Sam SmithWinnipeg, the economic heart of Manitoba, boasts a diverse and steadily growing job market rooted in healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, and financial services. Its strategic central location and skilled workforce have attracted both global corporations and homegrown enterprises, fueling demand for specialized professionals and executives alike. This comprehensive list of the top 100 highest-paying jobs in Winnipeg highlights the city’s most lucrative career paths — from high-stakes medical roles to leadership positions in engineering, business, and technology.
Top 100 Highest Paid Jobs In Winnipeg
1. Physician – Specialist
Specialist physicians in Winnipeg, such as cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and neurologists, are among the city’s highest earners. Their roles demand extensive medical training, residency experience, and board certification. They diagnose and treat complex conditions, often working in hospitals or private clinics. With long hours, emergency calls, and life-impacting responsibilities, their compensation reflects both their expertise and the city’s demand for advanced medical services, especially in areas like critical care, oncology, and internal medicine.
2. Surgeon
Surgeons in Winnipeg command high salaries due to the demanding nature of their work and the high skill threshold required. They perform delicate procedures ranging from trauma surgeries to elective operations, often managing life-or-death cases. Their path involves over a decade of education and training. Surgeons’ precision, stamina, and decision-making under pressure justify their pay, especially as Manitoba’s healthcare system relies heavily on surgical specialists to manage waitlists and urgent care demands.
3. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists in Winnipeg are in high demand due to increasing mental health awareness and limited psychiatric resources in Manitoba. They diagnose and treat mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders, prescribing medication and providing therapy. Many work in both hospitals and private practice, balancing complex caseloads. Their compensation reflects both medical expertise and the emotional challenges of the role. The shortage of qualified professionals and long patient wait times elevate their earning potential significantly.
4. Corporate Lawyer
Corporate lawyers in Winnipeg advise businesses on mergers, acquisitions, contracts, and compliance with Canadian and provincial laws. They negotiate major deals and prevent legal risks, often working with banks, real estate developers, or major corporations. Years of legal training, strong analytical ability, and communication skills are vital. Their high salaries reflect the stakes of their work — safeguarding multimillion-dollar interests and ensuring their clients operate within tight regulatory frameworks.
5. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CEOs in Winnipeg earn top-tier pay for leading entire organizations, setting vision, managing operations, and driving profitability. Their compensation often includes salary, performance bonuses, and equity. They must navigate competitive markets, manage teams, and make decisions affecting hundreds of employees. Success requires strategic thinking, leadership, and financial expertise. In sectors like energy, finance, or logistics, Winnipeg CEOs command particularly high packages due to the scale and economic influence of their firms.
6. Dentist (Specialist)
Specialist dentists — such as orthodontists, endodontists, and oral surgeons — rank among Winnipeg’s highest-paid medical professionals. They diagnose and treat advanced dental conditions, perform corrective procedures, and often manage private clinics. Their income reflects both skill level and entrepreneurial ability. Advanced dental equipment and cosmetic services also boost earnings. The combination of medical precision and business ownership makes dental specialists highly compensated across the city’s healthcare landscape.
7. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers in Winnipeg may work with Manitoba’s energy sector or remote projects across Canada. They design systems to extract oil and gas efficiently and safely, integrating geology, physics, and economics. Their high pay stems from technical expertise and project risk. Employers compensate them well for optimizing extraction and managing million-dollar assets. Engineers with experience in sustainability and carbon reduction are especially sought after as energy companies modernize operations.
8. Pharmacist
Pharmacists in Winnipeg earn strong salaries due to their critical role in healthcare delivery. They dispense prescriptions, advise patients on medications, and ensure drug safety compliance. Many operate or manage community pharmacies, adding entrepreneurial income streams. Their knowledge of pharmacology, attention to detail, and customer interaction skills make them indispensable to Manitoba’s healthcare network. Growing demand for chronic disease management and vaccination services has further strengthened pharmacist compensation.
9. IT Director / Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Winnipeg’s growing tech ecosystem rewards IT Directors and CTOs who lead innovation and cybersecurity efforts. They manage teams, oversee software development, and ensure IT systems align with company goals. High salaries reflect both technical depth and leadership demands, especially as digital transformation accelerates across finance, healthcare, and logistics sectors. Those with strong experience in cloud computing, AI, and data infrastructure can earn salaries rivaling executives in larger urban centers.
10. Engineering Manager
Engineering Managers in Winnipeg coordinate large projects across civil, industrial, and manufacturing sectors. They lead teams, allocate budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance. Their salaries reflect their ability to merge technical expertise with leadership and project-management skills. Managing timelines, innovation, and personnel simultaneously requires high competency. Winnipeg’s infrastructure and manufacturing growth, coupled with engineering skill shortages, ensures strong demand and premium pay for experienced engineering leaders.
11. Mining Engineer
Mining engineers play a crucial role in Manitoba’s resource sector. They design mines, oversee operations, and manage safety and efficiency standards. Many work in northern regions but base operations in Winnipeg. High pay reflects the industry’s volatility, remote conditions, and reliance on technical precision. Those specializing in sustainability and extraction technology are particularly valued. Their expertise directly impacts profitability, environmental compliance, and the province’s natural resource economy.
12. Judge
Judges in Winnipeg earn substantial salaries commensurate with the responsibility of interpreting laws and ensuring justice. Appointed after years of legal experience, they preside over trials, make rulings, and safeguard due process. Their pay reflects their legal acumen, impartiality, and the public importance of their role. Manitoba’s judiciary upholds both provincial and federal statutes, requiring deep knowledge of law and ethics, making judges among the most respected and well-compensated professionals.
13. University Professor (Medicine or Law)
Professors specializing in medicine or law at Winnipeg’s leading institutions, such as the University of Manitoba, enjoy high earnings supported by research grants and consulting work. They educate future professionals, publish scholarly research, and contribute to policy discussions. Senior faculty often serve as department heads or deans. Their salaries reflect both academic excellence and influence in shaping healthcare and legal systems within Manitoba and beyond.
14. Construction Manager
Construction managers in Winnipeg supervise projects ranging from commercial builds to infrastructure expansions. They coordinate contractors, budgets, safety standards, and timelines. Their compensation reflects responsibility for multimillion-dollar projects and the need to balance cost, safety, and quality. Skilled managers with engineering backgrounds or project-management certification earn more. With Winnipeg’s steady urban growth, experienced construction managers remain in high demand and command strong pay packages.
15. Marketing Director
Marketing Directors in Winnipeg design and implement brand strategies that drive business growth. They oversee campaigns, manage creative teams, and analyze market trends. Their pay reflects their role in generating revenue and brand equity. Strong digital marketing expertise and experience in analytics or public relations add to their value. Winnipeg’s expanding corporate and retail sectors provide ample opportunities for marketing leaders who can innovate and adapt to evolving consumer behavior.
16. Financial Manager
Financial managers oversee accounting, budgeting, and investment activities for Winnipeg companies. They ensure compliance with provincial and federal regulations while maximizing profitability. High salaries stem from the responsibility of managing financial risk and reporting accuracy. Those with CPA or CFA credentials earn more, especially in banking, insurance, and manufacturing. Financial managers’ analytical insight is key to sustaining growth in a competitive business landscape.
17. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers at Winnipeg’s control centers manage aircraft movements across vast Canadian airspace. Their work requires extreme focus, quick decision-making, and technical precision to ensure passenger and aircraft safety. Rigorous training and certification, coupled with high stress levels, justify their strong pay. Their contribution to national aviation safety makes them essential to Canada’s transport system, and they benefit from stable government-backed compensation packages.
18. Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers in Winnipeg design, test, and refine aircraft systems and components. Working with firms like Boeing Canada or Magellan Aerospace, they develop cutting-edge technology for aviation and defense. Their compensation reflects specialized knowledge of aerodynamics, materials science, and systems integration. As aerospace remains one of Manitoba’s strongest advanced-manufacturing sectors, experienced engineers with project-management or R&D expertise enjoy premium pay and long-term career stability.
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19. Civil Engineer
Civil engineers in Winnipeg design, plan, and oversee infrastructure projects — roads, bridges, water systems, and public works — ensuring safety, durability, and regulatory compliance. They produce technical drawings, perform site inspections, and coordinate contractors and municipalities. Pay is strong due to responsibility for large capital projects and the need for professional engineering licensure (P.Eng.). Experienced civil engineers who manage teams, deliver projects on time and control costs — especially in transportation or municipal infrastructure — command the highest salaries.
20. Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers in Winnipeg develop and test aircraft systems, structures, and components for aerospace manufacturers and MRO firms. Their role blends aerodynamics, materials science, and systems integration to ensure aircraft safety, performance, and regulatory certification. Winnipeg’s aerospace cluster (Boeing, StandardAero, suppliers) pays premiums for engineers with experience in design, certification, or avionics. Senior engineers who lead R&D, oversee testing programs, or manage multidisciplinary teams earn top pay and long-term career stability in this specialized field.
Healthcare & Medical
| Rank | Job Title | Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physician – Specialist (e.g., Surgeon, Anesthesiologist) | $250 000 – $500 000 + | Provincial fee schedules; very high earning potential |
| 2 | Physician – Family Medicine | $200 000 – $350 000 | Stable provincial billings |
| 3 | Dentist | $150 000 – $300 000 + | Dependent on practice volume |
| 4 | Pharmacist | $105 000 – $130 000 | High demand across the province |
| 5 | Nurse Practitioner | $100 000 – $125 000 | Expanding role in primary care |
| 6 | Optometrist | $95 000 – $150 000 | Private practice earnings vary |
Executive & Senior Management
| Rank | Job Title | Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | $180 000 – $400 000 + | Wide range by organization size |
| 8 | Vice President (Finance, Operations, etc.) | $140 000 – $250 000 | Strategic corporate leadership |
| 9 | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | $150 000 – $280 000 | Key financial oversight role |
| 10 | Director of Information Technology | $120 000 – $180 000 | Manages enterprise IT systems |
| 11 | Engineering Manager | $120 000 – $170 000 | Manufacturing & aerospace focus |
| 12 | Marketing Director | $110 000 – $165 000 | Brand & growth leadership |
| 13 | Human Resources Director | $110 000 – $160 000 | Large-scale HR policy oversight |
| 14 | Supply Chain Director | $115 000 – $170 000 | Crucial in Winnipeg’s logistics hub |
| 15 | Sales Director | $110 000 – $165 000 | Includes commission potential |
Engineering & Technical
| Rank | Job Title | Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Electrical Engineer | $95 000 – $135 000 | Utilities and manufacturing |
| 17 | Mechanical Engineer | $90 000 – $130 000 | Core industrial role |
| 18 | Software Engineer / Developer | $80 000 – $120 000 | Rapidly growing tech sector |
| 19 | Civil Engineer | $85 000 – $120 000 | Infrastructure projects |
| 20 | Aerospace Engineer | $95 000 – $140 000 | Boeing & StandardAero |
| 21 | Project Engineer | $90 000 – $125 000 | Cross-disciplinary projects |
| 22 | Industrial Engineer | $85 000 – $115 000 | Process optimization |
| 23 | Chemical Engineer | $95 000 – $130 000 | Manufacturing and energy |
Finance, Business & Legal
| Rank | Job Title | Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | Lawyer | $100 000 – $200 000 + | Dependent on specialty |
| 25 | Accounting Manager | $95 000 – $125 000 | Corporate finance teams |
| 26 | Senior Financial Analyst | $85 000 – $110 000 | Strong insurance sector |
| 27 | Management Consultant | $90 000 – $140 000 | Advisory and strategy |
| 28 | Actuary | $100 000 – $150 000 | Insurance headquarters hub |
| 29 | HR Manager | $90 000 – $120 000 | |
| 30 | Compensation & Benefits Manager | $95 000 – $130 000 | |
| 31 | Financial Advisor / Planner | $75 000 – $120 000 + | Commission driven |
| 32 | Auditor (Senior) | $85 000 – $110 000 |
Skilled Trades & Specialized Technical Roles
| Rank | Job Title | Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | Power Engineer (Class 1) | $100 000 – $140 000 | Plant operations |
| 34 | Power Line Technician | $90 000 – $120 000 | Essential utility work |
| 35 | Construction Manager | $85 000 – $130 000 | Infrastructure builds |
| 36 | Elevator Mechanic | $80 000 – $110 000 | Specialized trade |
| 37 | Industrial Electrician | $75 000 – $100 000 | Manufacturing plants |
| 38 | HVAC Technician | $70 000 – $95 000 | |
| 39 | Welder (Pressure Welder) | $65 000 – $90 000 | High skill premium |
| 40 | Plumber | $65 000 – $90 000 | |
| 41 | Steamfitter / Pipefitter | $70 000 – $95 000 |
Aviation & Transportation
| Rank | Job Title | Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | Airline Pilot / Flight Engineer | $80 000 – $200 000 + | |
| 43 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) | $70 000 – $100 000 | |
| 44 | Air Traffic Controller | $100 000 – $150 000 | |
| 45 | Logistics Manager | $75 000 – $110 000 | Transportation hub role |
Technology & IT
| Rank | Job Title | Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | IT Manager | $100 000 – $140 000 | |
| 47 | Data Scientist | $95 000 – $130 000 | |
| 48 | Cloud Architect | $100 000 – $145 000 | |
| 49 | Cybersecurity Manager | $90 000 – $130 000 | |
| 50 | Systems Administrator (Senior) | $80 000 – $105 000 | |
| 51 | Network Architect | $95 000 – $135 000 | |
| 52 | DevOps Engineer | $95 000 – $130 000 | |
| 53 | Software Architect | $110 000 – $160 000 |
Education, Science & Public Service (54 – 100)
| Rank | Job Title | Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | University Professor (Senior) | $100 000 – $180 000 |
| 55 | Psychologist | $90 000 – $130 000 |
| 56 | Physicist / Astronomer | $95 000 – $140 000 |
| 57 | Mathematician | $90 000 – $130 000 |
| 58 | Economist | $85 000 – $120 000 |
| 59 | Geoscientist | $90 000 – $130 000 |
| 60 | Senior Policy Advisor | $85 000 – $115 000 |
| 61 | Project Management Specialist | $85 000 – $115 000 |
| 62 | Management Analyst | $80 000 – $110 000 |
| 63 | Architect | $80 000 – $120 000 |
| 64 | Urban Planner | $75 000 – $105 000 |
| 65 | Registered Nurse (Senior) | $80 000 – $100 000 |
| 66 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $75 000 – $95 000 |
| 67 | Radiation Therapist | $85 000 – $110 000 |
| 68 | Occupational Therapist | $80 000 – $100 000 |
| 69 | Physiotherapist | $80 000 – $105 000 |
| 70 | Speech-Language Pathologist | $80 000 – $100 000 |
| 71 | Social Work Manager | $75 000 – $100 000 |
| 72 | School Principal | $100 000 – $130 000 |
| 73 | Veterinarian | $90 000 – $120 000 |
| 74 | Optician | $60 000 – $85 000 |
| 75 | Dental Hygienist | $75 000 – $95 000 |
| 76 | Paralegal (Senior) | $70 000 – $90 000 |
| 77 | Commercial Pilot | $70 000 – $120 000 |
| 78 | Police Officer (Senior) | $80 000 – $110 000 |
| 79 | Firefighter (Senior) | $80 000 – $105 000 |
| 80 | Corrections Manager | $75 000 – $100 000 |
| 81 | Marketing Manager | $90 000 – $130 000 |
| 82 | Sales Manager | $90 000 – $130 000 |
| 83 | Public Relations Manager | $85 000 – $120 000 |
| 84 | Procurement Manager | $85 000 – $120 000 |
| 85 | Quality Control Manager | $85 000 – $120 000 |
| 86 | Research & Development Manager | $100 000 – $140 000 |
| 87 | Mining & Geological Engineer | $100 000 – $140 000 |
| 88 | Environmental Engineer | $85 000 – $120 000 |
| 89 | Biomedical Engineer | $85 000 – $120 000 |
| 90 | Web Developer (Senior) | $80 000 – $110 000 |
| 91 | Database Administrator | $85 000 – $115 000 |
| 92 | Computer Network Support | $75 000 – $100 000 |
| 93 | User Support Technician (Senior) | $70 000 – $90 000 |
| 94 | Technical Writer (Senior) | $75 000 – $100 000 |
| 95 | Interior Designer (Senior) | $70 000 – $95 000 |
| 96 | Land Surveyor | $75 000 – $100 000 |
| 97 | Cartographer | $70 000 – $95 000 |
| 98 | Audio & Video Technician | $65 000 – $90 000 |
| 99 | Broadcast Technician | $70 000 – $95 000 |
| 100 | Library Manager | $80 000 – $110 000 |
Closing
Winnipeg’s employment landscape offers remarkable opportunities for those with technical expertise, professional accreditation, or strong leadership skills. While healthcare and management dominate the top salary tiers, the city’s manufacturing, aerospace, and IT sectors continue to create new pathways for high-income careers. As the regional economy evolves, Winnipeg remains one of Canada’s most balanced job markets — where specialized talent, innovation, and experience are consistently rewarded with competitive pay and career stability.