50 high-paying jobs in B.C.

Where to work in 2017

In the annual BCBusiness survey of the best cities for work in B.C., one of the factors is average household income—for which it’s helpful to have a high-paying job. Here are 50 of the province’s best-paying areas in which to work.

 

Corporate sales manager

Pay range: From $18.67 to $62.50 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $36.06.

Job description: Corporate sales is all about keeping the client happy. As you seek to deliver a great buying experience, you’ll direct and evaluate sales activities, train and manage staff, and work closely with customers.

Education required: Many positions require a degree or diploma in business or a related field. However, you can start out as a sales representative and work your way up to manager.

Pros: The B.C. government projects 5,190 job openings in this field between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: Sales positions often require you to work odd hours, including weekends and holidays.

 

Computer and information systems managers

Pay range: From $24.04 to $60.10 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $43.27.

Job description: Computer and information systems managers work in the public and private sectors, overseeing staff and technology.

Education required: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, business administration, commerce or engineering. It takes several years of experience to reach the manager level.

Pros: Expected growth for this job category clocks in at 2.1 per cent annually, with 4,050 openings expected between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: Carpal tunnel alert: Any position that requires heavy computer use leaves you vulnerable to repetitive strain injuries in the wrists.

 

Construction manager

Pay range: From $25 to $58 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $39.

Job description: Construction managers typically work in an office, where they oversee projects by preparing schedules, monitoring progress and managing budgets. Other tasks include developing and implementing quality controls and hiring and supervising staff and subcontractors.

Education required: This job requires a university degree in civil engineering or a college diploma in construction technology, along with several years’ experience. Some positions might call for a master’s degree in project management. If you have an extensive background in the construction industry, you could qualify for the role without formal education.

Pros: The B.C. government expects to see 6,920 positions open between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: At 0.7 per cent, expected annual growth for this job is low.

 

Advertising, marketing and public relations managers

Pay range: From $18.67 to $62.50 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $36.06.

Job description: Besides overseeing an organization’s advertising, marketing or public relations efforts, these managers might also supervise staff.

Education required: A degree or diploma in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or business, plus several years’ experience to work up to a management position.

Pros: If you’re a people person, this is the career for you. The B.C. government expects to see 3,500 job openings between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: Only 31 per cent of future opportunities will come from expansion. Job replacement will account for the rest.

 

Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers

Pay range: From $20.70 to $61.54 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $43.27.

Job description: These are management positions, so you must be prepared to organize and run day-to-day operations and oversee a team of professionals. 

Education required: A university degree or college diploma in business administration or economics, plus several years’ experience in the field. You’ll also need a licence to sell insurance, real estate and financial products, and the insurance industry requires a professional designation.

Pros: The B.C. government anticipates 8,830 job openings between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: Expected annual growth for this line of work is only 1.5 per cent.

 

Human resources manager

Pay range: From $22.85 to $60 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $40.87.

Job description: This role puts you in charge of an organization’s human resources department. Duties include developing and implementing HR policies and procedures, dealing with internal conflicts, hiring and firing employees, and managing relations between management and employees.

Education required: A degree in a field related to personnel management—business administration, commerce or human resources, for example. You’ll also need several years’ experience to become a manager.

Pros: The B.C. government expects 3,000 job openings in this field between 2015 and 2025, with a 1.2 per cent annual growth.

Cons: As anyone who’s had to fire an employee will tell you, this can be a high-stress job.

 

Engineering manager

Pay range: From $23.08 to $71.10 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $45.67.

Description: Engineering managers work in the public and private sectors, directing engineering departments for a wide range of organizations, from government agencies to companies that conduct scientific research.

Education required: A bachelor’s degree in engineering, extensive experience (including supervisory experience), and registration as a professional engineer is usually required.

Pros: From this role, you could move into other technical management positions or to a research-based job.

Cons: Although engineering management pays well, the B.C. government only anticipates 1,120 job openings between 2015 and 2025.

 

Bank, credit and other investment managers

Pay range: From $23.08 to $53.85 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $37.44.

Job description: Managers in this setting control and evaluate the day-to-day operations of a financial firm or of the credit department in an industrial or commercial business.

Education required: A degree or diploma in business administration, commerce, economics or a related field, plus several years’ experience. To secure a position at a large company, you may need a master’s degree.

Pros: This is typically a 9-to-5 job. The B.C. government anticipates 4,650 openings in the field between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: The job calls for long hours sitting behind a desk, which can lead to health complications.

 

Counsellor

Pay range: From $16.50 to $40.87 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $25.83.

Description: Counsellors help individuals and groups to overcome personal problems and achieve set goals.

Education required: A minimum of a master’s degree in counselling, mental health or another related field is usually required. Depending on what type of counsellor you are, you may also need some provincial designations.

Pros: The work environment can vary, from private practice and counselling centres to social service agencies, group homes, hospitals and rehab facilities.

Cons: Counselling has the potential to be a high-stress career, depending on your avenue of employment.

 

Facility operation and maintenance managers

Pay range: From $17.50 to $53.33 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $30.

Job description: Managers in these positions oversee buildings or larger facilities, ensuring their day-to-day operation and maintenance.

Education required: You may need a degree or diploma in business administration, or education in a technical field such as electrical or mechanical engineering, plus several years of experience.

Pros: The B.C. government anticipates 3,890 job openings between 2015 and 2025, and managers in this industry can work in a wide range of settings.

Cons: Roll up your sleeves: Although this job includes a lot of desk work, it often also requires manual labour.

 

Software engineers and designers

Pay range: From $20 to $57.69 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $39.42.

Job description: In this career, you might work for the public or private sector, performing tasks such as developing, evaluating and maintaining software and operating systems.

Education required: A bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer engineering, computer science or another related field, along with a designation from a professional engineering association.

Pros: If you like working 9 to 5, this could be the job for you. The B.C. government expects to see 4,320 openings between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: Long hours behind a computer may not do your health any favours.

 

Financial auditor and accountant

Pay range: From $16.50 to $48.08 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $28.85.

Job description: Accountants handle the financial side of large, medium and small businesses; they can also work on contract. Financial auditors examine the financial records of individuals or businesses to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and laws.

Education required: A non-designated accountant should have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or accounting science, or a diploma in accounting or management technology. You’ll need extensive experience with accounting software too.

Pros: The B.C. government anticipates 11,590 job openings between 2015 and 2025. About 30 per cent of those positions will be due to expansion. This is also a great career path if you’re looking to take on additional, part-time work.

Cons: Although a bachelor’s degree or a diploma could land you a job in this field, additional designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) will take you much further. Becoming a CPA takes a lot of extra work and education.

 

Architect

Pay range: From $21.63 to $52 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $31.73.

Job description: Architects design and develop plans for construction and renovation of commercial, institutional and residential buildings.

Education required: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of architecture, plus a three-year internship under a registered architect. You must also complete an architect registration examination and register with the provincial association.

Pros: Architects can work for a company or a public agency, or start their own firm. The government anticipates 1,410 job openings between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: Although you can do much of your work at the office, you typically have to spend time at job sites too.

 

College instructor

Pay range: From $20 to $53.85 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $34.05.

Job description: College instructors teach and evaluate students in a wide range of disciplines, from fine arts and science to business to mechanics.

Education required: You’ll usually need a master’s or another advanced degree, a qualification to teach adults and some work experience.

Pros: The B.C. government anticipates 6,750 job openings between 2015 and 2025. This career offers flexibility, including the option to teach courses online and at one or several locations.

Cons: Many college instructors start in part-time positions before landing a full-time job.

 

Computer programmer and interactive media developer

Pay range: From $20 to $52 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $35.

Job description: Computer programmers and interactive media developers create and integrate software for a variety of industries, from manufacturing and finance to video games and e-commerce.

Education required: A bachelor’s degree or a diploma in computer science or another discipline related to programming. You’ll also be expected to keep up with the latest technology.

Pros: The B.C. government anticipates 7,810 job openings between 2015 and 2025, with expected annual growth of 2.6 per cent.

Cons: Long-term computer use can have negative effects on your health, such as obesity and carpal tunnel syndrome. Earning an Information Systems Professional (ISP) designation is recommended, but it involves more work.

 

Lawyer

Pay range: The provincial median salary is $106,638 a year.

Description: Lawyers offer legal advice, prepare legal documents, and represent clients in court and other settings.

Education required: Two or three years of undergraduate studies, plus a bachelor’s degree from a recognized law school. Lawyers must pass the bar examinations, and practising lawyers in B.C. have to join the Law Society of British Columbia.

Pros: As a lawyer, you can choose from a wide variety of working environments. You might work for a company or for the government, or set up your own private practice. When it comes to specializing, criminal, corporate and tax law are just a few of the options.

Cons: Lawyers often put in long hours at the office and on the road. A position with government or business may offer a less hectic schedule.

 

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants

Pay range: From $10.45 to $36.26 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $20.

Job description: Teaching and research assistants help university professors and college instructors with instruction, grading, research and other tasks.

Education required: Typically you’ll have a bachelor’s degree in your chosen field and will be enrolled in a master’s or PhD program.

Pros: Becoming a teaching or research assistant is great for your CV and could help you to secure a full-time academic position.

Cons: Combined with finishing your degree, the workload can be stressful. This job is often seasonal, with lower employment during the summer.

 

 

Civil engineer

Pay range: From $25 to $63.26 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $36.05.

Job description: Civil engineers design, develop and manage construction projects of all kinds, from highways and buildings to power stations and airports.

Education required: For technologists, a two-year diploma in civil engineering or a closely related field is required.

Pros: Civil engineering specialists who aren’t at a senior level enjoy plenty of career mobility. You might find yourself working for a consulting firm, the government or a construction company—or setting up your own shop.

Cons: This career requires outdoor manual labour as well as office work. Additional certification may be required for some jobs, and the B.C. government forecasts that new positions will decrease between 2015 and 2025.

 

Social worker

Pay range: From $19.23 to $46 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $32.

Job description: Social workers work with community groups and organizations, as well as couples and families, to address social needs and help these clients attain the necessary skills and resources. Social workers could be employed in hospitals, schools, social service agencies, child welfare organizations, correctional facilities, communities and Aboriginal band councils, just to name a few.

Education required: A university degree in social work is mandatory. This is a regulated profession in B.C. and workers need to be registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.

Pros: Most social workers gain employment with the government, which usually comes with a pension and excellent benefits.

Cons: Social work is emotionally demanding, and employees often suffer burnout. It’s also typical for social workers to have an extra-large caseload.

 

Web designer and developer

Pay range: From $15.38 to $39.11 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $24.04.

Description: Web designers and developers plan, implement and maintain websites for the Internet and employee intranets.

Education required: Usually a degree in computer science, communications or business, plus diploma in graphic arts or web design.

Pros: This is generally a 9-to-5 job, and self-employment is a viable option. The B.C. government projects 2,590 job openings between 2015 and 2025, with 59 per cent of opportunities coming from expansion.

Cons: You’ll be spending a lot of time on a computer, so watch for health problems such as eye strain, backaches and carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

Carpenter

Pay range: From $15 and $35 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $25.

Job description: Carpenters build, maintain and repair structures, usually those made of wood.

Education required: A high-school diploma and four years in a carpentry apprenticeship will earn you the trade certification. Depending on the job, though, certification may not be necessary. This is a Red Seal trade.

Pros: Carpenters are adept at working with their hands, and this is a great career choice for someone who enjoys building. You also have the option of self-employment.

Cons: Carpentry and other jobs involving manual labour come with health risks. Work may be seasonal, with little or none in the winter months and longer hours in the summer. 

 

Human resources professional

Pay range: From $20 to $51.28 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $32.91.

Job description: Human resources professionals help businesses to develop, implement and evaluate processes and procedures for managing employees.

Education required: A degree or diploma in a related field such as human resources, personnel management or business administration. Although formal education isn’t necessarily required, it helps; so does a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.

Pros: This job suits people who like a 9-to-5 schedule, and the B.C. government forecasts that employment opportunities will increase between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: Like many office workers, you’ll be vulnerable to neck and wrist strain from extended computer use.

 

Mechanical engineer

Pay range: From $23.08 to $55.29 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $35.40.

Description: Mechanical engineers research, design and develop machines and systems for applications such as power generation, resource extraction, transportation, and processing and manufacturing. They also install and maintain these systems.

Education required: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Pros: This is usually an indoor job, out of the elements. The B.C. government anticipates 1,890 positions opening between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: Registering as a professional engineer requires work experience and passing a practice examination.

 

Electrical and electronics engineers

Pay range: From $23 to $59.49 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $40.

Job description: Electrical and electronics engineers help to design commercial, industrial and residential projects. You might lend your talents to building a power grid, a telecommunications system or a quantum computer.

Education required: You must have a bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering and be registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.

Pros: The B.C. government anticipates 1,970 job openings in this field between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: Some work takes place outdoors, and the job can be hazardous.

 

Retail manager

Pay range: From $13.50 and $43.27 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $24.23.

Job description: Retail managers handle everything from opening the store and directing operations to managing staff, buying merchandise and helping customers. 

Education required: You’ll typically need a degree or diploma in business administration, plus several years’ experience in retail.

Pros: The B.C. government anticipates 28,370 job openings between 2015 and 2025, with about 28 per cent coming from business expansion.

Cons: This job usually requires many hours on your feet, working a variety of shifts and holidays, and dealing with the public. 

 

Post-secondary administrator

Pay range: From $19.23 to $56.59 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $36.62.

Job description: Managing day-to-day activities at a post-secondary institution, including academics, registration, record-keeping and operations.

Education required: To be a faculty administrator, you’ll need a graduate degree related to that field and several years’ experience as a professor or instructor. Registrars must have a bachelor’s degree in business administration and many years of experience. Administrators at vocational training schools need a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Pros: The B.C. government anticipates 1,980 job openings between 2015 and 2025, with three-quarters of those opportunities coming as job replacements.

Cons: Although there are opportunities for career advancement, mobility between different administrator roles is limited. All that time spent at a computer can be a health hazard.

 

Psychologist

Pay range: From $16.50 to $46.46 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $35.59.

Job description: Psychologists assess and diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders. Besides counselling clients and providing therapy, they do research connected to their field.

Education required: To register as a psychologist in B.C., you need a PhD in psychology. Those with a master’s degree can register as a psychological associate.

Pros: Practitioners typically specialize in applied psychology or research, but there are many sub-specialties, so you can focus on your area of interest.

Cons: Dealing with patients may be highly stressful.

 

Accounting technician and bookkeeper

Pay range: From $12 to $29.42 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $19.23.

Job description: Accounting technicians and bookkeepers maintain financial records for individuals and businesses.

Education required: A diploma in accounting, bookkeeping or a related field.

Pros: This career gives you the opportunity to work from home or pick up part-time gigs.

Cons: You’ll spend plenty of time on a computer, which can lead to health issues ranging from back problems to repetitive strain injuries.

 

Electrician

Pay range: Between $14 and $39.32 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $27.90.

Job description: Electricians handle everything from layout to repair of circuits and electrical devices in buildings and other structures.

Education required: This is a Red Seal profession, and those who work in the industry must complete a four-year apprenticeship.

Pros: Although this job requires manual labour, the work tends to be indoors.

Cons: Being an electrician can be dangerous.

 

Advertising, marketing and public relations specialists

Pay range: From $15 to $55.29 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $32.05.

Job description: Employees in this field handle advertising, marketing, public relations and other communications for organizations of all kinds.

Education required: Typically a degree or diploma in business marketing, public relations, communications, journalism or another related discipline.

Pros: This line of work offers plenty of opportunity to move into a management role. You can also opt for a fundraising or non-profit job, or narrow your search to find a business you believe in.

Cons: The job isn’t always 9 to 5, and meeting tight deadlines can be stressful.

 

Administrative officer

Pay range: From $14.50 to $33 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $22.

Job description: Administrative officers oversee the day-to-day operations of an office, administer policies and procedures, assemble reports and data, and supervise staff.

Education required: Duties vary by employer, but the B.C. government recommends a degree or diploma in business, public administration or another discipline such as accounting.

Pros: Employees in this role usually start out as administrative assistants or data entry clerks and work their way up. With experience, you can become a senior secretary, a school secretary or a manager. The B.C. government anticipates 19,460 job openings between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: This fast-paced job usually encompasses many duties, so you must be highly organized.

 

Computer network technician

Pay range: From $16.35 and $38.46 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $27.40.

Job description: A computer network technician installs, maintains, troubleshoots and upgrades computer systems in an office setting.

Education required: A diploma in computer science, network administration, web technology or another related field.

Pros: If you want to beef up your résumé, the province offers additional certification. The B.C. government projects 3,760 job openings between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: Spending long hours on a computer can compromise your health.

 

Police officer

Pay range: From $14.42 to $47 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $37.50.

Job description: Police officers enforce the law, detect and prevent crime, and maintain public order.

Education required: Completion of a college or university program in law, security or social sciences, plus three to six months of training.

Pros: If you’re motivated, you can climb the ranks to positions such sergeant and inspector. The B.C. government anticipates 3,330 job openings between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: This is a high-stress, high-risk occupation.

 

Plumber

Pay range: From $15 to $36 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $27.

Job description: Plumbers install, maintain and repair pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment.

Education required: Completion of a plumber apprenticeship to earn a Red Seal certification.

Pros: You can choose from a wide variety of work environments. A few examples: performing residential repairs, installing plumbing in new commercial buildings and keeping industrial facilities maintained. 

Cons: This job involves manual labour that leaves you prone to injuries and to stress on joints and muscles. 

 

Construction millwright and industrial mechanic

Pay range: Between $18.45 and $40 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $32 an hour.

Job description: Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics install, maintain and repair industrial machinery and mechanical equipment.

Education required: Completion of a three-to-four-year apprenticeship program. This is a Red Seal profession.

Pros: Millwrights and industrial mechanics are closely related occupations, so acquiring the skills of both can increase employment opportunities. The B.C. government is anticipating 3,310 job openings between 2015 and 2025.

Cons: Most of these job openings will come from retiring workers rather than new positions. Employees in this industry will need to keep up with changing trends to stay relevant.

 

Welder

Pay range: Between $16 and $38 an hour, with a median hourly wage of $28.

Job description: You would use welding equipment to join metals, both in repair work and new construction.

Education required: Welders do not need to complete an apprenticeship to work in B.C., but it is recommended.

Pros: With experience and training, welders can move into more senior or supervisor