When most people think of high-paying careers, they often envision roles that require a university degree, such as doctors, lawyers, or corporate executives. However, that’s far from the whole picture. Many high-paying jobs in Canada don’t require a degree. Instead, they focus on skills, certifications, and experience that you can gain through apprenticeships, specialized training, or self-study.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the highest-paying jobs in Canada that don’t require a university degree. These careers offer not only excellent earning potential but also growth opportunities and job security.

1. Construction Managers

Construction management is a thriving sector, particularly in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Construction managers oversee building projects from start to finish, ensuring everything stays on track, within budget, and meets safety standards.

What You’ll Need: While a degree in construction management can help, many construction managers rise through the ranks, starting as tradespeople or laborers. An apprenticeship and years of experience working in construction can make you eligible for a management role.

Salary: The average salary for a construction manager is about $85,000 per year, but top earners in large cities or specialized sectors can make $120,000 or more annually.

Example: Starting as a construction laborer, you might earn around $20 per hour. Over time, gaining experience and taking on more responsibilities, you could work your way up to a project manager role, making over $100,000 annually.

2. Electricians

Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial buildings. With the ongoing demand for skilled tradespeople, this field continues to grow across Canada.

What You’ll Need: To become a licensed electrician, you must complete an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training and classroom education. Afterward, you’ll need to pass a certification exam.

Salary: The average salary for an electrician in Canada is $70,000 per year, though experienced electricians can earn up to $90,000 or more, especially if they specialize in high-demand areas like industrial work.

Example: An apprentice might earn around $18 to $20 per hour, but after completing the apprenticeship and becoming fully licensed, that rate could rise to $35 to $45 per hour. With experience and specialization, salaries can increase further.

3. Plumbers

Plumbers install and repair pipes and fixtures in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. The ongoing demand for plumbing services makes this field a solid choice for those looking for a stable, well-paying career.

What You’ll Need: Like electricians, plumbers usually complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Afterward, plumbers must become licensed to practice.

Salary: The median annual salary for a plumber is around $65,000, but experienced plumbers can earn $85,000 or more. Specialized plumbers, such as those who work with gas lines or high-tech systems, can earn even more.

Example: Starting as an apprentice plumber at $17 per hour, your wage could rise to $30 per hour or more once you’re fully certified. If you run your own plumbing business, you could see earnings of over $100,000 annually depending on demand and workload.

4. Real Estate Agents

The real estate market in Canada is booming, especially in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Real estate agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties, earning a commission on each transaction.

What You’ll Need: To become a licensed real estate agent, you must complete a training course and pass an exam. Success in this field depends on your ability to network, understand the local market, and close deals.

Salary: Real estate agents are typically paid on commission. The average annual salary is around $60,000, but top agents can earn $100,000 or more, especially in high-demand markets.

Example: If you sell a $500,000 home and earn a 2.5% commission, that’s $12,500 per transaction. By closing multiple deals per month, successful agents can easily surpass six figures in income.

5. Truck Drivers

Canada’s expansive landscape relies on truck drivers to transport goods across the country. Whether it’s long-haul trucking or local deliveries, truck driving offers a solid income, particularly for those willing to work in remote areas.

What You’ll Need: A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required, and you may need to take a truck driving course. Some trucking companies provide additional training for specific types of loads, like hazardous materials.

Salary: The average salary for a truck driver in Canada is $55,000 per year, but long-haul drivers can earn between $70,000 and $85,000 annually. Experienced truck drivers who own their own rigs can earn even more.

Example: A new truck driver might start at around $22 per hour. Over time, as you gain experience and move to long-haul routes, your pay could increase to $30 per hour or more, with added bonuses for overtime or special loads.

6. Elevator Installers and Repairers

Elevator installers and repairers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators and escalators in commercial and residential buildings. As the demand for high-rise buildings and complex systems grows, so does the need for skilled technicians.

What You’ll Need: Elevator installation and repair require completing an apprenticeship program, which lasts about four years. Afterward, workers may need to pass a licensing exam.

Salary: The average salary for elevator installers and repairers in Canada is around $80,000 per year, with experienced workers in urban areas earning $100,000 or more.

Example: Starting as an apprentice, you may earn around $18 per hour, but once fully certified, you could make $40 to $45 per hour. With overtime or additional specialization, this could rise further.

7. Web Developers

As the demand for websites and online platforms continues to grow, web development remains one of the highest-paying fields that doesn’t require a university degree. Web developers create and maintain websites for businesses and individuals.

What You’ll Need: While a degree in computer science can be beneficial, many web developers learn through coding boot camps, online courses, or self-study. Key skills include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and experience with popular web development frameworks.

Salary: The average salary for a web developer is about $60,000 annually, but experienced developers can earn between $75,000 and $100,000 or more, especially if they specialize in areas like front-end or back-end development.

Example: A junior web developer may start at around $25 per hour, but as you build your portfolio and expertise, your hourly rate can increase to $50 per hour or higher, especially if you take on freelance projects or work for larger companies.

8. Heavy Equipment Operators

Heavy equipment operators work with large machinery, such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators, to assist with construction, mining, and other industrial tasks. This job can be physically demanding but offers good pay and job security.

What You’ll Need: Heavy equipment operators typically complete a training program or apprenticeship. Certification may be required depending on the type of machinery and the job site.

Salary: The average salary for a heavy equipment operator in Canada is about $70,000 per year, but experienced operators can earn upwards of $90,000, especially in high-demand regions or industries like oil and gas.

Example: Starting out, you may earn about $20 per hour. With experience, you could move up to $40 per hour or more, depending on the complexity of the machines you operate.

9. Firefighting Supervisors

Firefighting is a critical service, and supervisors in the field ensure that firefighters are well-trained, efficient, and safe while responding to emergencies. Firefighting supervisors manage teams, coordinate operations, and oversee firefighting equipment and protocols.

What You’ll Need: Becoming a firefighter requires training at a fire academy, along with physical and written tests. To become a supervisor, you typically need several years of experience working as a firefighter.

Salary: The average salary for a firefighter supervisor in Canada is about $80,000 per year, though salaries can go higher with experience and additional responsibilities.

Example: After starting as a firefighter, earning around $50,000 per year, you could move into a supervisory role after several years. In a supervisory position, your salary could increase to $80,000 or more annually.

10. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers

Aircraft maintenance engineers ensure that airplanes are properly maintained and safe to fly. With Canada’s robust aviation industry, these professionals are in high demand.

What You’ll Need: Aircraft maintenance engineers must complete a training program approved by Transport Canada and pass certification exams. Many engineers also specialize in specific types of aircraft, such as commercial jets or helicopters.

Salary: The average salary for an aircraft maintenance engineer in Canada is about $70,000 per year, with top earners in specialized fields making over $90,000 annually.

Example: Starting out as a trainee, you might earn about $20 per hour. With certification and experience, you could increase your hourly wage to $40 per hour or more.

Highest-Paying Jobs in Canada without a Degree

In today’s job market, the idea that a university degree is the only path to success is being increasingly challenged. Many of Canada’s highest-paying and most stable careers—such as those in the trades, real estate, and tech sectors—don’t require a traditional degree. Instead, they value specialized skills, hands-on experience, and certifications gained through apprenticeships, technical programs, or self-study.

Careers like construction management, electrical work, plumbing, and heavy equipment operation offer excellent earning potential, job security, and the ability to move up without a degree. For example, electricians and plumbers may start with modest wages, but with experience, they can earn six-figure salaries, especially in specialized areas. Similarly, fields like web development and real estate offer high income potential for those who build the right skills and networks, proving that results and experience matter more than formal education.

What makes these careers even more appealing is their resilience. Many of these jobs—especially in the trades—are hard to outsource and remain in high demand, offering long-term job security. Additionally, these roles provide opportunities for entrepreneurship, whether starting your own plumbing business or freelancing as a web developer.

The main takeaway is that financial success doesn’t have to follow the traditional university route. By focusing on gaining relevant skills, certifications, and experience, anyone can build a rewarding career without the burden of student debt. These industries are essential to Canada’s economy and offer exciting, well-paying opportunities for those who are ready to put in the work.