Not everyone chooses the college route—and in Canada, that’s perfectly okay. In 2025, the job market is undergoing a significant shift, with an increasing number of well-paying jobs becoming available to high school graduates. These roles offer entry-level salaries starting at $30,000 or more per year, making them a viable and attractive option for those without a college degree.
Whether you’re entering the workforce directly after Grade 12 or looking to switch paths without a degree, Canada offers solid career options for motivated individuals. From skilled trades to sales and logistics, many sectors welcome high school graduates—no university degree is required.
This guide is designed to be a practical tool, walking you through the best job types, where to find them, and how to increase your chances of landing one. It’s a roadmap to your future career, tailored specifically for high school graduates seeking to enter the Canadian workforce.
Table of Contents
Why Employers Are Hiring More High School Graduates in 2025
Several factors have made the job market more accessible to those without college degrees:
- Labor shortages in key industries like trade, logistics, and hospitality
- Skills-first hiring trends that prioritize practical ability over diplomas
- Increased federal and provincial support for on-the-job training programs
- Aging workforce creates gaps in entry and mid-level roles
With demand rising, many employers now offer starting salaries of $30,000 to $45,000 per year, even for first-time job seekers.
Best Jobs in Canada for High School Graduates (2025)
Here are job categories where high school graduates can find full-time, stable work with decent starting pay:
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1. General Labourer (Construction, Warehousing)
- Average Starting Pay: $32,000 – $40,000/year
- What You Do: Site cleanup, moving materials, assisting skilled workers
- Where to Find: Indeed, Job Bank, local trade unions
- Ideal for individuals who enjoy physical work and are eager to learn on the job. Potential to move into higher-paying trades with experience.
2. Retail Sales Associate / Customer Service
- Average Starting Pay: $30,000 – $38,000/year
- What You Do: Assist customers, handle inventory, process payments
- Where to Find: Store websites, Workopolis, local malls
- Many retail jobs offer promotions to shift leader or store manager within 1–2 years.
3. Apprentice in a Skilled Trade (Electrician, Plumber, Welder)
- Average Starting Pay: $35,000 – $45,000/year (as an apprentice)
- What You Do: Learn on the job while training toward Red Seal certification
- Where to Find: Apprenticesearch.com, SkilledTradesOntario, union websites
- Apprenticeships pay while you learn, with long-term salaries reaching $80,000+.
4. Delivery Driver (Local / E-Commerce)
- Average Starting Pay: $32,000 – $45,000/year
- What You Do: Pick up and deliver packages using a car, van, or bike
- Where to Find: Canada Post, Amazon, Purolator, Indeed
- Some roles require a clean driving record and basic customer service skills.
5. Call Centre Representative
- Average Starting Pay: $34,000 – $42,000/year
- What You Do: Answer phones, assist customers, manage complaints
- Where to Find: Job Bank, Sitel Group, 24-7 Intouch
- Offers stable hours and potential to grow into tech support or team lead roles.
6. Food Service Worker (Fast Food, Cafes, Catering)
- Average Starting Pay: $30,000 – $36,000/year + tips
- What You Do: Prep food, clean stations, serve customers
- Where to Find: Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, SkipTheDishes, company websites
- Enhance your career prospects in hospitality management with relevant experience.
7. Security Guard (With Certification)
- Average Starting Pay: $35,000 – $43,000/year
- What You Do: Monitor premises, report incidents, ensure safety
- Where to Find: GardaWorld, Paladin Security, Commissionaires
- Requires a provincial security license (usually 40-hour training + exam).
8. Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
- Average Starting Pay: $33,000 – $40,000/year
- What You Do: Answer phones, schedule appointments, handle paperwork
- Where to Find: Government job boards, temp agencies, LinkedIn
- Entry into the world of office work and administration, often with promotion potential.
9. Warehouse Associate / Order Picker
- Average Starting Pay: $32,000 – $44,000/year
- What You Do: Scan, pick, and pack orders; use forklifts or inventory software
- Where to Find: Amazon, Costco, Walmart, local warehouse listings
- Often includes benefits, night shift premiums, and bonuses.
10. Landscaping Assistant or Groundskeeper
- Average Starting Pay: $31,000 – $39,000/year
- What You Do: Maintain lawns, gardens, outdoor spaces
- Where to Find: Local landscapers, parks departments, college campuses
- Seasonal work but offers the potential to become a crew leader or start your own business.
Where to Find These Jobs in Canada
Use these websites to search by city, salary, and job type:
- Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca) – Official Government of Canada listings
- Indeed.ca – Filter by salary and experience
- Workopolis.com – For hourly and part-time roles
- Apprenticesearch.com – For trades and training
- Eluta.ca – Lists jobs directly from employer websites
- Local employment centers or youth job programs
Many companies also list roles directly on their websites. Don’t forget to check bulletin boards at community centers, high schools, or local employment agencies.
How to Stand Out Without a Degree
Even with no college background, you can still make a great impression:
- Highlight soft skills: punctuality, communication, teamwork
- Get certified: First Aid, WHMIS, security license, Smart Serve
- Volunteer or intern: Gain experience through short-term commitments
- Show professionalism: Dress well for interviews, follow up, and bring a printed resume
- Use referrals: Ask teachers, family, or friends to recommend you
Employers want reliable, teachable workers—they’ll often train you if you show potential.
Final Thoughts
A university degree isn’t the only path to a stable income in Canada. With the right mindset, basic training, and job search strategy, high school graduates can secure reliable full-time roles starting at $30,000 per year or more.
Many of these positions not only offer a stable income but also provide training, opportunities for promotions, and career growth. What starts as a job can become a long-term path to success, offering a hopeful future for high school graduates.
