Top 15 High-Paying Unskilled Jobs in Canada
While skilled professions often dominate headlines, unskilled jobs in Canada offer lucrative opportunities for those without formal training or higher education. These roles provide essential services that keep industries and communities running smoothly, often with attractive salaries, benefits, and room for growth. Whether you’re a newcomer or a resident looking for stable employment, this guide covers the highest-paying unskilled jobs in Canada for 2024 and how to land them.
1. Truck Drivers: The Backbone of Logistics
Canada’s vast geography makes truck drivers indispensable for transporting goods across provinces.
Average Salary: CAD 55,000 – 75,000/year
Requirements: Valid Class 1/A commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Why It Pays Well:
- High demand due to supply chain expansions
- Long-haul drivers often earn bonuses
2. Farm Workers: Feeding the Nation
Farm workers play a vital role in Canada’s agricultural sector, from planting crops to harvesting produce.
Average Salary: CAD 35,000 – 50,000/year
Requirements: Physical fitness and willingness to work long hours during peak seasons
Perks: Many jobs include free accommodation and meals.
3. Warehouse Workers: Keeping Goods Flowing
Warehouse workers manage inventory, load and unload shipments, and ensure products reach their destinations.
Average Salary: CAD 40,000 – 60,000/year
Requirements: Basic physical strength and organizational skills
Growth Opportunity: Forklift certification can lead to higher-paying positions.
4. Cleaners: Essential Workforce Heroes
From office buildings to residential homes, cleaners maintain hygienic environments, a demand that surged post-pandemic.
Average Salary: CAD 30,000 – 45,000/year
Requirements: Attention to detail and time management
Why It Pays Well: Specialized cleaning roles (e.g., medical facilities) often offer higher wages.
5. Construction Laborers: Building Canada’s Future
Construction laborers assist in projects ranging from skyscrapers to highways, contributing to Canada’s booming infrastructure sector.
Average Salary: CAD 45,000 – 65,000/year
Requirements: On-the-job training and physical stamina
Pro Tip: Unionized laborers typically earn higher wages and enjoy additional benefits.
6. Retail Sales Associates: Frontline Customer Service
Retail workers assist customers, manage stock, and process transactions in stores across Canada.
Average Salary: CAD 30,000 – 45,000/year
Requirements: Strong communication skills and a friendly attitude
Career Path: Many companies promote sales associates to managerial roles.
7. Delivery Drivers
Delivery drivers ensure goods and packages reach customers on time, a role that has grown with e-commerce.
Average Salary: CAD 40,000 – 55,000/year
Requirements: Valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle
Why It Pays Well: Companies like Amazon and Uber Eats offer competitive rates and incentives.
8. Hospitality Workers
From hotel staff to restaurant servers, hospitality workers ensure visitors have memorable experiences.
Average Salary: CAD 30,000 – 50,000/year (with tips)
Requirements: Customer service skills and flexibility to work varied shifts
Fun Fact: Jobs in tourist hotspots like Banff or Niagara Falls often come with perks like discounted stays.
9. Fishery Workers
Fishery workers help with fishing operations, processing seafood, and maintaining equipment.
Average Salary: CAD 35,000 – 55,000/year
Requirements: Physical fitness and willingness to work in remote areas
Why It Pays Well: Seasonal demand and export-oriented industries drive wages up.
10. Security Guards: Ensuring Safety
Security guards protect properties, monitor activities, and respond to emergencies.
Average Salary: CAD 35,000 – 50,000/year
Requirements: Security guard license (varies by province)
Pro Tip: Specializing in event or industrial security can yield higher pay.
11. Caregivers: Supporting Families and Communities
Caregivers assist the elderly, disabled, or children with daily activities and companionship.
Average Salary: CAD 30,000 – 45,000/year
Requirements: Patience, compassion, and sometimes a first-aid certification
Growth Potential: Live-in caregiver roles often come with free accommodation.
12. Seasonal Workers
Seasonal jobs in industries like tourism, agriculture, and retail offer high earnings during peak periods.
Average Salary: CAD 35,000 – 50,000/year (prorated)
Requirements: Flexibility and adaptability
Examples: Ski resort staff, holiday retail workers, and fruit pickers.
13. Janitors and Maintenance Workers
These workers keep facilities clean and operational, often earning higher wages in specialized settings like schools or hospitals.
Average Salary: CAD 35,000 – 50,000/year
Requirements: Basic maintenance skills
Career Path: Certification in building systems can open doors to supervisory roles.
14. Factory Workers: Driving Manufacturing
Factory workers operate machinery, assemble products, and ensure quality standards in manufacturing plants.
Average Salary: CAD 35,000 – 55,000/year
Requirements: On-the-job training
Why It Pays Well: Overtime pay and union memberships often enhance earnings.
15. Movers
Movers assist individuals and businesses with relocating, a physically demanding but rewarding job.
Average Salary: CAD 40,000 – 60,000/year
Requirements: Physical strength and teamwork
Perks: Many companies offer bonuses for long-distance moves.
Why Unskilled Jobs in Canada Are Worth Considering
- Accessible Entry: Most roles don’t require advanced education or extensive experience.
- Growth Opportunities: Many unskilled jobs offer on-the-job training, promotions, or pathways to skilled positions.
- Fair Wages: Canada’s labor laws ensure fair pay and benefits for workers in all sectors.
- Immigration Support: Programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) make it easier for international applicants to secure these jobs.
How to Get Started
- Polish Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience, even if informal, like household tasks or volunteering.
- Search Strategically: Use platforms like Job Bank Canada, Indeed, and local job boards.
- Apply for Work Permits: If you’re an international applicant, ensure you meet the requirements under programs like TFWP or Express Entry.
- Be Open to Training: Many employers offer paid training programs to help you succeed.
Unskilled jobs in Canada offer a wealth of opportunities for those willing to work hard and adapt. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking for a stable role, these careers provide a solid foundation for your future.