jobs in Canada. According to the Canadian Engineering Salary Survey, the average salary for a Metallurgical engineer in Canada is $97,000 per year.
Metallurgical engineers are responsible for the design and development of metal products, as well as the production of metals from ore and other raw materials. They are also responsible for the testing and analysis of metals and the investigation of metal-related problems.
Metallurgical engineers work in a variety of areas, including metal recycling, metal casting, metal forming, and metal heat treating. The field is also closely related to other engineering disciplines, such as materials science and chemical engineering.
Metallurgical engineers in Canada work with a wide range of companies, from small start-ups to large multinationals.
Aerospace Engineers
You could also work as an aerospace engineer. Aerospace engineers design, develop, test and oversee the production of aircraft, spacecraft and missiles. They work with aircraft manufacturers, airport authorities and the Department of National Defense.
To become an aerospace engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognized university. You may also need to be licensed by a provincial or territorial engineering regulatory body.
According to the latest data from the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, the average salary for aerospace engineers is $128,828.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Nuclear power reactor operators are responsible for the operation of nuclear reactors. They control the flow of water and steam to the turbines, which generate electricity. They also monitor the reactor’s systems and make adjustments as necessary to maintain safety and efficiency.
Nuclear power reactor operators typically earn between $69,000 and $78,000 per year.
Computer Hardware Engineers
You might not know this, but computer hardware engineers make a pretty penny. In fact, they’re the second highest paid engineering job on this list.
So what do computer hardware engineers do? They design, develop, test and oversee the manufacturing of computer components such as circuit boards, microchips and routers.
Interestingly, computer hardware engineering is a relatively new field. It only came about in the mid-20th century with the advent of electronic computers. And as you can imagine, with the ever-growing dependence on computers, the demand for computer hardware engineers is only going to continue to grow.
So if you’re good with computers and have an interest in how they work, a career in computer hardware engineering might be for you. Just be prepared to put in long hours – these guys (and gals) work an average of 50 hours per week.
Electrical Engineers
You might not realize it, but almost everything in your life is touched by electrical engineers. They work on the power grid that brings electricity to your home, they design the wiring for buildings, and they develop the products you use every day, like cell phones and computers.
So it’s no surprise that electrical engineering is one of the highest paying engineering jobs in Canada. In fact, according to the 2016 Census, electrical engineers in Canada earn a median salary of $85,000.
And if you’re thinking of going into electrical engineering, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a good chance you’ll find a job. The Canadian Electrical Association estimates that there will be a need for 8,600 new electrical engineers over the next decade.
Civil Engineers
You could also work as a civil engineer. Civil engineers design, plan and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects like bridges, tunnels, roads and water systems. They also make sure that these projects are safe and meet the needs of the people who will be using them.
In Canada, the average salary for a civil engineer is $95,000 per year. If you want to earn more money, you could work in the oil and gas industry or in mining.
Mining and Geological Engineers
You might not think of mining when you think of engineering, but it’s a field that offers some pretty great opportunities. And, when it comes to the highest paying engineering jobs in Canada, mining and geological engineering takes the ninth spot.
Mining and geological engineers are responsible for the safe and efficient extraction of mineral resources, like coal, oil, and gas. They work with a team of scientists and other engineers to design and develop mines, plan mine operations, and oversee production.
In Canada, the average salary for mining and geological engineers is $103,470 per year. And while that might not be as high as some of the other jobs on this list, it’s still pretty good. Plus, if you’re interested in working in this field, there are plenty of opportunities out there.
Marine Engineers
You might not have realized it, but marine engineers are in high demand in Canada. As a marine engineer, you’ll be responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of ships and other offshore structures.
What does that mean, exactly? Well, you’ll be working with everything from the electrical and mechanical systems to the hull and superstructure. In other words, you’ll need to be knowledgeable in a variety of different areas.
And because of the nature of the work, marine engineers need to be able to think on their feet and solve problems quickly. It’s definitely not a 9-5 job!
If you’re looking for a challenge and want to be well-compensated for your skills, then a career as a marine engineer might be the right choice for you.
FAQs
Which Engineering Has Highest Salary In World?
The highest paying engineering job in Canada is petroleum engineering, which can pay up to $150,000 per year. Other high paying engineering jobs include software engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and civil engineering.
All of these engineering jobs require highly specialized skills and knowledge, which translates into higher salaries. With the right skills and experience, engineering professionals can make a great living in Canada.
Lowest Paying Engineering Jobs
The lowest paying engineering jobs in Canada are generally in the lower-level positions such as engineering technicians and drafters, which usually pay between $25,000 and $45,000.
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking for a high paying engineering job in Canada, now you know where to start. Of course, there are other factors to consider when making your decision, such as the type of engineering you want to do and the company you want to work for. But, this list is a great starting point for your job search. Good luck!