Jobs Without a Degree in Canada: Why Barbering Is One of the Fastest to Start
Short answer: Hands-on skilled work is one of the best paths to good work without a degree in Canada. Most trades take years of apprenticeship before you work on your own. Barbering is one of the fastest to start: you can learn a clean fade in a two-day class and begin building regulars. CADMEN Barber Academy teaches in Mississauga, Calgary and Montreal.
Want class dates and price? Pick your city and send the short form. Our class coordinator replies with the details.
En français : demandez les dates des cours à Montréal
Which jobs pay well without a degree in Canada?
Skilled trades lead most lists: electricians, plumbers, welders and heavy equipment operators. They pay well, and most need a multi-year apprenticeship before you work on your own.
Personal service skills like barbering start much faster. You learn one skill, use it right away, and add the next.
Why is barbering one of the fastest to start?
- Short training. The CADMEN fade course is two days on live models.
- Repeat clients. A fade grows out in a few weeks, so clients who like you come back on their own.
- Your own business. Job Bank data shows 52% of hairstylists and barbers in Ontario are self-employed, compared with 15% across all jobs. In Quebec it is 70%, compared with 12%.
- Hard to automate. Read can AI replace barbers.
What does a barber earn in Canada?
Government of Canada Job Bank hourly wages for barbers, 2023-2024:
| Where | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $15.00 | $19.88 | $30.00 |
| Ontario | $17.95 | $18.00 | $28.57 |
| Quebec | $16.60 | $21.63 | $32.00 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | $19.23 | $26.00 |
These are employee wages. Most barbers work for themselves and set their own prices, so what you earn depends on your skill, your prices and how many regulars you build.
Start in two days. Ask about fade class dates and price in your city.
What does it cost to start?
In Mississauga, small-group training is $1,750 + HST per course and one-on-one is $1,950 + HST. A $300 deposit holds your spot and is credited toward your tuition. Calgary and Montreal prices are sent with the class dates. At checkout you can choose Klarna or Affirm to split the payment; approval is up to them.
Tools are provided during class. After class you will need your own clippers, trimmer and cape to cut at home.
Is barbering a low-stress job?
You control your schedule and the number of clients you take. The work is social and you see the result of every cut right away. It is also physical: you stand, and your arms are up for most of the day. Many people start part-time to see how it fits. Read is barbering a good side hustle.
Where can you take hands-on barber classes?
CADMEN teaches in three cities. Every location uses the same CADMEN curriculum, keeps classes small and teaches inside a real working barbershop.
Mississauga, Ontario
The home academy is at 1684 Lakeshore Rd W, Unit 18B, Mississauga, ON L5J 1J4. Classes run in small groups of one to three students, or one-on-one. Small-group training is $1,750 + HST per course and one-on-one is $1,950 + HST per course. A $300 deposit holds your spot and is credited toward your tuition. Fade, beard and scissors courses are booked separately. Tools are available during class.
Call 647-931-0355 and press 1 for the Academy, or see the full Mississauga barber classes page.
Request Mississauga course details
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary classes run at Barber Culture, Unit 101, 1211 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3P6, in Kensington. You learn in a real barbershop with a CADMEN-approved educator. The first class dates are being set now. Ask today and we will send you the price and dates as soon as they are confirmed.
Call or text 825-445-1807, or see the Calgary barber classes page.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal classes run at Mama's Boy, 5125 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, QC H4A 1T2, in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG). You learn in a real barbershop with a CADMEN-approved educator, and classes can be taught in French. The first class dates are being set now. Ask today and we will send you the price and dates as soon as they are confirmed.
See the Montreal barber classes page or the page en français.
Ask about Montreal class dates
En français : demandez les dates des cours à Montréal
What do you need to start?
- No experience. Beginners are welcome in every class.
- Two days. The fade course is two days of hands-on cutting on live models.
- A city near you. Mississauga, Calgary or Montreal.
- A short form. Pick your city below and our class coordinator will reach out with dates and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs pay well without a degree in Canada?
Skilled trades such as electrician and plumber pay well and usually need a multi-year apprenticeship. Barbering is one of the fastest skilled jobs to start.
How much does a barber make in Canada?
Job Bank lists a median hourly wage of $19.88 for barbers in Canada in 2023-2024. Most barbers are self-employed and set their own prices.
How fast can I start barbering?
The CADMEN fade course is two days of hands-on cutting on live models.
How much does a CADMEN course cost?
In Mississauga, small-group training is $1,750 + HST per course and one-on-one is $1,950 + HST. A $300 deposit holds your spot and is credited toward your tuition. Calgary and Montreal prices are sent with the class dates. At checkout you can choose Klarna or Affirm to split the payment; approval is up to them.
Do I need a licence to work as a barber?
Rules depend on your province. Job Bank lists hairstylist trade certification as compulsory in Ontario and voluntary in Quebec, and Alberta treats barber and hairstylist as compulsory trades. CADMEN classes are private skills training. They do not give a trade certificate, a licence or apprenticeship hours. Check your province's rules before you charge for haircuts.
