Last Updated On 18 October 2025, 7:07 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
Looking to boost your income or make a smart career switch in Ontario? The latest data from Statistics Canada (September 2025) reveals which job fields are paying the most right now—and there are a few surprises.
This analysis ranks the top 10 highest-paying industries in Ontario based on median weekly wages (a better measure than averages, since averages can be skewed by outliers).
These figures also include bonuses, tips, and overtime, providing a real-world look at what people actually earn across the province.
Let’s dive in—from the 10 highest-paying to the lowest-paying job fields in Ontario.
Table Of Content
Top 10 Highest Paying Occupations in Ontario 2025
1. Utilities
Median weekly wage: $2,288.40 (≈ $118,997 per year)
Ontario’s best-paying sector continues to be Utilities, which includes electricity generation, natural gas, and water treatment.
These are essential, round-the-clock services, and they pay accordingly.
- Wages rose nearly 6 percent month-to-month and 3.5 percent year-over-year and now the the average hourly wage stands at $61.24.
- The provincial median is about 9 percent higher than the national average.
- Even entry-level positions here tend to pay well compared with other sectors.
Why it matters: Strong technical demand, excellent pay growth, and steady employment make this most lucrative field.
2. Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Median weekly wage: $1,923.20 (≈ $100,006 per year)
This category covers law, accounting, architecture, engineering, IT, consulting, and research—all fields that rely heavily on professional expertise.
- Average wages surged 8.7 percent year-over-year and 5.3 percent month-to-month to $53.73 per hour.
- Ontario’s median income here sits 14 percent above the national level, reflecting the strength of Toronto’s legal, consulting, and tech sectors.
Why it matters: A six-figure salary is the norm for many roles. The trade-off? Longer hours and higher education requirements.
3. Public Administration
Median weekly wage: $1,750.08 (≈ $91,004 per year)
Jobs in public administration include municipal, provincial, and federal roles—from policy analysts and administrators to police officers and park managers.
- Average hourly wages grew 2.3 percent year-over-year to
$48.20, outpacing inflation slightly. - Ontario’s median pay is 7 percent higher than the national average, thanks largely to Ottawa’s concentration of federal jobs.
Why it matters: These jobs offer steady income, predictable hours, strong pensions, and job security —rare combination in today’s economy.
4. Natural Resources
Median weekly wage: $1,700 (≈ $88,400 per year)
This field covers Ontario’s mining, forestry, and quarrying sectors. Although pay remains strong, wages dipped by over 10 percent from the previous month.
- Ontario lags 17 percent behind the national median due to limited oil and gas operations, and average wage stands at $42.30 per hour
- Many roles offer shift premiums or remote-work allowances that boost overall pay.
Why it matters: Excellent pay for those willing to work in challenging or remote environments.
5. Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing
Median weekly wage: $1,610.80 (≈ $83,762 per year)
This diverse sector includes banking, insurance, mortgage services, real estate, and leasing operations.
- Ontario leads the national average by 7.4 percent with average hourly wage at
$47.58 per hour. - Toronto’s Bay Street remains a powerful economic hub with plenty of commission-based and high-bonus roles.
Why it matters: Financial services continue to deliver strong earning potential, especially for experienced professionals and licensed specialists.
| Job Fields | September 2025 Average Hourly Wage |
| Utilities | $61.24 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | $53.73 |
| Public administration | $48.20 |
| Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing | $47.58 |
| Educational services | $43.78 |
| Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas | $42.30 |
| Construction | $38.53 |
| Services-producing sector | $38.30 |
| Goods-producing sector | $37.66 |
| Information, culture and recreation | $36.49 |
| Manufacturing | $35.66 |
| Health care and social assistance | $35.58 |
| Transportation and warehousing | $33.64 |
| Other services (except public administration) | $30.91 |
| Business, building and other support services | $30.22 |
| Wholesale and retail trade | $29.29 |
| Agriculture | $23.78 |
| Accommodation and food services | $21.50 |
6. Education
Median weekly wage: $1,442.16 (≈ $74,992 per year)
From kindergarten teachers to university professors, the provincial education field offers reliable pay and growth.
- Average wages fell 6.3 percent from August due to seasonal shifts but grew 7.3 percent year-over-year to $43.78 per hour.
- Ontario’s median earnings are among the highest nationally in this category.
Why it matters: A steady and respected career path with excellent benefits and long-term security.
7. Construction
Median weekly wage: $1,440 (≈ $74,880 per year)
This sector spans housing, infrastructure, and commercial development. Demand remains strong thanks to the ongoing building boom.
- Average hourly wages rose to $38.53, a 5.9 percent increase year-over-year.
- Certified tradespeople and project managers earn the most, particularly in large urban projects.
Why it matters: A practical path to high earnings without necessarily requiring a university degree.
8. Manufacturing
Median weekly wage: $1,230.80 (≈ $64,002 per year)
Ontario’s manufacturing strength remains solid across automotive, food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
- Average wages increased 2.6 percent year-over-year to $35.66 per hour
- Many manufacturing positions are unionized and offer full-time stability.
Why it matters: Reliable income and job security for those with trade or technical experience.
9. Transportation & Warehousing
Median weekly wage: $1,125 (≈ $58,500 per year)
This sector includes trucking, air transport, shipping, and logistics.
- Average pay dropped 5.8 percent year-over-year to $33.64 per hour—one of the only sectors showing decline.
- Ontario’s median trails the national average by about 5 percent.
Why it matters: Despite the dip, skilled logistics professionals and long-haul drivers still earn above-average pay.
10. Health Care & Social Assistance
Median weekly wage: $1,120 (≈ $58,240 per year)
Health care encompasses hospitals, clinics, long-term care homes, and community support services.
- Average wages rose 4.2 percent year-over-year to $35.58 per hour—roughly double inflation.
- Ontario’s median narrowly beats the national figure.
Why it matters: A growing field with strong demand and increasing wages across both clinical and support roles.
Key Insights
- Technical & Professional Skills Pay Off: The top industries all require specialized training or credentials.
- Public Sector Stability: Government and education jobs may offer slower growth but unbeatable job security and benefits.
- Booming Private Sectors: Finance and professional services are the province’s income powerhouses.
- Trade Certifications Matter: Construction and manufacturing roles are proving lucrative for skilled workers.
Ontario’s Utilities sector leads with median weekly earnings of $2,288, followed by Professional Services and Public Administration.
Whether you’re planning a career pivot or seeking higher income, understanding which industries pay most—and why—can guide your next move.
If your goal is stability with growth potential, aim for Utilities, Finance, or Professional Services.
And if you prefer practical work with solid pay, Construction and Education are strong contenders too.
What is the highest-paying industry in Ontario in 2025?
The Utilities sector is the highest-paying industry in Ontario in 2025, with a median weekly wage of $2,288.40, equivalent to about $119,000 per year. This field includes power generation, water and sewage management, and natural gas distribution. It consistently ranks at the top because these essential services operate 24/7 and require advanced technical expertise and certifications.
Which professional fields in Ontario offer six-figure salaries?
Several professional fields in Ontario offer six-figure median salaries, including Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (≈ $100,006 per year) and Utilities (≈ $118,997 per year). These sectors cover engineering, IT, consulting, legal, and research roles that typically require university degrees or specialized credentials but provide strong long-term income potential.
What are the best-paying jobs for trades and skilled workers in Ontario?
The Construction industry is one of the best-paying options for skilled trades in Ontario, with a median weekly wage of $1,440, or about $74,880 per year. Electricians, plumbers, welders, and heavy-equipment operators are in high demand due to ongoing housing and infrastructure projects, making this a lucrative path even without a university degree.
How much do healthcare professionals earn in Ontario?
Healthcare and social assistance workers in Ontario earn a median weekly wage of $1,120, or roughly $58,240 annually. While this median includes lower-paid roles like personal support workers, specialized professionals such as doctors, nurses, and therapists earn substantially higher incomes depending on experience and credentials.
What career fields in Ontario are showing the strongest wage growth?
According to Statistics Canada’s 2025 data, the Professional, Scientific & Technical Services sector shows the strongest wage growth — up 8.7 percent year-over-year. The Utilities and Construction sectors also continue to grow steadily, reflecting strong demand for technical, engineering, and infrastructure expertise across Ontario.
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