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Some jobs in Canada come with surprisingly high salaries, despite being unconventional choices for those seeking a lucrative career. Below, we dive into these jobs and detail how you can gain the qualifications needed to start working in each field.
Average Salary: $80,000–$110,000/year
Electricians are essential workers in industries like construction, energy, and industrial manufacturing. Specialized electricians, such as those working in power systems or industrial environments, often earn six-figure salaries.
Why It Pays Well: Electricians are in high demand across Canada, with a strong emphasis on safety and technical expertise.
How to Qualify:
Complete a high school diploma or equivalent, focusing on math and physics courses.
Apply for a certified apprenticeship program (typically 4–5 years) offered through trade schools or unions, combining paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Obtain a Certificate of Qualification by passing your provincial trade exam or the national Red Seal exam.
Specialize in areas like renewable energy systems or power generation for better pay.
Stay updated with additional certifications in safety and technology, such as WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System).
Average Salary: $70,000–$90,000/year
While plumbing may not sound glamorous, it’s a high-paying trade, especially for those working in industrial or commercial sectors or running their own business.
Why It Pays Well: Plumbers solve critical infrastructure issues and often work in emergencies, which commands premium rates.
How to Qualify:
Finish high school or a GED equivalent, emphasizing courses in math and physics.
Enroll in a plumbing apprenticeship program that blends classroom education with hands-on training (typically 4–5 years).
Earn a Certificate of Qualification by passing a provincial or Red Seal certification exam.
Pursue specialized training in gas fitting, pipefitting, or HVAC systems for niche roles with higher salaries.
Obtain additional certifications for specific systems, such as backflow prevention or green plumbing techniques.
Average Salary: $60,000–$100,000/year
Court reporters document legal proceedings with speed and precision, a skillset that remains in high demand across Canada.
Why It Pays Well: The role’s combination of technical skill and real-time accuracy, coupled with a limited pool of professionals, drives up salaries.
How to Qualify:
Complete a diploma or certificate program in court reporting or stenography, available at community colleges or specialized institutions.
Develop exceptional typing skills, with many programs requiring speeds of over 200 words per minute.
Earn a professional certification, such as Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) from the National Court Reporters Association or its Canadian equivalent.
Gain real-world experience through internships with legal firms or provincial courts.
Stay current with emerging technologies like real-time captioning and voice-to-text software.
Average Salary: $65,000–$100,000/year
Heavy equipment operators manage large machinery, like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators, in industries like construction, mining, and forestry.
Why It Pays Well: Operating heavy machinery is a specialized skill that requires technical know-how and adherence to strict safety protocols.
How to Qualify:
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent, with a focus on shop or technical courses.
Complete a heavy equipment operator program through a trade school, technical college, or union training center.
Obtain certifications for specific machinery, such as forklift, excavator, or crane operation.
Gain safety certifications, such as WHMIS, First Aid, and Working at Heights, which are often required by employers.
Accumulate hands-on experience through entry-level roles or apprenticeships in construction or resource extraction industries.
Average Salary: $60,000–$90,000/year
Funeral directors provide critical services to grieving families, managing everything from embalming to service planning.
Why It Pays Well: The emotional labor and on-call nature of the job contribute to higher-than-expected compensation.
How to Qualify:
Complete a diploma or degree in Funeral Services Education from an accredited college.
Obtain provincial licensing, which often includes passing an exam and completing a supervised apprenticeship.
Gain experience in customer service and administrative roles to develop soft skills like empathy and organizational management.
Pursue advanced certifications, such as grief counseling or crematory management, for specialized roles.
Average Salary: $80,000–$120,000/year
Elevator mechanics install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and other automated systems in commercial and residential buildings.
Why It Pays Well: The specialized nature of the job, combined with high safety risks and strict regulations, commands premium wages.
How to Qualify:
Complete a high school diploma or equivalent, emphasizing math and physics.
Enroll in a provincial elevator mechanic apprenticeship program (4–5 years) that includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
Pass your provincial licensing exam to become a certified elevator mechanic.
Stay updated with industry-specific safety certifications and emerging technologies like smart elevators.
Average Salary: $70,000–$100,000/year
Dental hygienists play a crucial role in oral healthcare, performing cleanings, screenings, and preventive care.
Why It Pays Well: Demand for dental hygienists remains high, especially in private dental practices.
How to Qualify:
Earn a diploma or degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited institution, such as those recognized by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA).
Pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) exam.
Obtain licensure from your provincial dental hygiene regulatory body.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or co-op placements during your program.
Average Salary: $90,000–$140,000/year
Air traffic controllers manage the movement of aircraft in and out of airports, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Why It Pays Well: The high-stress environment and precision required make this one of the best-paying roles that doesn’t necessarily require a degree.
How to Qualify:
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a high school diploma or equivalent.
Apply for training through NAV CANADA, the sole provider of air traffic control services in Canada.
Complete NAV CANADA’s rigorous training program, which combines classroom instruction with simulations and on-the-job training.
Pass a series of medical, psychological, and background checks.
These eight jobs prove that lucrative opportunities exist outside the traditional career paths. With the right training and certifications, you can break into these fields and enjoy both financial rewards and job security.
