Canada offers numerous high-paying job opportunities that don’t mandate a degree. Although approximately 47% of Canadian workers hold a college or university degree, lucrative prospects are available to those needing higher education. This article will explore 20 well-paying careers in Canada that don’t require a degree.
We’ll outline the qualifications, National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, and annual income for each occupation that doesn’t specifically demand a college degree.
Whether you’re starting your career or seeking a change, these job opportunities might be precisely what you’re looking for!
20 Lucrative Careers in Canada That Don’t Require a Degree
1. Web Developer
Web developers oversee website development, design, and layout. They operate across various Canadian businesses and often have a college diploma or university degree in computer science.
NOC Code: 21233 (previously 2175)
Median Annual Salary: $61,500 (2016 Census)
Requirements:
- Computer science diploma or degree (not mandatory but beneficial)
- Proficiency in programming and scripting languages
- Effective communication skills
- Office or remote work setting
- Potential self-employment on a contract basis
2. Construction Manager
Construction Managers coordinate and manage construction projects in Canada. A diploma or degree in engineering, architecture, or construction management is commonly required.
NOC Code: 70010 (previously 0711)
Average Annual Salary: $85,000 (2016 Census)
Requirements:
- Degree or diploma in engineering, architecture, or construction management
- Extensive construction industry experience
- Strong communication skills
- Office or remote work setting
- Potential self-employment on a contract basis
3. Land Surveyor
Land Surveyors handle land boundary measurement and description, often in construction, engineering, or mapping fields. A degree in surveying engineering is typically required.
NOC Code: 21203 (previously 2154)
Median Annual Salary: $69,000 (2016 Census)
Requirements:
- Degree in surveying engineering
- Substantial surveying experience
- Effective communication skills
- Office or remote work setting
- Potential self-employment on a contract basis
4. Farm Worker
Farm Workers manage daily farm operations in greenhouses, nurseries, and fields. Most have a high school diploma or equivalent.
NOC Code: 84120 (previously 8431)
Median Annual Wage: $24,000 (2016 Census)
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Agricultural industry experience
- Effective communication skills
- Farm or remote work setting
- Potential self-employment on a contract basis
5. Firefighter
Firefighters handle fires, emergencies, medical aid, and rescue missions, typically holding a high school diploma or equivalent.
NOC Code: 42101 (previously 4312)
Median Annual Salary: $60,000 (2016 Census)
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Fire service experience
- Effective communication skills
- Fire station or remote work setting
- Potential self-employment on a contract basis
6. Library Assistant
Library assistants manage customer service and clerical tasks, usually requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
7. Welder
Welders fuse metal components using heat, pressure, or alternative methods like brazing or soldering. Typically, they have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
NOC Code for Welders: 72106 (formerly 7237)
Median Annual Salary: $46,000 (2016 Census)
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum five years of welding experience
- Effective communication skills
- Factory or remote work setting
- Potential self-employment on a contract basis
8. Drivers
Drivers operate vehicles transporting passengers or goods and sometimes handle vehicle maintenance. They usually possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
NOC Code for Drivers: 72024 (formerly 7305)
Median Annual Salary: $35,000 (2016 Census)
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Several years of driving experience
- Effective communication skills
- Transportation or remote work setting
- Potential self-employment on a contract basis
9. Air Traffic Controller
Air Traffic Controllers manage aircraft movement safety in Canadian airspace. Typically, they hold a high school diploma or a university degree.
NOC Code for Air Traffic Controllers: 22112 (formerly 1221)
Median Annual Salary: $93,000 (2016 Census)
Requirements:
- College diploma or university degree
- Minimum five years of aviation experience
- Effective communication skills
- Airport or remote work setting
- Potential self-employment on a contract basis
10. Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists provide massages and related services, often holding a college or university diploma.
NOC Code for Massage Therapists: 32201 (formerly 3236)
Median Annual Salary: $55,000 (2016 Census)
Requirements:
- College diploma or university degree
- Minimum five years of field experience
- Effective communication skills
- Spa or remote work setting
- Potential self-employment on a contract basis
11. Realtor
Realtors assist in real estate transactions and often possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
NOC Code for Realtors: 63101 (formerly 6232)
Median Annual Salary: $50,000 (2016 Census)
Requirements:
- College diploma or university degree
- Several years of real estate experience
- Effective communication skills
12. Court Clerk
Court Clerks provide administrative support in legal settings, usually with a college diploma or university degree.
NOC Code for Court Clerks: 14103 (formerly 1416)
Median Annual Salary: $50,000 (2016 Census)
Requirements:
- College diploma or university degree
- Legal industry experience
- Effective communication skills
- Courthouse or remote work setting
- Potential self-employment on a contract basis
- Travel may be required depending on the location
Conclusion
These roles are among the high-paying jobs in Canada that don’t require a degree. A diverse range of opportunities is available without needing higher education, allowing individuals to secure well-paying jobs based on skills and experience.