Not everyone's life heads in the direction they expected. Nor does everyone decide what career they want in life by the time they leave secondary education. However, just because you may not have attended college doesn't mean you can't learn new skills later on or get high-paying jobs in Canada that support your lifestyle.
Some of the most in-demand jobs in Canada and the best-paying jobs do not require a degree. Instead, you might need to borrow money to get started and set yourself up for a successful career.
Whether you are currently unemployed on EI benefits and you're looking for in-demand jobs in Canada to transition into a new career path, here are the top 10 high-paying jobs in Canada that could be worth a closer look.
1. Real Estate Agent
Real estate is one of the highest-paying jobs in Canada. Therefore, it's surprising to think that you don't need tertiary education under your belt to succeed in it.
This career path is ideal for people who can manage their work-life balance, like meeting new people, and are adept at using different advertising platforms to market properties.
The journey to becoming a real estate agent is not only straightforward but reasonably affordable, as well. You need to begin your real estate certification, align yourself with a brokerage agency, and apply for licensing before taking the licensing exam.
Once you've passed, you can get errors and omissions insurance, complete your professional practice, then start selling property. It's that simple. Before long, you could be earning as much as $106,042 per year.
2. Construction Manager
If you like working with people, are organized, and understand the construction industry, a construction manager's job can be worth considering. You'll find that many of the jobs in demand in Canada are construction-related, particularly in areas experiencing property booms.
To become a construction manager earning close to $70,000 annually, you need to gain certification through the Canadian Construction Association's Gold Seal Certification Program. If you have worked in civil engineering, you may also be suitable for this role.
While there can be a small investment required for this career, there are plenty of ways to borrow money to cover your costs so that you can hit the ground running.
Once you enter this line of work, you'll be in charge of planning and organizing construction projects while purchasing building materials, hiring and supervising, and preparing progress reports. There is also potential to enter a related field, such as project manager.
3. Web Developer
A web developer's role is to design and program elements for web pages, manage server connections and understand the mechanics and programming of all things computer-related. They are essentially a jack of all trades when it comes to computers.
The average salary in Canada for such a job is upwards of $67,000. However, you could earn even more based on your level of experience.
This job doesn't require you to have a degree, but you may see the value in utilizing online cash loans so that you can undertake helpful courses in subjects like HTML, XML, Javascript, and computer science.
Once you've skilled yourself in an area, you'd like to provide services in, and you can quickly have one of the best careers in Canada. You can build up a client base, travel, and earn money from the comfort of your home or in someone else's business. The options are endless.
4. App Developer
The average person has access to hundreds of thousands of apps. It's clear to see they have their place in the modern world. Although, you likely don't know too many people who can build them.
Suppose you have a passion for information technology or computer science; you can make a name for yourself by learning how to code and develop apps while earning upwards of $66,000 annually. This job requires you to know how to use app development software available and understand how to code apps. Still, you don't need a degree for this job.
You need to develop an app idea or familiarize yourself with fixing bugs and solving technical issues in apps. You can then become in-demand for your services while benefiting from having one of Canada's best jobs for flexibility and income potential.
5. Elevator Mechanic
A job as an elevator mechanic requires you to understand elevators' inner workings, both old and new, to fix, service, maintain and install them. While you don't need a degree for a job as an elevator mechanic, you will need to be fit, comfortable working at heights and be prepared to further your education.
This job requires you to gain certification through the Canadian Elevator Industry Education Program, which involves a three to four-year apprenticeship program and technical training. Although, once you complete your training, you can earn an average of $58.10 per hour.
6. Pilot
Becoming a commercial or private pilot can earn you an average of $33 an hour. Therefore, it's clear to see that piloting jobs are high-paying jobs in Canada that have endless potential. In saying that, becoming a pilot does require a significant initial investment.
Training and licensing can cost between $10,000 and $14,000. It can also necessitate countless training hours, an understanding of math and physics, and a clean medical certificate from healthcare professionals like registered nurses or family physicians. As a result, you may need to borrow money in those early days to enter your chosen career.
Fortunately, whether you have good or bad credit, there are plenty of loan options available to give you the head start you need for a new job. Once you become a licensed pilot, you can fly in the private sector or work your way towards commercial flights in several cities like Toronto, British Columbia, Ottawa, and further afield.
7. Plumber
Plumbers not only have high-paying jobs in Canada, but they have some of the most in-demand jobs, as well. You won't find too many people who don't require a plumber at some point in their life, so it's a career path worth considering.
Plumbers earn an average of $31.05 per hour for full-time and part-time work, and they can pick up work in almost any city like Ottawa, Calgary, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. You will then manage tasks like laying plumbing for new homes, fixing existing plumbing, and installing new fixtures.
You will likely need four years of secondary school under your belt before finding an employer who will take you on as an apprentice. Once you sign an apprentice contract, you can complete around 9,000 hours or four and a half years of on-the-job and classroom training before taking and passing a Certification of Qualification exam. However, there is no need for a master's degree, bachelor's degree, or anything else from a college setting.
8. Electrician
If you were to train as an electrician, you could be making upwards of $30 per hour while also having an in-demand job that presents many job opportunities.
Becoming a licensed electrician in Canada requires you to have finished 10th grade before applying for a Canadian electrical apprenticeship to become certified. You may also need a high school diploma or GED certificate and to take a mechanical aptitude test.
An electrical apprenticeship can require at least 9,000 hours of training and work experience and an investment of around $1,400. Before long, though, you can have one of the highest paying jobs in Canada without a degree that potentially sets you up for life.
9. Firefighter
If you decide to become a firefighter, you not only end up with one of Canada's best careers but also one that helps other people. While there are plenty of high-paying jobs in Canada, a job as a firefighter is rewarding at the same time.
You can help people in their darkest moments, whether it's at the scene of a car accident, a house fire, or something equally as tragic. You can also earn $26.50 an hour, if not more.
To become a firefighter in Canada, you need to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalency and be a permanent resident or citizen. You also require a Class 5 driver's license with less than seven demerit points and no current or pending suspensions.
Some other requirements may be necessary, depending on which city you apply for work in, such as Ottawa, Ontario, Vancouver, and Nova Scotia. Much of this role requires on-the-job training, which may suit anyone who doesn't have or wish to gain a bachelor's degree or another qualification to begin a new job.
10. Truck Driver
If you love to travel, then one of the best jobs in Canada to have is one as a truck driver. High-paying jobs that allow you to travel are few and far between, yet truck-driving jobs are in hot demand in the job market. You can earn an average salary of $23.24 per hour while helping goods reach their destination on time.
Becoming a truck driver requires you to have a valid driving license, a clean driving record, and a medical screening test from medical professionals. You will then need to obtain a work permit and license before you can hit the road.
As a truck driver, you will be responsible for traveling across the country, navigating border crossings, overseeing vehicle maintenance and repairs, and maintaining a logbook.
Summary
You might think that your options for high-paying jobs in Canada are limited because you never went to college or gained a master's degree. However, job seekers looking for full-time or part-time work may be surprised at how much they can earn in jobs that don't need a degree.
Whether you live in Toronto, Ottawa, or anywhere else in Canada, the options are endless. While many of these jobs above can require an initial investment, finances don't have to be a barrier to entering your dream career or beginning a new job.
iCASH believes everyone deserves a fair chance at borrowing money. We approve loans for people who are on government benefits, such as EI, and child tax to help them achieve their new career path.
