Highest Paying Unskilled Jobs in Canada Per Hour
Unskilled jobs are positions that do not require specialized training or education. These types of jobs often involve manual labor, basic tasks, and may have a lower barrier to entry compared to skilled jobs. In Canada, unskilled jobs play a crucial role in the job market as they provide employment opportunities for individuals with varying levels of education and experience.
Many people may view unskilled jobs as temporary or low-paying work, but they are an essential part of the economy. Without these positions, many industries would struggle to function efficiently. Unskilled workers contribute to the production and distribution of goods and services in various sectors such as manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality, transportation, and agriculture.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Highest Paying Unskilled Jobs in Canada
Advantages:
1. High Pay: The most obvious advantage of these jobs is the high pay they offer. As discussed in the previous section, some unskilled jobs can pay upwards of $20 per hour, which is significantly higher than minimum wage. This means that even without a college degree or specialized skills, you can still earn a good living and support yourself or your family.
2. Job Security: Many unskilled jobs in Canada are essential to industries like construction, transportation, and healthcare. These industries are always growing and require a constant workforce, making these jobs relatively stable with long-term employment prospects.
3. No Formal Education Required: Unlike skilled jobs that often require years of education and training, unskilled jobs do not have strict educational requirements. This means that anyone with a high school diploma or GED can qualify for these positions and start earning a good income immediately.
4. Opportunity for Growth: While unskilled jobs may not require formal education, many companies offer on-the-job training programs to help employees learn new skills and advance their careers within the company. This provides an opportunity for growth and development within the industry without having to go back to school.
Disadvantages:
1. Physically Demanding Work: Many highest paying unskilled jobs in Canada involve physically demanding tasks such as heavy lifting or working outdoors in all weather conditions. This can lead to fatigue and potential injuries if proper precautions are not taken.
2. Limited Benefits: Compared to professional positions, unskilled jobs often come with limited benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. It is important to consider the overall compensation package when evaluating these jobs.
3. Lack of Job Satisfaction: Due to the repetitive nature of some unskilled jobs, employees may experience a lack of job satisfaction and fulfillment. This can lead to burnout and a desire for more meaningful work.
4. Limited Career Advancement: While there may be opportunities for growth within a company, there is a limit to how far one can advance in an unskilled position without additional education or specialized skills.
Top 20 Highest Paying Unskilled Jobs in Canada per hour
1. Truck Driver
Salary Range: $23-$30 per hour
Truck driving is one of the most in-demand unskilled jobs in Canada. The main responsibility of a truck driver is to transport goods from one place to another using a large vehicle such as a tractor-trailer or delivery truck. This job usually requires a high school diploma and a commercial driver’s license (CDL). However, some companies may also provide on-the-job training for those without prior experience.
The average hourly pay for a truck driver in Canada is around $25 per hour. However, experienced drivers can earn up to $30 per hour with overtime and bonuses.
2. Construction Worker
Salary Range: $20-$28 per hour
Construction workers are responsible for various tasks such as building structures, installing fixtures, and performing repairs or maintenance work on buildings or roads. This job does not require any formal education but may require basic skills like reading blueprints and using hand tools.
The average hourly wage for construction workers in Canada is around $24 per hour. However, with experience and overtime hours, it can go up to $28 per hour.
3. Warehouse Associate
Salary Range: $18-$25 per hour
Warehouse associates are responsible for managing inventory levels and processing orders in a warehouse setting. They may also be required to operate equipment like forklifts or pallet jacks depending on the company’s needs.
This position typically requires a high school diploma and basic computer skills but no specific training or education beyond that.
Warehouse associates can earn an average hourly wage of around $22 per hour, with the potential to earn up to $25 per hour with experience and overtime.
4. Landscaper
Salary Range: $17-$23 per hour
Landscapers are responsible for maintaining and enhancing outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, and public areas. They may perform tasks like mowing lawns, planting flowers, and trimming trees.
This job typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and some basic knowledge of horticulture or landscaping techniques.
The average hourly wage for landscapers is around $20 per hour. However, experienced workers can earn up to $23 per hour with overtime hours.
5. Janitor
Salary Range: $16-$20 per hour
Janitors are responsible for keeping buildings clean and well-maintained by performing tasks like sweeping floors, cleaning bathrooms, and emptying trash bins.
This job does not require any formal education but may require basic skills like being able to use cleaning equipment effectively.
Janitors can earn an average hourly wage of around $18 per hour. With experience and working in higher-paying industries such as healthcare or government, this can go up to $20 per hour.
6. Cook
Salary Range: $14-$18 per hour
Cooks are responsible for preparing and cooking meals in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, cafeterias, and hotels. They may also be responsible for managing inventory and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen.
This job typically requires a high school diploma and some basic culinary training or experience.
The average hourly wage for cooks is around $16 per hour. However, experienced cooks in higher-end restaurants or hotels can earn up to $18 per hour.
7. Retail Salesperson
Salary Range: $14-$17 per hour
Retail salespersons work in stores selling products to customers. They are responsible for tasks like stocking shelves, assisting customers with their purchases, and processing transactions.
This job does not usually require any formal education but may require good communication skills and some knowledge of the products being sold.
The average hourly wage for retail salespersons in Canada is around $15 per hour. With experience and working in high-end retail stores, this can go up to $17 per hour.
8. Cashier
Salary Range: $13-$16 per hour
Cashiers handle transactions at cash registers in various settings such as retail stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. They are responsible for scanning items, processing payments, and providing customer service.
This job usually does not require any formal education but may require good math skills and proficiency in using a cash register.
Cashiers can earn an average hourly wage of around $14 per hour. With experience and working in higher-paying industries such as banking or healthcare, this can go up to $16 per hour.
9. Delivery Driver
Salary Range: $13-$16 per hour
Delivery drivers are responsible for transporting goods or packages from one location to another. They may work for companies such as Amazon, FedEx, or food delivery services like UberEats or DoorDash.
This job typically requires a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license. Some companies may also require you to use your own vehicle for deliveries.
The average hourly wage for delivery drivers in Canada is around $15 per hour. However, with experience and bonuses, this can go up to $16 per hour.
10. Security Guard
Salary Range: $13-$15 per hour
Security guards are responsible for maintaining safety and security on premises such as office buildings, malls, or event venues. They may monitor surveillance cameras, check credentials of visitors, and respond to emergency situations if necessary.
This job usually requires a high school diploma and a security guard license, which can be obtained through training courses.
The average hourly wage for security guards is around $14 per hour. However, with experience and working in higher-paying industries such as government or healthcare, this can go up to $15 per hour.
11. Housekeeper
Salary Range: $13-$15 per hour
Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of homes or buildings. They may perform tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and organizing spaces.
This job does not usually require any formal education but may require some prior cleaning experience.
The average hourly wage for housekeepers in Canada is around $14 per hour. With experience and working in higher-end residences or hotels, this can go up to $15 per hour.
12. Personal Support Worker
Salary Range: $13-$15 per hour
Personal support workers (PSWs) provide care and support to individuals who need assistance with daily tasks due to age, illness, or disability. They may help with tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
This job usually requires a high school diploma and a personal support worker certificate from an accredited program.
The average hourly wage for PSWs is around $14 per hour. With experience and working in higher-paying industries such as healthcare or government, this can go up to $15 per hour.
13. Customer Service Representative
Salary Range: $12-$15 per hour
Customer service representatives are responsible for assisting customers with inquiries, complaints, and product/service recommendations. They may work in various industries such as retail, call centers, or online support.
This job does not usually require any formal education but may require good communication skills and proficiency in using customer service software.
The average hourly wage for customer service representatives is around $13 per hour. With experience and working in higher-end companies, this can go up to $15 per hour.
14. Barista
Salary Range: $12-$15 per hour
Baristas are responsible for preparing and serving coffee beverages in cafes or restaurants. They may also be responsible for taking orders, maintaining cleanliness of the cafe/restaurant, and handling payments.
This job typically does not require any formal education but may require some prior experience in a similar role.
Baristas can earn an average hourly wage of around $13 per hour. With experience and working in higher-end establishments or receiving tips, this can go up to $15 per hour.
15. Server
Salary Range: $12-$15 per hour
Servers work in restaurants or bars and are responsible for taking food and drink orders, serving customers, and handling payments. They may also be responsible for setting tables, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting with food preparation.
This job does not usually require any formal education but may require good customer service skills and knowledge of the menu.
The average hourly wage for servers in Canada is around $13 per hour. With experience and working in higher-end establishments or receiving tips, this can go up to $15 per hour.
16. Receptionist
Salary Range: $12-$14 per hour
Receptionists are responsible for managing front desk operations in various settings such as offices, hotels, or medical clinics. They may answer phone calls, schedule appointments, and greet visitors.
This job typically requires a high school diploma and some basic computer skills but no specific training or education beyond that.
Receptionists can earn an average hourly wage of around $13 per hour. With experience and working in higher-paying industries such as healthcare or government, this can go up to $14 per hour.
17. Nanny
Salary Range: $12-$14 per hour
Nannies provide childcare services in a family’s home, typically for working parents. They may be responsible for tasks like preparing meals, helping with homework, and planning activities.
This job does not usually require any formal education but may require some prior experience in childcare or early childhood education.
The average hourly wage for nannies is around $13 per hour. With experience and working for higher-income families, this can go up to $14 per hour.
18. Babysitter
Salary Range: $12-$14 per hour
Babysitters provide occasional childcare services on a part-time basis while parents are away. They may be responsible for supervising children, preparing meals/snacks, and engaging them in activities.
This job does not usually require any formal education but may require some prior experience in babysitting or caring for children.
Babysitters can earn an average hourly wage of around $13 per hour. With experience and working for multiple families or during peak hours (evenings/weekends), this can go up to $14 per hour.
19. Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
Salary Range: $12-$14 per hour
Dog walkers/pet sitters care for animals while their owners are away. This may involve walking dogs, feeding pets, and providing companionship.
This job does not usually require any formal education but may require some prior experience or knowledge of animal care.
The average hourly wage for dog walkers/pet sitters is around $13 per hour. With experience and working for multiple clients or during peak hours (evenings/weekends), this can go up to $14 per hour.
20. House Painter
Salary Range: $12-$14 per hour
House painters are responsible for painting walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in homes or buildings. They may also be responsible for preparing surfaces, mixing paint colors, and cleaning up after the job is done.
This job does not usually require any formal education but may require some prior experience in painting or construction work.
House painters can earn an average hourly wage of around $13 per hour. With experience and working in higher-paying industries such as commercial painting or owning their own business, this can go up to $14 per hour.