Top part-time jobs for students in Canada (2024)

14 Dec 2023

11 mins read

Written by Team Instarem

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Canada has slowly carved its place as a sought-after destination for higher education for international students. Quality education with ample internship opportunities and liberal government policies, especially in post-study work and immigration, makes the country a sought-after destination for many international students. Moreover, the country welcomes international students across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, customer service, etc.

Some important statistics at a glance:

On Aug 31, 2023, Marc Miller, Immigration Minister, said Canada will host around 900,000 international students this year.
The data from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) shows that from January to June 2023, the Canadian government issued more than 280,000 new study permits, a 77% increase compared to the same period in 2022. The data shows study permits surged higher in Q2 2023.
Study permits jumped 64% to 149,700 in Q2 2023—a 35% increase from last year according to data from IRCC and Better Dwelling.

However, studying abroad in a country like Canada might be expensive. Hence, many international students engage in part-time jobs in Canada. Exploring part-time job options for international students is an excellent opportunity to attain valuable work experience, make extra money to support expenses, and learn more about the country’s local culture.

Part-Time Job Rules for International Students in Canada

Many international students in Canada opt for part-time jobs for various reasons. However, it is important to understand the regulations surrounding part-time jobs, as specific requirements must be fulfilled to work legally in Canada. Some of the part-time job rules in Canada for international students include:

Students must have a valid study permit.
They must be enrolled in a full-time post-secondary student program in an approved or designated Learning Institution (DLI).
The study program must have a duration of at least six months.
They must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Additional guidelines:

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions.
Students are permitted to work full-time during breaks (scheduled as summer and winter breaks).
Classes must be resumed full-time before and after the semester break.
Working more than the permitted hours can lead to the termination of the study permit.

Must Read: 5 Easy Steps to Get a Job in Canada from India in 2024

10 Highest Paying Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students

Canada offers various opportunities for international students to work and earn a living while studying. Let us look at the jobs with the highest average part-time salary.

Type of Job	Average Pay per Hour (CAD)
Freelancer	25
Bookkeeper	25
Administration and Office Support	22.99
Teaching Assistant / Tutor	15.65
Dog Walker	14.16
Babysitter	14
Uber or Delivery Driver	14 – 25
Sales Assistant	12.42 – 50
Barista/ Bartender/ Waiter	11
Customer Service Assistant	11

1. Freelancer: (Average Salary: $25)

Job Details	Many international students are taking up freelancing jobs such as writing, graphic or web designing, etc. This helps them build their portfolio along with earning extra money. Since this job can be done remotely, it is highly preferred amongst students to fit in their academic responsibilities. It is one of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Canada.
Expected Salary Bracket	Depending on your ability and expertise, the average per-hour salary in Canada for this profile can be around 25 CAD.
Eligibility	Based on the freelancing role you wish to apply for, you must possess the required skill set and a basic laptop or iPad to get started.

2. Bookkeeper: (Average Salary: $25)

Job Details	A bookkeeper’s job profile typically includes undertaking banking operations, preparing financial reports, documenting purchases, sales revenue, invoices, payments, etc.
Expected Salary Bracket	The per-hour salary in Canada for students engaged in bookkeeping jobs is 25 CAD.
Eligibility	Completing a course in bookkeeping, accounting or a related subject is usually preferred. Pursuing students can also apply depending on the employer.

3. Administration and Office Support: (Average Salary: $22.9)

Job Details	Many businesses require individuals to look after the day-to-day office tasks like data entry, clerical work and receptionist. Students can apply for these jobs as they offer a good part-time job salary in Canada.
Expected Salary Bracket	The average part-time salary in Canada for this role is 22.99 CAD.
Eligibility	Typically, completion of secondary school with or without a one or two-year college program is required.

4. Teaching Assistant/ Tutor: (Average Salary: $15.65)

Job Details	International students with good communication skills and strong academics can work part-time as tutors to their peers or high-school students. Alternatively, they can also assist teachers in classes within their faculties.
Expected Salary Bracket	This rewarding career option can help you generate around 16 CAD per hour salary in Canada.
Eligibility	You can start tutoring elementary or high school kids in the subjects you are good at.

5. Dog Walker (Average Salary: $14.16)

Job Details	The demand for dog walkers, also known as pet caretakers or pet sitters, is very high in Canada. As a dog walker, you are responsible for walking your clients’ dogs, providing them with food and water, and taking them to the veterinarian if needed.
Expected Salary Bracket	If you plan to apply for the do walker role in Canada, a part-time job salary would be around 14 CAD an hour.
Eligibility	Although no formal education is required, some employers may prefer individuals with at least a high school diploma.

6. Babysitter: (Average Salary: $14)

Job Details	For international students who enjoy interacting and caring for children, babysitting or child care can be a great part-time job opportunity in Canada. The main tasks of a babysitter or nanny include taking care of children, arranging their schedule, picking up and dropping them at school, cleaning, etc.
Expected Salary Bracket	The hourly part-time job salary in Canada for a nanny is 14 CAD.
Eligibility	Although no formal education is required, some employers may prefer individuals with at least a high school diploma.

7. Uber or Delivery Driver: (Average Salary: $14 – 25)

Job Details	Ride-sharing services like Uber offer opportunities for part-time jobs in Canada for international students. It can be a convenient way to earn while studying as students can set their schedule.
Expected Salary Bracket	One can earn between 14 – 25 CAD an hour as an Uber or delivery driver.
Eligibility	Your province of study, licence history, owning/renting a car and having the minimum age criteria are a few factors that must be fulfilled.

8. Sales Assistant: (Average Salary: $12.42 – 50)

Job Details	A sales assistant’s role is to help increase the company’s sales volume and maintain contact with significant customers. Moreover, they work with the sales team to monitor active purchases, ensure the orders are delivered on time, and support customers. This job can offer one of the highest per-hour salaries in Canada.
Expected Salary Bracket	Hourly salary between 12.42 – 50 CAD can be earned by taking up this profession part-time.
Eligibility	International students with impeccable communication skills, decent computer literacy and good product knowledge can apply for this role.

9. Barista/ Bartender/ Waiter: (Average Salary: $11)

Job Details	Waiter and bartender jobs offer good part-time salaries for international students. Although the salary may not be the highest-paying part-time job in Canada, it allows you to earn good tips.
Expected Salary Bracket	One can earn around 11 CAD per hour from this occupation.
Eligibility	No specific qualification is required for this job.

10. Customer Service Assistant: (Average Salary: $11)

Job Details	A customer service assistant is required to handle client inquiries, assist them in complex procedures, resolve customer issues, handling complaints, taking orders, etc.
Expected Salary Bracket	A CSA typically earns around 11 CAD on an hourly basis in Canada.
Eligibility	Good communication, problem-handling, and time-management skills are the core of this job.

Must Read: How To Get Canadian Citizenship for Indians

Part-time Job in Canada – City wise

Here is a list of the top 5 cities in Canada that are most frequented by international students and the kind of jobs and wages offered there.

Vancouver

Top 5 Jobs	Average Pay per Hour (CAD)
Administrative Assistant	$25
Receptionist	$23
Sales Associate	$21 – $22
Customer Service Agent	$20
Barista	$12

Ontario

Top 5 Jobs	Average Pay per Hour (CAD)
Library Assistant	$30
Customer Service Agent	$25
Teaching Assistant	$23
Delivery Driver	$22
Store Associate	$20-30

Quebec

Top 5 Jobs	Average Pay per Hour (CAD)
Administrative Support	$25
Customer Service Agent	$20
Data Entry Executive	$19
Teaching Assistant	$18
Retail Support	$16

Montreal

Top 5 Jobs	Average Pay per Hour (CAD)
Teaching Assistant	$22
Animal Care Assistant	$20
Data Entry Executive	$18
Customer Service Agent	$18
Sales Associate	$18

Ottawa

Top 5 Jobs	Average Pay per Hour (CAD)
Public Servant	$32-35
Customer Service Agent	$24
Store Associate	$20-30
Driver	$20
School Office Assistant	$19-22

Benefits of Part-Time Jobs in Canada

Part-time jobs in Canada are a great way to make students financially responsible and earn while they learn and play a vital role in their holistic development. Let us look at some benefits of part-time jobs in Canada for international students.

Attain financial independence
Offset your expenses
Gain work experience
Learn some life skills
Balance work and study
Networking
Learn about Canadian culture and work practices.

Types of Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students

There are three types of part-time jobs for students in Canada based on the location and mode of the job.

On-campus jobs: Students can work in the school premises, such as in the library, administrative offices or cafeterias.

Examples: Teaching assistant, library assistant, working at the university/ institution cafeteria, jobs in the administrative department, etc.

Off-campus jobs: One of the most common part-time jobs, students can look for jobs around college or residence. Students must, however, ensure there are no violations of study permission.

Examples: Sales assistant, office assistant, waiter/barista, babysitter, customer service executive, etc.

Co-op placements or internships: Students may work as a part of their study program to receive academic credit.

Example: Depends on the program selected and the university.

How to Find Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students?

Finding a part-time job in Canada may be time-consuming, requiring persistence, patience and hard work. Here are some ways to find the best part-time jobs in Canada.

On-campus job opportunities are available, and the university or the institute announces them through their designated portals, bulletin boards or university halls.

Alternatively, students can apply for part-time jobs via online portals like Job Bank, Job Bank for Youth, Talent Egg, Charity Village, Good Work, etc. Online job listings are undoubtedly one of the most popular ways to find and apply for a job in Canada. Career centres, too, can help you find suitable jobs.

Some of the tips for increasing our chances of getting a part-time job for students in Canada are:

Get involved in student associations and join similar programs
Participate in competitions, seminars, internships, etc.
Start networking

Also Read: Moving to Canada? Here Are 75 Canadian English slangs & phrases you must know

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can an international student earn in Canada part-time?

Part-time job salary in Canada depends predominantly on the type of work. Although the average part-time salary in Canada is 22 CAD, it is around 10 CAD for students.

What is the best part-time job in Canada?

Based on the salary earned, the best part-time job in Canada can be tutoring, freelancing, sales assistant, Uber driver, etc.

Can I do 2 jobs in Canada?

International students can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during regular school term. You can take up one or more jobs to cover these hours as long as you meet the conditions of your study permit.

How to apply for part-time jobs in Canada?

You can apply for part-time jobs in Canada through online portals, staffing agencies, work-study programs, career service offices, government job websites, directly to companies, etc.

Is it legal to work 7 days in a row in Canada?

Employees must receive at least a day off in each 7-day work week or 2 consecutive days off in 2 weeks.

Before you go…

Studying in Canada for international students can be overwhelming. Although Canada offers ample opportunities, competitive pay and a fantastic work culture post-completion of studies, opportunities available for students are equally commendable. Students working part-time is a common sight in Canada, helping them to manage their finances efficiently.

Many students also send money from Canada to their home country with the help of easy, fast* and reliable money transfer companies like Instarem. Moreover, the currency converter options facilitate understanding how much money goes to their loved ones.

*rates are for display purposes only

Try Instarem for your next transfer.

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.