When most people think of high-paying jobs in Canada, they picture doctors, engineers, and IT professionals. But there are many surprisingly lucrative careers in Canada that don’t always require a university degree — and in some cases, just a diploma or certificate can open the door to big paychecks.
If you’re considering moving to Canada or changing careers, here are 9 unexpected jobs in Canada that pay very well, plus how you can qualify for them.
🧰 1. Elevator Mechanic
Average Salary: CAD $80,000 – $120,000/year
Top Earners: Over $140,000/year
Why It Pays So Well:
It’s a highly technical trade involving safety regulations and specialized repair knowledge.
How to Qualify:
- Complete an apprenticeship (4 years typically)
- Get certified through a Red Seal trade exam
- Ontario & BC have the most demand
🔗 Red Seal Program – Trades Certification
🛠 2. Powerline Technician
Average Salary: CAD $75,000 – $115,000/year
Top Employers: Utility companies like Hydro One or BC Hydro
Why It Pays:
High risk, extensive outdoor work, and technical skills.
How to Qualify:
- Complete a Powerline Technician Diploma or apprenticeship
- Physical fitness and safety training required
🔗 BCIT Powerline Technician Program
💼 3. Court Reporter or Stenographer
Average Salary: CAD $70,000 – $110,000/year
Freelance Earnings: Even higher for certified freelancers
Why It Pays:
Courtroom demand is high, and qualified stenographers are rare.
How to Qualify:
- Attend a certified stenography or captioning school
- Pass a speed and accuracy test
- Certification through National Court Reporters Association (optional)
🔗 NAIT Captioning & Court Reporting
🛻 4. Truck Driver (Long-Haul)
Average Salary: CAD $60,000 – $100,000/year
Bonus: Employers often sponsor immigration
Why It Pays:
High demand, long hours, and labor shortages across Canada.
How to Qualify:
- Get a Class 1/A commercial license
- Take a driver training program (1–3 months)
🔗 Sask Polytech Truck Driver Training
📦 5. Heavy Equipment Operator
Average Salary: CAD $70,000 – $110,000/year
Top Employers: Construction, mining, and oil & gas
Why It Pays:
Highly skilled job involving expensive machinery and safety.
How to Qualify:
- Complete a Heavy Equipment Operator program
- Red Seal certification increases your wage
🔗 Keyano College Heavy Equipment Program
💇♀️ 6. Hairstylist or Barber (Self-Employed)
Top Earners: CAD $80,000+ in busy urban salons
Why It Pays:
Many stylists are business owners or rent their own chairs, and tips can add up fast.
How to Qualify:
- Complete a hairstyling diploma (typically 12–15 months)
- Pass the licensing exam for your province
🛡 7. Security Consultant (Cyber & Physical)
Average Salary: CAD $85,000 – $130,000/year
Fast-Growing Field
Why It Pays:
With rising digital and physical security concerns, demand for professionals is high.
How to Qualify:
- For cyber: diploma or certs like CompTIA, CEH, or CISSP
- For physical: law enforcement or security background
🔗 Seneca Cybersecurity Program
🎥 8. Video Editor or Multimedia Specialist
Average Salary: CAD $60,000 – $100,000/year
Freelancers: Can earn more depending on clients
Why It Pays:
Media production is booming, especially with YouTube and corporate content needs.
How to Qualify:
- Study digital media or film editing
- Build a portfolio and learn tools like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut
🔗 Toronto Film School – Video Production
✈️ 9. Air Traffic Controller
Average Salary: CAD $90,000 – $150,000/year
Employer: NAV Canada
Why It Pays:
Extremely high stress, big responsibility, and rigorous training.
How to Qualify:
- Apply through NAV Canada
- Complete in-house training (takes 2–3 years)
🔍 Final Thoughts
You don’t always need a degree to land a high-paying job in Canada. Many skilled trades and technical roles offer excellent salaries, and they’re in high demand across the country. If you’re willing to train, certify, or apprentice, you can build a career that pays surprisingly well.
