How to Get High Paying Job in Toronto – Finding a job that pays $70,000 or more in Toronto while also securing visa sponsorship might seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. But here’s the truth: it’s more achievable than you think. Toronto is bustling with opportunities, and many companies are actively looking for skilled workers from around the world. The key is knowing where to look and how to position yourself as the perfect candidate.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about landing that dream job in one of North America’s most vibrant cities.
Why Toronto Is the Perfect Place for International Workers
Toronto isn’t just Canada’s largest city. It’s also one of the most multicultural places on Earth. More than half of Toronto’s population was born outside Canada, which means the city has built its entire economy around welcoming international talent. Companies here understand the value that skilled immigrants bring to the table.
The job market in Toronto is diverse and strong. From technology and finance to healthcare and engineering, there are countless sectors where employers struggle to find enough qualified candidates. This talent shortage works in your favor, especially if you have in-demand skills.
The average salary in Toronto has been climbing steadily. While the cost of living is certainly higher than in smaller Canadian cities, a $70,000 annual salary gives you a comfortable lifestyle. You can rent a decent apartment, enjoy the city’s restaurants and entertainment, and still save money each month.
Understanding Visa Sponsorship in Canada
Before we dive into specific job opportunities, let’s clear up what visa sponsorship actually means in the Canadian context. When a Canadian employer sponsors your visa, they’re essentially vouching for you to the government. They’re saying that they need your specific skills and couldn’t find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the role.
The most common work permit for sponsored employees is the Labour Market Impact Assessment work permit. This requires the employer to prove they made genuine efforts to hire locally before looking internationally. It sounds complicated, but thousands of workers go through this process successfully every year.
Another pathway is the Global Talent Stream, which fast-tracks work permits for highly skilled workers in specific occupations. This program can process applications in as little as two weeks, compared to the several months that standard applications might take.
Some employers can also hire through the International Mobility Program, which doesn’t require a labour market assessment. This is available for certain categories of workers, including those coming under international trade agreements.
Top Industries Offering $70,000+ Jobs With Sponsorship
Information Technology and Software Development
If you work in tech, Toronto should be at the top of your list. The city has earned the nickname “Silicon Valley North” and for good reason. Major companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Shopify all have significant operations here. Beyond these tech giants, there are hundreds of startups and mid-sized companies constantly hunting for developers, data scientists, and IT professionals.
Software engineers in Toronto regularly earn well above $70,000. Entry-level positions start at $65,000 to $75,000, while mid-level developers typically make $85,000 to $105,000 annually. Senior developers and those with specialized skills in areas like machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity can command salaries of $110,000 to $150,000 or more. Lead developers and engineering managers often earn $130,000 to $180,000. The demand is so high that many companies actively recruit internationally and handle all the visa paperwork themselves.
Web developers earn between $60,000 and $90,000 depending on experience. Mobile app developers, particularly those skilled in iOS and Android development, make $70,000 to $110,000. Full-stack developers are highly valued and typically earn $75,000 to $115,000. DevOps engineers command strong salaries of $85,000 to $125,000. Even if you’re earlier in your career, positions like junior developer start around $55,000 to $70,000, while QA testers and software testers earn $50,000 to $75,000, with rapid salary growth as you gain experience.
Financial Services and Banking
Toronto is Canada’s financial capital. Bay Street, the Canadian equivalent of Wall Street, is home to the country’s five major banks and countless investment firms, insurance companies, and fintech startups. This sector offers numerous opportunities for international workers with finance backgrounds.
Financial analysts earn between $65,000 and $95,000, with senior analysts making $90,000 to $120,000. Investment advisors typically start at $60,000 to $80,000 in base salary, plus commissions that can significantly increase total compensation to $100,000 or more. Accountants with a CPA designation earn $70,000 to $95,000 at the intermediate level, while senior accountants make $95,000 to $130,000. If you have your CPA designation or equivalent international certification, you’re in an excellent position. Many firms will sponsor qualified accountants, especially during busy seasons or for specialized roles in areas like forensic accounting ($80,000 to $120,000) or international tax ($85,000 to $135,000).
Risk management specialists earn $75,000 to $110,000, with senior positions paying $105,000 to $145,000. Compliance officers are also highly sought after, earning $70,000 to $100,000 at intermediate levels and $95,000 to $135,000 for senior roles. With increasing regulations in the financial sector, companies need professionals who understand complex regulatory frameworks. Financial controllers make $100,000 to $150,000, while treasury analysts earn $70,000 to $95,000.
Healthcare and Medical Professionals
Canada faces a significant healthcare worker shortage, and Toronto is no exception. If you’re a registered nurse, physician, pharmacist, or allied health professional, opportunities abound. The catch is that you’ll need to have your credentials recognized by Canadian regulatory bodies, which can take time.
Registered nurses in Toronto earn solid salaries, typically starting around $68,000 to $75,000 for new graduates, with experienced RNs earning $80,000 to $95,000. Positions in intensive care units make $85,000 to $100,000, emergency department nurses earn $82,000 to $98,000, and operating room nurses typically make $83,000 to $99,000. Nurse practitioners earn significantly more, ranging from $95,000 to $125,000. Hospitals and long-term care facilities regularly sponsor international nurses, especially those with specialized training.
Pharmacists earn between $95,000 and $125,000, with hospital pharmacists sometimes making up to $135,000. Medical laboratory technologists make $60,000 to $80,000, while senior technologists earn $75,000 to $90,000. Physiotherapists earn $65,000 to $90,000, with private practice owners potentially earning $85,000 to $110,000. Occupational therapists make $70,000 to $95,000. Diagnostic medical sonographers earn $70,000 to $95,000, and radiation therapists make $75,000 to $100,000.
Engineering and Architecture
Civil engineers working on Toronto’s infrastructure projects earn $70,000 to $95,000, with senior civil engineers making $95,000 to $130,000. Electrical engineers in the growing renewable energy sector typically make $75,000 to $105,000, while senior electrical engineers earn $100,000 to $140,000. Mechanical engineers in manufacturing earn $72,000 to $98,000 at intermediate levels and $95,000 to $125,000 for senior positions. Structural engineers make $75,000 to $110,000, and project engineers earn $70,000 to $100,000.
Starting salaries for engineers typically range from $65,000 to $85,000, depending on specialization and experience. Professional Engineer designation in Ontario does require passing exams and meeting experience requirements, but many companies will hire you as an engineer-in-training while you work toward full licensure.
Construction is booming in Toronto, which means architects earn $65,000 to $95,000, with senior architects making $95,000 to $135,000. Construction managers typically earn $80,000 to $120,000, while project managers in construction make $85,000 to $130,000. If you have experience with large-scale projects or specialized skills in sustainable building design, you’re particularly attractive to employers.
Marketing and Digital Media
The marketing landscape has transformed dramatically, and Toronto companies need professionals who understand digital marketing, social media strategy, and data analytics. Marketing managers, SEO specialists, and content strategists are all roles that can hit or exceed the $70,000 threshold.
Digital marketing managers often earn between $70,000 and $90,000, especially if they have proven track records of successful campaigns. Companies value marketers who can demonstrate ROI and adapt to constantly changing platforms and algorithms.
How to Find Employers Who Sponsor Visas
Finding the right job is partly about knowing where to look. General job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn certainly list positions, but you need to be strategic about your search.
Start by looking at job postings that explicitly mention they’re open to international candidates or offer visa sponsorship. Some companies state this clearly in their postings. Others use language like “authorized to work in Canada or eligible for work authorization.”
Company career pages are often better than job boards. Many large corporations in Toronto have dedicated immigration support teams and list this as a benefit on their careers page. Look for sections about diversity and inclusion or international hiring.
Recruitment agencies that specialize in placing international workers can be incredibly valuable. They already have relationships with employers who sponsor visas and understand the process. Some agencies focus on specific sectors like IT or healthcare, which can be particularly helpful.
LinkedIn is powerful if you use it correctly. Don’t just apply to jobs. Connect with recruiters and hiring managers in your field who are based in Toronto. Join groups focused on Canadian immigration or your specific industry. Share content that demonstrates your expertise. Make yourself visible and memorable.
Networking events, even virtual ones, can lead to opportunities. Many professional associations hold regular meetups or conferences. Attending these and making genuine connections can open doors that job applications alone won’t.
Optimizing Your Resume for Canadian Employers
Your resume needs to speak Canadian. This doesn’t mean changing who you are, but it does mean understanding what Canadian employers expect to see.
Keep it concise. Canadian resumes are typically two pages maximum, even for experienced professionals. Focus on your most relevant and recent experience. Older or less relevant positions can be summarized briefly.
Use clear, action-oriented language. Start bullet points with strong verbs like “developed,” “managed,” “implemented,” or “increased.” Follow with specific results whenever possible. Instead of saying you “handled social media,” say you “increased social media engagement by 45% over six months through targeted content strategy.”
Include numbers and metrics. Canadian employers love quantifiable achievements. Revenue generated, costs saved, efficiency improved, team size managed. These concrete details make your accomplishments real and impressive.
Address the visa situation head-on. Include a line in your cover letter or at the top of your resume stating that you’re seeking opportunities with visa sponsorship. This saves everyone time and shows you’re informed about the process.
Don’t include a photo, age, marital status, or other personal information. Canadian hiring practices prioritize reducing bias, so these elements are typically left off resumes. Focus purely on your qualifications and experience.
Preparing for Canadian Job Interviews
Interview styles in Canada tend to be fairly formal but friendly. Employers want to assess your skills and cultural fit while giving you a chance to learn about the company.
Research the company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their products, services, recent news, and company culture. Canadian interviewers often ask why you’re interested in their specific company, and generic answers don’t impress anyone.
Prepare for behavioral interview questions. These are questions like “Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge at work and how you handled it” or “Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult team member.” The STAR method works well for these: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Tell a story that highlights your skills and judgment.
Be ready to discuss the visa sponsorship process. Show that you understand what’s involved and that you’ve researched the requirements. This demonstrates that you’re serious and won’t be surprised by the process.
Ask thoughtful questions. Interviews are two-way streets. Ask about the team you’d be joining, growth opportunities, and what success looks like in the role. You can also ask about the company’s experience with sponsoring international workers and their typical timeline.
Follow up with a thank you email within 24 hours. Keep it brief, reiterate your interest, and mention something specific from the conversation. This simple step sets you apart from many candidates.
The Real Cost of Living in Toronto
Let’s talk money. A $70,000 salary sounds great, but you need to understand what that means in practice after taxes and living expenses.
After federal and provincial taxes, CPP contributions, and EI premiums, you’ll take home roughly $53,000 to $54,000 annually, or about $4,400 to $4,500 per month. This is your actual spending money.
Housing is your biggest expense. A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Toronto rents for $2,200 to $2,800 per month on average. If you’re willing to live in the suburbs or surrounding cities like Mississauga or Markham and commute, you can find places for $1,700 to $2,200. Sharing an apartment with roommates can cut this cost significantly.
Transportation costs depend on where you live and work. A monthly transit pass for the TTC costs around $156. If you live in the suburbs, you might need a GO Transit pass as well, bringing the total closer to $220. Many people manage perfectly well without a car, especially if they live near transit lines.
Groceries for one person typically run $300 to $500 per month if you cook most meals at home. Eating out frequently will obviously increase this. Toronto has incredible food from every culture imaginable, but restaurant meals add up quickly.
Utilities for an apartment, including electricity, heating, water, and internet, usually cost $100 to $200 per month depending on the season and your usage.
Healthcare is covered by OHIP once you’re eligible, though there’s typically a three-month waiting period when you first arrive. Private insurance through your employer usually covers this gap, plus dental and vision care.
After all expenses, someone earning $70,000 can live comfortably, enjoy the city, and save money. You won’t be living lavishly, but you’ll have a good quality of life with room for entertainment and savings.
Building Your Professional Network Before You Arrive
One of the smartest things you can do is start building connections before you even land in Toronto. The Canadian job market values personal connections and referrals highly.
Join professional associations in your field that have Canadian chapters. Many offer online memberships that give you access to resources, webinars, and networking events. This gets your name out there and helps you understand industry trends in Canada.
Reach out to people who made similar transitions. LinkedIn makes it easy to find professionals in your field who moved to Toronto from your country. Most people are happy to share their experiences and offer advice. These conversations can provide insider tips you won’t find in any guide.
Participate in online communities and forums focused on Canadian immigration and job searching. Reddit has active communities like r/ImmigrationCanada and r/TorontoJobs where people share leads and advice. Just remember to give back to the community, not just take from it.
Consider getting your credentials assessed early. Many professions require credential evaluation by organizations like World Education Services. Starting this process before you’re actively job searching means you’ll have everything ready when opportunities arise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many international job seekers make the same mistakes that hurt their chances. Learning from others’ errors can save you months of frustration.
Don’t spray and pray with applications. Sending out hundreds of generic applications rarely works. It’s far better to identify 20 companies you’re genuinely interested in and craft tailored applications for each. Quality beats quantity every time.
Avoid underselling yourself. Many international candidates worry about coming across as arrogant and end up downplaying their accomplishments. Canadian employers want to hear what you’ve achieved. If you led a team, say you led a team. If you increased sales, say by how much. Confidence is valued.
Don’t ignore smaller companies. Everyone wants to work for Google or the big banks, but mid-sized companies and startups often have less competition for positions and may be more flexible about sponsorship. They can offer faster growth opportunities too.
Never lie or exaggerate on your application. The Canadian professional world is smaller than you think, and your reputation matters. Plus, work permit applications require verification of credentials. Dishonesty will end your Canadian dreams quickly.
Don’t give up too soon. The job search can take time, especially when visa sponsorship is involved. Three to six months is normal. Some people find jobs faster, some take longer. Persistence and continuous improvement of your approach are key.
Life After Landing the Job
Once you’ve secured that $70,000 job and arrived in Toronto, your real Canadian adventure begins. The first few months involve a lot of adjustment and paperwork, but it gets easier.
Open a Canadian bank account right away. The major banks like TD, RBC, and Scotiabank all have newcomer packages with no fees for the first year. You’ll need this for your paychecks and to start building Canadian credit history.
Get your Social Insurance Number from Service Canada within your first week. Your employer needs this for payroll and tax purposes. The application is free and straightforward if you have your work permit.
Find permanent housing without rushing. Many newcomers stay in short-term rentals or Airbnbs for the first month while they search for the right apartment. This gives you time to explore neighborhoods and understand what you want.
Build your credit history from day one. Get a secured credit card if necessary, pay bills on time, and keep your credit utilization low. Good credit will make life easier when you want to rent a better apartment, get a phone plan, or eventually buy a car or home.
Explore pathways to permanent residence. Many work permit holders qualify for programs like the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry after one year of skilled work experience. Your employer might also support a permanent residence application. Having permanent residence as a goal gives you long-term stability.
The Path Forward
Landing a $70,000 job in Toronto with visa sponsorship in 2025 is absolutely achievable if you approach it strategically. The city needs skilled workers, and employers are willing to sponsor the right candidates.
Focus on industries with the highest demand for your skills. Tailor every application to show why you’re the perfect fit. Build your network before and after you arrive. Be patient and persistent through the process.
Toronto offers an incredible quality of life with its cultural diversity, strong economy, and opportunities for growth. Yes, the winters are cold and the cost of living is high, but thousands of international workers have successfully built fulfilling lives and careers here.
Your journey starts with that first application. Research companies, perfect your resume, and start reaching out. The $70,000 job you’re looking for is out there, posted on some website, waiting for the right candidate to apply.
That candidate could be you. Take the first step today, and this time next year, you could be settling into your new Toronto life, building your career in one of the world’s greatest cities.
The opportunities are real. The path is clear. Now it’s up to you to walk it.
