20 High-Paying Jobs in Canada That Don't Require STEM

If numbers or problem-solving or all things technological aren’t your forte, fear not. You’re not alone. But just because you don’t excel at science, technology, engineering or math shouldn’t mean you should give up all hope of having a career that pays a lot. Put the calculator down; these jobs will do you just fine.

Dental hygienist working on woman's teeth

Getty Images

1 / 20

Dental hygienist

Cleaning teeth and gums, inspecting mouths (gross and pristine) and repeatedly educating patients about proper oral care should have you raking in the dough — that's right, a high-paying job without a university degree.

Salary range: $52,808 - $99,446

That said, a lot of it is part-time work, where you can still clean up from anywhere between $27.37 and $48.05 an hour.

CP Images

2 / 20

Diagnostic medical sonographer

Healthcare technicians who specialize in ultrasound technology might start out with a modest salary but can eventually work up to excellent wages, and are one of the least stressful careers out there. Bonus!

Salary range: $50,394 - $89,916

Woman putting stethoscope on man's chest

Getty Images

3 / 20

Respiratory therapist

These health professionals help patients breathe effectively, and can work with people who suffer from asthma, or facilitating life support.

Salary range: $41,729 - $85,527

Getty Images

4 / 20

Electrician

Vocational schooling and a short apprenticeship is typically all you need to enter this high-paying trade. Especially if you're in the industrial sector, it's one of the 10 Canadian careers that'll be in demand in 2020 and after.

Salary range: $35,712 - $91,473

Getty Images

5 / 20

Plumber

Similar to electricians, but if you've mastered gas fitting, you can earn even more. Plus, it's one of the best jobs for introverts.

Salary range: $33,632 - $84,775

Man working on outdoor air conditioning unit

Getty Images

6 / 20

HVAC technician

You'll be installing, maintaining, and repairing the systems that heat and cool our homes, businesses, and other buildings.

Salary range: $31,893 - $84,480

Thinkstock

7 / 20

Heavy equipment operator

It's what lots of little kids dream of: operating big construction machinery.

Salary range: $37,317 - C$92,054

Getty Images

8 / 20

Realtor

Depending on how strong your selling skills are, and how optimistic you can be, you could bring in all kinds of money. It's also one of the absolute best jobs for moms.

Salary range: $24,119 - $145,044

Thinkstock

9 / 20

Contracts manager

Managing contracts made with customers, vendors, partners, or employees doesn't sound particularly glamorous but the paycheque kind of sells itself.

Salary range: $54,231 - $140,299

Thinkstock

10 / 20

Human resources specialist

There's no denying this job offers some of the best work/life balance. You can find plenty of HR jobs throughout Canada and will get to work with a team, making sure their rights and well-being is looked after.

Salary range: $40,343 - $76,407

Getty Images

11 / 20

News anchor

The more national you go, the bigger the bucks, obviously.

Salary range: $29,727 - C139,807

Getty Images

12 / 20

Film/TV producer

Those who specialize in the big and small screens make more, as they transform a writer's script to a project that will entertain and/or inform an audience.

Salary range: $38,785 - $98,918

You may also like: 20 surprising jobs that pay $100K or more.

Thinkstock

13 / 20

Art director

You'd be responsible for the visual style and images in anything from movie and TV productions, to magazines and newspapers, even in product packaging. It's all about creating the overall design of a project and supervising those who develop the artwork and layouts, and the outcome is super-satisfying.

Salary range: $40,552 - $91,707

Thinkstock

14 / 20

Commercial diver

The underwater duties mean you can be on your own, and job duties include helping build, repair, or remove large structures or equipment.

Salary range: $40,878 - $104,729

Getty Images

15 / 20

Diesel mechanic

Inspecting, repairing and overhauling the engines of vehicles like trucks, buses or construction are the primary duties in this automotive trade.

Salary range: $36,201 - $82,246

Getty Images

16 / 20

Aircraft mechanic

The skills of repairing and maintaining all kinds of aircrafts can be learned by getting trained at an aviation school.

Salary range: $42,239 - $97,715

Plus, don't miss the secrets pilots won't tell you.

Thinkstock

17 / 20

Airline pilot

Flying the friendly skies can mean a high-paying job that offers the most time off. Then there's the added bonus of all the travel.

Salary range: $34,636 - $150,330

Getty Images

18 / 20

Correctional officer

Laying down the law can earn you a pretty decent penny.

Salary range: $47,913 - $73,571

Getty Images

19 / 20

Police officer

Requirements can vary from agency to agency but in a lot of cases being in good physical shape and having some education in criminal justice could make you a prime candidate for police academy training. Just be sure you can handle a lack of sleep, as they're one of the 20 most sleep-deprived jobs in Canada.

Salary range: $40,104 - $98,291

Getty Images

20 / 20

Firefighter

It's a scary, dangerous, back-breaking job and the people who do it deserve so much. At least they can retire early.

Salary range: $39,941 - C$97,453