Jobs in Canada That Do Not Need a Degree
March 13, 2025
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Canada is a land of opportunities, not just for those with a university degree but anyone looking for jobs in Canada. Plenty of high-paying jobs are available for individuals without a degree. Whether you're a skilled tradesperson or passionate about healthcare, Canada offers many career options for those looking to work without a degree.
Many categories of jobs in Canada don’t require a degree. Some categories include specialized, high-paying jobs without a degree, government jobs without a degree, jobs without high school diploma requirements, fair, good-paying jobs without a degree, and highly sought-after, top jobs in Canada without a degree.
We'll explore the top 10 jobs in Canada that do not require a degree and highlight the benefits of working in Canada without a degree.
Work in Canada Without a Degree
Although qualifying is important, what is arguably more important now is either having Canadian work experience or a valid job offer in Canada. The more in-demand your job is and the higher your work experience and expertise in your chosen field, the more likely it will be to get a visa to Canada. Here is a video showcasing some jobs in Canada that don’t need a degree.
Top 10 Occupations in Canada That Do Not Require a Degree
Canada is the place for immigrants looking to work without a degree! Look at this list of top jobs you can apply for in Canada without a degree, National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes annual average salaries from Canada's Job Bank.
Fish Plant Workers (NOC 94142)
Fish plant workers are crucial in Canada's seafood industry. They work in fish processing plants, cleaning, sorting, and packaging fish and seafood products. Although this job may not require a degree, it does require physical stamina and the ability to work in cold and wet environments. Fish plant workers can earn a decent income, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Job Prospects
According to Canada's Job Bank, fish plant workers are in demand most in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia provinces.
Salary Expectations
According to Canada's Job Bank, the average annual salary for Fish plant workers in Canada is 30,459 CAD.
Electricians (NOC 72200)
Electricians are in high demand in Canada, and this profession offers excellent job prospects and earning potential. While becoming a certified electrician requires completing an apprenticeship and passing a certification exam, it does not require a university degree. Electricians work in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial, ensuring that electrical systems are installed and maintained safely and efficiently.
Job Prospects
According to Canada's Job Bank, electricians are in demand in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.
Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for Electricians in Canada is 58,695 CAD, according to Canada's Job Bank.
Industrial Butchers (NOC 94141)
For those who enjoy working with their hands and have a knack for precision, a career as an industrial butcher can be rewarding. Industrial butchers work in meat processing plants, cutting, trim, and preparing meat products for distribution. While this job may not require a degree, it does require physical strength and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Job Prospects
According to Canada's Job Bank, industrial butchers are in demand in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for industrial butchers in Canada is 39,000 CAD, according to Canada's Job Bank.
Homecare Support Providers (NOC 44101)
As the population ages, the demand for home care support providers grows. These professionals assist elderly or disabled individuals with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals. While a degree is not required, specialized training and certification may be necessary. Homecare support providers have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others while enjoying job stability.
Job Prospects
According to Canada's Job Bank, Homecare Support Providers are most in demand in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.
Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for Homecare Support Providers in Canada is 35,100 CAD Canada's Job Bank.
Retail Salesperson (NOC 64100)
Retail salespersons play a vital role in the Canadian economy. They work in various retail settings, assisting customers with their purchases, providing product information, and ensuring customer satisfaction. While a degree is not required, excellent communication and customer service skills are essential. Retail salespersons can earn a commission on their base salary, making it a lucrative career choice.
Job Prospects
According to Canada's Job Bank, Retail salespeople are most in demand in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon provinces.
Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for a Retail Salesperson in Canada is 29,640 CAD Canada's Job Bank.
Miner (NOC 84100)
Canada is rich in natural resources, and the mining industry significantly contributes to the country's economy. Miners extract minerals and ores from the earth, operate heavy machinery, and ensure the safety of mining operations. While a degree is unnecessary, specialized training and certification are typically required. Miners often work in remote locations, but the compensation can be substantial.
Job Prospects
According to Canada's Job Bank, miners are in demand most in the provinces of Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.
Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for Miners in Canada is 72,150 CAD Canada's Job Bank.
Welders (NOC 72106)
Welding is a skilled trade that offers excellent employment prospects in Canada. Welders use heat and pressure to join metals needed in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and automotive. While a degree is not required, welders must complete a certification program and obtain relevant licenses. The demand for welders remains high, making it a stable and well-paying career choice.
Job Prospects
According to Canada's Job Bank, welders are in demand in the provinces of Alberta, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.
Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for Welders in Canada is 50,700 CAD Canada's Job Bank.
Farm Workers (NOC 85100)
Agriculture is a significant industry in Canada, and farm workers are vital in producing food and other agricultural products. Farm workers perform various tasks, including planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops or caring for livestock. A degree is not required, but physical stamina and the ability to work in all weather conditions are necessary. Farm workers can find employment on dairy farms, orchards, vineyards, and more.
Job Prospects
According to Canada's Job Bank, Farm Workers are most in demand in the provinces of Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island.
Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for Farm Workers in Canada is 35,100 CAD Canada's Job Bank. Find out more about the top three Canada work visa programs you can use to immigrate to Canada as a farm worker.
Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300)
Transport truck drivers are in high demand in Canada, with a growing need for professionals transporting goods across the country. While a degree is not required, a commercial driver's license (CDL) and specialized training are necessary. Transport truck drivers can travel and explore different parts of Canada while earning a competitive income.
Job Prospects
According to Canada's Job Bank, Transport Truck Drivers are most in demand in the provinces of Manitoba and Prince Edward Island.
Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for a Transport Truck Driver in Canada is 46,800 CAD Canada's Job Bank. Take your place as a truck driver in Canada by using these five steps to become a truck driver in Canada.
Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in healthcare but without a degree. LPNs provide basic nursing care, such as administering medication, monitoring patients' vital signs, and assisting with daily activities. While a degree is not required, LPNs must complete a practical nursing program and obtain a license. The demand for LPNs is high, making it a stable and fulfilling profession.
Job Prospects
According to Canada's Job Bank, licensed practical nurses are in demand in the provinces of Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.
Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada is 55,965 CAD Canada's Job Bank.
How to Get a Job in Canada Without a Degree?
You must craft the perfect Canadian resume to raise your chances of successfully finding a job in Canada without a degree. Due to the lack of higher tertiary qualifications, you need to emphasize your work skills and experience and provide a detailed description of your prior jobs' duties and responsibilities.
Learn how to craft the perfect resume while searching for a job in Canada.
Conducting thorough research using validated and popular Canadian online job portals is also a great way of finding jobs in Canada. Most job portals will include a job requirements section, which you can look through to see whether or not the job requires a degree. Some of the more popular online Canadian job portals include:
- Indeed Canada,
- MonsterCanada,
- Canada Jobbank, and
- GlassdoorCanada.
Learn more about the top job posting sites in Canada.
How to Work in Canada Without a Degree?
To immigrate to Canada without a degree, you can use the following immigration visa pathways and work permits.
Temporary Foreign Worker Permit (TFWP)
One option for working in Canada without a degree is to apply for a Temporary Foreign Worker Permit (TFWP). This program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages. To be eligible, individuals must have a job offer from a Canadian employer and meet specific government requirements.
Pilot Programs
The Canadian government has implemented pilot programs to attract foreign workers to specific regions or industries. These programs may offer pathways to permanent residency for individuals without a degree. Examples of these programs include the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and the Homecare/Support Worker Pilot, which opens on March 31, 2025.
IEC Working Holiday
The International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday program allows young individuals from participating countries to work and travel in Canada. While a degree is not required, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and obtain an IEC work permit. This program provides an opportunity to gain international work experience and explore the beauty of Canada.
Why Work in Canada Without a Degree?
While a degree is often considered a requirement for professional success, Canada offers various paths for skilled individuals to thrive without formal higher education. Here are some reasons why working in Canada without a degree is beneficial.
Employment Opportunities In Essential Occupations
Working in Canada without a degree allows individuals with different skill sets to find meaningful employment and earn a competitive income. Some essential jobs involving sanitation (plumbers) and electrical maintenance and supply (electricians) don’t require a degree. According to Canada's Job Bank, they are in great demand in Canada, which increases the employment opportunities available to foreign workers skilled in these occupations.
Learn more about some of the top jobs that are in demand in Canada.
Universally High Living Standards
Canada is known for its high standard of living and provides a safe and welcoming environment for workers from all backgrounds, including workers without degree qualifications. Compared to other industrialized nations like the United States (US), Canada’s high living standards come at a comparatively low cost of living. Learn more about the comparative cost of living between Canada vs US.
Path to Permanent Residency in Canada
Working in Canada without a degree can be a stepping stone toward obtaining Canadian permanent residency or citizenship. Suppose you are working in Canada without a degree and are using a Temporary Resident work permit. In that case, you can learn how to go from being a temporary resident to a permanent resident in Canada.
Skills Development Opportunities
Many individuals who start their careers in Canada without a degree upgrade their skills or pursue further education, opening up new career growth and advancement opportunities. Canada offers many job opportunities for individuals who still need a degree. Various occupations, from skilled trades to healthcare, do not require a university education. By exploring the top jobs in Canada without a degree and understanding the pathways to employment, individuals can unlock success and build a fulfilling career in Canada.
To assist you in taking your place in Canada as a permanent resident immigrant worker without a degree, we recommend enlisting a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). RCICs are Canadian immigration experts with comprehensive knowledge of the Canadian immigration system. Therefore, they are valuable sources of knowledge and guides that help you successfully navigate the application process.
FAQs
What is the Best Place to Immigrate to Canada Without a Degree?
While job opportunities are available throughout Canada, some provinces and territories are more demanding for specific occupations. For example, Alberta is known for its oil and gas industry, while Ontario has a strong manufacturing sector. Researching the job market in different provinces and territories is essential to determine the best place to immigrate based on your skills and interests.
What is the Fastest Pathway to Canada Without a Degree?
The fastest pathway to Canada without a degree depends on individual circumstances and goals. The TFWP and the IEC Working Holiday program offer relatively quick ways to work in Canada temporarily. However, participating in a pilot program may be the fastest pathway if you want to obtain permanent residency. It is advisable to consult with an immigration professional to determine the best pathway for your specific situation.