10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Canada Without a Degree

Earning a bachelor’s degree can be a solid step toward building your career, but it’s not the only path and not necessarily the right fit for everyone.

In many growing industries, hands-on experience, college diplomas, apprenticeships, certifications, and on-the-job training are just as valuable — sometimes even more so — than a traditional four-year university education.

Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about a career change, here are some well-paying, in-demand jobs across the country that don’t require a university degree:

1. Commissioned police officer

• Median annual salary: $139,443
• Number of jobs: 79,800
• Job outlook: 3.5/5 (Moderate to Good)

What they do

Commissioned police officers help maintain public safety by responding to emergencies and enforcing laws across various situations. Their work can involve anything from de-escalating violent behaviour to crowd control and working with community members to prevent crime. In Canada, officers serve at different levels of government.

How to become one

To become a commissioned police officer, you need to have completed high school and do a three to six-month police training program. Most provinces also typically require completing a college program in police technology.

2. Real estate and financial brokerage manager

• Median annual salary: $125,653
• Number of jobs: 45,100
• Job outlook: 3.7/5 (Good)

What they do

Real estate and financial brokerage managers guide the direction of businesses that offer financial and property-related services. Their focus might shift from reviewing a client issue one day to dealing with unexpected changes in the market the next. They often move between big-picture planning and on-the-ground problem-solving, depending on the organization’s needs.

How to become one

A college diploma in business administration, economics, or a related field is typically required. Depending on the province, you may need to get a certification from the regulatory authority before working. Jobs in British Columbia, Nunavut, and Quebec are all regulated.

3. Purchasing manager

• Median annual salary: $124,426
• Number of jobs: 20,000
• Job outlook: 3.1/5 (Moderate)

What they do

Purchasing managers are responsible for how an organization buys the materials and services it needs to operate. They make decisions about suppliers, handle contracts, and ensure that purchases align with company goals and budgets. Their work often requires balancing financial planning with relationship-building and logistical problem-solving, especially when working under tight deadlines or shifting market conditions.

How to become one

To become a purchasing manager, you’ll typically need a college diploma in business administration, commerce, or economics. If the job involves specialized products, like industrial equipment or technical services, you may also need education in a related field, such as engineering.

Some roles require certification through the Supply Chain Management Association, especially for those working toward the Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation. Most people move into this role after several years of experience as a purchasing agent or officer.

4. Utilities manager

• Median annual salary: $123,906
• Number of jobs: 16,400
• Job outlook: 3.7/5 (Good)

What they do

Utilities managers are responsible for making sure vital public services run smoothly and safely. What that looks like can vary: some work in water or energy, others in waste systems or heating fuel. No matter the focus, the job often involves coordinating teams, responding to issues as they come up, and ensuring that services meet both regulatory standards and community needs.

These managers work in both public and private settings across Canada.

How to become one

Most utilities managers will need a college diploma in a field related to their area of work, such as civil engineering, environmental studies, or public administration. It’s helpful to have some supervising experience before stepping into a management position. In some cases, where you have to work with electric power, natural gas, or heating oil, you’ll need a professional engineer certification.

5. Fire chief and senior firefighting officer

• Median annual salary: $123,094
• Number of jobs: 79,800
• Job outlook: 3.5/5 (Moderate to Good)

What they do

Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers make sure fire departments run safely and smoothly. They come up with strategies for fire prevention, and they lead the team when there’s an emergency. When a big fire happens, they’re often the ones giving instructions at the scene and deciding what to do next. They also help train firefighters, take care of equipment, and talk to the community about fire safety.

How to become one

To become a fire chief or senior firefighter, you’ll first need to finish high school. Most people also go to college to study fire science or a similar subject. Everyone in this role has to complete special firefighter training, usually offered by the city or province. Most fire chiefs will have been working as firefighters for about ten years before moving into a leadership role.

6. Human resource manager

• Median annual salary: $122,990
• Number of jobs: 54,400
• Job outlook: 3.1/5 (Moderate)

What they do

Human resources managers focus on the people side of a workplace. They help companies create fair and supportive environments where workers understand their rights and feel taken care of.

When staff have concerns or when new changes are happening in the company, HR managers are often the ones who help explain things and keep communication open. Their work is important in helping employees and managers work well together.

How to become one

Most people become human resources managers after spending a few years working in HR or a similar role. To get to a managerial position, a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, which shows someone has advanced training and knowledge in the HR field, is necessary. This certification can help show employers that you’re serious about your career and ready to take on more responsibility.

7. Air pilot, flight engineer, and flying instructor

• Median annual salary: $121,430
• Number of jobs: 19,200
• Job outlook: 3.9/5 (Good)

What they do

Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors keep flights running smoothly and the aircraft safe. Pilots fly planes and helicopters for travel, shipping, or special services like search and rescue.

Flight engineers focus on checking and maintaining the equipment to help ensure everything works properly during each flight. Flying instructors help train new and licensed pilots by teaching flight skills, safety procedures, and aviation rules.

How to become one

To work in aviation, you’ll need to finish high school and complete training at a certified flying or aviation school. Most pilots earn a commercial pilot’s license, which requires over 200 hours of flight time, while airline pilots usually need a more advanced license with over 1,500 hours.

Flight engineers must also be licensed by Transport Canada, and flying instructors need special certifications to teach others. Some employers may prefer a college or university background, but hands-on training and experience matter most in this field.

8. Software engineer and designer

• Median annual salary: $119,350
• Number of jobs: 113,100
• Job outlook: 3.5/5 (Moderate to Good)

What they do

Software engineers and designers create the programs and systems that run on computers, phones, and other digital devices. They spend a lot of time solving problems, writing code, and testing how things work behind the scenes.

Their work helps build everything from apps and websites to more complex systems used in businesses, hospitals, and even airplanes. Some work for tech companies or the government, while others run their own businesses or work as freelancers.

How to become one

You don’t always need a university degree to become a software engineer in Canada, but you do need to be licensed if your role involves professional engineering. To earn the Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation, you’ll need to register with your province or territory’s regulatory body, complete an accredited program (which may include college), gain supervised work experience, and pass a licensing exam.

That said, many employers today focus more on practical skills than formal education. With a strong portfolio, industry certifications, or training from recognized boot camps, it’s possible to build a successful career in software without a traditional degree.

9. Air traffic controller

• Median annual salary: $115,856
• Number of jobs: 4,600
• Job outlook: 3.4/5 (Moderate)

What they do

Air traffic controllers, flight service specialists, and flight dispatchers all work together to help keep air travel safe and well-organized. Air traffic controllers manage takeoffs, landings, and control air traffic flow. Flight service specialists support pilots by giving them important updates before and during flights, such as weather and route information.

Flight dispatchers work behind the scenes to help plan flights, monitor conditions, and make sure each flight runs smoothly from start to finish.

How to become one

To work in one of these roles, you’ll need to finish high school and have a radio operator’s licence. Air traffic controllers and flight service specialists must complete a training program through NAV Canada, which includes both classroom learning and hands-on experience.

Air traffic controllers also need a special licence to work in Canadian airspace. For flight dispatchers, some experience in flight operations is helpful, and having a private pilot’s licence can sometimes be required, depending on the employer.

10. Manufacturing manager

• Median annual salary: $114,941
• Number of jobs: 110,100
• Job outlook: 3.7/5 (Good)

What they do

Manufacturing managers make sure that production runs smoothly in an establishment. They help organize people, equipment, and materials to meet production goals and keep everything on schedule. Whether managing a single department or an entire facility, they play a key role in keeping operations on track.

How to become one

Most manufacturing managers have a background in engineering or business, often through a college program. What matters just as much is experience — many people work their way up after spending several years in a supervisory role on the production floor. Employers often look for 5–10 years of hands-on leadership experience in a manufacturing setting.

How to land a high-paying job without a degree

1. Look at alternative education

You don’t need a university degree to land a high-paying job in Canada, but you do need skills that match what employers are looking for. Certificate programs, college diplomas, and trade training can help you build job-ready skills in a much shorter time. In fact, many of these programs are designed in partnership with the industry so you can start earning sooner, without the time and debt of a four-year degree.

Here are a few alternative education paths worth exploring:

• college certificate or diploma programs (offered at institutions like Humber, Seneca, BCIT, etc.)
• Red Seal trade certifications, for skilled trades like welding, plumbing, or electrical
• boot camps in areas like coding, UX design, or digital marketing
• apprenticeships, which combine paid work with hands-on training
• vocational training programs in fields like health care, tourism, or manufacturing

Many of these programs are recognized across provinces and help you meet licensing requirements in regulated industries.

2. Grow your skills through hands-on experience

In competitive job markets, experience is just as important as education, especially if you’re not coming in with a degree. You can start by taking on internships, co-op placements, personal projects, or volunteering in the field you’re interested in. Even working part-time in a related area while in training can help you build skills and confidence.

Try reaching out to small businesses, community organizations, or startups and offering to help — you’ll be surprised how often people are open to giving you a chance if you show initiative. Over time, this kind of experience can speak louder than a diploma ever could.

3. Expand your network through outreach

In Canada, a strong professional network can be one of your biggest assets, especially when it comes to landing high-paying jobs. Many roles are filled through referrals or community connections before they’re ever posted online. That’s why learning how to reach out and build relationships is just as important as building your resume.

Here are a few ways to grow your network in a meaningful way:

• Attend local networking events, job fairs, and industry panels
• Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and ask for short, informal chats or informational interviews
• Join online groups or forums related to your field — many Canadian industries have active Slack groups, Facebook communities, or LinkedIn spaces
• Volunteer with organizations or events that align with your career goals to meet people and gain experience
• Follow up with people you meet and stay in touch — even a quick message after an event can go a long way

The Canadian job market is often built on trust and relationships. Showing initiative, being genuine, and staying engaged can help you stand out and get recommended for roles you might not have found on your own.

Methodology

The primary data for this study was sourced from the Government of Canada’s Open Government Portal and from the Job Bank page. The focus was on occupations not requiring a university degree, ranging from a high school diploma to a college diploma. Our selection was based on two key criteria: a minimum Canadian median annual salary of $67,163 and a positive job outlook.

The occupations were then sorted in order of their median annual wage, and the top 10 were selected for detailed analysis. Our researchers used the most recent data available at the time of writing to ensure that the analysis reflects the current labor market trends as closely as possible.

Limitations

The study is limited to occupations in Canada and may not reflect global trends. Please note that the labor market conditions are subject to change, and the data reflects the situation as of 2025.

Sources

• Government of Canada, “Open Government Portal” & “Job Bank”
• Government of Canada, “Wages” & “3-Year Employment Outlooks”

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