Top Paying Trades in Canada and the USA

If you want a solid paycheck without a four‑year degree, trades are worth a look. Many skilled jobs pay more than entry‑level office roles, and the demand keeps growing. Below you’ll find the trades that bring the biggest paychecks, plus simple steps to get started.

Which Trades Earn the Most?

Here are the top earners on both sides of the border, based on recent salary data. Numbers are averages; actual pay can vary by city, experience, and certifications.

  • Electrician – Canada: C$70‑90k; USA: $55‑80k. Work on wiring, panels, and renewable‑energy systems.
  • Plumber – Canada: C$65‑85k; USA: $50‑75k. Install and repair water, gas, and drainage lines.
  • Heavy‑Equipment Operator – Canada: C$60‑80k; USA: $45‑70k. Operate bulldozers, cranes, and excavators on construction sites.
  • HVAC Technician – Canada: C$55‑75k; USA: $45‑70k. Service heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning units.
  • Welder – Canada: C$55‑70k; USA: $40‑65k. Work on pipelines, shipyards, and manufacturing plants.
  • Aircraft Maintenance Engineer/Mechanic – Canada: C$70‑95k; USA: $55‑85k. Keep airplanes airworthy and perform safety checks.
  • Commercial Truck Driver – Canada: C$55‑70k; USA: $45‑70k. Long‑haul routes offer overtime and bonuses.

These trades often require apprenticeships or certifications, but the training period is usually 2‑4 years, far less than a bachelor's degree.

How to Get Into a High‑Paying Trade

Ready to jump in? Follow these simple steps:

  1. Research the trade you like. Look at local job boards, talk to people in the field, and check salary ranges for your province or state.
  2. Find an apprenticeship. In Canada, the Red Seal program sets national standards; many employers sponsor apprentices. In the USA, check with community colleges or trade unions for paid apprenticeship programs.
  3. Get the required certification. Most trades need a licence or certification after completing the apprenticeship. For electricians, you’ll need to pass a journeyman exam; for HVAC techs, you’ll need EPA certification in the US.
  4. Build a portfolio of work. Even if you’re just starting, keep records of projects, reference letters, and any safety training you complete. It helps when you apply for higher‑pay roles.
  5. Keep learning. Technologies change fast. Attend workshops on solar installations, smart‑home wiring, or advanced welding techniques to stay competitive and command higher wages.

Many trades also offer overtime, shift differentials, and bonuses for hazardous work, which can push earnings well above the base salary.

Finally, consider location. Cities with booming construction, oil‑and‑gas activity, or renewable‑energy projects tend to pay more. In Canada, Alberta and Ontario lead in wages for electricians and welders. In the US, Texas, California, and the Gulf Coast states offer top pay for heavy‑equipment operators and pipefitters.

Choosing a high‑paying trade gives you a clear path to financial stability without the mountain of student debt that comes with many college degrees. Start with a trade you enjoy, get the right certification, and watch your earnings grow.