Alberta’s economy is one of the strongest and most diverse in Canada, driven by thriving industries such as energy, healthcare, finance, and technology. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit and high standard of living, the province offers some of the most competitive salaries in the country. From engineering and medical specialists to corporate executives and legal professionals, Alberta rewards expertise and leadership.

The following list highlights the jobs that pay best – and define Alberta’s prosperous career landscape.

Top 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Alberta

1. Physician (Various Specialties)

Physicians are among Alberta’s highest earners, with salaries ranging from $200,000 to over $500,000 depending on specialty. Surgeons, cardiologists, and psychiatrists often earn more due to demand and complexity.

Becoming a physician requires a medical degree, residency, and licensing through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. Job security is extremely high—healthcare is essential and always in demand, ensuring long-term stability and significant earning potential across both public and private healthcare settings.

2. Dentist

Dentists in Alberta earn between $120,000 and $300,000+, depending on experience and whether they own a practice. Their role includes diagnosing oral conditions, performing restorative procedures, and advising on preventive care.

After completing dental school and licensing, many opt for private practice, which offers strong autonomy and high income potential. Job security is excellent due to steady demand for dental care, although initial business investment can be substantial for independent practitioners.

3. Pharmacist

Pharmacists earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually in Alberta. They prepare, dispense, and advise on medications, often serving as a key bridge between patients and physicians. A Doctor of Pharmacy degree and registration with the Alberta College of Pharmacy are required.

Job security is high due to the consistent need for prescription management in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and clinics. Growing healthcare access and chronic disease management ensure strong demand for skilled, community-oriented pharmacists.

4. Optometrist

Optometrists in Alberta earn $100,000 to $180,000 per year, diagnosing vision problems and prescribing corrective lenses or therapies. They require a Doctor of Optometry degree and licensing through the Alberta College of Optometrists. Job stability is strong, driven by ongoing eye-health needs across all age groups.

Many operate private practices, offering flexibility and high income potential. With aging demographics and increased screen use, demand for optometric services remains consistently high province-wide.

5. Podiatrist

Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions, earning $95,000 to $175,000 in Alberta. They often work in private clinics or hospitals, focusing on biomechanics, surgery, and diabetic care.

A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and provincial licensing are required. Job security is moderate but improving as awareness of foot health grows. Demand is especially strong among elderly and diabetic populations, offering stable, rewarding work with rising recognition in healthcare systems.

6. Veterinarian

Veterinarians earn $85,000 to $140,000 annually, caring for animals’ health through diagnosis, surgery, and preventive medicine. Alberta’s strong agricultural base and pet-owning population ensure steady demand across urban and rural areas. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and provincial licensing are required.

Job security is high, particularly in livestock and companion animal practices. The work can be emotionally and physically demanding, but offers excellent career satisfaction and a vital role in both agriculture and public health.

7. Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) earn $110,000 to $140,000 in Alberta, bridging the gap between nursing and physician roles. They can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently.

An advanced master’s degree in nursing and registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta are required. Job security is exceptionally high due to a growing emphasis on community and primary care. NPs are vital in reducing healthcare burdens, especially in rural and underserved communities.

8. Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurses in Alberta earn $75,000 to $100,000+, providing essential patient care in hospitals, clinics, and long-term facilities. They assess, monitor, and implement care plans while collaborating with medical teams.

An accredited nursing degree and registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta are mandatory. Job security is excellent due to ongoing staff shortages and healthcare system needs. Union protection, pension benefits, and broad employment options make nursing a highly stable and respected profession.

9. Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants earn between $100,000 and $130,000 annually, supporting physicians in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. They perform many clinical tasks under supervision, including minor procedures.

A master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and certification through the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants are required. Job security is strong and growing, as Alberta’s healthcare system increasingly integrates PAs to fill service gaps and improve patient access, especially in family medicine, surgery, and rural healthcare.

10. Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologists earn $90,000 to $130,000, specializing in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders. They work in hospitals, private practices, and public agencies. A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and registration with the College of Alberta Psychologists are required.

Job security is high due to increased awareness of mental health and rising demand for therapy services. Many enjoy flexible work arrangements, offering stability, strong community impact, and long-term professional fulfillment.

11. Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers earn $120,000 to $200,000+, designing and optimizing oil and gas extraction processes. Alberta’s energy sector drives strong demand, though employment fluctuates with global oil prices.

A degree in petroleum engineering and registration with APEGA (Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta) are required. While pay is among the province’s highest, job security is variable, closely tied to commodity cycles and energy market conditions, with strong opportunities during industry growth phases.

12. Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers in Alberta earn $90,000 to $140,000, designing and maintaining electrical systems across industries such as energy, manufacturing, and construction. They require an engineering degree and professional registration with APEGA.

Job security is high due to broad industrial application and consistent infrastructure demand. Many roles exist in renewable energy, utilities, and automation. This career offers long-term stability, excellent compensation, and opportunities for leadership in Alberta’s evolving industrial and technological landscape.

13. Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers earn $100,000 to $160,000, working in sectors such as energy, refining, and manufacturing. They design processes for converting raw materials into usable products while ensuring efficiency and safety. A degree in chemical engineering and APEGA registration are required.

Job security is moderate and influenced by commodity markets, but skills are transferable across multiple sectors. This role combines technical problem-solving, high pay, and advancement opportunities in Alberta’s vital oil, gas, and chemical industries.

14. Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers earn $85,000 to $130,000 in Alberta, designing and maintaining machinery for industries ranging from oil and gas to renewable energy. They require a mechanical engineering degree and APEGA licensure.

Job security is high because mechanical systems are essential across nearly every industrial sector. Alberta’s manufacturing, energy, and construction sectors all rely on this discipline, offering stable employment, solid advancement opportunities, and a flexible career path adaptable to emerging technologies.

15. Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers earn between $80,000 and $120,000, focusing on designing and constructing infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings. A civil engineering degree and APEGA registration are required.

Job security is high due to steady infrastructure investment by government and private developers. Civil engineers enjoy diverse work environments and long-term career stability. With Alberta’s growing population and infrastructure needs, demand for civil engineers remains consistently strong across both urban and rural projects.

16. Software Engineer

Software Engineers earn $85,000 to $140,000, developing and maintaining applications, databases, and operating systems. Alberta’s growing tech scene, especially in Calgary and Edmonton, provides expanding opportunities.

A degree in computer science or software engineering is typically required. Job security is high, with demand across virtually every industry. Continuous technological growth and the province’s shift toward digital innovation make this a future-proof, well-paid, and flexible career path for skilled programmers and developers.

17. Project Engineer

Project Engineers earn $95,000 to $140,000, overseeing engineering projects from planning through completion. They coordinate teams, budgets, and timelines, ensuring technical accuracy and efficiency.

A degree in engineering and APEGA certification are essential. Job security is moderate, varying with project availability and economic conditions, particularly in construction and energy. However, professionals with strong leadership and multi-disciplinary skills remain highly sought after in Alberta’s diverse industrial and infrastructure sectors.

18. Mining Engineer

Mining Engineers earn $105,000 to $155,000, focusing on designing and managing mining operations for minerals, coal, and oil sands. They require a mining engineering degree and APEGA registration. Alberta’s resource sector offers high salaries, but job security is variable, dependent on global commodity prices.

Those who specialize in safety, sustainability, or project management enjoy stronger stability. Mining engineers are key to balancing economic development with environmental responsibility in Alberta’s energy landscape.

19. Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical Engineers earn $85,000 to $125,000, studying soil and rock conditions to support construction, mining, and infrastructure projects. A degree in civil or geological engineering and APEGA registration are required.

Job security is high due to the ongoing need for safe, stable foundations in Alberta’s expanding cities and energy projects. The role offers both fieldwork and design opportunities, combining technical depth with strong long-term demand across environmental and construction industries.

20. Pipeline Engineer

Pipeline Engineers earn $100,000 to $150,000, specializing in the design, maintenance, and safety of oil and gas pipelines. A mechanical or petroleum engineering degree and APEGA registration are required.

Job security is variable, influenced by political and market factors. When energy investment is strong, these professionals are in high demand with lucrative pay. Their work is critical to Alberta’s energy infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient transport of natural resources across the province.

Table: 100 Highest-Paying Jobs in Alberta (with Job Security Indicators)

#	Job Title	Salary Range (CAD)	Category	Job Security	Remarks
1	Physician (Surgeon, Cardiologist, etc.)	$200K–$500K+	Medical	High	Consistent demand; healthcare essential.
2	Dentist	$120K–$300K+	Medical	High	Stable income; high start-up cost for private practice.
3	Pharmacist	$90K–$130K	Medical	High	High reliability; strong demand in retail & hospitals.
4	Optometrist	$100K–$180K	Medical	High	Growing demand; private practice dependent.
5	Podiatrist	$95K–$175K	Medical	Moderate	Specialized niche; stable but limited openings.
6	Veterinarian	$85K–$140K	Medical	High	Essential care; rural demand strong.
7	Nurse Practitioner	$110K–$140K	Medical	High	Growing field; vital healthcare role.
8	Registered Nurse (RN)	$75K–$100K+	Medical	High	Strong union protection; consistent demand.
9	Physician Assistant	$100K–$130K	Medical	High	Expanding profession with solid security.
10	Clinical Psychologist	$90K–$130K	Medical	High	Rising mental health awareness boosts demand.
11	Petroleum Engineer	$120K–$200K+	Engineering	Variable	High pay but cyclical with oil markets.
12	Electrical Engineer	$90K–$140K	Engineering	High	Cross-industry demand ensures stability.
13	Chemical Engineer	$100K–$160K	Engineering	Moderate	Strong in energy sector; depends on oil cycles.
14	Mechanical Engineer	$85K–$130K	Engineering	High	Versatile skills; broad industry demand.
15	Civil Engineer	$80K–$120K	Engineering	High	Infrastructure demand ensures steady work.
16	Software Engineer	$85K–$140K	Engineering/IT	High	Tech growth keeps demand rising.
17	Project Engineer	$95K–$140K	Engineering	Moderate	Dependent on project cycles and budgets.
18	Mining Engineer	$105K–$155K	Engineering	Variable	Commodity-dependent; boom-bust risk.
19	Geotechnical Engineer	$85K–$125K	Engineering	High	Steady infrastructure & environmental projects.
20	Pipeline Engineer	$100K–$150K	Engineering	Variable	Political & market-driven risk exposure.
21	Power Engineer	$80K–$150K+	Trades	High	High demand in energy & manufacturing.
22	Industrial Electrician	$75K–$110K	Trades	High	Steady industrial & construction demand.
23	Instrumentation Technician	$80K–$120K	Trades	High	Key technical trade with strong security.
24	Heavy Duty Mechanic	$70K–$110K	Trades	High	Essential maintenance role; stable demand.
25	Welder (Pressure)	$65K–$100K+	Trades	Moderate	Pay tied to project cycles; strong union protection.
26	Pipefitter	$70K–$110K	Trades	High	Core industrial trade; consistent work.
27	Millwright	$70K–$105K	Trades	High	Equipment maintenance always needed.
28	Crane Operator	$75K–$115K	Trades	Moderate	High risk but steady demand in large projects.
29	Construction Manager	$90K–$140K	Trades/Management	High	High demand in urban and oilfield builds.
30	HVAC Technician	$65K–$95K	Trades	High	Year-round demand; residential stability.
31	IT Manager	$100K–$150K	IT	High	High organizational dependence.
32	Software Architect	$110K–$160K	IT	High	Senior-level; top-tier demand.
33	Data Scientist	$95K–$140K	IT	High	Rapidly expanding field; great longevity.
34	Cybersecurity Analyst	$90K–$140K	IT	High	Rising cyber threats ensure lasting demand.
35	DevOps Engineer	$95K–$135K	IT	High	Key tech role; steady job growth.
36	Cloud Solutions Architect	$110K–$160K	IT	High	Cloud adoption ensures job security.
37	Product Manager (Tech)	$95K–$140K	IT	High	Central to tech operations; valued role.
38	UX/UI Design Manager	$100K–$140K	IT	Moderate	Demand fluctuates with project funding.
39	Machine Learning Engineer	$100K–$150K	IT	High	Future-proofed and in-demand.
40	Network Architect	$100K–$145K	IT	High	Vital for corporate infrastructure.
41	Chief Executive Officer (CEO)	$150K–$500K+	Business	Variable	High reward, low security; performance-based.
42	Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	$130K–$300K+	Business	Variable	Tied to company success.
43	Lawyer (Corporate/Energy)	$100K–$250K+	Business	High	Essential professional role.
44	Certified Professional Accountant (CPA)	$75K–$130K	Business	High	Strong regulation; secure employment.
45	Financial Manager	$90K–$140K	Business	High	Needed in all sectors.
46	Marketing Manager	$85K–$130K	Business	Moderate	Depends on company budgets.
47	Sales Manager	$90K–$150K+	Business	Variable	Commission-based; performance risk.
48	HR Manager	$85K–$125K	Business	High	Vital for workforce stability.
49	Management Consultant	$85K–$150K	Business	Moderate	Project-based; varies by economy.
50	Actuary	$90K–$150K	Business	High	High expertise demand; low redundancy risk.
51	Investment Advisor	$80K–$200K+	Business	Variable	Income depends on client portfolio.
52	Supply Chain Manager	$85K–$120K	Business	High	Essential role; strong global demand.
53	Geophysicist	$100K–$180K	Energy	Variable	Linked to exploration budgets.
54	Geologist	$90K–$160K	Energy	Variable	Cyclical with resource demand.
55	Petroleum Landman	$85K–$140K	Energy	Variable	Oil-price sensitive.
56	Facilities Engineer	$105K–$155K	Energy	Moderate	Project-dependent; high when oil rises.
57	Reservoir Engineer	$115K–$190K	Energy	Variable	Excellent pay, cyclical employment.
58	HSE Manager	$95K–$140K	Energy	High	Safety compliance ensures steady need.
59	Mine Manager	$120K–$180K	Energy	Variable	Commodity-driven; site-based risk.
60	Forester	$75K–$110K	Environmental	High	Public & private sector stability.
61	Environmental Manager	$80K–$120K	Environmental	High	Growing importance with ESG focus.
62	Metallurgist	$85K–$125K	Energy	Moderate	Niche but steady in mining operations.
63	School Principal	$110K–$140K	Education	High	Strong union and pension system.
64	University Professor	$100K–$180K	Education	High	Tenure ensures stability.
65	Police Officer (Senior)	$90K–$130K	Public Service	High	Strong job security & pension.
66	Fire Chief	$120K–$160K	Public Service	High	Union-protected; essential service.
67	City Manager	$200K–$350K+	Public Service	High	Government-backed security.
68	Senior Policy Analyst	$85K–$115K	Public Service	High	Government stability; growing field.
69	Crown Prosecutor	$100K–$180K	Public Service	High	Legal necessity; steady employment.
70	Pilot (Airline)	$80K–$200K+	Other	Variable	Travel demand-dependent; cyclical.
71	Architect	$85K–$130K	Other	Moderate	Dependent on construction cycles.
72	Senior Project Manager	$100K–$150K	Construction	High	Strong in infrastructure & energy.
73	Real Estate Lawyer	$100K–$200K	Law	High	Property market-driven but steady.
74	Commercial Pilot	$70K–$120K	Aviation	Variable	Dependent on airline health.
75	Air Traffic Controller	$100K–$150K	Aviation	High	Government-controlled; excellent security.
76	Professional Geoscientist	$95K–$150K	Energy	Moderate	Demand follows exploration cycles.
77	Economist	$85K–$130K	Business	High	Needed in policy and finance sectors.
78	Technical Sales (Industrial)	$85K–$130K+	Business	Variable	Sales performance-based pay.
79	Commercial Diver	$75K–$120K+	Other	Moderate	Dangerous but well-paid contract work.
80	Railway Engineer (Locomotive)	$80K–$110K	Transportation	High	Essential logistics; strong union.
81	Transmission Line Technician	$85K–$120K	Energy	High	Critical infrastructure role.
82	Elevator Mechanic	$80K–$110K	Trades	High	Specialized trade; consistent urban demand.
83	Radiation Therapist	$85K–$120K	Medical	High	Stable healthcare role.
84	Speech-Language Pathologist	$80K–$110K	Medical	High	Growing education and therapy demand.
85	Occupational Therapist	$75K–$105K	Medical	High	Expanding demand with aging population.
86	Physiotherapist	$80K–$110K	Medical	High	High community and hospital need.
87	Anesthetist	$180K–$300K+	Medical	High	Critical surgical role; exceptional stability.
88	Dental Specialist	$200K–$400K+	Medical	High	Private practice, high pay & stability.
89	IT Security Consultant	$100K–$150K	IT	High	Cybersecurity is future-proof.
90	Business Systems Analyst	$80K–$115K	IT	High	Key corporate systems role.
91	Pharmaceutical Sales Manager	$90K–$140K+	Business	Moderate	Performance-based; market sensitive.
92	Logistics Manager	$80K–$120K	Business	High	Vital for supply chains.
93	Farm Manager (Large Ops)	$70K–$110K	Agriculture	Moderate	Weather & commodity-dependent.
94	Judge	$200K–$300K+	Legal	High	Government-appointed; utmost stability.
95	Senior Data Analyst	$85K–$120K	IT	High	Data reliance ensures strong security.
96	Web Development Manager	$100K–$140K	IT	High	Steady corporate demand.
97	Mining Supervisor	$85K–$120K	Mining	Moderate	Project-based; industry cyclical.
98	Oil & Gas Drilling Manager	$120K–$200K+	Energy	Variable	Highly profitable but volatile sector.
99	Corrections Manager	$85K–$115K	Public Service	High	Government-funded; stable career.
100	Telecommunications Manager	$90K–$130K	IT	High	Infrastructure backbone role.

Closing
These top-paying careers showcase Alberta’s economic strength and professional diversity. With opportunities spanning vital sectors like energy, finance, and healthcare, the province remains a magnet for skilled professionals seeking both financial growth and career stability. Whether in Calgary’s corporate towers or Edmonton’s research and healthcare hubs, Alberta continues to offer exceptional rewards for those with ambition, expertise, and a drive to lead in their fields.