If you’ve ever considered working in one of Canada’s top-tier academic institutions, now might be the time. The University of Toronto, consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities, has recently listed several high-paying job openings — some offering salaries up to $139,000 per year. As the largest university in Canada, U of T employs thousands across a wide range of departments, and this year, its hiring roster includes lucrative roles in IT, health and safety, finance, and more.
Besides competitive pay, working for the University of Toronto carries prestige and access to excellent benefits, including pension plans, extended health care, tuition waivers, and generous vacation allotments. Whether you’re a tech professional, financial analyst, or someone with expertise in workplace health and safety, these jobs open the door to long-term and rewarding career opportunities.
We took a closer look at the top-paying university roles currently accepting applications. Here’s what candidates should know about the positions — and how to land one of them.
Overview of Top-Paying Jobs at the University of Toronto
| Job Title | Department | Salary Range | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Health & Safety Consultant | Environment, Health and Safety | Up to $139,000 | St. George Campus | Hiring |
| Senior Data Analyst | Rotman School of Management | $95,000–$115,000 | Downtown Toronto | Hiring |
| Project Manager – Facilities & Services | Facilities & Services | $85,000–$110,000 | St. George Campus | Hiring |
| Applications Specialist | Information Technology Services | $90,000–$112,000 | Mississauga Campus | Hiring |
| Procurement Officer | Finance Services | $78,000–$95,000 | Scarborough Campus | Hiring |
| HR Systems Specialist | Human Resources | $80,000–$105,000 | Hybrid | Hiring |
What changed this year in U of T’s hiring strategy
The University of Toronto has ramped up hiring to meet the rising demand for modern academic support services, cloud-based IT infrastructure, and evolving student needs. Many roles now require hybrid or remote work capabilities, reflecting broader shifts in workplace expectations post-pandemic.
Positions in digital transformation, analytics, and health and safety have seen increased priority. This strategy is part of the university’s long-term Vision 2030 plan, which includes sustainability targets, better campus integration, and smart communications infrastructure.
“We’re targeting top-tier professionals to help build a digitally robust, sustainable institution for the next decade.”
— Placeholder, Chief Human Resources Officer, U of T
Who qualifies and why it matters
Most of these high-paying roles require a combination of post-secondary education and several years of relevant experience. For example, the Senior Health & Safety Consultant position demands at least 7 years of experience in occupational safety, along with specialized certifications such as CRSP (Canadian Registered Safety Professional).
Similarly, IT-related roles like Applications Specialist and HR Systems Specialist require direct experience with platforms like PeopleSoft, Oracle or SAP, as well as agile project delivery familiarity. Demonstrated teamwork, communication skills, and an inclusive approach to interpersonal collaboration are also essential qualifications.
This focus on experienced candidates highlights U of T’s intention to bring seasoned professionals into mission-critical departments, streamlining internal operations and enhancing student and faculty experience.
Departments making the biggest moves
Among the most active departments hiring in 2024 are:
- Facilities & Services: With multiple infrastructure upgrades underway, this team is seeking experienced project managers and engineers.
- Information Technology Services: Transforming campus systems, ITS is actively looking for analysts, developers, and support specialists.
- Environment, Health and Safety: As campus activities ramp up post-COVID, this department is investing heavily in health and safety compliance professionals.
These departments not only offer high salaries but also long-term contracts and greater leadership opportunities for those with the right experience.
Opportunities for career advancement and perks
Working at the University of Toronto is more than just a job — it can be a career with depth. Employees often benefit from:
- Defined contribution pension plans
- Tuition waivers for employees and sometimes dependents
- Professional development reimbursement policies
- Comprehensive extended health and dental coverage
- Generous vacation and parental leave policies
Positions in management or consulting often provide faster tracks toward internal promotions or broader university advisory roles. The institution also encourages lateral movement across departments for those interested in interdisciplinary growth.
“We’ve seen team members move from IT into administrative strategy roles — interdisciplinary movement here isn’t just welcome, it’s encouraged.”
— Placeholder, Director, Talent Development, U of T
How to apply step-by-step
Here’s what prospective candidates should prepare before submitting applications:
- Update your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight job-specific experiences.
- Write a targeted cover letter: Speak to why you want to work at U of T and how your experience aligns with their mission.
- Collect reference letters: Having these ready gives you an early advantage if selected for interviews.
- Submit through U of T careers portal: All applications go through their centralized job application system.
- Follow-up professionally: If you haven’t heard back within 2–3 weeks, a polite email to HR can go a long way.
Winners and losers among university job seekers
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| IT Professionals with ERP or cloud experience | Entry-level job seekers with no university work background |
| Health and Safety Certified Consultants | Applicants without Canadian certifications |
| Senior Analysts & Project Managers | Candidates applying without tailored applications |
Short FAQs about University of Toronto’s high-paying jobs
What’s the highest salary currently being offered?
The highest advertised role reaches up to $139,000 annually, for the Senior Health & Safety Consultant position.
Do these jobs require university degrees?
Yes, most postings require at least a bachelor’s degree, with some preferring post-graduate credentials or certifications relevant to the field.
Are remote or hybrid options available?
Many roles now include hybrid options, particularly in IT, HR, and finance-related departments.
What kind of benefits does U of T offer?
Employees receive pensions, healthcare, tuition waivers, professional development funding, and generous paid time off.
Is prior university experience necessary?
While not always mandatory, candidates with prior experience in post-secondary environments may have a competitive edge.
What’s the hiring timeline like?
It varies by department, but generally, the process takes 4–6 weeks from application deadline to offer.