High Paying Jobs in British Columbia: 30 Lucrative and In-Demand Careers Over $50/Hour

High paying jobs in British Columbia are in strong demand, with 30 careers paying $50+/hour projected to grow through 2034. These roles span technology, healthcare, management, engineering, and public safety, making them attractive to both local residents and skilled newcomers. With the provincial unemployment rate at 5.9%, lower than Canada’s national average of 6.9%, job seekers in B.C. are well positioned to secure competitive employment.

VANCOUVER, August 2025 — Data points are based on the WorkBC Labour Market Outlook and related provincial resources.

Why These High Paying Jobs in British Columbia Stand Out

Choosing a high paying career in British Columbia means entering a role that is backed by strong market demand, offers above-average income and benefits, has a low unemployment rate within the occupation, and plays a critical role in the province’s economy and infrastructure. For help mapping your path, visit our home page or book an immigration assessment to explore how your skills align with B.C.’s opportunities.

30 High Paying Jobs in British Columbia Paying Over $50/Hour

Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101) — $228.76/hour, 760 openings. These medical experts perform complex operations and are crucial in hospitals facing rising healthcare needs due to an aging population.

Judges (NOC 41100) — $199.36/hour, 190 openings. Overseeing legal proceedings, judges play a pivotal role in the justice system, requiring extensive legal experience and impartial decision-making.

Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine (NOC 31100) — $156.55/hour, 2,510 openings. Focused on diagnosing diseases through lab work, these roles are vital in advancing medical research and patient care in B.C.’s expanding health facilities.

General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102) — $114.62/hour, 3,640 openings. Providing primary care, these doctors address everyday health concerns and are in high demand in both urban and rural communities.

Air Traffic Controllers and Related Occupations (NOC 72601) — $68.78/hour, 430 openings. Ensuring safe air travel, this high-stakes job involves managing airspace and is essential for B.C.’s busy airports and aviation sector.

Government Managers – Health and Social Policy Development (NOC 40010) — $62.86/hour, 590 openings. These leaders shape policies for public health and social services, influencing community welfare amid provincial growth.

Fire Chiefs and Senior Firefighting Officers (NOC 40041) — $62.27/hour, 380 openings. Directing emergency responses, they coordinate teams to protect lives and property, especially critical in wildfire-prone areas.

Engineering Managers (NOC 20010) — $60.00/hour, 2,460 openings. Overseeing engineering projects, these managers drive innovation in construction and tech, supporting B.C.’s infrastructure boom.

Veterinarians (NOC 31103) — $60.00/hour, 570 openings. Caring for animals, vets are needed in clinics and farms, reflecting the province’s strong agricultural and pet ownership trends.

Commissioned Police Officers and Related Occupations (NOC 40040) — $59.73/hour, 120 openings. Leading law enforcement efforts, they ensure public safety in a province with diverse urban and remote challenges.

Computer and Information Systems Managers (NOC 20012) — $59.62/hour, 8,900 openings. Managing IT infrastructures, these roles fuel B.C.’s tech hub status, particularly in Vancouver’s digital economy.

Purchasing Managers (NOC 10012) — $58.94/hour, 1,740 openings. Handling supply chains, they optimize costs for businesses in manufacturing and retail sectors experiencing rapid expansion.

Lawyers and Quebec Notaries (NOC 41101) — $57.69/hour, 4,120 openings. Offering legal advice and representation, lawyers are indispensable in B.C.’s thriving corporate and real estate markets.

Utilities Managers (NOC 90011) — $57.69/hour, 800 openings. Supervising energy and water systems, they support sustainable development in a resource-rich province.

Government Managers – Economic Analysis and Policy Development (NOC 40011) — $57.14/hour, 840 openings. Analyzing economic data to inform policies, these positions aid in strategic planning for B.C.’s diverse economy.

Nurse Practitioners (NOC 31302) — $57.00/hour, 290 openings. Delivering advanced nursing care, they help bridge gaps in healthcare access, especially in underserved regions.

Human Resources Managers (NOC 10011) — $56.41/hour, 3,370 openings. Guiding workforce strategies, HR managers are key in talent retention for growing industries like film and tourism.

Corporate Sales Managers (NOC 60010) — $56.25/hour, 5,180 openings. Driving revenue through sales teams, they thrive in B.C.’s competitive business landscape.

Police Investigators and Other Investigative Occupations (NOC 41310) — $55.00/hour, 270 openings. Solving crimes and gathering evidence, these roles bolster public security efforts.

Other Managers in Public Administration (NOC 40019) — $54.95/hour, 300 openings. Handling administrative functions in government, they ensure efficient public service delivery.

Financial Managers (NOC 10010) — $54.00/hour, 3,510 openings. Overseeing budgets and investments, they support financial health in sectors from banking to startups.

Dentists (NOC 31110) — $53.85/hour, 1,590 openings. Providing oral health services, dentists meet rising demands from population increases.

Software Engineers and Designers (NOC 21231) — $53.84/hour, 12,330 openings. Developing software solutions, they power B.C.’s innovation in tech and gaming industries.

Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations Managers (NOC 10022) — $52.88/hour, 5,590 openings. Crafting brand strategies, these managers enhance visibility for businesses in a digital age.

Civil Engineers (NOC 21300) — $52.85/hour, 4,010 openings. Designing infrastructure like bridges and roads, they contribute to B.C.’s urban development projects.

School Principals and Administrators of Elementary and Secondary Education (NOC 40021) — $52.45/hour, 2,570 openings. Leading educational institutions, they shape future generations amid expanding school systems.

Architecture and Science Managers (NOC 20011) — $50.60/hour, 1,040 openings. Coordinating research and design teams, they advance scientific progress in environmental and biotech fields.

Insurance, Real Estate, and Financial Brokerage Managers (NOC 10020) — $50.00/hour, 3,190 openings. Managing financial services, they navigate B.C.’s hot real estate and insurance markets.

Administrators – Post-Secondary Education and Vocational Training (NOC 40020) — $50.00/hour, 1,640 openings. Overseeing colleges and training programs, they prepare workers for in-demand skills.

Pharmacists (NOC 31120) — $50.00/hour, 3,080 openings. Dispensing medications and advising on health, pharmacists are essential in community and hospital settings, addressing pharmaceutical needs in a health-conscious province.

Across B.C.’s Regions

These high paying jobs in British Columbia are available across all seven economic regions — from Vancouver’s tech hubs to resource-rich northern communities — ensuring opportunities in both urban and rural settings. If you’re planning your move or next step, book an immigration assessment to get a tailored plan.

Conclusion

In summary, these high paying jobs in British Columbia offer excellent earning potential, long-term stability, and opportunities across multiple industries. Whether your expertise is in technology, healthcare, engineering, or management, provincial labour market projections suggest sustained demand. For newcomers and residents alike, aligning your skills to these careers can lead to a rewarding future in one of Canada’s most dynamic economies.

Sources: WorkBC Labour Market Outlook  |  B.C. Manufacturing Action Plan (PDF)