15 High-Paying Jobs in Canada Without a University Degree

In today’s evolving workforce, skills and experience are often valued more than formal education. If you’re in Canada—or planning to move there—you don’t necessarily need a university degree to land a well-paying job. In fact, many in-demand jobs pay well above the national average and offer long-term career growth, even if you didn’t attend university.

In this guide, we’ll explore 15 high-paying jobs in Canada in 2025 that require no university degree, along with:

• Salary ranges

• Skills required

• Where to find jobs

• Visa and PR pathways (for foreign workers)

Overview Table: 15 High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree

In-Depth Breakdown of Each Job

1. Truck Driver

• Salary: $50,000 – $85,000/year

• Requirements: Class 1/AZ License, good driving record

• Demand Areas: Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan

• Visa Sponsorship: Yes (under LMIA)

Why it pays: Canada faces a national shortage of truck drivers due to retiring workers and high freight demand.

2. Electrician

• Salary: $60,000 – $90,000/year

• Requirements: Red Seal certification, apprenticeship

• Demand Areas: BC, Ontario, Alberta

• PR Pathway: Yes via PNPs

Why it pays: Construction and industrial expansion require certified electricians with hands-on experience.

3. Plumber

• Salary: $55,000 – $85,000/year

• Requirements: Apprenticeship, certification

• Demand Areas: All major provinces

• Visa Options: Available under TFWP

Why it pays: Skilled trades are in short supply and essential across residential and commercial sectors.

4. Construction Supervisor

• Salary: $65,000 – $100,000/year

• Requirements: Work experience, leadership skills

• Demand Areas: Ontario, Alberta, Quebec

Why it pays: Supervisors manage teams and large budgets, making them highly valuable in big construction firms.

5. Real Estate Agent

• Salary: $50,000 – $120,000+ (Commission-based)

• Requirements: Provincial license (e.g., OREA for Ontario)

• Demand Areas: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary

Why it pays: Top agents earn six figures by selling high-value properties and closing large deals.

6. Heavy Equipment Operator

• Salary: $50,000 – $80,000/year

• Requirements: Training course, safety certification

• Industries: Construction, mining, roadwork

• Demand Areas: Alberta, Manitoba

Why it pays: It’s a physically demanding and skilled job that’s critical to construction projects.

7. Web Developer (Self-Taught)

• Salary: $55,000 – $100,000/year

• Requirements: Coding knowledge (HTML, CSS, JS), portfolios

• Job Type: Remote or in-office

• Visa Options: Yes (Tech Pilot programs)

Why it pays: Digital transformation has made coding a highly valued skill—degree not required.

8. Police Officer

• Salary: $60,000 – $95,000/year

• Requirements: Police college, fitness, background check

• Locations: All provinces

Why it pays: Risky job with a high level of responsibility, good pensions, and benefits.

9. Elevator Mechanic

• Salary: $70,000 – $110,000/year

• Requirements: Trade school, licensing exam

• Demand Areas: Ontario, BC, Alberta

Why it pays: It’s a niche, high-risk job with specialized skills in maintenance and repair.

10. Firefighter

• Salary: $55,000 – $95,000/year

• Requirements: Firefighter school, physical training

• Demand Areas: Municipalities across Canada

Why it pays: Critical emergency services role, often includes overtime and hazard pay.

11. Warehouse Supervisor

• Salary: $55,000 – $85,000/year

• Requirements: High school + experience

• Demand Areas: Ontario, BC, Alberta

Why it pays: Supervises operations and staff in logistics, shipping, and inventory management.

12. Aircraft Maintenance Technician

• Salary: $60,000 – $95,000/year

• Requirements: Aviation diploma, AME license

• Industries: Airlines, cargo, private jets

Why it pays: Aircraft safety is mission-critical—technical precision is rewarded.

13. Powerline Technician

• Salary: $65,000 – $100,000/year

• Requirements: Technical training, safety certification

• Demand Areas: Northern territories, Alberta, Ontario

Why it pays: High-risk job maintaining and repairing electrical power lines.

14. Sales Representative

• Salary: $45,000 – $120,000+ (base + commission)

• Requirements: Communication skills, experience

• Industries: Tech, pharma, B2B, retail

Why it pays: Top performers in B2B and tech sales can earn commissions that exceed six figures.

15. Oil & Gas Rig Worker

• Salary: $60,000 – $100,000/year

• Requirements: No degree, but safety and H2S training

• Locations: Alberta, Saskatchewan

Why it pays: Labor-intensive and high-risk job that pays well for long hours and remote work.

Can Foreigners Apply for These Jobs?

Yes! Many of these jobs qualify for visa sponsorship under:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• Agri-Food Pilot or Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Some employers are LMIA-approved to sponsor international workers for in-demand roles like truck driving, trades, and logistics.

Tips to Land These Jobs Without a Degree

1. Get Certified: Even a short training course or trade license can give you an edge.

2. Build a Portfolio: Especially for tech roles like web development or sales.

3. Network: Use LinkedIn, local job fairs, or trade associations.

4. Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize hands-on experience and soft skills.

5. Apply to the Right Places:

Conclusion

You don’t need a university degree to earn a good living in Canada. With the right certifications, training, and determination, these 15 high-paying jobs offer a clear path to career success and even permanent residency.

Whether you’re a new immigrant, an international job seeker, or a Canadian resident exploring options—there are great-paying careers waiting for you.