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Canada continues to be one of the world’s top destinations for skilled workers seeking permanent residency (PR), high-paying jobs, and a stable, family-friendly environment. With a booming economy, labour shortages across multiple industries, and an aging population, Canada is aggressively attracting global talent.

In 2025, the average salary for skilled workers ranges from CAD $55,000 to over $120,000, with many in-demand occupations offering $72,000+ per year. These include roles in IT, healthcare, engineering, trades, finance, construction, logistics, and more.

But the real advantage?
Canada provides multiple immigration pathways, allowing skilled workers not only to work but also to become Permanent Residents—with full access to healthcare, social benefits, education for children, and a pathway to Canadian citizenship.

This article gives you a complete breakdown of the most reliable and fastest migration routes, job categories that qualify for PR, salary expectations, eligibility criteria, and tips to improve your chances of success.

Why Canada Needs Skilled Workers Earning $72,000+

Canada’s economic landscape is changing rapidly. Several sectors are experiencing chronic shortages, pushing employers to increase wages and rely on immigration to fill critical roles.

Key reasons behind the demand:

✔ Aging workforce

Over 9 million Canadians are now above retirement age.

✔ Low birth rate

Canada relies heavily on immigration to grow its workforce.

✔ High vacancy rates

Industries like healthcare, tech, logistics, engineering, construction, and hospitality desperately need workers.

✔ Economic growth

Canada is expanding in renewable energy, healthcare, AI, and construction.

✔ Government commitment

Canada plans to welcome over 485,000 new PR immigrants annually through 2025–2026.

This creates a golden opportunity for skilled professionals earning $72,000+ looking for a long-term, stable career path.

Top Skilled Jobs in Canada Offering $72,000+ Salaries

Here are the most in-demand jobs in 2025 that qualify for PR and offer salaries above CAD $72,000:

Technology & IT

Software Developers – $80,000 to $130,000
Cybersecurity Analysts – $90,000 to $140,000
Cloud Engineers – $100,000 to $150,000
Data Analysts – $75,000 to $110,000
AI / Machine Learning Specialists – $100,000 to $160,000

Healthcare & Nursing

Registered Nurses – $72,000 to $105,000
Physiotherapists – $75,000 to $110,000
Medical Lab Technologists – $70,000 to $95,000
Dentists – $120,000 to $250,000

Engineering

Electrical Engineers – $80,000 to $120,000
Mechanical Engineers – $85,000 to $130,000
Civil Engineers – $78,000 to $120,000
Mining Engineers – $100,000 to $150,000

Finance & Accounting

Financial Analysts – $72,000 to $110,000
Accountants (CPA) – $75,000 to $125,000
Auditors – $70,000 to $100,000

Construction & Skilled Trades

Electricians – $72,000 to $95,000
Welders – $70,000 to $100,000
Plumbers – $75,000 to $105,000
HVAC Technicians – $70,000 to $95,000

Logistics & Transport

Truck Drivers (Long Haul) – $72,000 to $95,000
Supply Chain Managers – $80,000 to $120,000

Teaching and Social Services

Early Childhood Educators (ECE) – $55,000 to $80,000
Social Workers – $70,000 to $95,000

These occupations appear regularly on Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) shortage lists and are welcomed by both the federal and provincial immigration programs.

Canada PR Pathways for Skilled Workers: Full Breakdown

Canada offers more than 10 PR pathways, but the strongest and most popular ones for skilled workers earning $72,000+ include:

1. Express Entry (EE) – The Fastest Pathway to Canada PR

Express Entry is Canada’s most popular and efficient immigration system. It manages three major programs:

✔ Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

For skilled professionals with foreign work experience.

✔ Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For workers with Canadian experience.

✔ Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

For skilled trades workers.

Express Entry selects candidates based on a points-based system called CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System).

Eligibility Factors:

Age
Education
Work experience
English/French language test (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)
Job offer (optional)
Adaptability

Why Express Entry Is Best for $72k Workers:

No job offer required (FSWP)
PR can be approved in as little as 6 months
Skilled, well-paid workers score higher in CRS
Ideal for IT, engineering, finance, healthcare

Average salary of Express Entry applicants:

$55,000 – $120,000+ annually

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Best for Job Seekers With Provincial Needs

PNP allows Canadian provinces to nominate skilled workers to meet local labour shortages. Each province has its own demand list and salary thresholds.

Top Provinces Offering PNP Pathways:

Ontario
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador
Prince Edward Island

Why PNP Works for $72,000+ Job Seekers:

✔ Provinces desperately need skilled labour
✔ You can get 600 CRS points instantly
✔ Job offer increases your chances
✔ Smaller provinces offer easier nominations

PNP Target Sectors:

Healthcare
IT
Construction
Skilled trades
Transportation
Agriculture
Finance

A PNP nomination is one of the surest ways to get Canadian PR.

3. Canada’s Express Entry Category-Based Selection (New 2023–2025)

Canada recently introduced category-based draws for skilled workers in:

✔ Healthcare

✔ STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)

✔ Trades

✔ Transport

✔ Agriculture

✔ French-language proficiency

These categories benefit $72k+ workers because they focus on specific skills, not just CRS score.

4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland) welcome skilled workers with job offers.

Why AIP is popular:

Faster processing
Lower cost of living in Atlantic Canada
Employers actively hire foreign workers

Eligible occupations earning $72k+:

Nurses
Engineers
Technicians
Logistics managers
Chefs and supervisors

5. Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Aimed at smaller Canadian communities facing labour shortages.

Benefits:

Lower competition
Higher acceptance rate
Strong demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers

Who qualifies:

Healthcare workers
Tradespeople
Manufacturing workers
Supervisors
Truck drivers

6. LMIA Job Offer Pathway (Employer-Sponsored Route)

Employers can sponsor foreign workers through an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).

High-demand LMIA jobs with $72k+ salaries:

Truck drivers
Construction supervisors
IT professionals
Healthcare staff
Engineering technicians

This route is excellent for job seekers with strong professional experience.

7. Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

Quebec runs its own immigration system and targets skilled workers able to work in French or English.

Fields most in demand:

Healthcare
Engineering
Education
IT
Social services

8. Work Permit to PR Pathways

You can start with a work permit and later apply for PR.

Popular options:

Closed Work Permit (Job-Specific)
Open Work Permit (Spousal / PGWP)
International Mobility Program (IMP)
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)

High-earning skilled workers often use this path when they receive global job transfers.

Eligibility Requirements for Canada PR (Skilled Workers)

Although requirements vary by program, the general criteria include:

✔ Skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0–3)

✔ English or French proficiency (IELTS minimum CLB 7)

✔ Post-secondary education (diploma or degree)

✔ Proof of funds

✔ Age 18–44 (younger = more CRS points)

✔ Medical exam & police clearance

High-paying roles above $72k typically involve higher education and strong work experience, giving a competitive advantage.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Canadian PR

1. Improve your CRS score

Retake IELTS for higher bands
Add French (TEF/TCF)
Add more work experience
Get Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

2. Secure a Canadian job offer

This boosts your CRS and gives immigration officers confidence.

3. Apply to provinces with smaller populations

Atlantic provinces and rural regions have easier pathways.

4. Target NOC codes in high demand

These include nurses, software engineers, electricians, truck drivers, and more.

5. Build a strong resume tailored to Canadian employers

Canadian-style CVs focus on achievement-based results.

Canada PR Salary Thresholds for Skilled Workers

Most skilled migration pathways require jobs paying fair market wages.

Average salaries for skilled workers:

Sector	Average Salary
Tech & Software	$85,000–$140,000
Engineering	$75,000–$130,000
Healthcare	$72,000–$120,000
Finance & Accounting	$72,000–$110,000
Skilled Trades	$70,000–$100,000
Construction	$72,000–$120,000
Logistics & Transport	$70,000–$95,000

A $72k salary is a strong competitive benchmark in Canada.

Why Skilled Workers Choose Canada

1. Permanent Residency Benefits

PR holders enjoy:

Free healthcare
Subsidised tuition for children
Social benefits
Unrestricted work opportunities

2. Family-Friendly Programs

You can bring:

Spouse
Children
In some cases, parents (later sponsorship)

3. Pathway to Citizenship

You can apply for Canadian citizenship after:

3 years living in Canada (within 5 years)

4. High quality of life

Canada ranks in the top 5 globally for:

Safety
Clean environment
Job security
Education
Healthcare

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Canada PR as a Skilled Worker

Step 1: Choose your immigration stream

Express Entry, PNP, AIP, RNIP, etc.

Step 2: Take your language test (IELTS/TEF)

This directly impacts your score.

Step 3: Get Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Required for Express Entry.

Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile

You will enter the pool and get a CRS score.

Step 5: Apply for PNP (optional but powerful)

A nomination adds 600 CRS points.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

This is your official PR invitation.

Step 7: Submit full PR application

Includes medicals, police checks, documents.

Step 8: Receive PR approval

Processing time: 6–12 months.

Conclusion

Canada’s $72,000+ skilled job market is full of new opportunities in 2025. With worker shortages across healthcare, tech, trades, engineering, logistics, and finance, Canada is more welcoming than ever to global talent.

By choosing the right immigration pathway—whether Express Entry, PNP, AIP, RNIP, or LMIA—you can build a stable, high-paying career and transition to Permanent Residency.

If you prepare strategically, improve your CRS score, and target the right provinces and job categories, your chances of securing PR increase dramatically.

This is the perfect time to start your Canadian immigration journey.