There are many high-paying jobs in Canada that don’t require a degree. In reality, almost half of Canadian workers (47%) hold a college or university degree, according to Statistics Canada. However, this does not rule out the possibility of decent opportunities for those without a degree. We’ll go over 20 high-paying careers in Canada that don’t require a degree in this blog post.
We will offer qualifications to enter the career, the National Occupational Classification code (NOC), and annual income for Canadian employees for each occupation that does not require a specific college degree. So, whether you’re just starting out or searching for a change, keep reading for some fantastic work opportunities!
20 High Paying Careers That Don’t Require a Degree in Canada
#1. Web Developer
Web developer jobs are first on our list of career fields that do not require a specific degree. A web developer is in charge of a website’s development, design, and layout. They work in a range of Canadian businesses and are frequently involved in the development of online or intranet applications. Although not necessarily essential, web developers often have a college diploma or university degree in computer science.
Web Developer NOC Code
21233 is the current NOC code for web developers (formerly 2175). According to the 2016 Census, web developers in Canada earned a median yearly salary of $61,500.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Web Developer:
- A college diploma or university degree in computer science is not always required but it helps.
- Web developers must be computer literate, with a firm understanding of at least one programming language and one scripting language.
- Web developers also need to be able to effectively communicate with their clients or team members.
- Most web developers work in office environments but some work from home.
- Some web developers are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
#2. Construction Manager
Construction Managers are in charge of overseeing the whole coordination, planning, and implementation of a construction project in Canada. They collaborate with architects, engineers, and other experts to ensure that a project is completed on schedule, on budget, and to the highest possible quality. A college diploma or university degree in engineering, architecture, or construction management is often required of construction managers.
NOC Code for Construction Manager
Construction managers have the NOC code 70010 as of now (formerly 0711). Construction managers in Canada earned an average yearly salary of $85,000 according to the 2016 Census.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Construction Manager:
- A college diploma or university degree in engineering, architecture or construction management is typically required.
- Construction managers must have several years of experience working in the construction industry.
- They must be able to effectively communicate with their clients or team members.
- Most construction managers work in office environments but some work from home.
- Some construction managers are self-employed and work on a contract basis
#3. Land Surveyor
The precise measurement and description of land boundaries is the responsibility of a land surveyor. Construction, engineering, and mapping are among the industries where they work. A college diploma or university degree in surveying engineering is often required of land surveyors.
Land Surveyor NOC Code
Land surveyors’ current NOC code is 21203. (formerly 2154). Land surveyors in Canada earn a median yearly pay of $69,000, according to the 2016 Census.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Land Surveyor:
- A college diploma or university degree in surveying engineering is typically required.
- Land surveyors are required to have several years of surveying expertise.
- They must be able to communicate successfully with their clients or colleagues..
- Most land surveyors work in office environments but some work from home.
- Some land surveyors are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
#4. Farm Workers
Farm workers are in charge of the farm’s day-to-day activities. They can labor in greenhouses, nurseries, and fields, among other places. The majority of farm employees have a high school diploma or similar.
Farm Worker NOC Code
84120 is the current NOC code for farm labourers (formerly 8431). According to the 2016 Census, agricultural labourers in Canada earned a median yearly wage of $24,000.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Farm Worker:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
- Farm workers must have at least a few years of experience in the agricultural industry.
- They must be able to effectively communicate with their clients or team members.
- Most farm workers work in farm environments but some work from home.
- Some farm workers are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
#5. Firefighter
Firefighters are in charge of dealing with fires and other emergencies. They may also provide medical assistance and carry out rescue missions. Firefighters usually have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
NOC Code for Firefighters
Firefighters’ current NOC code is 42101. (formerly 4312). According to the 2016 Census, the median annual salary for Canadian firefighters was $60,000.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Firefighter:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
- Firefighters must have several years of experience in the fire service.
- They must be able to communicate effectively with their clients or team members.
- Most firefighters work in fire stations but some work from home.
- Some firefighters are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
Continuing with the list of 20 High-Paying Jobs in Canada That Don’t Require a Degree, the following jobs are critical to the Canadian economy: Library Assistant, Welder, Drivers, Air Traffic Controller, and Massage Therapist.
#6. Library Assistant
Library assistants are in charge of providing customer service and clerical tasks in libraries. They may also help with library material organization. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for library assistants.
Library Assistant NOC Code
14300 is the current NOC code for library assistants (formerly 1451). The median annual salary for library assistants in Canada was $33,000, according to the 2016 Census.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Library Assistant:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
- Library assistants must have at least three years of experience in the library industry.
- They must be able to effectively communicate with their clients or team members.
- The majority of library assistants work in libraries, but some work from home.
- Some library assistants work on a contract basis and are self-employed.
#7. Welder
Welders are in charge of joining metal components with heat, pressure, or both. Other methods of joining metals, such as brazing or soldering, may also be used. Welders usually have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Welder NOC Code
Welders’ current NOC code is 72106. (formerly 7237). According to the 2016 Census, the median annual salary in Canada for welders was $46,000.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Welder:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
- Welders must have a minimum of five years of experience in the welding sector.
- They must be able to communicate successfully with their clients or colleagues..
- The majority of welders work in factories, however others work from home.
- Some welders are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
#8. Drivers
Drivers are in charge of driving vehicles that transport passengers or goods. Truck drivers, school bus drivers, public transportation drivers, taxi/cab drivers, private drivers, and other types of drivers are in high demand in Canada. They may also be in charge of performing vehicle maintenance. Drivers usually have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Driver NOC Code
Drivers’ current NOC code is 72024. (formerly 7305). According to the 2016 Census, the median annual salary in Canada for drivers was $35,000.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Driver:
- Typically, an ol diploma or equivalent is required.
- Drivers must have several years of experience working in the driving industry.
- They must be able to communicate effectively with their clients or team members.
- The majority of drivers work in transportation, but some work from home.
- Some drivers are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
9. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are in charge of ensuring that aircraft move safely and efficiently in Canadian airspace. They usually have a high school diploma or a university degree.
Air Traffic Controller NOC Code
22112 is the current NOC code for air traffic controllers (formerly 1221). The median annual salary for air traffic controllers in Canada was $93,000 in 2016, according to the 2016 Census.
Requirements to work in Canada as an Air Traffic Controller:
- A college diploma or university degree is typically required.
- Air traffic controllers must have at least five years of experience in the aviation industry.
- They must be able to communicate effectively with their clients or team members.
- The majority of air traffic controllers work in airports, but some work from home.
- Some air traffic controllers are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
#10. Massage Therapist
Massage therapists are in charge of giving massages to clients. They may also be in charge of other services, such as facials or manicures/pedicures. Massage therapists typically hold a college diploma or a university diploma.
Massage Therapist NOC Code
Massage therapists’ current NOC code is 32201. (formerly 3236). According to the 2016 Census, the median annual salary in Canada for massage therapists was $55,000.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Massage Therapist:
- A college diploma or university degree is typically required.
- Massage therapists must have at least five years of experience working in the field.
- They must be able to effectively communicate with their clients or team members.
- The majority of massage therapists work in spas, however others operate from home.
- Some massage therapists are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
TThese are the top ten high-paying jobs in Canada that don’t require a degree. Now, let’s look at the next ten jobs that don’t require a college or university education to apply for.
#11. Realtor
Realtors are in charge of assisting clients in the purchase or sale of real estate. They usually hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a college or university.
Realtor NOC Code
Realtors’ current NOC code is 63101. (formerly 6232). Realtors in Canada earn a median yearly salary of $50,000, according to the 2016 Census.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Realtor:
- A college diploma or university degree is typically required.
- Realtors must have worked in the real estate sector for a number of years.
- They must be able to communicate successfully with their clients or colleagues.
#12. Court Clerk
The job of a court clerk is to provide administrative support to judges and lawyers. In Canada, court support workers are in high demand, and they usually have a college diploma or university degree.
NOC Code for Court Clerks
14103 is the current NOC code for court clerks (formerly 1416). The median yearly pay for court clerks in Canada was $50,000 in 2016, according to the 2016 Census.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Court Clerk:
- A college diploma or university degree is typically required.
- Court clerks must have worked in the legal field for a number of years.
- They must be able to communicate successfully with their clients or colleagues.
- Most court clerks work in courthouse environments but some work from home.
- Some court clerks are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
- Depending on their location or province, court clerks may be required to travel to different courthouses.
#13. Plumber
Plumbers are in charge of putting in and fixing pipelines and fittings. They usually have a college diploma or a university degree, however in Canada, this is completely optional.
NOC Code for Plumbers
Plumbers’ current NOC code is 72300. (formerly 7251). Plumbers in Canada earn a median annual salary of $49,000, according to the 2016 Census. Plumbers can earn close to $100,000 per year as one of Canada’s highest-paying trade jobs, especially if they have a red seal certificate or work as a fly-in-fly-out plumber.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Plumber:
- It is not necessary to have a college diploma or a university degree, but it is a plus.
- Plumbers must have a minimum of five years of experience in the plumbing sector.
- They must be able to communicate successfully with their clients or colleagues.
- Most plumbers work in construction environments but some work from home.
#14. Automotive Mechanic
Vehicle mechanics are in charge of examining, repairing, and maintaining automobiles. They usually hold a college diploma or a university degree, although in Canada, this is not always the case.
NOC Code for Automotive Mechanics
72410 is the current NOC code for automobile mechanics (formerly 7321). Automotive technicians in Canada earned a median yearly salary of $48,000 in 2016, according to the 2016 Census. Mechanics in the automotive industry can make up to $88,000 per year.
Requirements to work in Canada as an Automotive Mechanic:
- A college diploma or university degree is not required but it’s an asset.
- Automotive mechanics must have a minimum of five years of experience in the field.
- They must be able to effectively communicate with their clients or team members.
- The majority of automobile technicians work in car shops or garages, however others work from home.
- Some automotive mechanics are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
#15. Electrician
Electrician ranks 15th on the list of 20 High-Paying Jobs in Canada That Don’t Require a Degree. Electricians are responsible for the installation, repair, and upkeep of electrical systems. In most cases, they have a college diploma or a university degree, but this is not always the case in Canada.
NOC Code for Electricians
72200 is the current NOC code for electricians (formerly 7241). According to the 2016 Census, the median annual salary in Canada for electricians was $47,000. With sufficient experience, electricians can earn up to $95,000 per year.
Requirements to work in Canada as an Electrician:
- A college diploma or university degree is not required but it’s an asset.
- Electricians must have a minimum of five years of experience in the electrical industry.
- They must be able to effectively communicate with their clients or team members.
- The majority of electricians work in construction, but some work from home.
- Some electricians are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
- Electrical contractors may be required to travel to various job sites within their city or province.
#16. Sommelier
A sommelier is a professional wine expert who is in charge of wine selection, ordering, and serving. In most cases, they have a college diploma or a university degree, but this is not always the case in Canada.
NOC Code for Sommeliers
Sommeliers’ current NOC code is 65200. (formerly 6513). They work in restaurants, hotels, bars, taverns, private clubs, banquet halls, and other similar places. According to the 2016 Census, the median annual salary in Canada for sommeliers was $46,000. Sommeliers with extensive experience can earn up to $92,000 per year.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Sommelier:
- A college diploma or university degree is not required but it’s an asset.
- Sommeliers must have at least five years of experience in the food and beverage industry.
- They must be able to communicate effectively with their clients or team members.
- Most sommeliers work in restaurants or hotels but some work from home.
- Some sommeliers are self-employed and work on a contract basis.
#17. Executive Chef
Chefs and professional cooks made the list of high-paying jobs in Canada that don’t require a degree. An executive chef is a professional chef who oversees the day-to-day operations of a kitchen. In most cases, they have a college diploma or a university degree, but this is not always the case in Canada.
NOC Code for Executive Chef
Executive chefs’ current NOC code is 62200. (formerly 6321). Executive chefs work in restaurants, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, private clubs, and other similar settings. According to the 2016 Census, the median annual salary in Canada for executive chefs was $45,000. Executive chefs with extensive experience can earn up to $90,000 per year.
Requirements to work in Canada as an Executive Chef:
- A college diploma or university degree is not required but it’s an asset.
- Executive chefs must have at least five years of experience in the food and beverage industry.
- They must be able to communicate effectively with their clients or team members.
- The majority of executive chefs work in restaurants or hotels, though some work from home.
#18. Bartender
A bartender is a trained professional who prepares and serves alcoholic beverages. Bartenders prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. In most cases, they have a college diploma or a university degree, but this is not always the case in Canada.
NOC Code for a Bartender
Bartenders’ current NOC code is 64301. (formerly 6512). Bartenders work in restaurants, hotels, bars, taverns, nightclubs, private clubs, and other similar places. According to the 2016 Census, the median annual salary in Canada for bartenders was $44,000. Bartenders can earn up to $88,000 per year plus tips.
Requirements to work in Canada as a Bartender:
- A college diploma or university degree is not required but it’s an asset.
- Bartenders are required to have several years of experience in the food and beverage industry.
- They must be able to effectively communicate with their clients or team members.
- While the majority of bartenders work in restaurants, bars, or nightclubs, some bartenders work from home.
#19. Food Server
Professionals that take orders and serve meals are known as food servers. Food and beverage servers take and serve patrons’ food and beverage orders. Typically, they hold a college diploma or a university degree, however this is not always the case in Canada.
NOC Code for Food Servers
The current National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for food servers is 65200. (formerly 6513). Food servers work in restaurants, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and private clubs, among other places. The 2016 Census determined that the median yearly wage for food servers in Canada was $43,000. With sufficient expertise and tips, food servers can earn up to $86,000 per year.
Requirements to work in Canada as a food server:
- Although a college diploma or university degree is not needed, they are advantageous..
- Food servers must have several years of experience working in the food and beverage industry.
- They must be capable of communicating successfully with their clients or team members.
- Most food servers work in restaurants, hotels or resorts but some work from home.
#20. Actor
Actor is the final entry on our list of 20 High-Paying Careers in Canada that do not require a degree. Actors are professionals who represent characters on stage, in cinema, on television, or on radio. They often hold a college diploma or university degree from a Canadian or international film school, though this is not always the case.
NOC Code for Actor
Actors’ current NOC code is 53121. (formerly 5135). Actors work in theaters, television studios, film production firms, and radio stations, among other places. The 2016 Census revealed that the median yearly wage for actors in Canada was $40,000. With expertise, actors can earn up to $80,000 per year.
Requirements to work in Canada as an actor:
- A college diploma or university degree is not required but it’s an asset.
- Actors must have several years of experience working in the film, television or radio industry.
- They must be able to communicate effectively with their clients or team members.
- While the majority of actors work in theatres, television studios, or film production organizations, some freelance.
To summarize, there are numerous well-paying employment in Canada that do not necessitate a college diploma or university diploma. Without having to go through the price and time of obtaining a higher education, you can find a well-paying job in Canada with the correct experience and talents. These are only a few examples of jobs that come to mind; there are plenty more!
