[ntan]

What are B.C.?s highest paid jobs? | Vancouver Sun (http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/09/11/what-are-b-c-s-highest-paid-jobs/)

Statistics Canada released the final round of data from the National Household Survey today, covering data on income and housing. One of the interesting nuggets from the data: median income by occupation in B.C. Below is a list of the highest paid occupations in B.C. and — if you click on the tab at the top — you can see B.C.’s worst paid occupations, too. And if you’re curious how your occupation compares, just type it into the search box. StatsCan sometimes has weird ways of listing occupations, so if you don’t find it at first, try different variations (i.e. “physician” instead of “doctor”):

The highest paid job in the province, by a wide margin, is Judge, which isn’t particularly surprising. But also up there are financial managers, mining engineers, fire chiefs, specialist physicians and pilots. School principals also make the top 10, though just barely. The reference line on the chart is the median pay of all occupations in B.C., which is about $34,000 a year.

On the flip side, looking at the lowest paid occupations in the province, the data seems to suggest that there are indeed a lot of “starving artists” in B.C. Musicians and singers are the lowest paid occupation in the province, with a median salary of just $13,000. Actors and comedians are a close second with median pay of just $15,000. Restaurant hosts, nannies (listed above as “home child care providers”), food and beverage servers and harvesting labourers were also near the bottom. Perhaps the most surprising occupation near the bottom, at least for me, was practitioners of natural healing, the fifth-worst-paid occupation in the province.

A quick note about this income data. StatsCan provides a bunch of different data points for income. The one used in these charts is median wages and salaries for “full-time, full-year” employees. This seems like the most useful figure to use as it won’t skew professions that have low pay simply because a lot of people doing the job only work part-time.

I also created a map showing the richest and poorest neighbourhoods in Metro Vancouver and a chart showing the richest and poorest municipalities in Metro and across the province. Both are below.

Click on the link and there's an interactive chart where you'll be able to do a search on specific occupations. I'm personally surprised by the median income of physicians, they're lower than I expected.

Some as reference:
Judge - $232,381
Mining Engineers - $120,122
Specialist Physician - $109,593
School principals and administrators of elementary - $101,265
Lawyers and Quebec notaries - $99,870
Pharmacists - $95,271
University professors and lecturers - $90,780
Dentists - $84,227
Software Engineers and designers - $81,603
General Practitioner and family physicians - $81,042
Secondary school teacher - $73,199
Financial auditors and accountants - $61,544
Payroll clerks - $49,382
Restaurant and food service managers - $38,424
Bartenders - $21,731
Musicians and singers - $13,031

[punkwax]

Lawyer seems low as well..

[ntan]

Lawyer seems low as well..

I once considered going into patent law (I come from an engineering background), and from what I gathered, their salary isn't as high as the media portrays it as. There's obviously some extremely successful lawyers who make $$$$ but for median income, I think that's in-line.

[fliptuner]

Most of those are a lot lower than they actually are.

ie. How many plumbers actually make $52k/yr? Even above the table, I don't know any plumbers who have been in the field for more than 5 years, that make less $80-90k/yr.

[Tapioca]

The data are flawed because the National Household Survey was voluntary unlike the previous long-form census.

If people are working under the table, they would be less likely to respond in voluntary surveys.
Posted via RS Mobile

[Harvey Specter]

I know electricians who are making $100k+, hell my dad is a technologist and he's been making $150k plus overtime for the past 25 years. Not really sure if this list is that accurate.

[jaguar604]

Remember these are just the median salaries. Half are making more and half are making less, part-time people drag the average down A LOT.

[ntan]

Remember these are just the median salaries. Half are making more and half are making less, part-time people drag the average down A LOT.

Agreed on the first part, but the salaries are based on full-time only.

[TatsuyaKataoka]

I don't see "BC Hydro Executives" on this list...

[parm104]

Although interesting to read, I question the actual validity of this data.

I know very few doctors in BC that are not specialists that make less than $100,000/year. Of course, specialists would make substantially more. I don't see how the median could only be $100K for specialists.

Edit:


Agreed on the first part, but the salaries are based on full-time only.

Remember these are just the median salaries. Half are making more and half are making less, part-time people drag the average down A LOT.

Didn't read this...Guess I don't understand how the median here is calculated.

[SpuGen]

I know Mining Engineers that make twice the "median" amount.

That money is ridiculous. Alllmost make me want to get into the field.
But I know Weld inspectors who make closer to $200k, and they sleep for 90% of thier shift.

[PeanutButter]

I wish they had the min, max, and average salaries as well.

[fliptuner]

But I know Weld inspectors who make closer to $200k, and they sleep for 90% of thier shift.

I have 2 friends who are welding inspectors. One just travels the province and recertifies shops (was a fabricator, just got into inspecting 8 months ago) and probably makes around $70-$80k. The other inspects welds in the gas and oil industry, 15+ years experience, specializing in underwater inspections and travels globally. I'd be surprised if he NETS less than $300k/yr.

[xjc11]

just going to put this out there

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/legislation/pdf/bluebook2012.pdf

[BBMme]

How about the military?
Posted via RS Mobile

[belka]

How about the military?
Posted via RS Mobile

They are listed.

Officers (basic, not doctors, judges or pilots who make substantially more) - $81,000
NCM's - $68700

That number for NCM's is a trained, spec pay Corporal. This number doesn't reflect other incentives like PLD and deployments.

[Okami]

Remember these are just the median salaries. Half are making more and half are making less, part-time people drag the average down A LOT.

Pharmacists making more than physicians and dentists :fuckthatshit:

[ziggyx]

I know Mining Engineers that make twice the "median" amount.

That money is ridiculous. Alllmost make me want to get into the field.
But I know Weld inspectors who make closer to $200k, and they sleep for 90% of thier shift.

Gotta keep in mind that mining engineers probably get paid that much (or the data is skewed) because they gotta relocate to places in the middle of no where, super small towns, or stay at a camp.

I just graduated from mining engineering and if I made that much staying in the city I'd be all over it, but unfortunately that's not gonna happen. :okay:

[Gululu]

cool facts but...

i make more than the judge by flipping houses & condos in the lower mainland.

[dinosaur]

cool facts but...

i make more than the judge by flipping houses & condos in the lower mainland.

sure you do.

[Stealthy]

Surprised Translink security isn't listed on this
Posted via RS Mobile

[XplicitLuder]

cool facts but...

i make more than the judge by flipping houses & condos in the lower mainland.

sure you do.

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/emeraldwaves/GIFs/OhSnapBlackKid7478154.gif

[GabAlmighty]

They don't have Leasehand, Roughneck, Motorhand, or Drillers on there in the top ten...

How about the military?
Posted via RS Mobile

They are listed.

Officers (basic, not doctors, judges or pilots who make substantially more) - $81,000
NCM's - $68700

That number for NCM's is a trained, spec pay Corporal. This number doesn't reflect other incentives like PLD and deployments.

Then there's all the ways that their pay gets fuckin knocked down due to administrative errors that the member in turn gets shafted for.

[punkwax]

I don't think Gululu's claims are unreasonable. I think you could make more than 232k/yr flipping houses as long as you have the right crew, work ethic and realtor.

I pay fairly close attention to local real estate in the S Surrey / White Rock area and see a lot of older properties being given the same old renos and being listed for 200-300k more than a similar property that requires maybe 100k max in facelifts. I figure a good crew could do 1 property quarterly on average? No real data to back that up, just figure it could be done..

[twitchyzero]

I think you could make more than 232k/yr flipping houses as long as you have the right crew, work ethic and realtor.


http://www.revscene.net/forums/customavatars/avatar39073_6.gif

[Iceman-19]

They don't have Leasehand, Roughneck, Motorhand, or Drillers on there in the top ten...





Then there's all the ways that their pay gets fuckin knocked down due to administrative errors that the member in turn gets shafted for.

Probably because those are mainly Albertan jobs. Not a lot of oil rigs in bc.

[GabAlmighty]

Probably because those are mainly Albertan jobs. Not a lot of oil rigs in bc.

I know i'm stretching but there are a few haha.

[parm104]

cool facts but...

i make more than the judge by flipping houses & condos in the lower mainland.

Those who legitimately have usually don't need to talk about it or pump their own tires.

Makes me feel like you don't and you need a front to make yourself feel important and successful.

[pastarocket]

I don't see "BC Hydro Executives" on this list...

I don't see "Translink Executives" on this list either. :fuckthatshit:

[NSX]

Lets not forget cops. 100k +

[Gumby]

I don't see "BC Hydro Executives" on this list...

I don't see "Translink Executives" on this list either. :fuckthatshit:
Hey, BC Ferries just called to ask why you haven't included their execs in this discussion!

[NKC ONE]

Considering the high cost of living and taxes, these numbers are ridiculous. But then again, this is BC we're talking about.

[smarv]

Highest paying jobs in BC wont ever be on any census list, the only other job I can think to compare them to is pharmacists if you know what I mean.

[Energy]

Lawyer seems low as well..

It's because there are many different areas of law. That figure is low for an associate in downtown Vancouver who's been practicing for a bit at a midsize to large full service or corporate law firm. For lawyers that work at smaller firms in the suburbs that salary is quite good.

[LiquidTurbo]

Musician, 15k a year? How is it possible that one lives?

[meme405]

Hmm, I'm pretty happy being a mining engineer, but like someone above mentioned, the reason this salary is so inflated, is because we have to go where the work is. Its not just the engineers who make ridiculous money doing this stuff, all the trades are making bank and even the clerks make amazing money all things considered. Work is tough though, we work 12-16 hour days 7 days a week 20+ days in a row, only to get 7 days off and be back at it. I spent two 31 day shifts, with only 3 days off in between, and part of that three days was spent travelling home and back to site...

But yes this data is messed, cause there are quality inspectors and weld inspectors and such that make 300k a year. I understand averages but this list seems a little off.

[kkttsang]

Harvey specter seems to be doing alright. Even mike Ross is getting pay pretty good.

[Marshall Placid]

just going to put this out there

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/legislation/pdf/bluebook2012.pdf

VERY INTERESTING!

Thank you.

Now, I can check my doctor's earnings.

Although interesting to read, I question the actual validity of this data.

I know very few doctors in BC that are not specialists that make less than $100,000/year. Of course, specialists would make substantially more. I don't see how the median could only be $100K for specialists.

Didn't read this...Guess I don't understand how the median here is calculated.

As in many fields or types of jobs or ways to earn income, the best and most established players earn the most, while the newly minted doctors/engineers/technical earners/computer programmers/lawyers/etc. earn the least.

This is especially true for lawyers and doctors where they have to earn the trust of patients/clients and build the customer base from the ground up from referrals.

So, they start out earning nothing/very little, but if they do their job well, they make a handsome amount several years after or longer.

There are no illusions of grandeur.

There are odd stories/exceptions here and there of getting right out of school and earning 6 figure salaries.

But, for the most part, 99% of wage earners start from the bottom and work their way up.

[bicboi]

lol

Dr. Parsons, Hugh Macpherson - 2,856,997.00

[fliptuner]

lol

Dr. Parsons, Hugh Macpherson - 2,856,997.00

Gov't eyeing reducing doctors' pay (http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=d1a8f5b1-28e1-48fa-95f4-512cd40a97d2)

Top 4 ophthalmologists all in the same office.... :suspicious:
Almost $10M, combined.

[bing]

The figure for judges is right (my prof gave a similar amount in crim 135 - some of my classmates thought it was high but is putatively justified to prevent corruption). The list is definitely skewed for doctors cause my family doctor (aka non-specialist) brings in around 350k - he's mostly booked though and does not accept new patients.

I think the figure for lawyers is close though but only after expenses (secretary, rent, office supplies, possibly an office manager, etc).

Professors, that's pretty close. Almost all of my professors made between 90-125k (assistant to tenured faculty but not sessional instructors). This doesn't include book deals, etc.

Software engineers (my cousin works for a big company, that's probably close to what he makes 5 years on the job).

Secondary teachers - they make a lot according to that list given their level of qualifications and job duties. Can't say I feel sorry for them :)

Aspiring musicians and singers lowest paid - given the number that could be out there, this is not a shock.

[PeanutButter]

For the bluebook for doctors, is that just billed amounts? Ie. They still have to pay for their expenses?
Posted via RS Mobile

[CP.AR]

I find it very interesting how Richmond is the "poorest" city in Metro Vancouver yet has the probably one of the highest concentration of luxury vehicles

Flying instructors earning $104,000? :fuckthatshit: those guys are lucky if they get anything more than $30/hr flight time


edit: Looked up my family doctor
Makes 350,000/yr, drives a beat '91 Accord and only recently upgraded to a new Accord.
Wife drives a Rav 4

mad props for modesty

[parm104]

I found this more interesting:

Strombo | Canadians Earned $1.1 Trillion In 2010, And Other Interesting Stats From The National Household Survey (http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/canada/canadians-earned-11-trillion-in-2010-and-other-interesting-stats-from-the-national-household-survey.html)



Canadians Earned $1.1 Trillion In 2010, And Other Interesting Stats From The National Household Survey


If you pool together all the money the approximately 27.3 million Canadians aged 15 and over earned in 2010, you arrive at the impressive total of $1.1 trillion.

That figure comes from the final batch of data from the 2011 National Household Survey, which Statistics Canada released today. The voluntary survey replaced the mandatory long-form census in 2010. Today's release focuses on two areas: the income of Canadians and the costs of home ownership and shelter. Here are five more fascinating facts and figures from the survey:

5. The One Per Cent Earn Almost A Tenth Of All Income
According to the survey, Canadians whose income is in the top one per cent earn an average of $381,300, or about 9.5 per cent of the country's total income. The cut off to be in the one-per cent club is $191,100, which is nearly seven times the national median income of $27,800.

4. The Wealthiest Canadians Are Pretty Much Who You'd Expect
High income earners are more likely to be older, male, married city dwellers with university degrees. Four-fifths of the one per cent were male, and more than half lived in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary or Vancouver.

3. Canadians Pay About A Sixth Of Their Income In Income Tax
Every April, Canadians come together to grumble about about having to reckon with the taxman. Turns out, Canadians pay about 16.4 per cent of our total income in federal and provincial income taxes, with just over a third of those over 15 not paying any income tax at all.

2. People In Nearly 7 Out Of 10 Households Own Their Dwelling
The home ownership rate has been steadily creeping upward in Canada for the last two decades. The survey pegged the number at 69 per cent, which about matches the rate in the U.S. and the U.K. Home ownership is highest in the Atlantic provinces, led by Newfoundland and Labrador, where it was 77.5 per cent. The province with the highest proportion of renters is Quebec, where the home ownership rate is only 61.2 per cent.

One Quarter Of Canadians Spend Too Much On Shelter
In 1986, the federal and provincial governments established a threshold of housing affordability set at 30 per cent of a resident's monthly income. By that standard, a full quarter — or 3.3 million households — in Canada are paying more than they should on housing. Unsurprisingly, that number spikes in Vancouver, where a third of all households spend more than 30 per cent on shelter.

[melloman]

I can only believe the numbers because they are taking median salaries from down here.

Compare up North and down here salaries, and I bet it almost doubles. Yet I also doubt most guys up North are "voluntarily" going to out their wages. Same with trades that have a day job, and do cash work after hours. They probably only claim the legal money.

[Mining]

Gotta keep in mind that mining engineers probably get paid that much (or the data is skewed) because they gotta relocate to places in the middle of no where, super small towns, or stay at a camp.

I just graduated from mining engineering and if I made that much staying in the city I'd be all over it, but unfortunately that's not gonna happen. :okay:

Congratulations man I guess I won't be seeing you around anymore?

[TatsuyaKataoka]

Hey, BC Ferries just called to ask why you haven't included their execs in this discussion!

Can we just round it to Crown Corporation Executives?

[R. Mutt]

Are these gross or net figures? I'm assuming gross...and if so they are lower than I expected.

[punkwax]

Pretty sure they would specify if it were net. Whenever people discuss salary, they state gross wages unless otherwise specified.

[FerrariEnzo]

lol school principles make more money then lawyers.. I doubt that...

[dark0821]

i like how the median is at 34,000 a year... wow damn... just like in school, at least i can say i am above avg LOL... but seriously...

the other numbers just seems... wrong

[SiRV]

I think the specialist doctor salary is low because they probably incorporated residents into their statistics (those guys make <80k/year) for up to 5-7 years..

[twitchyzero]

Are these gross or net figures? I'm assuming gross...and if so they are lower than I expected.

pretty sure those are net, pre-tax figures.

Yeah blue book is gross...it's what's billed to MSP so doesnt take into overhead.

[parm104]

pretty sure those are net, pre-tax figures.

Yeah blue book is gross...it's what's billed to MSP so doesnt take into overhead.

Nor does it take into consideration hospital shifts which is $$$

[Marshall Placid]

For the bluebook for doctors, is that just billed amounts? Ie. They still have to pay for their expenses?
Posted via RS Mobile

Family practitioners have to pay their own medical-receptionists, malpractice insurance, premises insurance, leasing costs, electric/hydro/etc., office supplies, computer equipment, etc.

That is why most doctors, if not all, share receptionists among 2 or more doctors.

Estimates:
Med-receptionists x 2 = $40,000 per year = $80,000
Lease for 2,000 sq. feet = $20 per sq./ft depending on location = $40,000
Malpractice Insurance = $12,000 for general practitioners (family doctors)
How Much Do Doctors Pay for Insurance? | Chron.com (http://work.chron.com/much-doctors-pay-insurance-7304.html)
Premises Insurance = $1,000
Electric/utilities/etc. = $3,000

So, for a doctor's clinic = $136,000 +/-.

It looks like even though doctors earn a lot on paper (the MSP PDF file shown earlier), doctors have a lot of expenses to pay.

Also, they have to study and PAY for the education:
4 years of an undergraduate degree
+
4 years of med school
+
a few more if you want to specialize

Add to these # of years, you will have 2 years of residency at a minimum for GP doctors or 4 or more for specialists or hospital doctors, etc.

By the time they are 30, they would then start to practice their skills and rake in the "big" bucks.

At that point, they still have to acquire patients through referrals.

Ophthalmologists earn the most, a lot comes from voluntary eye exams that are not covered by MSP.
Cardiologists and neurologists a close second.
Oncologists, and obstetricians are close.
General Practitioners earn the least, but it is really dependent on the # of patients.

For example, I know of a few doctors.
1 just became a real doctor after completing her residency, and is earning less than $50,000 (checked her MSP PDF file shown earlier).
1 is still a resident at a hospital, even after getting his MD degree from John Hopkins, arguably considered one of the best Med schools.
1 graduated with her med degree from Boston University but is not a practicing doctor.

It's a LONG, hard-earned road to become doctors.

In the end, they are really not in it for the money, or so I would assume.

It's good work they do, and very well-deserved.:fullofwin:

[shawnly1000]

Family practitioners have to pay their own medical-receptionists, malpractice insurance, premises insurance, leasing costs, electric/hydro/etc., office supplies, computer equipment, etc.

That is why most doctors, if not all, share receptionists among 2 or more doctors.

Estimates:
Med-receptionists x 2 = $40,000 per year = $80,000
Lease for 2,000 sq. feet = $20 per sq./ft depending on location = $40,000
Malpractice Insurance = $12,000 for general practitioners (family doctors)
How Much Do Doctors Pay for Insurance? | Chron.com (http://work.chron.com/much-doctors-pay-insurance-7304.html)
Premises Insurance = $1,000
Electric/utilities/etc. = $3,000

So, for a doctor's clinic = $136,000 +/-.

It looks like even though doctors earn a lot on paper (the MSP PDF file shown earlier), doctors have a lot of expenses to pay.

Also, they have to study and PAY for the education:
4 years of an undergraduate degree
+
4 years of med school
+
a few more if you want to specialize

Add to these # of years, you will have 2 years of residency at a minimum for GP doctors or 4 or more for specialists or hospital doctors, etc.

By the time they are 30, they would then start to practice their skills and rake in the "big" bucks.

At that point, they still have to acquire patients through referrals.

Ophthalmologists earn the most, a lot comes from voluntary eye exams that are not covered by MSP.
Cardiologists and neurologists a close second.
Oncologists, and obstetricians are close.
General Practitioners earn the least, but it is really dependent on the # of patients.

For example, I know of a few doctors.
1 just became a real doctor after completing her residency, and is earning less than $50,000 (checked her MSP PDF file shown earlier).
1 is still a resident at a hospital, even after getting his MD degree from John Hopkins, arguably considered one of the best Med schools.
1 graduated with her med degree from Boston University but is not a practicing.

It's a LONG, hard-earned road to become doctors.

In the end, they are really not in it for the money, or so I would assume.

It's good work they do, and very well-deserved.:fullofwin:


Keep in mind...IIRC, MSP Bluebook doesn't include what they bill privately (i.e. insurance, Worker's Comp, etc)

[Timpo]

I heard some ER doctors make $500,000+ mark.
Cosmetic surgeons make quite a bit too.

[Timpo]

oh, and that article is piece of shit.

it's too far from accurate.

[bing]

i like how the median is at 34,000 a year... wow damn... just like in school, at least i can say i am above avg LOL... but seriously...

the other numbers just seems... wrong

Yup.. according to this chart, at least 1 out of every 2 people in Canada makes under 30k. Also, 100k+ incomes are rarer as a percentage of the population, which adds to the point others have made on this forum.

http://s22.postimg.org/5xo3h8s4x/taxrate.jpg

[Everymans]

I thought school teachers make a lot less then 60k a year. Somewhere in the 30-40k when I was looking for estimates on a salary website. If they make that much for 9 months of work then why all the protesting?

[4444]

pretty sure those are net, pre-tax figures.

Yeah blue book is gross...it's what's billed to MSP so doesnt take into overhead.

Gross is before tax

Net is after tax

These will be gross as everyone's exact tax bill differs - analysis is always done pre tax for that basis

[4444]

I thought school teachers make a lot less then 60k a year. Somewhere in the 30-40k when I was looking for estimates on a salary website. If they make that much for 9 months of work then why all the protesting?

Depends on level of education and years experience.

With masters degree and some years of experience, looking at 80k, from what I've been told

Teachers here have it very good compared to many other countries

[twitchyzero]

These will be gross as everyone's exact tax bill differs - analysis is always done pre tax for that basis

yes of course... when I said net income I was referring to total income minus overhead (lease, equipments, staff, etc)

[dinosaur]

Also, 100k+ incomes are rarer as a percentage of the population



Don't say that too loud....most of the children on this forum are still under the illusion that 6 figure salaries grow on trees.




Nice table though...i've been looking for one like that :)

[Speed2K]

Depends on level of education and years experience.

With masters degree and some years of experience, looking at 80k, from what I've been told

Teachers here have it very good compared to many other countries

AFAIK, someone can clarify if I am wrong, but teachers start out with a lower income range, but their income goes up each year they teach; so after a few years they have very good income and to top it off they have an excellent pension plan!

[ntan]

Another "calculator" which displays the median income based on Ethnicity, Age, Education, and Gender.

How much money do people just like you make? (online calculator) | Vancouver Sun (http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/09/12/how-much-money-do-people-just-like-you-make-2/)

[Mike Oxbig]

feels type of forecast

[snowball]

AFAIK, someone can clarify if I am wrong, but teachers start out with a lower income range, but their income goes up each year they teach; so after a few years they have very good income and to top it off they have an excellent pension plan!

Teaching Salaries in BC's Metro Region | Make a Future (http://www.makeafuture.ca/career-resources/salary-finder/metro-salary-finder/)

It is all public information, most teachers are category 5

[!Nhan]

just going to put this out there

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/legislation/pdf/bluebook2012.pdf

MFW my GP makes 240k and she only works 3 full days and one half day

[Matlock]

I know electricians who are making $100k+, hell my dad is a technologist and he's been making $150k plus overtime for the past 25 years. Not really sure if this list is that accurate.

I wish I could make that much...
I am below the average with 10 years under my belt.

It's probably an average between the higher paid guys and lower paid guys (me)

[MoBettah]

Don't say that too loud....most of the children on this forum are still under the illusion that 6 figure salaries grow on trees.


They do.

You just gotta go where those trees are growing.

[Tapioca]

They do.

You just gotta go where those trees are growing.

Let's see:

Pharmacists - 80-90K
Manager at a Big-4 - same as above
Lawyer with a few years under his/her belt - same as above
EITs with a few years of experience - ditto (more for P.Engs)
Random project/program manager with some Crown corporation or some level of government - 70-80K

So, while these professions don't make six figures, they are close enough to be easily achievable to anyone with any sort of work ethic, the ability to network, and a bit of luck (which is what everyone needs).

[ntan]

Let's see:

Pharmacists - 80-90K
Manager at a Big-4 - same as above
Lawyer with a few years under his/her belt - same as above
EITs with a few years of experience - ditto (more for P.Engs)
Random project/program manager with some Crown corporation or some level of government - 70-80K

So, while these professions don't make six figures, they are close enough to be easily achievable to anyone with any sort of work ethic, the ability to network, and a bit of luck (which is what everyone needs).

If only it was as easy as work ethic, networking, and luck...

[Tapioca]

If only it was as easy as work ethic, networking, and luck...

I see Pharmacy as one of the easiest high-paying professions to get into. By easy, I mean, you don't really have to do much other than finish the prerequisites at an above-average rate, study once you get into the program, and pass your exams. You may not get a job in Vancouver right away anymore, but basically, you could work anywhere in the province and start at 70-80K. Not really that hard, particularly for the typical student who lives at home and does not need to support him/herself.

Becoming an engineer definitely requires discipline and a work ethic, but if you have the skill set (math, physics, etc.), you really just need to put in the time, and get a few co-ops under your belt.

Most law students do end up finding work at a firm after they get called up to the bar. You have to put in the time and eventually be good at what you do, but again, it's not really that hard if you do those things. I work with many former lawyers and the reason why they're former lawyers is because they couldn't really cut it in the law world. However, they still make very good money doing what they do. A legal education can take you places if you know how to network and sell yourself.

If you're studying to be an accountant, you just need to impress when the firms come to the schools to do their recruiting. If they like you, they'll take you on and you'll work for like a dog for one. But, if you're good and know how to play the game, you'll get your designation paid for and you'll become a manager in 4-5 years. I have several friends who have gone down this route.

[TatsuyaKataoka]

With the recent news of temporary foreign workers, outsourcing and unpaid interns in the tech industry, I would have expected the salary for software engineers and designers to be a lot lower...maybe 65-70k.

Depends on level of education and years experience.

With masters degree and some years of experience, looking at 80k, from what I've been told


Sounds about right. My calculus instructor at Douglas has a MSc and makes about $86k plus expenses.

[MindBomber]

They do.

You just gotta go where those trees are growing.

The North has high paying positions, but the simple labour positions are becoming notoriously difficult to secure. I know only a select few successful pursuants, and their opportunities were all granted by well-placed friends, not beating the street like average paying positions.

[meme405]

The North has high paying positions, but the simple labour positions are becoming notoriously difficult to secure. I know only a select few successful pursuants, and their opportunities were all granted by well-placed friends, not beating the street like average paying positions.

Thats why you go to BCIT for two years, get a civil or mechanical engineering diploma.

Then apply to AMEC/Fluor/Cenovus/etc. and go make 120K a year

Obviously any entry level position offering 26 bucks an hour base with 6 hours at overtime a day is going to attract every low life and his brother to apply.

But if you put in just two years and have the right attitude of putting work ahead of personal life for a few years you can secure those high paying northern jobs easy.

[LC21]

Thats why you go to BCIT for two years, get a civil or mechanical engineering diploma.

Then apply to AMEC/Fluor/Cenovus/etc. and go make 120K a year

Obviously any entry level position offering 26 bucks an hour base with 6 hours at overtime a day is going to attract every low life and his brother to apply.

But if you put in just two years and have the right attitude of putting work ahead of personal life for a few years you can secure those high paying northern jobs easy.

Why dont you go be a civil engineer?
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[Tapioca]

Thats why you go to BCIT for two years, get a civil or mechanical engineering diploma.

Then apply to AMEC/Fluor/Cenovus/etc. and go make 120K a year

Obviously any entry level position offering 26 bucks an hour base with 6 hours at overtime a day is going to attract every low life and his brother to apply.

But if you put in just two years and have the right attitude of putting work ahead of personal life for a few years you can secure those high paying northern jobs easy.

AMEC doesn't hire BCIT grads; I think you'll need full university degrees in engineering for them. EITs get paid 50ish to 70ish.

[soymilk]

AMEC doesn't hire BCIT grads; I think you'll need full university degrees in engineering for them. EITs get paid 50ish to 70ish.

Pretty ignorant of you to say that. Do you know this as a fact?

[MindBomber]

Thats why you go to BCIT for two years, get a civil or mechanical engineering diploma.

Then apply to AMEC/Fluor/Cenovus/etc. and go make 120K a year

Obviously any entry level position offering 26 bucks an hour base with 6 hours at overtime a day is going to attract every low life and his brother to apply.

But if you put in just two years and have the right attitude of putting work ahead of personal life for a few years you can secure those high paying northern jobs easy.

Your premise is not consequent to the chain of posts. The argument's that $100k+ positions do not "grow on trees," whether in Northern BC, Northern AB, or NWT, not whether with lengthy training one may or may not secure one. A civil or mechanical engineering diploma, of course, may be a very viable career path for certain people.

[Majestic12]

It's because there are many different areas of law. That figure is low for an associate in downtown Vancouver who's been practicing for a bit at a midsize to large full service or corporate law firm. For lawyers that work at smaller firms in the suburbs that salary is quite good.

I think the perception is sort of skewed. Some of the richest lawyers I know run and practice in small firms (both in downtown or out). I think incomes are more dependent on practice area than the size of the firm. But... big shot lawyer at a large firm has more sex appeal, especially in movies, tv, public eye, etc.

[Tapioca]

Pretty ignorant of you to say that. Do you know this as a fact?

My first statement was probably a stretch (I tend to make generalizations), but I'm confident that the second is fact.

[drunkrussian]

Musician, 15k a year? How is it possible that one lives?
yeah especially since this is household income. if you're a broke-ass musician bunking with 3 others does that household income get counted? if u make 15k off music and the other 30k working full-time as a waiter, does that get counted?

[meme405]

Why dont you go be a civil engineer?
Posted via RS Mobile

I am a BCIT Grad, while not from civil engineering, i went for another program. I am in my final year in a B-Tech program at BCIT. BCIT is the best possible decision I could have made, I know people who graduated from both u-vic and UBC who then came and joined my program at BCIT. Simply because the industry recognizes BCIT so well.

AMEC doesn't hire BCIT grads; I think you'll need full university degrees in engineering for them. EITs get paid 50ish to 70ish.

I worked for AMEC after graduating from a BCIT diploma program. Not saying you are wrong, but believe me I was not the only BCIT grad working at AMEC, nor was BCIT the only school represented within the company. Also EITs get paid 50-70K as a base salary, but if you move up north upwards of 40% of your hours become overtime (My overtime/standard time split became about more that 45% OT and about 10% DT pay, the rest was ST). therefore this number balloons to well over 120K.

Your premise is not consequent to the chain of posts. The argument's that $100k+ positions do not "grow on trees," whether in Northern BC, Northern AB, or NWT, not whether with lengthy training one may or may not secure one. A civil or mechanical engineering diploma, of course, may be a very viable career path for certain people.

This is true, but you mentioned that it was hard to secure some of those positions, I simply wanted to point out that, yes it is hard to secure an entry level position such as a labourer, but once you put in some time and do a little bit of school, it becomes easy to secure these types of positions. Again it all comes down to willingness to put the job ahead of yourself for a bit. The reason these jobs pay so well, is because it is tough working 20 or 30 days in a row 12-16 hours a day. Its tough not seeing family and friends (although you make many new friends on site) for 20 or 30 days at a time. The jobs are stressful, these contracts are worth 100's of millions of dollars. I just wrapped up on a 1.5 billion dollar mine site, with that much money at stake there is a lot of work that needs to be done and a lot of stuff that can go wrong. So with these jobs being so tough, many people quit very quickly, or many people have families and can't go, thats why they have to pay so much to get people to go to the middle of nowhere and work their asses off in the freezing cold.

[meowjinboo]

Thats why you go to BCIT for two years, get a civil or mechanical engineering diploma.

Then apply to AMEC/Fluor/Cenovus/etc. and go make 120K a year

Obviously any entry level position offering 26 bucks an hour base with 6 hours at overtime a day is going to attract every low life and his brother to apply.

But if you put in just two years and have the right attitude of putting work ahead of personal life for a few years you can secure those high paying northern jobs easy.

I thought I might as well add my 2 sense since I just moved to calgary to persue a career in oil and gas.

First of all in Calgary most jobs here will pay minimum 14 (thats what mcdonalds pay) and most construction jobs here will pay 20-25 an hour for unskilled labour.

Now if you want to move out of calgary this is where it becomes difficult.

First of all there are recruiters everywhere and they NEED experienced labourers. These positions eventually lead to skilled positions but you gotta do the grunt work first.

I have friends who work as engineers for several companies here and if you make it out of the first rotation on a rig odds are you are not returning as an roughneck but as something more advanced.

Also there are jobs everywhere in every type of positions. The problem is alot of people are not trying their best to get these jobs.

I came out here with my h2s ticket only. Now I have my standard first aid, fall protection, CSTS-09 (no job site will let you on without this) confined spaces and ground disturbance.

Ever since I got all these certificates I've been getting interviews non-stop. Including the fact that I come from a labour background and a great resume it's so much easier to get a job.

The jobs are here. They just don't want to take risks on shitty employees anymore.

it's probably why there are so many fucking chain resteraunts here. They need to bring in those 3rd world labour to work them because it's difficult to run a small ma and pa shop.

If you work in healthcare though... I suggest you come out here. My friend whos a RT just got a 9-5 making 120k a year base without the insane overtime. In Vancouver this same position is 24-28 an hour.

[meme405]

If you work in healthcare though... I suggest you come out here. My friend whos a RT just got a 9-5 making 120k a year base without the insane overtime. In Vancouver this same position is 24-28 an hour.

RT as in radiography?

Those guys make a killing consistently in and out of sites, all expenses paid for, lots of OT once your on site, and overall a pretty easy job once you know what you are doing. It is very specialized work though.

I have had Accuren Testing on our sites in the past to X-Ray welds and such. Their rates are astronomical, but they are the biggest radiography company in the world. I dont know any sites they dont go to...

[jasonturbo]

I'm surprised this thread hasn't died yet.

First of all, How much are Canadian doctors paid? - The Globe and Mail (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/how-much-are-canadian-doctors-paid/article7750697/)

Practically, that means Canadian doctors have an average annual income (before taxes) of a little more than $225,000.

I do believe the numbers in this thread are not accurate for most positions, especially Lawyer, Doctor, and Server... I've dated enough servers that I can honestly say they make at least 45k/year, much of which will never be claimed. (Obvious reason why the number in this thread is so low)

With regards to these comments about working in Northern AB and BC, EIT's get paid like shit, unless you are very lucky to land "the right job". Are there EIT's making 120k/year? Sure there is, but the majority of the ones we have hired would be lucky to break the 100k mark working 14/7shift all year, and that's optimistic. Amec,Fluor, IMV, Worley Parsons, etc will all hire EIT's provided they have the position to fill, but they pay like shit for the most part, you will usually make better money as an EIT working for a construction contractor. CET's also get paid like shit.

Many engineers are also paid like shit, because non English people who obtain their designation will work for half as much money as someone who is able to communicate with perfect English. For the most part many of them are happy to take 1/2 the money, it still works out to a better quality of life than whatever they had "back home". There is definitely an "immigrant" tax on foreign educated engineers, unless you are from the UK. (Or so it seems)

Who in Northern AB and BC makes good money? (IMO)
- RT2 or UT2 NDT techs
- API Inspectors
- CWB Level 2+ Welding Inspectors
- NACE CIP Level 2+ Inspectors
- Rig welders (pressure pipe)
- Superintendents (Which tend to be life long laborers and operators lol)
- Construction Managers (Think of them as SUPER superintendents)
- Project Managers (Only a select few, many are CET/P.eng and get paid like shit for what they do.)
- The odd scheduler, planner, and contracts manager.

Everyone on the list above can crack 300k/year, avg. daily pay being in the area of say 900-1400$/day.

I've been working in upstream/downstream oil and gas construction/maintenance for the last 8 years, I have CWB Level 2, Multiple CGSB Level 2's, Nace CIP Level 3, Red Seal Steamfitter/Pipefitter, and a few other random tickets. I've held positions from basic Welding Inspector up to PM on a 50M project. So I tend to believe my opinion is relatively accurate.

Having said all that, nothing wrong with getting your engineering, but I would approach one of two ways;
- 2 year Mechanical Eng. Tech followed by inspection tickets or
- 4 year Mechanical Eng.

If you can afford to spend the 4 years in school, that's obviously the better choice. Though I haven't missed out on any opportunities due to my lack of post secondary, there has been numerous times I should have. If the industry ever falls apart I will go back to school.

Unrelated note about Acuren and NDT in general: Though the rates seem high, consider they have to pay for the equipment, housing, etc for the techs and on "call out" work they are usually required to pay the techs 5 hours per day even if they don't work. Meanwhile they need to balance the workload with personnel which is very tricky as most people call the day before they need techs. Because of this the NDT company always has too many people, or not enough, and that switches every other day. The amount of money they spend just to house and keep guys sitting for when it gets busy really cuts into the bottom line. Managing an NDT office in Ft. Mac is a complete nightmare, dispatching is even worse.

[melloman]

[QUOTE=meme405;8320646
I worked for AMEC after graduating from a BCIT diploma program. Not saying you are wrong, but believe me I was not the only BCIT grad working at AMEC, nor was BCIT the only school represented within the company. Also EITs get paid 50-70K as a base salary, but if you move up north upwards of 40% of your hours become overtime (My overtime/standard time split became about more that 45% OT and about 10% DT pay, the rest was ST). therefore this number balloons to well over 120K.[/QUOTE]

Quick couple of questions but...

A. I'm assuming you graduated from an engineering diploma.
B. Did you independently go to AMEC and apply or did you get a reference from your teacher and get an interview scheduled?
C. In what department did you get hired?
D. When did all this happen? Pre-2008 or post?

I only ask these questions just because, you say it's easy to get work. Yet it definitely depends on what schooling you took, who you know, and when you got in.

I'm in the engineering field. And I have abunch of classmates who have had to go back to school because these days, everyone and their grandmother is looking for people with experience. Entry level positions locally are slim to none and you can't get experience without one.

[meme405]

Quick couple of questions but...

A. I'm assuming you graduated from an engineering diploma.
B. Did you independently go to AMEC and apply or did you get a reference from your teacher and get an interview scheduled?
C. In what department did you get hired?
D. When did all this happen? Pre-2008 or post?

I only ask these questions just because, you say it's easy to get work. Yet it definitely depends on what schooling you took, who you know, and when you got in.

I'm in the engineering field. And I have abunch of classmates who have had to go back to school because these days, everyone and their grandmother is looking for people with experience. Entry level positions locally are slim to none and you can't get experience without one.

Pm'ed as I dont want my entire life on the internet.

[DC5-S]

My uncle made about 1.5mil last year as a neurosurgeon in Vancouver
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[Vulture]

lol @ my high school teacher used to always complain about how little he made. now i know hes just greedy

[quasi]

lol @ my high school teacher used to always complain about how little he made. now i know hes just greedy

Why would he bitch to students? That would be like me bitching to my clients if I think I'm underpaid by the company I work for. Unprofessional Dbag.

[parm104]

My uncle made about 1.5mil last year as a neurosurgeon in Vancouver
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Buddy on RevScene made that flippin houses....so nbd...

[pastarocket]

This list is not comprehensive by any means. What about the salaries of the some of the best professional athletes in B.C?

Heck, the salaries of the Canucks players like Sedins, Kesler, and Lu are much higher than any occupation on this list.

[DC5-S]

This list is not comprehensive by any means. What about the salaries of the some of the best professional athletes in B.C?

Heck, the salaries of the Canucks players like Sedins, Kesler, and Lu are much higher than any occupation on this list.

We are talking about reality here.
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[dinosaur]

nvm

[Iceman-19]

Jasonturbo also forgot to mention HD mechanics, who can easily make upwards of 300k a year up north. I have a buddy with 2 trucks, one double shifting for him with 2 mechs running it, hes making 650k+ a year, and hes.....27?

[Verdasco]

This list is not comprehensive by any means. What about the salaries of the some of the best professional athletes in B.C?

Heck, the salaries of the Canucks players like Sedins, Kesler, and Lu are much higher than any occupation on this list.

LOL Professional Athletes? Okay, find me one person in Revscene who is talented enough to be in any TOP professional team :facepalm:

even you should apply for manchester football club, I am sure you can go to school and get a degree for that..... O wait, you have to be born with talent, which you do not have!

[belka]

Jasonturbo also forgot to mention HD mechanics, who can easily make upwards of 300k a year up north. I have a buddy with 2 trucks, one double shifting for him with 2 mechs running it, hes making 650k+ a year, and hes.....27?

Those guys also work like slaves and have no other lives than work, just to maintain those salaries. Money is nice but not everything.

[Iceman-19]

Those guys also work like slaves and have no other lives than work, just to maintain those salaries. Money is nice but not everything.

If by regular shift work like any of the other jobs listed, as slave work. Sure. Having worked beside lots of them, definitely not like slaves. $1500+ a day is not slave labour pay.

[meme405]

If by regular shift work like any of the other jobs listed, as slave work. Sure. Having worked beside lots of them, definitely not like slaves. $1500+ a day is not slave labour pay.

I am with you, nothing about someone working hard and making lots of money makes that "slave labour".

We just so happen to prefer working 3 or 4 weeks in a row then having 1 or 2 weeks off in a row. Sure during those 3 weeks we work 11-16 hours a day but thats what we are there to do, WORK.

And besides you came into a thread about highest paid positions in BC expecting that the top jobs were going to be walks in the park?

Sorry but last time I checked waking up at noon and sitting on your ass playing video games paid absolutely nothing.

:gtfo:

[twitchyzero]

once you are past the 6 figure mark...is it even worth it? 30% is going to CRA

i'd say the good occupation/professions are the ones where you get to choose how many days you work...which probably means you lose out on the benefits though

[cho]

"Restaurant and food service managers - $38,424"

i wish i made at least that :okay:

[soymilk]

"Restaurant and food service managers - $38,424"

i wish i made at least that :okay:

Time to leave man!!! you said you were..

[Iceman-19]

I am with you, nothing about someone working hard and making lots of money makes that "slave labour".

We just so happen to prefer working 3 or 4 weeks in a row then having 1 or 2 weeks off in a row. Sure during those 3 weeks we work 11-16 hours a day but thats what we are there to do, WORK.

And besides you came into a thread about highest paid positions in BC expecting that the top jobs were going to be walks in the park?

Sorry but last time I checked waking up at noon and sitting on your ass playing video games paid absolutely nothing.

:gtfo:

Might be misunderstanding, but are you directing the end of that post towards me? I have spent several years working in the Fort Mac area....working outside, not some warm desk job.

[belka]

We just so happen to prefer working 3 or 4 weeks in a row then having 1 or 2 weeks off in a row. Sure during those 3 weeks we work 11-16 hours a day but thats what we are there to do, WORK.

Work 3-4 weeks in a row, 11-16 hours a day? Sounds brutal and why I refereed it to slave work. I'd say I'm pretty fit but that would be absolutely exhausting work and would take a toll on the body over time. There is a reason why the turnover rate is so high in the oil industry....not for everyone. Once they realize that the money isn't worth it they gtfo asap.

[gdoh]

I have decided to go back to school and im in my first semester of bba accounting, but i'm thinking of switching to economy as my major instead of accounting. Is this a wise choice? opinions?

[Marshall Placid]

I have decided to go back to school and im in my first semester of bba accounting, but i'm thinking of switching to economy as my major instead of accounting. Is this a wise choice? opinions?

My opinion: stick with accounting.

Higher probability of getting a decent job when you graduate and get certified.

[iPee]

I have decided to go back to school and im in my first semester of bba accounting, but i'm thinking of switching to economy as my major instead of accounting. Is this a wise choice? opinions?

What is your reason for switching?

For job purposes I'd say stick with accounting, general more jobs around and it is a bit more practical. If you really like economics as well why not do a double major or do a minor in it?

For me I started in economics and went to the UBC DAP to pursue accounting afterwards. To compare the two economics teaches you a method of thinking and analyzing, while accounting focuses a bit more on technical skills.

[gdoh]

money is the motive

[Port Man]

once you are past the 6 figure mark...is it even worth it? 30% is going to CRA

i'd say the good occupation/professions are the ones where you get to choose how many days you work...which probably means you lose out on the benefits though

A relative of mine works up North with his own company... less than 15% on close to 200k. There is a lot of operating costs which give him a break on taxes. Its not like you're pocketing 150 grand

[melloman]

^^ Fair enough but what I think he meant was..

Getting paid tons but barely working.

Ex: My doctor works Monday, Tuesday, Wed from 9am-1pm. Thursday & Friday from 8am-5pm. She also takes about 8 weeks/year vacation.
Yet she gets paid $169k annually. :fulloffuck:

[gars]

^^ Fair enough but what I think he meant was..

Getting paid tons but barely working.

Ex: My doctor works Monday, Tuesday, Wed from 9am-1pm. Thursday & Friday from 8am-5pm. She also takes about 8 weeks/year vacation.
Yet she gets paid $169k annually. :fulloffuck:

She went to school for 4 years for an undergrad, 4 years of medical school, plus at least a year of residence. Her office is open for those hours, plus she probably stays later filling in charts so she can record down her patient history.

169k annual is what the BC Gov't pays her. It does not include deductions for her overhead, which will include the rent from the office, purchasing/leasing of her equipment, all her supplies, plus salaries for her receptionist, etc. She is paid per visit - so any vacation she does take - she isn't paid... If she decides to see less patients, she will get paid less.

I don't think it's a lot. My sister is a resident right now - and I have a few good friends who are either in Medical School or residents themselves. I have seen firsthand how much work they put in, starting in Undergrad, to all the late hours in Medical School, to all the 80 hour weeks they put in as a resident. I don't think 156k is a lot - since they worked so hard to get to where they are right now.

Not saying that every family doctor out there is a saint, but I definitely don't think Doctors are overpaid.

[Tapioca]

^^ Fair enough but what I think he meant was..

Getting paid tons but barely working.

Ex: My doctor works Monday, Tuesday, Wed from 9am-1pm. Thursday & Friday from 8am-5pm. She also takes about 8 weeks/year vacation.
Yet she gets paid $169k annually. :fulloffuck:

If being a doctor is a quick way to becoming rich, why didn't you become one instead of doing what you're doing now - being overworked, underpaid, and overtaxed?

People are usually paid what they're worth, aside from people who do menial work (in my opinion, people who work in retail and the like are underpaid).

We all know people who make 2-3 times as much as we do, yet how much do we complain in person? It's easy to complain on the internet when you don't have to be accountable for your accusations to someone in person. There are always outliers (people who are lucky), but the majority of people have to work their butts off, or work in dangerous/lousy conditions to make good money.
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[meme405]

Might be misunderstanding, but are you directing the end of that post towards me? I have spent several years working in the Fort Mac area....working outside, not some warm desk job.

No sorry I agree with you 100% the last bit was for Belka.

Work 3-4 weeks in a row, 11-16 hours a day? Sounds brutal and why I refereed it to slave work. I'd say I'm pretty fit but that would be absolutely exhausting work and would take a toll on the body over time. There is a reason why the turnover rate is so high in the oil industry....not for everyone. Once they realize that the money isn't worth it they gtfo asap.

Sure its not something everyone continues to do through their entire lives (some people do though). But when you are first out of college, and you have no family to take care of and you need the money, its an easy place to go and make 200k a year.

Hell if you do well and apply yourself you can get on a shutdown crew, work shutdowns which can be 24hrs on 24hrs off for 1 week, then go take a month off cause you just made 10 grand in a week.

My point was that you came into a thread specifically about making a lot of money and basically posted that you would rather sit on your ass and jerk it rather than go make something of yourself. And then you called people who are out there making money "slaves". As stated earlier:

:gtfo:

[belka]

My point was that you came into a thread specifically about making a lot of money and basically posted that you would rather sit on your ass and jerk it rather than go make something of yourself.

Like I said, I'd rather work smarter than harder. If you need 200k/year and stupid work hours to feel accomplished then feel free to work up north. I might put in 20-25hours of actual work in a week, but I still make a reasonable 70k/year with full benefits. The oil industry allows stupid people to make a lot of money in a short amount of time. I'm not knocking it as its essential to our economy, but don't act like its some sort of fucking benchmark to be measured up to.

[sdubfid]

I work 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. About 2184 hours a year, 104 of that is double time. 40 hours a week is 2080 hours. 26 weeks of holidays a year isn't bad for being stupid.

[Z3guy]

^^ Fair enough but what I think he meant was..

Getting paid tons but barely working.

Ex: My doctor works Monday, Tuesday, Wed from 9am-1pm. Thursday & Friday from 8am-5pm. She also takes about 8 weeks/year vacation.
Yet she gets paid $169k annually. :fulloffuck:
Are you sure those are not just office hrs? Some doctors like mine, work at the hospital as well. Also research hrs.....

[Z3guy]

If you want to make $200k+ without going to school for 8yrs+, I am surprised no one talks about professional selling. I am talking about sales for med to big size companies base + bonus or commission....I friend I use to work with sells boring ass dental picks to dental offices, makes $200k. Downside, has travel allot

[Tapioca]

If you want to make $200k+ without going to school for 8yrs+, I am surprised no one talks about professional selling. I am talking about sales for med to big size companies base + bonus or commission....I friend I use to work with sells boring ass dental picks to dental offices, makes $200k. Downside, has travel allot

Sales requires people skills and surprisingly, a lot of people don't have sufficient people skills. It's easy if you are a charmer, but the majority of people do not have the combination of charisma, relationship-building (and dare I say it, looks) to sell well.

I would say it's probably easier to work in the oil patch in cold weather busting your ass than selling stuff.

[meowjinboo]

The oil industry allows stupid people to make a lot of money in a short amount of time..

The stereotypes...

[jasonturbo]

The oil industry allows stupid people to make a lot of money in a short amount of time.

The stereotypes...

Well he is somewhat correct in saying that, with the following exception;

Labourers (I'm using them as my "stupid people") make an avg. of say 24$/hr, working 10 hours per day, on a 14/7 rotation. Using these values you can work this out to being an approximate gross income of $3,700 for every 21 day period, or $62,832 annually. That is probably on the high side, as most labourers also get 1-2 weeks off just for Xmas, and will likely have some extra vacation days due to court dates etc.

So it's really not "a lot of money" for most people, if anything it's "not bad" money.

I don't care what anyone says, 70k salary sucks, it was acceptable compensation 15 years ago - before housing prices went to the moon.

[Tapioca]

I don't care what anyone says, 70k salary sucks, it was acceptable compensation 15 years ago - before housing prices went to the moon.

Any talk of salary should also include discussions about your benefits package too. Most people under 30 are relatively healthy, but once you hit 40, your body starts to slow down and you start needing things like physio appointments. RRSP plans, or perhaps a pension, are no-brainers. And of course, you need things like parental leave if you want to raise a family.

70K cash is not great, but if you have a company RRSP plan, medical benefits, parental leave, etc., it doesn't become so bad. If you and your partner make 70K each with full benefits and RRSP plans, then 140K is a pretty decent amount to live a middle-class life even in an expensive city like Vancouver. You may be renters though.

70K is a great if you're a single guy (and plan to stay that way), outgoing, and willing to move to where the work is on a moment's notice. You can definitely enjoy what Vancouver has to offer (the outdoors and your requisite nights out at Gastown bars, wine tasting events, etc.) with a Euro sports sedan in tow.

[meme405]

Any talk of salary should also include discussions about your benefits package too. Most people under 30 are relatively healthy, but once you hit 40, your body starts to slow down and you start needing things like physio appointments. RRSP plans, or perhaps a pension, are no-brainers. And of course, you need things like parental leave if you want to raise a family.

70K cash is not great, but if you have a company RRSP plan, medical benefits, parental leave, etc., it doesn't become so bad. If you and your partner make 70K each with full benefits and RRSP plans, then 140K is a pretty decent amount to live a middle-class life even in an expensive city like Vancouver. You may be renters though.

70K is a great if you're a single guy (and plan to stay that way), outgoing, and willing to move to where the work is on a moment's notice. You can definitely enjoy what Vancouver has to offer (the outdoors and your requisite nights out at Gastown bars, wine tasting events, etc.) with a Euro sports sedan in tow.

You do realize that people who work in the oil patch get health benefits and retirement packages too right?

[twitchyzero]

If you and your partner make 70K each with full benefits and RRSP plans, then 140K is a pretty decent amount to live a middle-class life even in an expensive city like Vancouver. You may be renters though.


140k household income with dual benefits and renting? :suspicious:
may be in the first few years

[belka]

I don't care what anyone says, 70k salary sucks, it was acceptable compensation 15 years ago - before housing prices went to the moon.

70k a person is still way above the national average of 38k. It all depends on where you live, how much food costs, etc, etc. I wouldn't want to live in Vancouver on a 70k salary, it doesn't leave you much for everything else.

The stereotypes...

I see it first hand, kids driving around in massive jacked up trucks. They aren't the brightest bulbs in the box, but because they can weld two pieces of metal together they earn 150k/year. Meanwhile you have some engineers, doctors etc in Vancouver who are lucky to make that much. You think that's fair? In any case, I'm glad for the oil sector, it keeps a lot of these kids off welfare and gives them a job. The salaries, IMO, are overly inflated but that's the way it is. For now.

[dinosaur]

140k household income with dual benefits and renting? :suspicious:
may be in the first few years

Not everyone wants to piss their money away on a 550 sq. ft shoe box for $600k.

Nothing wrong with renting....more people should do it.

[Tapioca]

140k household income with dual benefits and renting? :suspicious:
may be in the first few years

Net income for two is probably around 7200/month. Renting a townhouse in an inner suburb probably costs around 2000-2500/month. The couple will have around 4500 to feed themselves (500 per person), pay off exising debts (perhaps 1 may have an MBA or something), investments (10%), insuring and maintaining 2 cars (1000 per month), and for other miscellaneous expenses. If the couple has kids, kids will take up the remainder of the miscellaneous expenses.
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[EliteResearcher]

Good thread