1.) Electronics Engineer
- Median Salary: $87,006
- Salary Growth (2009–2015): +16%
- Total Employees: 33,300
- Change in Employees (2009–2015): +4.4%
Job Description: Electrical and electronics engineers design, plan, research, evaluate and test electrical and electronic equipment and systems. There are opportunities in both the private and public sector: many professionals find employment with electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers, transportation companies and consulting firms.
2.) Aerospace Engineer
- Median Salary: $79,998
- Salary Growth (2009–2015): +13%
- Total Employees: 9,200
- Change in Employees (2009–2015): -21%
Job Description: This is a category that’s dominated by big manufacturers (in Canada, especially, there are very few homegrown ones—most are foreign-owned subsidiaries). Given the complex supply chains, there are plenty of smaller companies to work for as well. Alternative fuel sources are a growing area of interest in this field. Specific job titles in this field vary: from aerodynamics engineer to systems engineer, there’s potential to specialize.
3.) Specialized Engineer
- Median Salary: $81,058
- Salary Growth (2009–2015): +6%
- Total Employees: 23,000
- Change in Employees (2009–2015): +94%
Job Description: Specialized engineers work in, well, more specialized and therefore more obscure fields. Think naval architecture, bio-medicine, physics, and food processing. They develop machinery, systems, and processes.
4.) Petroleum and Chemical Engineer
- Median Salary: $104,998
- Salary Growth (2009–2015): +16%
- Total Employees: 10,200
- Change in Employees (2009–2015): -22%
Job Description: The central responsibility of a petroleum engineer is to conduct studies specifically for the exploration, development and extraction of oil and gas deposits. They are employed by energy companies, the government, research institutions and consulting companies. The broader chemical engineering field deals with the biochemical processes that are used to transform any raw material into a product: they could be stationed in the oil sands or they could find work in consumer-facing industries, like food.
5.) Telecommunications Manager
- Median Salary: $84,448
- Salary Growth (2009–2015): +14%
- Total Employees: 10,900
- Change in Employees (2009–2015): -3%
Job Description: Telecommunications managers are employed by telecom companies to oversee the development, operation and maintenance of their services. They have titles like telephone company district manager or facilities manager of telecommunications. They must have the technical knowledge and experience in order to assess installations, operation and maintenance services in order to make recommendations for improvement. A university degree in science, electrical engineering, or a related field is required.
6.) Engineering Manager
- Median Salary: $100,006
- Salary Growth (2009–2015): +10%
- Total Employees: 24,100
- Change in Employees (2009–2015): +17%
Job Description: Engineering Managers are typically hired to oversee the engineering department of a company or an engineering consulting firm. They evaluate the products and operations of an engineering department and set the procedures and standards that engineers must adhere to in their technical work. Engineering managers also deal with the firm’s clients and are expected to explain proposals and present engineering findings.
7.) Financial Manager
- Median Salary: $97,074
- Salary Growth (2009–2015): +21%
- Total Employees: 19,900
- Change in Employees (2009–2015): +17%
Job Description: This group of managers are employed by insurance companies, real estate firms, stockbrokers and security exchanges. They are responsible for business development and ensuring their team meets the established objectives. You need a university degree in business administration or a finance-related discipline to enter the field. Then, it’s about accumulating experience in the particular industry you’re interested in to be considered for a management role.
8.) Software Engineer
- Median Salary: $88,005
- Salary Growth (2009–2015): +17%
- Total Employees: 42,400
- Change in Employees (2009–2015): +60%
Job Description: Software engineers have one of the most in-demand skills right now: the ability to code. They spend their days writing snippets of code on their computers to develop applications that millions of people could potentially use. Logically-minded individuals with a love for computers and software would fare well in this field. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering is required.
9.) Construction Manager
- Median Salary: $79,997
- Salary Growth (2009–2015): +15%
- Total Employees: 46,400
- Change in Employees (2009–2015): +26%
Job Description: Construction managers are employed by construction companies to organize and administer the activities of a construction team. They figure out the budget estimates and establish schedules and milestones to lead a construction project from start to finish. A university degree in civil engineering or a college diploma in construction technology is necessary. You’ll also need to work your way up in the construction industry to enter management level.
10.) Pharmacist
- Median Salary: $99,840
- Salary Growth (2009–2015): +9%
- Total Employees: 32,300
- Change in Employees (2009–2015): +38%
Job Description: The number of pharmacists grew sharply in recent years as the proportion of seniors in Canada’s population continues to increase. The demand for pharmacists working in hospitals and community pharmacies is high, and will persist over the next few years. A bachelor of science degree in pharmacy and practical training under a working pharmacist are a must to land a job. Additionally, you’ll need a license issued at the provincial level.
11.) Mining & Forestry Manager
- Median Salary: $104,000
- Salary Growth (2009–2015): +19%
- Total Employees: 11,700
- Change in Employees (2009–2015): +44%
Job Description: This group of managers work in Canada’s natural resources sector, overseeing the operations of facilities like mines, lumber mills and fisheries. Some of their days are spent outdoors, inspecting ground operations. Their main goal is to make sure production quotas are met and the site is adequately staffed and equipped. They are also responsible for hiring and training new personnel and reporting progress to senior management.
