Thousands of well-paying unskilled jobs are currently vacant in Canada, and they do not need years of experience or fancy qualifications. And regardless of whether you just arrived in Canada, you lost your job, or you wish to make a career change with little training, there are viable jobs that are relevant, pay well, and are available instantly.
First, to get something straight. The unskilled does not imply the absence of skills. It implies that you do not have to have any formal education or certain training to begin. These jobs are based on physical capability, common sense, and the desire to learn quickly.
Such positions as warehouse associate, delivery driver, farm worker, or construction helper do not need a diploma. However, they do have actual compensation, and in some cases it is higher than what a low-level office worker earns.
Who Can Apply for High-Paying Unskilled Jobs in Canada?
The short answer? Almost anyone.
These jobs are ideal for:
– Foreign workers seeking their entry position in Canada.
– international workers on open work permits.
– Students of postgraduate work permits.
– Canadian non-holders of post-secondary degrees.
– Individuals who switch occupations or rejoin the workforce.
– Work with authorized refugees and asylum seekers.
Employers will be more concerned about your work ethic than your resume. Being able to turn up on time, obey instructions, and remain constant will most probably earn you a job.
Top 15 High-Paying Unskilled Jobs Hiring Right Now in Canada (2025)
We have done research on the highest-paying non-skilled jobs that are in demand in the whole of Canada. Most of these positions are available on a ready-to-hire basis.
1. Long-Haul Truck Driver
– Average Pay: $55,000 – $80,000/year
– Qualifications: Clean driving record, valid Class 1 driver license.
– Why It Pays: Long days, long routes, and demand to move goods.
Although trucking is categorized as low-skill, responsibility is needed. A lot of organizations provide training and bonuses on safe driving.
2. Warehouse Associate
– Average Pay: $20 – $28/hour
– Physical requirements: Physical stamina, lifting 50+ lbs.
– Why It Pays: E-commerce growth, overtime, shift premiums.
There is continuous recruitment by Amazon, Walmart, and FedEx in large cities such as Toronto, Brampton, and Calgary.
3. Construction Laborer
– Average Pay: $22 – $35/hour
– Prerequisites: Hard hat and boots, safety training (provided).
– Why It Pays: This job is physically challenging and requires infrastructure work.
It is one of the quick ways of getting a stable income in case you are industrious and can do hard labor.
4. Seasonal Farm Worker
– Average Pay: $18 – $24/hour
– Conditions: Temporary foreign worker program or open permit.
– Why It Pays: Remote location, long working hours, and housing.
Thousands are hired on farms in Alberta, Ontario, and even BC. Others provide season bonuses or extension of contracts.
5. Delivery Driver (Food or Packages)
– Average Pay: $20 – $30/hour (with tips)
– Criteria: Active license, smartphone, vehicle, or bike.
– Why It Pays: Flexible work hours, high demand in the city.
Uber Eats and DoorDash are apps that provide easy access. There are other similar organizations, such as Purolator or Canada Post, that provide full-time employment with benefits.
6. Housekeeper or Cleaner
– Average Pay: $19 – $25/hour
– Requirements: None
– Why It Pays: High turnover, privacy (trusted employees get higher pay)
Hotels, domestic services, and residential properties are ever recruiting particularly in the tourist destinations.
7. Meat Packer / Food Processor
– Average Pay: $21 – $26/hour
– Conditions: Be able to stand long working hours and work in a cold environment.
– Why It Pays: Night shifts, repetitive work, limited workforce.
Alberta and Manitoba factories employ on an annual basis. A large number of them provide full-time immigration sponsorship.
8. General Laborer (Factories)
– Average Pay: $20 – $30/hour
– Requirements: None
– Why It Pays: Shift work, fast-paced environment.
The factory plants require employees to work in the packaging, sorting, and machine operation departments.
9. Snow Removal Worker
– Average Pay: $22 – $35/hour (seasonal)
– Qualifications: Capable of working at night and in cold temperatures.
– Why It Pays: Because of the harsh conditions, during the winter there is the need and demand.
Most businesses will take pre-employment and emergency response bonuses.
10. Security Guard
– Average Pay: $20 – $28/hour
– Requirements: Basic security license (obtained in 1 week)
– Why It Pays: Night work, risk factor, long shifts.
Guards are always required in malls, hospitals, and construction sites.
11. Janitor or Custodian
– Average Pay: $18 – $26/hour
– Requirements: None
– Why It Pays: Necessary job, working off-hours, workplace benefits in schools or offices.
Pensions are even provided to some unionized positions.
12. Lumberyard Worker
– Average Pay: $20 – $34/hour
– Preconditions: Protection equipment, physical fitness.
– Why It Pays: Hazardous work, outdoor environment.
Entry-level positions in BC and Quebec forestry companies are being hired, which results in apprenticeships.
13. Airport Baggage Handler
– Average Pay: $22 – $30/hour
– Qualifications: Security clearance, shift availability.
– Why It Pays: 24/7 operations due to the physically demanding nature of the work
In Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, airports are aggressively recruiting because of the travel rebounds.
14. Painter’s Helper
– Average Pay: $20 – $28/hour
– Qualifications: Detail-oriented, no phobia of heights.
– Why It Pays: Seasonal business, flexibility at work site.
You may study on the job and proceed into trade certification subsequently.
15. Petroleum Laborer / Oil Field Helper
– Average Pay: $24 – $42/hour
– Requirements: Readiness to work in remote areas.
– Why It Pays: Dangerous conditions, remote work, great risk
The oil fields in Alberta tend to recruit inexperienced workers and provide training and bonuses.
Where to Find High Paying Unskilled Jobs in Canada
None of these jobs are available on job boards. Word of mouth or local recruitment agencies fill some of the finest-paying unskilled jobs.
The following are the most appropriate sources:
– Government Job Banks: [Job Bank Canada].
– Local Facebook Groups: This would be useful in a rural town or immigrant community.
– Temp Agencies: such as Randstad, Manpower, or Adecco.
– Directly posted in company career pages: Walmart, Amazon, CN Rail, and others.
– Face-to-face Applications: Walk-ins continue to be a common approach in hiring small business staff.
Immigration Pathways Through High Paying Unskilled Jobs
Other provinces have provided permanent residency programs to individuals who engage in high-paid unskilled labor. These include:
– Ontario Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream.
– BC PNP Entry Level/Semi-Skilled (ELSS) Stream.
– Alberta Rural Renewal Stream.
– Atlantic Immigration Program.
With a consistent performance and employer endorsement, you might receive these programs within 6-12 months.
Conclusion
The labor market in Canada is evolving. Although all the attention is directed to office jobs and the tech careers, high-paying unskilled jobs are the real pillars of the economy. These jobs are vacant, necessary, and, in most cases, better remunerated than entry-level corporate jobs.
You don’t need a fancy degree. It does not require years of experience. The only thing you have to do is to be willing to work, turn up, and learn quickly.