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Looking to build a high-income career in Canada but don’t have a university degree? You’re definitely not alone — and the good news is: Canada offers many well-paying jobs that rely more on skills, training, and hands-on experience rather than formal degrees.
Whether you’re planning to move to Canada, already living there, or just exploring new career paths, this detailed guide breaks down the Top 12 Highest-Paying Jobs in Canada Without a Degree — including salaries, skills required, job outlook, and training pathways.
This expanded guide is optimized for international readers and includes additional insights, updated statistics, and helpful career tips.
Why Canada Offers High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree
Canada is known for its skills-driven labour market. Employers prioritize:
- practical experience
- industry certifications
- hands-on training
- strong communication and problem-solving skills
- good physical fitness (for some roles)
Because of this, thousands of newcomers and Canadians build six-figure careers without spending four years in university.
At a Glance: Highest-Paying No-Degree Jobs in Canada (2026)
Here are the 12 best-paid career paths that don’t require a university degree:
- Firefighter – $166,000/year
- Air Traffic Controller – $100,000/year
- Miner – $149,000/year
- Police Officer – $91,000/year
- Construction Manager – $109,000/year
- Real Estate Agent – $128,000/year
- Maintenance Manager – $87,000/year
- Airline Pilot – $88,000/year
- Sales Manager – $82,000/year
- Operations Manager – $81,000/year
- Electrician – $82,000/year
- Executive Assistant – $63,000/year
Salaries depend on region, experience, and employer and have been rounded.
1. Firefighter
Average Salary: $166,000
Firefighting remains one of the most respected and well-paid jobs that doesn’t require a university degree.
What Firefighters Do
- Respond to emergencies
- Extinguish fires
- Rescue victims
- Operate firefighting equipment
- Provide first aid and basic medical care
Requirements
- High school diploma
- Be 18+
- Excellent physical fitness
- Valid driver’s licence
- Emergency medical training
Job Outlook
Moderate demand in major cities like Calgary and Edmonton.
2. Air Traffic Controller
Average Salary: $100,000
Air traffic controllers manage aircraft movements and ensure safety in the air and on the ground.
Main Responsibilities
- Communicating with pilots
- Monitoring radar screens
- Organizing traffic flow
- Responding to emergencies
Requirements
- High school diploma
- Must pass NAV CANADA’s competitive tests
- Strong multitasking and focus skills
Job Outlook
Strong in Edmonton; moderate in Calgary.
3. Miner
Average Salary: $149,000
Mining remains one of Canada’s backbone industries, with excellent pay despite no degree requirement.
Daily Tasks
- Drilling and blasting
- Operating heavy machinery
- Moving ore
- Working underground
Requirements
- Underground Hard Rock Miner certification
- On-the-job training
- First aid certification
Job Outlook
Good in most Canadian mining regions.
4. Police Officer
Average Salary: $91,000
Police officers serve their communities, enforce laws, and investigate crimes.
Key Duties
- Patrolling neighbourhoods
- Making arrests
- Responding to emergencies
- Building community relationships
Requirements
- High school diploma
- Good physical fitness
- Clean criminal record
- Police academy training
Job Outlook
Stable in many Canadian cities.
5. Construction Manager
Average Salary: $109,000
If you have a background in construction, you can climb into management roles without a degree.
Main Responsibilities
- Overseeing construction projects
- Scheduling timelines
- Hiring subcontractors
- Managing budgets
Requirements
- Construction experience
- Diploma in construction technology (optional but helpful)
Job Outlook
Strong nationwide due to ongoing infrastructure growth.
6. Real Estate Agent
Average Salary: $128,000
One of the most popular no-degree jobs, real estate offers flexible hours and high earning potential.
What They Do
- Help clients buy, sell, or rent properties
- Conduct showings
- Negotiate deals
- Market listings
Requirements
- 18+
- High school diploma
- Pass provincial real estate exams
Job Outlook
Good across Canada, especially major cities.
7. Maintenance Manager
Average Salary: $87,000
Maintenance managers ensure buildings and facilities run smoothly.
Key Responsibilities
- Scheduling inspections
- Overseeing repairs
- Managing budgets
- Organizing maintenance teams
Requirements
- Maintenance or technical experience
- Management skills
- Certifications (varies by facility)
Job Outlook
Moderate across Canada.
8. Airline Pilot
Average Salary: $88,000
Piloting is one of the highest-prestige jobs available without a degree.
Pilot Duties
- Operating aircraft
- Planning flight routes
- Performing pre-flight checks
- Communicating with air traffic control
Requirements
- 18+
- Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
- Category 1 Medical Certificate
Job Outlook
Moderate in Calgary, strong in Edmonton.
9. Sales Manager
Average Salary: $82,000
Sales managers lead teams, build strategies, and help businesses grow.
Core Responsibilities
- Defining sales goals
- Training sales staff
- Analyzing performance
- Managing customer relationships
Requirements
- Sales experience
- Diploma in business administration (recommended)
Job Outlook
Moderate in Calgary; limited in Edmonton
.Explore other top-paying jobs in business administration for more examples of lucrative careers that can be jump-started with a business administration diploma from Robertson Colleg
10. Operations Manager
Average Salary: $81,000
Operations managers ensure smooth business operations across all industries.
What They Do
- Oversee daily operations
- Manage staff
- Control budgets
- Maintain quality standards
Requirements
- Certification/diploma in business administration
- Experience in supply chain, HR, or project management
Job Outlook
Stable nationwide.
11. Electrician
Average Salary: $82,000
Electricians are always in demand in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Daily Tasks
- Installing wiring
- Repairing systems
- Conducting inspections
- Reading technical blueprints
Requirements
- High school diploma
- 4–5-year apprenticeship
- Journeyperson certificate (Red Seal optional)
Job Outlook
Good in Calgary; moderate in Edmonton.
12. Executive Assistant
Average Salary: $63,000
Executive assistants support CEOs, directors, and senior leaders.
Main Responsibilities
- Managing schedules
- Preparing documents
- Handling communication
- Booking travel
Requirements
- Business administration training
- Strong computer skills
- Previous administrative experience
Job Outlook
Moderate in Calgary; good in Edmonton.
Why These Careers Are Ideal for International Applicants
Many newcomers choose these professions because:
✔ They require skills, not
degrees
✔ Training programs are short (6–12 months)
✔ Salaries are competitive
✔ Many roles are in shortage across Canada
If you’re thinking about immigration or upgrading your skills, these careers offer a strong starting point.
Explore Robertson College’s diploma programs to discover more careers in business administration in Calgary and Edmonton.