If you’re a mechanical engineer looking to work abroad, Canada should be high on your list. With strong infrastructure, world-class technology, and a demand for skilled professionals, mechanical engineering jobs in Canada offer not just good salaries, but a chance to build a stable, rewarding career.
Whether you’re exploring immigration or just curious about your options, understanding the highest paying mechanical engineering jobs in Canada can help you make a smart move. This guide breaks down top-paying roles, where to find them, how much you can expect to earn, and what steps you need to take to land your dream job.
Why Mechanical Engineers Are in Demand in Canada
Canada’s engineering industry is booming, especially in provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. As industries like renewable energy, manufacturing, transportation, and aerospace continue to grow, so does the need for talented mechanical engineers.
Here’s why demand is rising:
Aging workforce: Many Canadian engineers are nearing retirement.
Growing infrastructure projects: Bridges, railways, and energy systems all need engineers.
Innovation in tech & manufacturing: Canada’s industries are evolving with smart tech.
Immigration programs support skilled workers: The Express Entry system welcomes qualified engineers.
This is great news if you’re coming from overseas. Canada is actively looking for skilled professionals like you.
Top 10 Highest Paying Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Canada
Below are the most lucrative mechanical engineering jobs in Canada right now. Each job includes an average salary estimate and common hiring sectors.
1. Mechanical Engineering Manager
Average Salary: CAD $120,000 – $160,000/year
What You’ll Do: Oversee engineering teams, manage large-scale projects, and ensure technical goals are met.
Where to Find Jobs: Large manufacturing firms, energy companies, aerospace contractors.
2. Aerospace Engineer (Mechanical Focus)
Average Salary: CAD $90,000 – $130,000/year
What You’ll Do: Design aircraft and spacecraft systems, improve fuel efficiency, test mechanical components.
Who’s Hiring: Bombardier, Boeing Canada, and government research labs.
Bonus: Knowledge of CAD software and fluid dynamics boosts your chances.
3. Oil & Gas Mechanical Engineer
Average Salary: CAD $95,000 – $140,000/year
What You’ll Do: Work on pipelines, refineries, and pressure systems.
Job Locations: Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Important: Many roles require site visits and long hours but pay very well.
4. HVAC Mechanical Engineer
Average Salary: CAD $80,000 – $110,000/year
What You’ll Do: Design heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for commercial buildings.
Top Employers: Engineering consulting firms and construction companies.
Certification Tip: Having LEED accreditation is a plus.
5. Senior Design Engineer (Mechanical)
Average Salary: CAD $90,000 – $125,000/year
What You’ll Do: Lead mechanical product design projects, test prototypes, and ensure manufacturability.
Industries: Automotive, consumer products, robotics.
Skills You Need:
SolidWorks/AutoCAD
Project management experience
Knowledge of materials and prototyping
6. Automation & Robotics Engineer
Average Salary: CAD $85,000 – $120,000/year
What You’ll Do: Design automated systems, integrate robotics into production lines.
Industries: Automotive, food processing, and electronics manufacturing.
Fast-Growing Field: As factories modernize, this role is becoming increasingly valuable.
7. Project Engineer
Average Salary: CAD $80,000 – $115,000/year
What You’ll Do: Coordinate teams, budget resources, and manage mechanical engineering timelines.
Where to Work: Engineering consultancies, construction, renewable energy.
Good To Know: PMP certification can increase your salary potential.
8. Piping Engineer
Average Salary: CAD $85,000 – $110,000/year
What You’ll Do: Design and analyze piping systems for oil, gas, or chemical plants.
Common Employers: Petrochemical companies and EPC firms.
Qualification Tip: Experience with ASME codes and pressure systems is often required.
9. Maintenance Engineering Specialist
Average Salary: CAD $75,000 – $105,000/year
What You’ll Do: Monitor and maintain mechanical systems in factories or plants.
Industries: Manufacturing, food processing, mining.
10. Biomechanical Engineer
Average Salary: CAD $70,000 – $100,000/year
What You’ll Do: Work on prosthetics, implants, and assistive devices.
Industries: Healthcare, med-tech companies, and research institutions.
Niche but rewarding: Ideal if you have a passion for both mechanics and healthcare.
Where Are the Highest Paying Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Canada?
Some provinces offer more job opportunities and better salaries due to industry demand. Here’s a breakdown:
Top Provinces:
- Alberta: Oil & gas jobs dominate here.
- Ontario: Big in automotive, manufacturing, and design.
- British Columbia: Renewable energy, construction, and robotics.
- Quebec: Aerospace and biotech industries.
Top Cities:
- Calgary – Engineering hub for oil & gas.
- Toronto – Tech and design opportunities.
- Vancouver – Sustainability and innovation.
- Montreal – Aerospace engineering jobs.
How to Work as a Mechanical Engineer in Canada (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Check Your Eligibility
Use Canada’s Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) systems for immigration. Mechanical engineering is usually listed under skilled occupations (NOC code 21301).
2. Get Your Qualifications Recognized
Apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Make sure your degree matches Canadian standards.
3. Apply for a Work Permit or PR
Apply through Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program).
Some employers offer Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) that support work permits.
4. Gain Licensing (If Needed)
Join your province’s engineering regulator.
Register as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
After gaining experience, apply for your P.Eng. license.
5. Prepare a Canadian-Style Resume
Highlight your achievements, not just duties.
Use simple formatting and keywords from job postings.
6. Start Applying
Use job portals like:
- Indeed.ca
- Job Bank Canada
- Workopolis
- LinkedIn Jobs
Network with Canadian professionals on LinkedIn and attend online webinars or engineering meetups.
Conclusion
Canada is more than just scenic mountains and hockey, it’s a land of opportunity for skilled engineers like you. Whether you’re aiming to work in aerospace, oil and gas, or automation, there are high-paying mechanical engineering jobs waiting for you across the country.
