Highest Paying Jobs in Canada for Australians

Canada’s job market is thriving, and in 2025, the country is projected to see an influx of job vacancies, particularly in high-demand sectors like healthcare, technology, engineering, and finance. With over 450,000 job openings anticipated, there are ample opportunities for Australians to secure high-paying jobs in these areas. As a rapidly growing economy, Canada continues to seek skilled professionals to fill these vacancies.

Why Work in Canada?

Canada has a great quality of life and is known for being friendly. The economy is strong, and there are plenty of well-paying jobs in areas like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades. For Australians, Canada presents a chance to work in a solid job market with good benefits and decent pay. Overall, it’s a good spot for skilled workers looking for new opportunities.

Key Highlights:

• Strong Economy: Canada’s economy is set to grow by 3.1% in 2025, which should mean a lot of new jobs in different fields.
• Job Market Growth: There are expected to be over 450,000 job openings in Canada in 2025, particularly in tech, healthcare, and skilled trades.
• High Demand for Skilled Workers: There’s a real need for skilled workers in sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering.
• Family Reunification: Canada lets skilled workers bring their families along, which can lead to a better life and more opportunities for those families.
• High Salaries: Jobs in healthcare, IT, finance, and engineering tend to pay well, often going over CAD 100,000 a year.

Canada Work Permit

A Canada Work Permit is basically a permit from the Canadian government that lets foreigners, like Australians, work in Canada legally. To get one, you usually need a job offer from a Canadian company. There are two main types of work permits: one tied to a specific job and employer, and another that lets you work for any employer without restrictions.

Types of Canada Work Visa

Canada has several work visa options to fit different job situations and needs. Here are the most common types of work visas you can find:

Employer-Specific Work Permit:

This visa is for foreign workers who have a job offer from a particular employer in Canada. It’s linked to that employer, meaning the worker can only do the job they were hired for there. The employer might have to apply for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that hiring someone from outside Canada won’t negatively affect local jobs.

Open Work Permit:

This visa lets people work for any employer in Canada, giving them more options. It's often granted to the spouses of skilled workers or international students, along with a few other groups. The best part is that workers aren't tied to just one employer.

Open work permits fall into two main types:

• Unrestricted work permits: These allow applicants to work anywhere in Canada with any employer they choose.
• Restricted work permits: These limit applicants to working for specific employers, which can make things a bit harder.

Here are some examples of open work permits available in Canada:

• Temporary Work Permits for Partners
• Temporary Resident Permit
• Post-Graduation Work Permit
• World Youth Program Permit
• Bridging Open Work Permit
• Regular Open Work Permit
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Spousal Permit

You can use Canada’s open work permits for several programs, including:

• Working Holiday Visa
• Young Professionals Visa
• International Experience Canada
• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Provincial Nominee Program
• International Co-Op Program

IEC Work Visa:

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is for young Australians aged 18 to 35 who want to work and travel in Canada. Usually, the visa lets you stay for a year, but you might be able to extend it in some situations. It's a great chance for Aussies to see Canada and get some work experience at the same time.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa:

This visa is meant for workers from multinational companies who are getting transferred to a branch or subsidiary in Canada. It lets employees in managerial, executive, or specialized positions keep doing their jobs in Canada. To qualify, the employee must have been with the company for at least a year before the transfer.

There are different types of these visas to suit various needs, from skilled workers to business owners, giving Australians several options to live and work in Canada.

Top Highest-Paying Jobs in Canada

In 2025, Canada’s job market will continue to offer lucrative opportunities, particularly in sectors experiencing strong growth. Here are some of the highest-paying roles:

Surgeons and Doctors

Doctors, especially surgeons and specialists, are really needed in Canada because of the aging population. They can earn between CAD 200,000 and CAD 500,000 a year, which makes healthcare one of the best-paying fields in the country.

Software Engineers and IT Managers

The tech industry is booming, and as a result, companies are on the lookout for software engineers and IT managers. If you're in these fields, you can expect to make between CAD 80,000 and CAD 120,000 a year. The need for these skills is growing as the tech world keeps expanding.

Dentists

Dentists in Canada make a good living, with yearly salaries between CAD 150,000 and CAD 250,000. The healthcare field is expected to grow quickly in 2025, which is great news for anyone looking to get into dentistry.

Financial Managers

Canada's economy is always changing, and because of that, financial managers are in demand. These pros can make between CAD 100,000 and CAD 150,000 a year, as companies need help with handling their finances, investments, and managing risks.

Engineering Managers

Engineering managers, especially in civil and mechanical areas, make good money, with salaries between CAD 90,000 and CAD 130,000 a year. With more infrastructure and industrial projects popping up in Canada, there's likely to be a steady demand for skilled engineers and managers.

*Want to work in Canada? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

Canada Work Visa for On-Shore Candidates

If you're an Australian already in Canada, on-shore work visa applications can make it easier and quicker for you to keep working or stay longer. This option is great for folks who are in Canada on a temporary visa and want to apply for a work permit or extend their stay.

Eligibility Criteria for On-Shore Work Visa Applicants:

• Valid Temporary Status: You need to have a valid visitor, student, or work visa when applying for a work permit.
• Job Offer: Usually, you should have a confirmed job offer from a Canadian employer. This job needs to be a skilled position for specific work permits. For open work permits, you don’t need a job offer, but there are some conditions, like being the spouse of a skilled worker or an international student.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: You should show that you can support yourself and any dependents while you're in Canada.
• Language Proficiency: Depending on the job and type of work permit, you might need to speak English or French. For lower-skilled jobs, a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 is usually needed.
• Medical and Criminal Checks: You might have to do a medical exam and provide police certificates to ensure you meet Canada’s health and safety standards.
• Compliance with Immigration Laws: It’s important that you haven’t broken any immigration laws or rules during your stay in Canada.

For Australians already in Canada, meeting these requirements can make the application process smoother, and getting work permits done might be faster than for those applying from outside Canada.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply from Outside Canada

If you're an Australian wanting to work in Canada from overseas, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

• Job Offer: Most work permits require you to have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
• Skills and Experience: You should have work experience and skills that match the job you’re applying for.
• Language Skills: You might need to show you can speak English or French, usually by taking tests like IELTS or TEF.
• Health and Security Checks: Be prepared to get some medical exams and pass security checks before you apply.

Eligibility Criteria after Arrival in Canada

If you're in Canada on a temporary visa, you can apply to change or extend your work permit in a few ways:

• Employer-Specific Work Permit: If you want to switch jobs, you'll need a new job offer and apply for a new work permit.
• Open Work Permit: If you qualify for an open work permit, you can work for any employer in Canada without limits.
• Permanent Residency: Many skilled workers go for permanent residency, which might need you to meet some extra requirements through Canada’s Express Entry system.

Canada Work Permit Requirements

If you want to apply for a Canadian work permit, here’s what you’ll need:

• A Job Offer: Usually, you'll need a job offer from a Canadian employer.
• Proof of Identity: You’ll need a valid passport and some ID.
• Language Skills: Depending on the job, you might need to show that you can speak English or French.
• Medical Exams: Some applicants may have to get medical exams done before they can get approved.

Steps to Apply for a Canada Work Permit

Step 1: Get a Job Offer 

The first thing you need to do to apply for a Canada Work Permit is to land a job offer from a Canadian employer. The job should be for a skilled position that fits the work permit type you're going for.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents 

After you have that job offer, collect the necessary documents. This should include your resume, the job offer letter, medical records (if needed), proof of your language skills, and any other papers that show your work experience or qualifications.

Step 3: Apply Online or in Person 

You can apply for your work permit online through the official Canada immigration website or at the closest Canadian embassy or visa application center. Make sure to include all the required documents with your application.

Step 4: Biometrics and Medical Check 

Sometimes, you'll need to provide biometric data like fingerprints and a photo. You might also need a medical exam to make sure you meet health and safety requirements.

Step 5: Wait for Your Approval 

Once you’ve submitted your application and gone to any necessary appointments, just wait for your work permit to be approved. When you get it, you'll be all set to start working in Canada.

How Y-Axis Helps You to Work in Canada?

• Free eligibility check through Canada Immigration Points Calculator
• Expert guidance/consultation for Canada Immigration
• Coaching services: Expert CELPIP coaching, IELTS proficiency Coaching 
• Free career counselling; book your slot today
• Complete guidance while applying for a Canada PR visa
• Job search services to find related jobs in Canada