Earning $40 an hour in Canada can put a full-time worker into a strong income range.
At 40 hours per week for 52 weeks:
$40 × 40 × 52 = $83,200 per year
At $45 per hour:
$93,600 per year
At $50 per hour:
$104,000 per year
And at $60 per hour:
$124,800 per year.
The good news is that many Canadian careers can reach or exceed the $40-per-hour mark.
Some require university degrees and professional licences. Others depend heavily on trades certification, management experience, technical expertise or years of experience.
Here are 25 jobs in Canada where workers can earn more than $40 per hour, depending on experience and location.
Note: “$40+ per hour” does not mean every person in each occupation automatically earns that amount. Wages vary considerably by province, employer, seniority and specialization.
Quick Comparison
| Career | Typical $40+/hour Potential |
|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $55+ |
| Veterinarian | $60+ |
| Registered Nurse | $43+ |
| Software Developer | $48+ |
| Electrical Engineer | $50+ |
| Mechanical Engineer | $45+ |
| Construction Manager | $50+ in some provinces |
| Software Engineer | $50–$70+ |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | $40–$60+ |
| Data Scientist | $45–$70+ |
| Nurse Practitioner | $50–$70+ |
| Engineering Manager | $55–$80+ |
| Financial Manager | $50–$75+ |
| IT Manager | $50–$75+ |
| Mining Engineer | $45–$65+ |
| Petroleum Engineer | $50–$80+ |
| Civil Engineer | $40–$60+ |
| Aerospace Engineer | $45–$65+ |
| Senior Project Manager | $40–$60+ |
| Senior Business Analyst | $40–$55+ |
| Corporate Lawyer | $50–$100+ |
| Dentist | Often $100K+ annually |
| Optometrist | Often $100K+ annually |
| Air Traffic Controller | Can exceed $40/hour |
| Skilled Trades Supervisor | $40–$55+ |
1. Pharmacist
Pharmacists are among Canada’s better-paid regulated healthcare professionals.
They dispense medication, review prescriptions, advise patients and healthcare providers, and help ensure medications are used safely.
The Government of Canada’s Job Bank reports a national median wage of $55.49 per hour for pharmacists.
That equates to roughly:
$115,000 per year
at 40 hours per week.
Requirements
Generally, pharmacists must complete approved pharmacy education and meet provincial licensing requirements.
Approximate earning level
$40–$67+ per hour, depending on region and experience. Job Bank currently lists Canada’s low, median and high pharmacist wages at $40, $55.49 and $67 per hour respectively.
2. Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose and treat medical conditions affecting animals.
They can work in:
- Private clinics
- Animal hospitals
- Farms
- Government
- Research
- Industry
Job Bank currently reports a national median wage of $60 per hour for veterinarians.
In Alberta, the median is currently listed at $62.50 per hour, with a high wage of almost $89 per hour.
Approximate earning level
$60+ per hour median nationally
3. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses provide direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, long-term-care facilities, community programs and other healthcare settings.
Job Bank currently reports a national median wage of $43.27 per hour for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses.
Overtime, shift premiums and specialized roles can increase total compensation further.
Approximate earning level
$43+ per hour median nationally
4. Software Developer
Software developers design and create computer applications and systems.
Job Bank currently reports a national median of $48.08 per hour for software developers and programmers.
Recent job advertisements show salaries such as:
$50 per hour in Mississauga
and
$51.65 per hour for a remote position in Victoria.
Approximate earning level
$48+ per hour median
5. Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design and evaluate electrical systems and equipment.
Industries include:
- Utilities
- Telecommunications
- Manufacturing
- Automation
- Transportation
- Consulting
Job Bank currently reports a national median wage of $50.67 per hour for electrical engineers.
That corresponds to approximately:
$105,000 annually at 40 hours weekly.
Approximate earning level
$50+ per hour median
6. Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design and improve machinery, equipment and mechanical systems.
They can work in:
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Transportation
- Building systems
- Mining
- Consulting
- Automation
Job Bank currently reports a national median of $45.67 per hour for mechanical engineers.
Approximate earning level
$45+ per hour median
7. Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee major construction projects.
They may manage:
- Budgets
- Employees
- Subcontractors
- Materials
- Project timelines
- Safety
- Quality
- Client relationships
In Ontario, Job Bank currently reports a median wage of $50.61 per hour for construction managers.
Approximate earning level
$50+ per hour in Ontario at the median
Experienced managers overseeing major commercial or industrial projects can earn considerably more.
8. Software Engineer
Software engineers develop and design complex software systems.
Recent Job Bank advertisements include an AI software-engineering position in Vancouver paying $58 per hour and another software-engineering role in Mississauga advertised at $56–$59 per hour.
Approximate earning level
$50–$70+ per hour
Senior specialists and architects may exceed this.
9. Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity professionals protect computer systems, networks and data.
Their responsibilities may include:
- Penetration testing
- Threat monitoring
- Security architecture
- Incident response
- Risk assessment
- Cloud security
Approximate earning potential
$40–$60+ per hour
Professionals with advanced experience or security certifications can earn well above the entry-level range.
10. Data Scientist
Data scientists use statistics, machine learning and programming to solve complex problems.
Major employers include:
- Banks
- Technology companies
- Retailers
- Insurance companies
- Government agencies
- Consulting firms
Approximate earning potential
$45–$70+ per hour
Specialists in machine learning and artificial intelligence may earn substantially more.
11. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners have advanced nursing education and a broader scope of practice than registered nurses.
Depending on the province, they may diagnose conditions, order tests and prescribe medications.
Approximate earning potential
$50–$70+ per hour
Nurse practitioners normally require graduate-level nursing education and provincial registration.
12. Engineering Manager
Engineering managers oversee engineering teams, budgets and technical projects.
They combine technical expertise with leadership.
Industries may include:
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Mining
- Technology
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Construction
Approximate earning potential
$55–$80+ per hour
Senior engineering management positions can exceed $150,000 annually.
13. Financial Manager
Financial managers oversee organizations’ financial planning and reporting.
Titles can include:
- Finance manager
- Controller
- Director of finance
- Treasury manager
Responsibilities may involve budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and corporate strategy.
Approximate earning potential
$50–$75+ per hour
CPA credentials and management experience can be valuable.
14. Information Technology Manager
IT managers oversee technology infrastructure, employees and systems.
They may manage:
- Cybersecurity
- Networks
- Cloud systems
- Software platforms
- Help desks
- IT budgets
Approximate earning potential
$50–$75+ per hour
Senior IT directors and chief technology professionals can earn considerably more.
15. Mining Engineer
Canada has a significant mining industry, particularly in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and northern regions.
Mining engineers plan and manage extraction operations.
Approximate earning potential
$45–$65+ per hour
Remote or northern work may sometimes include additional compensation.
16. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers work with oil and gas extraction and production systems.
Alberta remains Canada’s major oil-producing province, although energy-sector roles exist elsewhere.
Approximate earning potential
$50–$80+ per hour
Experienced professionals working on major energy projects may earn more.
17. Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design and oversee infrastructure including:
- Roads
- Bridges
- Buildings
- Water systems
- Transit infrastructure
- Municipal projects
Approximate earning potential
$40–$60+ per hour
Professional Engineer designation may be required for certain responsibilities.
18. Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers work on aircraft, aerospace systems and related technology.
Canadian aerospace activity is concentrated heavily around regions such as Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg.
Approximate earning potential
$45–$65+ per hour
Specialized senior engineers can earn more.
19. Senior Project Manager
Project managers coordinate complex business and technical initiatives.
Experienced project managers working in:
- Technology
- Banking
- Construction
- Energy
- Healthcare
- Government
can exceed the $40-per-hour level.
Approximate earning potential
$40–$60+ per hour
PMP certification and industry experience can strengthen earning potential.
20. Senior Business Analyst
Business analysts examine an organization’s operations and recommend improvements.
They are common in banking, insurance, government and technology.
Approximate earning potential
$40–$55+ per hour
Senior contract business analysts may earn higher hourly rates.
21. Corporate Lawyer
Lawyers can earn significantly above $40 per hour, particularly after gaining experience.
Corporate lawyers may advise clients on:
- Contracts
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Employment matters
- Corporate transactions
- Regulatory compliance
Approximate earning potential
$50–$100+ per hour equivalent
Private-practice billing rates can be significantly higher than the lawyer’s actual employee compensation.
22. Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat oral-health conditions.
Job Bank currently lists the national median annual wage for dentists at $110,000, although a large portion of the profession is self-employed.
$110,000 per year is equivalent to roughly:
$52.88 per hour
if compared with a conventional 2,080-hour work year.
However, dentist income is frequently reported annually rather than hourly because many dentists own practices or work under alternative compensation arrangements.
Approximate earning potential
$100,000+ annually
23. Optometrist
Optometrists examine eyes, diagnose certain visual conditions and prescribe corrective lenses.
The profession requires substantial university education and provincial licensing.
Approximate earning potential
Often well above $40 per hour equivalent, particularly among experienced practitioners.
Some optometrists are self-employed, meaning earnings can vary significantly.
24. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft movement and help keep air traffic operating safely.
The occupation requires specialized training and carries significant responsibility.
Experienced controllers can earn compensation well above the $40-per-hour equivalent.
Why it pays well
Controllers work in a safety-critical environment requiring intense concentration, communication and decision-making abilities.
25. Skilled Trades Supervisor
Not every $40+ career requires a traditional university degree.
Experienced supervisors in skilled trades and industrial environments can exceed $40 per hour.
Examples can include supervisors overseeing:
- Electricians
- Millwrights
- Heavy-duty mechanics
- Welders
- Industrial maintenance workers
- Construction crews
Approximate earning potential
$40–$55+ per hour
Overtime and shift premiums can increase annual earnings considerably.
What Does $40 an Hour Equal Annually?
Assuming 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year:
| Hourly Wage | Approximate Annual Gross Income |
|---|---|
| $40 | $83,200 |
| $45 | $93,600 |
| $50 | $104,000 |
| $55 | $114,400 |
| $60 | $124,800 |
| $65 | $135,200 |
| $70 | $145,600 |
| $75 | $156,000 |
These figures are before income tax, CPP, EI and other deductions.
Can You Make $40 an Hour Without a University Degree?
Yes.
While healthcare, engineering and law typically require formal university education, other career paths can reach or exceed $40 per hour through:
- Apprenticeships
- Skilled-trades certification
- Technical training
- Management experience
- Technology skills
- Industry certifications
Examples can include experienced:
- Electricians
- Millwrights
- Industrial mechanics
- Heavy-duty equipment technicians
- Construction supervisors
- Technology professionals
However, wages differ significantly by province and specialization.
Which Provinces Pay the Highest Salaries?
There is no single province that pays the most for every occupation.
High salaries can be found throughout Canada.
For example:
Alberta
Strong opportunities in energy, engineering, construction and skilled trades.
Ontario
Strong opportunities in finance, technology, engineering, healthcare and construction.
British Columbia
Technology, construction, healthcare and engineering are major sectors.
Quebec
Aerospace, technology, engineering and manufacturing provide specialized opportunities.
Saskatchewan
Mining, agriculture, energy and healthcare can offer competitive wages.
Northern and remote regions can also offer higher wages or additional allowances for some occupations.
$40 an Hour Doesn’t Mean $83,200 Take-Home Pay
Remember that $83,200 is gross income.
Your employer may deduct:
- Federal income tax
- Provincial income tax
- CPP
- EI
- Pension contributions
- Union dues
- Workplace benefits
Your actual take-home pay therefore depends on your province and personal tax circumstances.
How to Increase Your Income Above $40 an Hour
Several factors can make a major difference.
Specialize
Specialists frequently earn more than generalists.
For example, a software professional specializing in AI, cybersecurity or cloud infrastructure may earn more than someone with only basic programming skills.
Get licensed
Professional licences can open higher-paying career opportunities.
Examples include:
- Registered Nurse
- Professional Engineer
- Pharmacist
- Lawyer
- Electrician
- Millwright
Move into management
Management often increases earning potential because you become responsible for teams, projects, budgets or business results.
Consider industries that pay more
The same occupation may pay differently depending on industry.
An engineer working in energy or mining may earn differently from an engineer working for a small manufacturer.
Negotiate
Experienced professionals shouldn’t automatically accept the first salary offered.
Research prevailing wages before negotiating.
Is $40 an Hour a Good Wage in Canada?
For an individual worker, $40 per hour is a solid income in many parts of Canada.
At a standard full-time schedule it equals approximately $83,200 gross annually.
Whether it feels comfortable depends on:
- Where you live
- Housing costs
- Family size
- Transportation
- Childcare
- Consumer debt
- Taxes
- Lifestyle
Someone earning $83,200 in a lower-cost community may have considerably more disposable income than someone earning the same amount while paying very high housing costs in Toronto or Vancouver.
Which Careers Currently Have Strong Verified Wages?
Several occupations on this list clearly exceed $40 per hour at Canada’s current national median according to Job Bank:
- Veterinarian — $60/hour
- Pharmacist — $55.49/hour
- Electrical Engineer — $50.67/hour
- Software Developer — $48.08/hour
- Mechanical Engineer — $45.67/hour
- Registered Nurse — $43.27/hour
Ontario construction managers also currently have a median wage of $50.61 per hour.
These figures demonstrate that $40+ hourly careers exist across healthcare, technology, engineering and management.
Final Thoughts
You don’t necessarily need to become a doctor or corporate executive to earn more than $40 per hour in Canada.
A growing range of professional, technical and skilled careers can reach the equivalent of $83,000 to well above $150,000 annually.
Some of the strongest options include:
Pharmacy, nursing, software development, engineering, construction management, cybersecurity, data science and skilled industrial careers.
For example, Canada’s Job Bank currently reports national median wages of $60 per hour for veterinarians, $55.49 for pharmacists, $50.67 for electrical engineers and $48.08 for software developers.
The key is to look beyond the job title.
Consider:
Training requirements + licensing + earning potential + job demand + location + long-term advancement.
A career that starts below $40 per hour but offers a realistic path to $50, $60 or $70 per hour may ultimately be more valuable than a job with a slightly higher starting salary but little room for advancement.
Disclaimer: Wage figures are for general informational purposes only. Salaries and hourly rates vary according to location, employer, experience, qualifications and working conditions. Some estimated ranges are illustrative rather than official national medians. Check the Government of Canada Job Bank and individual employers for current wage and employment information before making career decisions.