Job site Indeed recently compiled a list of the 14 highest-paying jobs in Canada that anyone can land without a degree or any prior experience, analyzing average salaries across the country for jobs with no degree or experience requirement. While none of these positions require a bachelor's degree or any prior experience to get started, it's important to note that some may still require specialized training, such as apprenticeship programs or college diplomas.
From cushy office gigs to hands-on roles, these jobs offer competitive salaries and great benefits, making them perfect for anyone looking to jumpstart a new career or switch fields without the burden of massive student loans. Whether you're just entering the workforce or looking to make a career change, these jobs provide solid opportunities to earn a good living without the need for a bachelor's degree.
Here are the 14 jobs that made the cut and how much you could be earning in these top-paying roles.
Plumber
What The Job Entails: If you're not afraid to get a little dirty, becoming a plumber might be right up your alley. Plumbers handle water, gas and waste systems by installing, repairing and maintaining pipes and fixtures in homes, businesses and industrial sites. The job involves hands-on tasks like cutting into walls and floors, fitting pipes and using tools to measure, cut, bend and thread them to the right size.
Plumbers also interact with customers by providing cost estimates, reading blueprints and making sure everything meets plumbing codes to secure the necessary permits. While a degree isn't required, most plumbers start with a high school diploma and then learn the ropes through an apprenticeship program.
National Average Salary: $72,099 per year
Translator
What The Job Entails: If you're great with languages and love diving into details, becoming a translator could be a perfect fit. Translators take audio recordings and text from one language and convert them into another, making sure the original tone and meaning stay intact. They dig into industry-specific jargon, proofread their work for spelling and grammar, and even create subtitles for videos or online presentations.
To ensure accuracy, translators often cross-check their work with specialized dictionaries and other translation resources. While a degree isn't necessary for this role, having one in the language you're translating can definitely give you an edge.
National Average Salary: $72,341 per year
Executive chef
What The Job Entails: If you have a passion for cooking and leading a team, becoming an executive chef could be your dream job. Executive chefs are in charge of planning and directing all the culinary activities in the kitchen, from preparing food to creating and tweaking menus to keep them top-notch. They manage the kitchen staff, making sure everything runs smoothly, and handle the repairs and purchases of kitchen equipment.
Executive chefs also keep their bosses in the loop with estimates of food costs and take care of any issues that pop up during meal service. While a degree isn’t required, many chefs sharpen their skills at culinary school and through apprenticeship programs.
National Average Salary: $73,380 per year
Graphic designer
What The Job Entails: If you're creative and love bringing ideas to life, graphic design might be the perfect fit for you. Graphic designers craft visual assets — whether by hand or using a computer — that communicate ideas and messages, often through advertising. They work with text, images, graphics and media like animations, bold colours and logos to catch the eye and inform customers.
Communication is key as they collaborate with clients to understand the project's needs and then present the finished design. Graphic designers can work at an agency or go freelance, enjoying the flexibility of either path. While most start with a high school diploma and may take graphic design courses or internships, a bachelor's degree isn't required to succeed in this field.
National Average Salary: $73,381 per year
Electrician
What The Job Entails: If you're handy and enjoy working with electrical systems, becoming an electrician could be a great career path. Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses and industrial settings. They also conduct inspections to make sure everything is running smoothly and meets all safety standards at the local, provincial and federal levels.
Most electricians start with a high school diploma and then either join an apprenticeship program or pursue a college diploma to learn the trade. Keep in mind that electricians need to be licensed, and the requirements for this can vary depending on the province or territory.
National Average Salary: $77,184 per year
Mobile developer
What The Job Entails: If you're tech-savvy and love creating apps, becoming a mobile developer might be the perfect fit for you. Mobile developers manage an app's entire journey, from the initial concept to its release and ongoing support. They design and build functional mobile applications, gather specific requirements and come up with solutions to improve user experience. When things go wrong, they troubleshoot and debug the app to make sure it runs smoothly.
Mobile developers also collaborate with product developers to plan and roll out new features. Staying on top of the latest tech trends and proposing new app ideas and protocols is all part of the job. While a degree isn't required, having one in a related field like software engineering can definitely be a plus.
National Average Salary: $80,778 per year
Pilot
What The Job Entails: If you love to travel and are looking for something a little less traditional than your standard 9 to 5, becoming a pilot could be the career for you. Pilots fly aircraft of all sizes, transporting passengers or cargo from one destination to another. Before takeoff, they perform pre-flight checks to make sure everything is in perfect condition, and they're responsible for keeping everyone on board safe during the journey.
Pilots stay in constant communication with air traffic control to ensure smooth and safe flights. You'll find pilots in various settings, from the military to commercial airlines, cargo planes and private charters. This role requires extensive training and a certain number of flight hours before you can take to the skies, but a bachelor's degree isn't necessary (although it can give you an edge).
National Average Salary: $85,819 per year
Dental assistant
What The Job Entails: If you enjoy helping others and have a knack for organization, working as a dental assistant could be a great fit. Dental assistants are the friendly faces who greet patients at the clinic and help set up and arrange dental instruments when needed. They also handle important administrative tasks like keeping medical records, managing appointments and creating patient files.
In addition, dental assistants make sure all instruments are clean and sterilized before and after use. They gather patients' medical histories, explain post-operative care and help calm any nerves before procedures. Most dental clinics don't require prior work experience, making this a great entry-level role in the dental field.
National Average Salary: $87,257 per year
Landscape technician
What The Job Entails: If you love working outdoors and have a green thumb, becoming a landscape technician could be the perfect job for you. Landscape technicians take care of lawns by mowing, fertilizing, installing sprinklers and treating plant diseases. They're also involved in planting bushes and trees, designing beautiful gardens and pathways and keeping an eye on the growth of plants and flowers.
This job requires a variety of skills, like operating equipment such as lawnmowers, sprayers and trimmers. Being detail-oriented is key, as landscape technicians need to notice any changes in the plants they care for. While many landscape technicians have a college diploma in landscaping or a related field, it's not always required to start in this field.
National Average Salary: $88,691 per year
Maintenance manager
What The Job Entails: If you're good at problem-solving and enjoy keeping things running smoothly, a job as a maintenance manager might be a great fit. Maintenance managers are in charge of creating and implementing maintenance procedures, inspecting facilities and tackling any challenges that come up. They plan and oversee all repair and installation work in a building, making sure that everything, from hydraulic to electrical systems, is in top shape.
Maintenance managers also keep an eye on equipment catalogues, manage expenses and budgets for maintenance and work closely with service providers and contractors. While you don't need a degree for this role, many maintenance managers have at least a college diploma.
National Average Salary: $89,595 per year
Police officer
What The Job Entails: If you're passionate about keeping communities safe, becoming a police officer could be the right path for you. Police officers work closely with the public to prevent crime, maintain order and arrest those who break the law. Serving as public servants, they're employed by municipal, provincial or federal governments to ensure public safety.
Police officers are often the first responders to emergencies like accidents, and they may work in special task forces, investigate crimes and conduct surveillance. To become a police officer in Canada, you need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, meet specific requirements, pass exams and complete the necessary training.
National Average Salary: $89,850 per year
Realtor
What The Job Entails: If you enjoy helping people find their perfect home or business location, working as a realtor could be a great career choice. Realtors assist individuals and businesses in buying, selling or renting properties. They are members of both their local real estate board and their province's real estate organization, which helps them stay connected and informed.
Realtors show properties to potential buyers, present offers on behalf of their clients and list homes or businesses on real estate websites to attract interest. They also organize open houses, giving potential buyers a chance to explore properties in person. Most realtors start with a high school diploma, complete the necessary real estate courses and pass an exam to get their license.
National Average Salary: $95,062 per year
Miner
What The Job Entails: If you're not afraid of working underground and enjoy hands-on work, becoming a miner could be an exciting career. Miners extract valuable minerals like ore, rocks and coal from deep within the earth. They also design and build pathways to help transport these materials in and out of the mines.
Miners use explosives to break down large rocks or ores into smaller, easier-to-move pieces, which they then transport to the surface. Safety is a top priority, as miners must ensure the well-being of their colleagues and maintain a safe working environment. You don't need a bachelor's degree or any specialized schooling to become a miner — most start with a high school diploma or equivalent.
National Average Salary: $127,840 per year
Firefighter
What The Job Entails: If you're brave and ready to face danger to help others, becoming a firefighter could be the career for you. Firefighters are first responders who not only put out fires but also handle hazardous materials, road traffic accidents, medical emergencies and floods. They operate crucial equipment like hoses, ladders, fire trucks and extinguishers, and they provide first aid and emergency medical care when needed.
Firefighters also work closely with communities, using their interpersonal skills to promote fire prevention and safety. Educational requirements can vary by province or territory, but most firefighters have a secondary school diploma or equivalent, along with certification in first aid.
National Average Salary: $175,259 per year
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