12 high-paying careers to consider in Montreal in 2025 if you have no degree or experience
If your goal for 2025 is to get on a new career path and start earning the big bucks, this one's for you. There are a whole bunch of high-paying careers in Montreal that don't actually require a degree or experience to get started—you just need to know where to look!
Based on data insights from Indeed's 2024 reports on Canada's highest-paying jobs that don't require a degree or experience, we've rounded up some of the best career options for anyone looking for a fresh start.
From jobs like maintenance manager and police officer to plumber and electrician, you can eventually earn up to $95,000 without needing a degree-level education or years of practical experience to get started.
Sure, some roles may require some training or learning new skills, but none demand specific qualifications to break into the field. Instead, you might need soft skills like being bilingual, having a knack for numbers, or thriving in a fast-paced environment.
If 2025 is your year of change, here's some high-paying career inspo to get you dreaming about your next job!
Translator
National average salary: $69,411
The role: Translators convert text or audio from one language to another while preserving the original tone and meaning. They research specialized terms, proofread for accuracy, and may create subtitles for videos or online content. Attention to detail and a love for language are key, as the job often involves using dictionaries and translation tools to ensure quality. While a degree isn't required, having one in the language you work with can be a bonus. This is an excellent career for language enthusiasts who thrive when it comes to precision and nuance.
Air traffic controller
National average salary: $96,836
The role: Air traffic controllers play a vital role in keeping the skies safe by directing planes on the ground and in the air. They guide pilots on airport taxiways and runways, manage takeoffs and landings, and coordinate with other control centres for smooth flight transfers. In emergencies, they provide critical updates on weather conditions and alert emergency crews when needed. If you've got a sharp mind and thrive under pressure, this role could be perfect for you.
Nav Canada currently has openings for air traffic controllers and similar roles. Find out more here.
Plumber
National average salary: $76,148
The role: Plumbers install, repair, and maintain water, gas, and waste systems, working with tools to cut, measure, and fit pipes while tackling tasks like reading blueprints, preparing cost estimates, and ensuring projects meet plumbing codes.
You usually don't need a degree—most plumbers start with a high school diploma (or equivalent) and learn through an apprenticeship. This job is a great fit for hands-on problem-solvers who enjoy working with tools, are comfortable with numbers, and don't mind getting a little dirty to get the job done.
Driver
National average salary: $78, 675
The role: Whether it's transporting passengers, delivering goods, or operating public transit, drivers keep things moving. Your duties depend on the vehicle—anything from navigating city streets in a car or bus to handling heavy shipments in a truck. Specialized vehicles, like large trucks or machinery, may require a Class C or other advanced license. However, a degree or prior experience is not necessarily needed. If you're reliable and love being on the road, becoming a driver could be your lane.
Realtor
National average salary: $95,365
The role: Realtors connect clients with homes or business locations, assisting with buying, selling, and listing properties. They arrange viewings, negotiate offers, and host open houses to showcase listings. To become a realtor, you don't need previous experience or a degree, but you'll usually need a high school diploma. From there, you can complete real estate training and earn a license. This career is ideal for those who are personable, organized, and passionate about helping others find their dream homes.
Electrician
National average salary: $81,377
The role: Electricians work on installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. They inspect systems to ensure everything meets safety codes and regulations, troubleshooting any issues as needed. Most electricians begin with a high school diploma (or equivalent) and then complete an apprenticeship or college program. Depending on where you live, you may also need to get a license. This job is perfect for detail-oriented, safety-conscious individuals who enjoy working with their hands and solving technical problems.
Police officer
National average salary: $88,005
The role: Police officers help maintain public safety by preventing crime, responding to emergencies, and arresting offenders. Employed at municipal, provincial, or federal levels, police officers are often the first responders to accidents and other critical situations. You'll need at least a high school diploma (or equivalent) to apply. You may also be required to meet other requirements—like having a valid driver's license or knowing first aid—before passing exams and completing police training.
This role is ideal for those who can remain calm under pressure, are committed to helping others, and thrive in high-stakes situations.
Maintenance manager
National average salary: $87, 576
The role: If you're someone who's great at solving problems and keeping things running smoothly, a career as a maintenance manager could be for you. In this role, you'll inspect facilities, plan and supervise repairs, and ensure that systems like hydraulics and electrical setups work as expected. You'll also do things like manage budgets, oversee contractors, and handle maintenance expenses to keep everything on track. While there's usually no degree requirement, many maintenance managers have a college diploma.
Graphic designer
National average salary: $62,505
The role: Graphic designers bring ideas to life through visuals, creating everything from logos to animations that grab attention and communicate messages. They use tools like text, images, colours, and shapes to craft designs for ads, websites, and more. Whether working freelance or with an agency, most graphic designers start with a high school diploma and gain skills through graphic design programs or internships—no bachelor's degree required. If you're creative and love visual storytelling, this could be the career for you.
Landscape technician
National average salary: $86,644
The role: Love working outdoors and bringing spaces to life? As a landscape technician, you'll care for lawns, plant trees and bushes, design gardens, and create beautiful pathways. Your work includes mowing, fertilizing, installing sprinklers, and spotting and treating plant diseases. You'll also use equipment like lawnmowers, sprayers, and trimmers, so mechanical skills are a bonus. While many in this role have a diploma in landscaping or design, it's a great path for anyone with an eye for detail and a passion for creating stunning outdoor spaces.
Automotive technician
National average salary: $76,014
The role: If you're great with tools and love working under the hood, a career as an automotive technician might be for you. In this role, you'll inspect vehicles, perform test drives to assess performance and use diagnostic tools to identify and fix issues with electronic systems. You'll also handle repairs to keep cars running smoothly and ensure they're safe to hit the road. This job is ideal for problem-solvers who enjoy hands-on work and are passionate about vehicles.
Dental assistant
National average salary: $87,429
The role: Dental assistants support dental clinics by welcoming patients, organizing and preparing dental tools, and handling administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records. They sterilize and clean instruments, gather patients' medical histories, explain post-operative care, and help comfort nervous patients. Most clinics don't require prior experience and offer on-the-job training, making this a great entry-level role for organized, patient-focused individuals who like helping others.
Keep in mind that some of these salaries reflect what experienced professionals earn at the top of their careers, not necessarily what you’ll make from day one.
For example, as a driver, you probably won’t hit $78,000+ right away—it may take time to gain experience in this role and complete any necessary training. That said, many of these roles offer incredible growth potential, and the chance to earn big is absolutely within reach, even if you’re starting without a degree or specific knowledge!
Wherever your career takes you in 2025, good luck!
