Not everyone wants or needs a university degree to build a successful career in Canada. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, it’s entirely possible to earn more than $70,000 per year in industries ranging from trades to technology. In 2026, many of these opportunities are in high-demand sectors where employers value practical expertise over academic credentials.
This guide explores the top 10 jobs in Canada that pay above $70,000 annually without requiring a university degree. We’ll cover job descriptions, salary ranges, required qualifications, and provinces where these roles are most in demand.
1. Electrician
Average Salary: $72,000 – $95,000/year
Demand: Very high in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Certified electricians are vital for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The Red Seal certification allows them to work across Canada. Employers prioritize licensed workers, but no university degree is required—only trade certification and apprenticeship experience.
2. Elevator Mechanic
Average Salary: $85,000 – $110,000/year
Demand: High in major cities with high-rise development.
Elevator installers and repair technicians earn some of the highest wages among skilled trades. Training is usually completed through a four-year apprenticeship program. Safety regulations make this a specialized trade, and salaries easily exceed $70,000.
3. Powerline Technician
Average Salary: $80,000 – $105,000/year
Demand: High in rural and northern regions.
Powerline technicians (linemen) build and maintain overhead and underground electrical power lines. The work is physically demanding and involves training programs and apprenticeships, but no university degree is required.
4. Welder
Average Salary: $70,000 – $90,000/year
Demand: High in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.
Welders with Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) certification and experience in specialized techniques (such as underwater or pipeline welding) can earn well above $70,000. Demand remains high in construction, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
5. Commercial Pilot (Non-University Program)
Average Salary: $75,000 – $120,000/year
Demand: Strong in remote regions and airlines.
Becoming a commercial pilot in Canada requires completing a licensed aviation program and logging required flight hours—not a university degree. Pilots often begin in regional airlines, charters, or cargo transport, eventually moving to higher-paying opportunities.
6. Plumber
Average Salary: $72,000 – $88,000/year
Demand: High in urban centers and industrial projects.
Plumbers handle installation and maintenance of water systems, gas lines, and heating systems. With a Red Seal trade certification, plumbers can earn high wages without formal higher education, especially in provinces facing construction booms.
7. Air Traffic Controller
Average Salary: $80,000 – $120,000/year
Demand: Specialized, limited but lucrative roles.
Air traffic controllers manage aircraft movement and safety in Canadian airspace. Training is provided by Nav Canada and requires aptitude testing and specialized courses, but no degree is necessary. These positions are competitive but highly rewarding.
8. Truck Driver (Specialized Long-Haul)
Average Salary: $70,000 – $85,000/year
Demand: High across all provinces, particularly Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Long-haul and specialized truck drivers earn higher salaries, especially when transporting hazardous materials or oversized loads. A valid commercial driver’s license (Class 1 or AZ) is required, but no university education is needed.
9. Construction Manager (Experience-Based)
Average Salary: $78,000 – $110,000/year
Demand: Growing in Alberta, Ontario, and BC.
Many construction managers work their way up from trades roles such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work. With years of experience, they can supervise large projects and earn six-figure incomes, even without a degree.
10. Police Officer
Average Salary: $70,000 – $95,000/year
Demand: Consistent across Canada.
Police officers complete training through police academies and provincial programs rather than universities. Salaries grow with experience, rank, and overtime, and many officers surpass $90,000 annually.
Additional High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree
- HVAC Technician – $70,000 – $85,000/year
- Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) – $72,000 – $90,000/year
- Real Estate Agent – Commission-based, often over $100,000/year
Why These Jobs Pay Well
Several factors drive high wages in these careers:
- Shortage of skilled trades workers across Canada.
- Specialized training requirements instead of lengthy university degrees.
- High demand in construction, energy, and transportation industries.
- Unionized pay structures and regulated certifications.
Conclusion
Canada offers abundant opportunities for those without a university degree to build rewarding careers. From skilled trades like welding and plumbing to technical roles such as air traffic control or aviation, salaries exceeding $70,000 are well within reach. The key lies in gaining the right certifications, training, and experience. For those willing to invest in apprenticeships or vocational programs, the Canadian labor market in 2026 provides a clear path to financial security without the need for traditional higher education.