If you’re fed up with the status quo and want a higher-paying job without spending four years at university, then this post is for you. In our opinion, it’s worth investing in a trade or certification program to become an electrician or plumber (or diesel mechanic). Trade and vocational programs require less time upfront but can translate into higher long-term wages.
At least three years of on-the-job training are required before trade workers are considered fully qualified and ready to work on their own. This means that they’ll be earning more than minimum wage in just one year’s time, while university graduates will still be stuck at the bottom of the salary pyramid after four years of study.
High Paying Jobs In Canada Without Need For University Degree
Here are some of the most lucrative jobs for tradespeople that you can get with no university degree:
1. Painting and decorating: $21,110 annually
Painting, decorating and paper hanging is one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada. To become a painter and decorator, you need to complete an apprenticeship and receive your Certificate of Qualification from the Ontario College of Trades. In many regions across the country, qualified individuals are in high demand. The fact that this job can be done without any degree or certificate makes it even more attractive since the competition is lower.
2. Automotive repair: $31,990 annually
You don’t need a university degree to work on cars but you’ll have to get certified by a mechanic training program instead (most garages prefer to hire qualified technicians with experience). After you’re fully trained, you can work at a garage, perform repairs at your customers’ homes, or open your own auto repair shop.
3. Construction and heavy equipment: $38,110 annually
This is another industry with an extremely high demand for qualified workers. There are several certification programs that you can enroll in to learn how to operate all kinds of heavy machinery and then take the necessary certification exams at the end. The financial rewards for this kind of job are very high, especially if you can land a gig at a good construction company.
4. Diesel mechanics: $43,110 annually
To become a diesel mechanic, you need good knowledge of automotive technology and extensive hands-on experience in repairing your customers’ cars. At the end of the day, you’ll have to pass a written test, an oral exam, and practical tests, including a 190-point inspection and sign-off. Getting this kind of job requires at least 2 years of on-the-job training.
5. Plumbing: $47,510 annually
There are several certification programs available to train you in residential and commercial plumbing and then give you the necessary skills to fix leaks, install fixtures and appliances, install baths, showers, and any other plumbing project whatsoever.
You’ll also have to pass an exam after you’ve received your certificate. This is another job that is quite lucrative for individuals with no university degree or apprenticeship background because competition is fairly low.
6. Electrician: $51,410 annually
Just like with plumbers, you need to complete an apprenticeship and pass an exam to receive your certification. The good news is that electricians are in such high demand that you can get a job without spending too much time studying upfront. It’s also a job that can make you very wealthy since those with good skills often have the opportunity to open their own business after a few years of experience.
7. Heavy-duty equipment mechanic: $52,960 annually
If you’re an experienced auto mechanic who can operate heavy machinery, such as tractors and cranes, this might be a good option for you. Again, if you know what you’re doing and have technical experience in this area, you could start your own business pretty quickly. If a giant construction firm needs a new tractor or crane, chances are that they’ll contact a well-established entrepreneur instead of taking bids from several companies.
8. Professional truck driving: $55,410 annually
One of the best ways to get paid lots of money without having to go to university is by becoming a professional truck driver. In Canada, you can become a commercial truck driver with only one year of Class 1 or Class 3 experience (depending on the province where you reside). This means that you’ll earn $55.41 per hour before tax and be able to buy a house!
9. Crane operator: $60,480 annually
If you know how to operate cranes and want to become a crane operator once you’ve obtained your certification, then this is definitely a lucrative job for you. In fact, the average salary for crane operators in Canada is $68,264 each year.
10. Gasoline service technicians: $61,120 annually
In some states in the U.S., there are gas stations that pay $75,000 or more per year to service technicians who are certified by the American Gas Association (AGA). You only need one year of full-time experience and training (that’s not including any on-the-job experience) to get your certification.
If you have no training background, chances are that an experienced individual will be hired over you because he/she is likely certified by the AGA.
