Best Paying Jobs in Canada 2024

You don’t necessarily need a Master’s or PhD to get a high-paying job. In fact, there are plenty of occupations that pay a handsome salary without the need for you to go through years of university. While the median income varies by education level, there are jobs you can apply for to make a decent living. So, what are the highest paying jobs in Canada without a degree? Read on to find out.

Highest Paying Jobs In Canada Without A Degree

The following occupations promise healthy wages without the need for post-secondary education:

Miner

Average annual salary: $84,290

Miners work in underground environments and mine for minerals, such as iron, ore, and coal. They’re also involved in designing and building pathways to transport minerals in and out of the mines. The job is relatively dangerous, as they’re exposed to hazardous conditions underground and are at risk of harm due to their exposure to explosives.

No degree is required to become a miner, though a high school diploma is typically required. There are also some college programs available to help Canadians interested in this career path.

Car Salesman

Average annual salary: $49,500

As the name suggests, car salesmen sell automobiles. But the job begins when a prospective buyer enters the dealership. Car salesmen greet customers when they walk in the door and help them navigate all their options. They’ll show customers various models, educate them on the features of each vehicle, and answer any questions.

Car salesmen also take customers out for a test drive, negotiate prices, draft up financing forms, and help with trade-ins.

While the average salary for a car salesman is $49,500, many salesmen in the industry make much more than this. There’s virtually no limit to how much you can earn as a car salesman, especially if you’re savvy in the world of sales.

Translator

Average annual salary: $57,602

Translators convert information from one language to another, whether audio or written form. The goal is to ensure that the translation is conveyed in the same tone and meaning as the original. Translators may be asked to translate material, act as a mediator between two people speaking different languages, proofread, and prepare subtitles for video.

No university degree is required to become a translator, though having a degree in a specific language may be beneficial.

Truck Driver

Average annual salary: $47,053

A career as a trucker is a popular one, given the short amount of time it takes to get into the field. There are plenty of trucking jobs available, which makes it even easier to become a driver.

There are different requirements for truckers based on the specific niche. For instance, some drivers operate heavy trucks across the country and internationally, while others drive smaller trucks within city limits. Regardless, anyone looking to become a truck driver will need a specific driver’s license to legally and safely operate the class of truck they’re driving.

Receptionist

Average annual salary: $33,150

A receptionist is the first person people see when they enter an office. They usually perform administrative tasks, such as answering phone calls, directing visitors to the appropriate department or person, supporting telecommunications and security systems, maintaining calendars for appointments, and making travel arrangements for superiors.

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually all that’s needed to become a receptionist.

Construction Manager

Average annual salary: $83,620

A construction manager is responsible for supervising all aspects of construction projects from start to finish. Their duties are vast and include scheduling workers, allocating tasks, meeting with clients, conducting site visits, keeping tabs on project progress, and ensuring a safe work environment.

A degree is not always necessary to become a construction manager, though some companies may require it. Others may require relevant work experience.

Construction Worker

Average annual salary: $40,950

Construction workers perform a variety of tasks on construction sites, including handling building materials, removing debris, building scaffolding structures, and operating heavy equipment.

No degree or qualification is required, though a high school diploma is often requested. Some companies may accept those without a high school diploma if they have related work experience.

Conductor

Average annual salary: $68,874

Conductors perform several important duties. For starters, they’re tasked with joining or separating train cars and telling engineers when to leave a station, slow down, or stop. They also sell train tickets, enforce ticketing among all passengers before boarding the train, and ensure that order is maintained in the coaches.

Conductors must have in-depth knowledge of railway systems, though they are not required to have a university degree.

Firefighter

Average annual salary: $61,828

Firefighters play a critical role in the safety and wellness of a community. They perform a wide variety of important duties, including putting out fires, rescuing people from fires and other hazardous situations, investigating the source of a fire, and helping to prevent future fires.

Firefighters must have a high school diploma and certification in First Aid and CPR. They must also undergo and pass a criminal background check and be physically fit to lift heavy weights and endure difficult work environments.

Government Of Canada Jobs

The Canadian government offers many different jobs that only require a high school diploma, and in some cases, a short college degree. Here are a few examples of such jobs:

Administrative Assistant

Average annual salary: Up to $55,027

An administrative assistant performs a variety of administrative tasks, such as data entry, filing, making copies, sending emails, and so forth. They also greet and direct visitors, answer phone calls, and schedule meetings. Many sectors of the Government of Canada have administrative assistant roles to fill, which typically only require a high school diploma or equivalent, or relevant work experience.

Cultural Heritage Manager

Average annual salary: Up to $92,694

A Cultural Heritage Manager typically works in Parks Canada, an agency of the federal government that manages all the national parks, conservation areas, and historical sites across the country. This position involves aspects of cultural conservation, restoration, history, archaeology, and architecture.

No additional education aside from high school is required for this position, though some level of experience is usually needed, including knowledge of cultural resource management and cultural heritage.

District Records Clerk

Average annual salary: Up to $54,857

This job involves maintaining accurate records, gathering data, and drafting reports to ensure all information and documents are up-to-date and accurate.

A high school diploma is preferred, but it’s possible to get a job as a district records clerk even with partial high school education or relevant training or work experience. Applicants should also have some experience in clerical duties and computer literacy.

Where Can You Get A High-Paying Job In Canada Without A Degree?

There are many places you can look for a high-paying job in Canada. Using a job board may be the best way to do so as you can filter jobs by location, requirements, education, pay and more. Websites like Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor are great places to start your search. Additionally, government websites often list job openings that are specifically available for those without a degree.

Networking is also crucial. Attend job fairs, industry meetups, and other networking events where you can meet potential employers and learn about job openings. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted resume and cover letter. Highlight your skills, work experience, and any relevant certifications that could make you a strong candidate for the job you’re applying for.

Lastly, consider reaching out to recruitment agencies. These agencies can help match you with employers looking for your specific skill set and experience. They often have exclusive job listings that are not advertised publicly, giving you a competitive edge in your job search.

In conclusion, while higher education can open doors to certain career paths, it’s not the only route to high paying jobs in Canada. Many occupations offer lucrative salaries without the need for a degree, providing ample opportunities for those willing to put in the effort and gain the necessary skills and experience. Whether you’re interested in manual labor, sales, administrative roles, or government positions, there’s a high-paying job out there for you. Happy job hunting!