Sam SmithBritish Columbia’s job market stands among the most dynamic in Canada, driven by innovation, resource wealth, and global connectivity. From the bustling tech sector of Vancouver to the engineering and healthcare hubs across the province, B.C. offers high-earning opportunities across diverse fields. Salaries here reflect both the cost of living and the province’s emphasis on skill, leadership, and expertise. This guide highlights the top 100 highest-paying jobs in British Columbia, showcasing the rewarding potential within Canada’s Pacific powerhouse.
Top 100 Highest Paying Jobs In British Columbia
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CEOs in British Columbia lead companies across industries like finance, technology, healthcare, and natural resources. They oversee strategic direction, profitability, and operations, often managing complex organizations with hundreds of employees. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are essential.
Many CEOs hold MBAs or extensive executive experience. In B.C., salaries surpass $250,000, reflecting both corporate responsibility and the region’s growing business diversity, particularly in Vancouver’s thriving corporate and tech ecosystems.
2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CFOs play a critical role in managing corporate finances, strategic investments, and risk in British Columbia’s major firms. They oversee financial planning, reporting, and compliance while guiding mergers, acquisitions, and capital projects.
With B.C.’s diverse economy—spanning mining, tech, and real estate—CFOs often navigate international transactions. Typically holding CPA, CMA, or MBA qualifications, they earn $220,000 or more annually, reflecting their indispensable role in steering fiscal success and long-term growth.
3. Chief Operating Officer (COO)
COOs in British Columbia oversee the daily operations of large companies, ensuring efficiency across departments like production, logistics, and human resources. They translate executive vision into actionable strategies, often reporting directly to the CEO.
COOs in industries such as construction, energy, and logistics command salaries above $210,000. Their success depends on analytical thinking, operational leadership, and people management, particularly in B.C.’s competitive corporate and industrial sectors where strategic execution drives business growth.
4. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
CTOs are key leaders in B.C.’s booming tech landscape, guiding technological innovation, product development, and digital transformation. Working in fields such as software, clean technology, and telecommunications, they align technical goals with business strategy.
With Vancouver emerging as a Canadian tech hub, CTOs are in high demand. Salaries around $200,000 reflect their expertise in managing development teams, integrating new systems, and ensuring technological competitiveness across both startups and established enterprises.
5. Chief Information Officer (CIO)
CIOs in British Columbia oversee the strategic management of IT systems, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure across public and private sectors. They ensure that technology aligns with organizational goals while enhancing productivity and security.
With rising digital transformation in healthcare, finance, and government, CIOs must blend business acumen with technical expertise. Earning $190,000 or more, they play a vital role in modernizing operations and maintaining technological resilience in an increasingly data-driven economy.
6. Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
CMOs shape brand identity, lead campaigns, and drive revenue growth for major companies throughout British Columbia. They manage marketing strategy, analytics, and customer engagement across digital and traditional channels.
With a strong presence in industries like tourism, retail, and tech, CMOs earn over $185,000 annually. Their success depends on creativity, strategic planning, and data literacy, enabling brands to stand out in B.C.’s competitive markets and attract international attention and investment.
7. Vice President of Sales
Vice Presidents of Sales direct sales strategies and oversee performance across teams that serve provincial, national, and global clients. In British Columbia’s strong tech, real estate, and industrial sectors, they develop key partnerships and drive revenue through strategic growth initiatives. Their earnings often exceed $180,000 with additional commissions.
This role demands leadership, negotiation, and forecasting expertise, making it essential for companies competing in B.C.’s dynamic, relationship-driven commercial environment.
8. Vice President of Engineering
Vice Presidents of Engineering manage complex technical projects in industries such as construction, energy, and technology. They lead engineering teams, ensuring that designs meet quality, safety, and sustainability standards. In B.C., with its active infrastructure and resource sectors, these leaders earn over $175,000 annually.
Their combination of technical depth, strategic oversight, and project leadership makes them vital to innovation and successful project delivery throughout the province’s growing industrial base.
9. Vice President of Operations
Vice Presidents of Operations oversee company efficiency, logistics, and production across diverse sectors like manufacturing, shipping, and energy. They design and refine systems to boost profitability and service quality. In British Columbia’s fast-evolving economy, this role often bridges multiple business divisions.
With salaries reaching $170,000 or more, these executives ensure smooth workflows, manage key performance metrics, and help large organizations adapt quickly to changing market demands and sustainability goals.
10. Vice President of Finance
Vice Presidents of Finance in British Columbia are responsible for overseeing corporate accounting, budgeting, and investment strategy. They guide business units toward profitability while ensuring compliance and managing financial risks.
With extensive backgrounds in finance or economics and often holding CPA or CFA credentials, these professionals earn more than $165,000 annually. Their strategic insight supports corporate stability and growth, especially in B.C.’s competitive banking, energy, and technology sectors.
11. Managing Director (Corporate)
Managing Directors in British Columbia lead company operations, setting vision and long-term strategies. They oversee department heads, monitor profitability, and ensure strong governance practices. Common in consulting, finance, and resource management sectors, they manage large teams and external partnerships.
Their broad oversight often includes mergers, acquisitions, and stakeholder relations. Earning about $160,000 or more, they combine leadership and market insight to drive organizational success and maintain B.C.’s global business reputation.
12. Software Development Manager
Software Development Managers in British Columbia lead programming teams that design, test, and maintain software systems for clients across Canada and beyond. With Vancouver serving as a tech hotspot, these managers coordinate cross-functional projects and ensure product quality.
Salaries typically range from $150,000 to $190,000. Their mix of leadership and technical skill supports innovation in app development, cloud computing, and digital services, helping B.C. remain a key center for software innovation.
13. Principal Software Engineer
Principal Software Engineers design high-impact software solutions and lead development teams on large-scale projects. In B.C., they are central to the tech ecosystem—especially in AI, clean tech, and gaming sectors.
These engineers provide architectural direction and mentor junior developers while solving complex system challenges. With earnings between $145,000 and $180,000, their role bridges innovation and execution, shaping the technological products that fuel much of British Columbia’s digital economy.
14. Cloud Architect
Cloud Architects in British Columbia design and manage scalable cloud infrastructure for corporations and government agencies. They implement systems that support data storage, analytics, and digital security.
As companies shift to cloud computing, their expertise in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud becomes indispensable. With average salaries between $140,000 and $175,000, they play a critical role in ensuring reliability, cost-efficiency, and performance for B.C.’s increasingly digital-first business landscape.
15. Data Science Manager
Data Science Managers lead analytics teams that interpret data to inform business strategy. In British Columbia, they work across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors, using statistical models and machine learning to uncover trends.
They balance hands-on technical analysis with leadership responsibilities. Earning between $135,000 and $170,000, they translate data into actionable insights that help organizations innovate and make smarter decisions in a province driven by digital transformation.
16. DevOps Manager
DevOps Managers in British Columbia oversee software integration, deployment, and system automation for tech-driven companies. They streamline collaboration between development and operations teams to enhance efficiency and reliability.
With salaries ranging from $135,000 to $165,000, they are highly valued in B.C.’s startup and enterprise environments. Their expertise in CI/CD pipelines, cloud services, and infrastructure management ensures seamless application delivery and operational stability across the province’s growing digital industries.
17. Security Architect (Cybersecurity)
Security Architects safeguard organizational data and infrastructure from cyber threats. In British Columbia, where industries increasingly rely on digital networks, their role is vital. They design secure systems, monitor vulnerabilities, and implement risk-management strategies.
Working across finance, government, and healthcare, they earn $130,000 to $165,000 annually. Their technical acumen and strategic foresight help protect critical information assets in one of Canada’s most digitally active and connected provinces.
18. Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers in British Columbia create algorithms that power AI systems for sectors like healthcare, finance, and gaming. They develop predictive models, automate processes, and refine data analysis tools.
With salaries between $125,000 and $160,000, these engineers are key players in Vancouver’s tech ecosystem. Their advanced knowledge of programming and data science drives innovation and positions B.C. as a leader in artificial intelligence research and application.
19. Product Manager (Tech)
Product Managers in B.C.’s technology sector bridge the gap between business goals and software development. They define product vision, coordinate with engineers and designers, and ensure timely, market-ready releases.
With an average salary between $120,000 and $155,000, they are crucial to the success of SaaS, gaming, and mobile application firms. Their balance of strategic insight and technical fluency supports B.C.’s growing reputation as a hub for product innovation.
20. Senior Data Scientist
Senior Data Scientists in British Columbia analyze large datasets to uncover business insights and predict market behavior. They work in industries ranging from finance and healthcare to environmental analytics.
Skilled in Python, SQL, and AI modeling, they transform complex data into valuable decision-making tools. Earning $115,000 to $150,000, they play a major role in advancing data-driven innovation across one of Canada’s most tech-forward provinces.
Top 100 Highest-Paying Jobs in British Columbia
| No. | Job Title | Average Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | $250,000+ |
| 2 | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | $220,000+ |
| 3 | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | $210,000+ |
| 4 | Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | $200,000+ |
| 5 | Chief Information Officer (CIO) | $190,000+ |
| 6 | Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) | $185,000+ |
| 7 | Vice President of Sales | $180,000+ (with commissions) |
| 8 | Vice President of Engineering | $175,000+ |
| 9 | Vice President of Operations | $170,000+ |
| 10 | Vice President of Finance | $165,000+ |
| 11 | Managing Director (Corporate) | $160,000+ |
| 12 | Software Development Manager | $150,000 – $190,000 |
| 13 | Principal Software Engineer | $145,000 – $180,000 |
| 14 | Cloud Architect | $140,000 – $175,000 |
| 15 | Data Science Manager | $135,000 – $170,000 |
| 16 | DevOps Manager | $135,000 – $165,000 |
| 17 | Security Architect (Cybersecurity) | $130,000 – $165,000 |
| 18 | Machine Learning Engineer | $125,000 – $160,000 |
| 19 | Product Manager (Tech) | $120,000 – $155,000 |
| 20 | Senior Data Scientist | $115,000 – $150,000 |
| 21 | Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) | $110,000 – $145,000 |
| 22 | Software Engineer (Senior) | $105,000 – $140,000 |
| 23 | Data Engineer | $100,000 – $135,000 |
| 24 | UX Design Manager | $100,000 – $130,000 |
| 25 | Solutions Architect | $95,000 – $125,000 |
| 26 | IT Director | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| 27 | Senior Cybersecurity Analyst | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| 28 | Surgeon | $300,000+ |
| 29 | Anesthesiologist | $300,000+ |
| 30 | Physician (Specialist) | $250,000 – $350,000 |
| 31 | Psychiatrist | $240,000+ |
| 32 | Physician (General Practice) | $200,000 – $250,000 |
| 33 | Dentist (Specialist) | $180,000 – $300,000 |
| 34 | Pharmacist (Hospital/Manager) | $115,000 – $140,000 |
| 35 | Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $105,000 – $130,000 |
| 36 | Director of Nursing | $100,000 – $130,000 |
| 37 | Optometrist | $95,000 – $130,000 |
| 38 | Physician Assistant | $95,000 – $120,000 |
| 39 | Mining & Quarrying Manager | $150,000 – $200,000+ |
| 40 | Petroleum Engineer | $130,000 – $170,000 |
| 41 | Engineering Manager | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| 42 | Senior Geoscientist | $110,000 – $150,000 |
| 43 | Construction Project Manager | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| 44 | Forestry Manager | $95,000 – $130,000 |
| 45 | Senior Electrical Engineer | $95,000 – $125,000 |
| 46 | Senior Mechanical Engineer | $95,000 – $125,000 |
| 47 | Senior Civil Engineer | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| 48 | Marine Superintendent | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| 49 | Architect (Senior/Project Manager) | $85,000 – $115,000 |
| 50 | Urban Planner (Senior Manager) | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| 51 | Partner (Law Firm) | $250,000+ |
| 52 | Finance Director | $140,000 – $180,000 |
| 53 | Corporate Controller | $110,000 – $150,000 |
| 54 | Actuary (Fellow) | $105,000 – $145,000 |
| 55 | Attorney (Corporate Lawyer) | $100,000 – $180,000 |
| 56 | Investment Manager | $95,000 – $130,000 |
| 57 | Tax Manager | $95,000 – $125,000 |
| 58 | Chief Risk Officer | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| 59 | Senior Financial Analyst | $85,000 – $110,000 |
| 60 | CPA (Senior Manager) | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| 61 | Sales Director (Enterprise Software) | $140,000+ (with commission) |
| 62 | Regional Sales Director | $120,000+ (with commission) |
| 63 | Key Account Director | $110,000+ (with commission) |
| 64 | Vice President of Marketing | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| 65 | Director of Digital Marketing | $100,000 – $130,000 |
| 66 | Pharmaceutical Sales Manager | $95,000 – $120,000 |
| 67 | Technical Sales Engineer | $85,000 – $115,000 |
| 68 | Airline Pilot (Captain, Major Airline) | $120,000 – $250,000 |
| 69 | Ship Captain (Ferry/Ocean-going) | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| 70 | Air Traffic Controller | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| 71 | Marine Engineer | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| 72 | Logistics & Supply Chain Director | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| 73 | University President / Chancellor | $300,000+ |
| 74 | Assistant Deputy Minister (BC Public Service) | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| 75 | School Superintendent | $150,000 – $190,000 |
| 76 | Dean (University) | $120,000 – $180,000 |
| 77 | Fire Chief (Large City) | $150,000 – $180,000 |
| 78 | Police Chief (Large City) | $200,000 – $250,000+ |
| 79 | Senior Policy Advisor | $100,000 – $130,000 |
| 80 | College President | $180,000 – $220,000 |
| 81 | Power Systems Electrician (BC Hydro) | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| 82 | Industrial Electrician (Senior) | $85,000 – $110,000 |
| 83 | Construction Superintendent | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| 84 | Elevator Mechanic | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| 85 | Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic | $70,000 – $95,000 |
| 86 | Instrumentation Technician | $70,000 – $95,000 |
| 87 | Commercial Diver | $65,000 – $120,000 |
| 88 | Marine Pilot (Harbour/Berthing) | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| 89 | Management Consultant (Senior) | $110,000 – $150,000 |
| 90 | User Research Manager (Tech) | $100,000 – $130,000 |
| 91 | Real Estate Development Manager | $95,000 – $125,000 |
| 92 | Biotech Research Scientist (PhD) | $85,000 – $115,000 |
| 93 | Film Production Manager (Senior) | $80,000 – $120,000+ |
| 94 | Veterinarian (Specialist) | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| 95 | Psychologist (Registered) | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| 96 | Commercial Real Estate Broker | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
| 97 | Human Resources Director | $110,000 – $140,000 |
| 98 | Compensation & Benefits Manager | $95,000 – $120,000 |
| 99 | Technical Program Manager | $105,000 – $135,000 |
| 100 | Environmental Manager (Consulting) | $90,000 – $120,000 |
Closing
British Columbia continues to evolve as a centre of innovation, sustainability, and international business. Whether in executive leadership, technology, healthcare, or natural resources, professionals here benefit from strong economic growth and world-class opportunities. The roles outlined in this list illustrate not only high earning potential but also the immense diversity of careers shaping B.C.’s future. For those seeking advancement, stability, and challenge, British Columbia remains one of Canada’s most promising destinations for career success.