Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs In BC Without A Degree (2023)

British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province and is one of the most sought-after locations in Canada to live and work due to its breathtaking landscape and temperate climate, as well as its diversified population, high standard of life, competitive wages, and abundance of job opportunities.

The highest paying jobs in British Columbia without a Degree are Carpentry, Electrician, Mechanic, Heavy Duty Mechanic, Customer Care Agent, Bookkeeper, Driver, Web Developer, Fire Fighter, and Real Estate Agent.

If you reside in British Columbia without a college degree but are concerned about your chances of finding employment, look no further. Below is a list of high-paying jobs in British Columbia, along with information on the positions’ qualifications and pay rates;

Top 10 High-Paying Jobs in BC Without a Degree

1. Carpentry

Carpentry is a skilled trade and a craft that involves the cutting and shaping of wood in the creation of furniture, structures, ships, timber bridges, concrete formwork, etc. As a carpenter, you might work on a construction site, in a client’s home, in a workshop, for a construction business, or on your own. To become a carpenter in BC you need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program which may or may not be necessary depending on where you work, what matters however is that you are skilled enough for the position. The average salary of a carpenter in BC is about $50,000 per year.

2. Electrician

An electrician is a skilled individual who installs and fixes electrical systems, fixtures, and wiring in buildings. To work as an electrician in BC, you would need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program that will help you gain the necessary knowledge, although 4 years seems like a long time, it is however necessary to complete this training in order to gain the necessary skills and to learn precautionary measures to keep you safe on the job. The average salary of an electrician in BC is about $56,000, although some people earn higher depending on their work experience and skill proficiency.

3. Mechanic

A mechanic otherwise known as an automotive service technician is a professional responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining machinery, light trucks, and automobiles.  Similar to the requirements to work as an electrician, to work as a mechanic in BC, you will need to complete a there to four years apprenticeship program or otherwise be employed by a professional and rather gain experience there. The average salary of a mechanic in BC is about $70,000 per year.

4. Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic

Unlike regular mechanics, these sets of people are professionally trained to work with bigger machines. Their duties include checking graders, bulldozers, cranes, and other large construction equipment for correct operation, as well as checking the equipment for flaws and malfunctions. It is a high-paying profession that doesn’t need any degree but rather a few years of apprenticeship training after which you will be able to apply for jobs and earn an average of about $79,000 every year.

5. Customer Care Agent

This is someone that relates to customers on a daily basis. They are involved in representing the company they work for in relating to customers on their complaints and helping them resolve some minor issues, they are also involved with answering questions and giving clarifications. It is a high-paying job that does not require any degree. Depending on the organization you will be working for, you might be required to take simple training and tests to help you get familiarized with the operation of the company. The average salary of a customer care agent in BC is about $48,000 per year.

6. Bookkeeping

A bookkeeper is in charge of documenting and keeping track of a business’s daily financial activities. They can assist the accountant with payroll administration, debt collection, invoice creation, and payment processing and may also be involved with helping create reports for the manager. Although some companies might require that you take some particular programs in order to qualify for this position, it is however not always a requirement, and entry-level bookkeepers can apply with just their high school diploma. The average yearly salary of a bookkeeper in BC is about $60,000.

7. Driver

This is a person that is professionally trained to be responsible for transporting people along a predetermined route. Their job description may also include ensuring that the car or vehicle is in good shape at the start of their shift and also performing some basic car maintenance such as oil change and tire replacement. Although this job doesn’t require any degree, you will however be required to have a driver’s license in class c with an acceptable driving history and years of experience. The average salary of a Driver in BC is $57,000 per year.

8. Web Developer

A web developer is someone who creates websites for companies, schools, businesses, etc., and ensures the functionality of these websites. Web development is a very lucrative job that can be done remotely from home and doesn’t in fact need any form of degree but rather training classes or personal learning. The average salary of a web developer in BC ranges between $35,000-$75,000 depending on your level of proficiency.

9. Fire Fighting 

A firefighter is a highly skilled person that Responds to emergencies and safeguards people, the environment, and properties against all kinds of fire dangers. Although a Fire Fighter needs adequate training, they do not need any degree asides from their high school diploma, first aid and CPR certification, good communication skills, and proof of no criminal history. The average salary of a firefighter in BC is about $78,000 per year.

10. Real Estate Agent

Being in the real estate business in Canada is a whole deal let alone in British Columbia. BC has one of the most expensive housing systems which in turn has made real estate a field that is very lucrative. A real estate agent is a qualified professional that assists clients in the purchase or sale of homes or properties, and oftentimes their pay usually comes from a certain percentage of the sale of the property. To become a real estate agent in BC, you do not need any form of a college degree but however, simply need to complete a licensing course. The average salary of a real estate agent in BC is about $87,000 per year.

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Closing

It is important you seek out the highest paying jobs without a degree in BC, as living in this city can be quite expensive from the high cost of houses to food and even transportation.

However, the case is reversed as there are now several high-paying jobs you can get even if you do not have a degree, ranging from carpentry to even bookkeeping or firefighting.