10 High-Paying Jobs in Canada Without a Degree

Today, you don’t need a university degree to get a good, high-paying job. While school is still important, Canada’s job market now focuses more on real skills, hands-on experience, and job-related certificates. Many employers now look at what you can do, not just your school background. This gives more people a chance to find good jobs, even if they didn’t go to university.

This change shows how the job market is shifting. Fields like skilled trades, aviation, technology, and media now value people who have strong skills, can adapt, and are always learning. With the right training, hard work, and experience, anyone can build a career that brings steady income, future growth, and job satisfaction.

This article presents ten high-paying jobs in Canada that do not require a university degree. 

The Top 10 High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree

Here are ten high-paying jobs in Canada that don’t require a university degree. These careers offer good pay, easy ways to get started, and chances to grow over time if you build the right skills and keep learning.

Construction Manager

Construction managers plan, coordinate, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. They ensure projects stay on budget, meet deadlines, and comply with building codes and safety regulations.

Average Salary (CAD)

$95,000 – $120,000 per year

Required Skills or Certifications

• Project management skills
• Construction safety certification (e.g., WHMIS, COR)
• Experience in construction trades
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is an asset
  

Career Path / How to Get Started

Start in entry-level construction roles or apprenticeships. Gain supervisory experience and pursue project management training. Over time, transition into management roles through demonstrated leadership and results.

Executive Assistant

Executive assistants support senior executives by managing schedules, communications, and logistics. They serve as trusted gatekeepers, helping executives operate efficiently.

Average Salary (CAD)

$60,000 – $80,000 per year

Required Skills or Certifications

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Proficiency in office software
• Time management and discretion
• Administrative training or certifications (e.g., CAP)

Career Path / How to Get Started

Begin with administrative or office assistant roles. Develop a professional reputation for reliability, attention to detail, and effective communication. Specialize in supporting executives or managing larger administrative operations.

Commercial Pilot

Commercial pilots operate aircraft for passenger, cargo, or charter flights. They follow strict safety procedures and must be proficient in navigation and aviation regulations.

Average Salary (CAD)

$75,000 – $120,000 per year

Required Skills or Certifications

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Flight training hours
• Medical certification
• Communication and problem-solving skills

Career Path / How to Get Started

Enroll in an accredited flight school. Accumulate the required flight hours and earn your CPL. Apply for entry-level pilot roles with regional carriers or charter companies.

Plumber

Plumbers install and repair piping systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They ensure a safe and functional water supply and waste systems.

Average Salary (CAD)

$60,000 – $90,000 per year

Required Skills or Certifications

• Red Seal certification or provincial trade license
• Knowledge of plumbing codes
• Manual dexterity and troubleshooting skills
  

Career Path / How to Get Started

Complete a plumbing apprenticeship program. Register as an apprentice with a licensed plumber or trade school. After meeting the required hours and exams, become a certified journeyperson.

Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, buildings, and industrial facilities. Their work supports safe and efficient energy use.

Average Salary (CAD)

$65,000 – $95,000 per year

Required Skills or Certifications

• Red Seal or provincial certification
• Electrical code knowledge
• Problem-solving and mechanical aptitude
  

Career Path / How to Get Started

Join an electrician apprenticeship program. Complete the required work hours and in-class training. Write the certification exam and gain experience across residential, commercial, or industrial sectors.

Web Developer

Web developers design and build websites and web applications. They work with programming languages, frameworks, and tools to create functional and visually appealing online platforms.

Average Salary (CAD)

$60,000 – $100,000 per year

Required Skills or Certifications

• HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and back-end languages
• UX/UI design knowledge
• Portfolio of development projects
• Optional certifications (e.g., Google, Microsoft)
  

Career Path / How to Get Started

Learn to code through online courses, bootcamps, or self-study. Build a portfolio with real or sample projects. Seek freelance or junior web development roles to gain practical experience.

Sales Representative

Sales representatives sell products or services to businesses or consumers. They develop relationships, identify customer needs, and close deals to generate revenue.

Average Salary (CAD)

$55,000 – $100,000+ per year (often with commission)

Required Skills or Certifications

• Communication and negotiation skills
• Product knowledge
• CRM software proficiency
• Sales training (optional)
  

Career Path / How to Get Started

Begin with entry-level sales roles in retail or business-to-business environments. Build a track record of performance. Specialize in high-demand industries like tech, pharmaceuticals, or finance.

Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers direct aircraft safely through controlled airspace and coordinate takeoffs and landings. The role requires precision, quick decision-making, and adherence to strict safety standards.

Average Salary (CAD)

$90,000 – $140,000 per year

Required Skills or Certifications:

• Completion of NAV Canada training program
• Strong spatial awareness
• Multitasking and stress management skills
• Security clearance
  

Career Path / How to Get Started

Apply to NAV Canada’s training program. Pass aptitude tests and complete intensive training. Upon certification, begin work at control towers or area control centers.

Oil and Gas Driller

Drillers operate machinery used in oil and gas extraction. They manage rig equipment, monitor drilling progress, and ensure adherence to safety and environmental guidelines.

Average Salary (CAD)

$70,000 – $110,000 per year

Required Skills or Certifications

• On-the-job training or vocational courses
• Mechanical skills
• H2S Alive and other safety certifications

Career Path / How to Get Started

Enter the industry through roughneck or laborer positions. Gain experience on drilling rigs and complete relevant safety training. Advance to driller or supervisory roles through performance and training.

Film and Television Producer

Producers oversee all aspects of a film or television project, including budgeting, scheduling, hiring, and post-production. They bring creative visions to life while managing logistics and teams.

Average Salary (CAD)

$60,000 – $120,000+ per year

Required Skills or Certifications

• Project management and budgeting
• Story development and script analysis
• Industry knowledge and networking
• Optional courses in film production
  

Career Path / How to Get Started

Gain experience through internships, assistant roles, or independent productions. Build a network within the film and TV industry. Develop and pitch your projects to production companies or funders.

Benefits of Pursuing These Careers

Picking a high-paying job that doesn’t require a university degree comes with many strong benefits. These include more than just good pay,  they also lead to long-term job satisfaction, steady work, and flexible career options.

Financial Independence Without Student Debt

Many of these jobs let people start earning good money early in their careers. Unlike university programs that take years and cost a lot, these roles often need only short training, apprenticeships, or certificates. This means you can skip student debt and become financially independent faster. Starting earlier also gives you more time to save, invest, or even start your own business.

Skill-Based Advancement and Job Security

These careers value hands-on experience, special training, and proven skills. Moving up depends on how well you perform, not on your school degrees. This fair system gives clear chances for promotions, more responsibility, and higher pay. Many of these jobs are in important fields like construction, transportation, energy, and technology, which are in high demand across Canada. This demand means better job security, especially for those who keep their skills and certifications up to date.

Flexibility in Career Paths and Industries

Jobs that don’t require a degree often offer many options and can fit different industries. For example, a skilled tradesperson can work in homes, businesses, or factories. A web developer can move between finance, healthcare, or entertainment. Salespeople and executive assistants can switch fields based on what they like or new opportunities. This flexibility helps people shape their careers to match their goals, interests, or where they live, making work more satisfying and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I earn a high salary without a degree in Canada?

Yes. Many careers in Canada value skills, certifications, and experience over formal academic credentials.

Are these jobs available across Canada?

Yes. While availability may vary by region, many of these careers are in high demand across the country. 

Will I have opportunities for advancement without a degree?

Absolutely. These careers often reward performance, reliability, and expertise. Advancing to supervisory, management, or entrepreneurial roles is possible with experience and additional training or certifications.

Are these jobs stable and secure?

Many of the roles listed are in essential industries such as construction, aviation, and technology. These fields typically offer long-term demand and resilience against economic shifts, making them a secure choice for the future.

Conclusion

People who choose these jobs can gain financial independence, enjoy their work, and grow their careers, all without student debt. These jobs reward skill and hard work, offer flexibility in different industries, and make a real difference in the economy and society.