The Best Paying Jobs in Canada for Students

‍As an international student in Canada, you may be looking for the best part-time jobs to help you support your studies and gain valuable work experience. With diverse job opportunities, finding the right job that pays well and aligns with your career goals and interests is essential. Working while studying abroad can add value to your overall experience in a new country. Canada is known to have one of the friendliest policies on work if you're a study permit holder. If you're enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can work under certain conditions, which helps build your resume for future careers.

In this article, we will explore the ten best-paying part-time jobs for students in Canada, discuss how to find these jobs, and share insights into what working in Canada is like for students.

The 10 Best-Paying Jobs in Canada for Students

Tutor (National Occupational Classification (NOC) 43109)

One of the best part-time jobs for students, tutoring allows you to share your knowledge and help others improve their understanding of a subject. In addition, you can set your schedule and hourly rate as a tutor, making it an ideal job for students looking for flexibility.

According to Canada's Job Bank, private tutors in Canada make CAD20 per hour on average.

Freelance Writer/Editor (NOC 51110)

Working as a freelance writer or editor can be a lucrative part-time job if you have strong writing and editing skills. With the rise of remote work opportunities, you can work from home or a local café while earning a decent income. A huge perk of this job is that you can often work in the same area as your studies, meaning that your studies can improve your work prospects, and your work can help you with your studies.

How much you can make in this job depends on you as the more experience you have, your skill level, the type of work you do, and how much your clients are willing to pay. Often you don't make much money when you start, but with consistent effort and solid networking, you can earn up to CAD43.36 per hour, according to the Job Bank.

Retail Sales Associate (NOC 64100)

Retail jobs are always in demand, allowing students to gain customer service experience. Many retail positions offer commission-based pay, allowing you to increase your earnings based on your sales performance. While the base salary can be pretty low, certain retail businesses will enable you to earn commission based on your sales figures. However, according to Job Bank, the average base salary for retail sales associates in Canada is CAD15.20 per hour.

Barista (NOC 65201)

Working at a coffee shop is another popular part-time job for students. Not only do you get to interact with customers, but you can also enjoy perks such as free coffee during your shifts. Like with retail jobs, your base salary as a barista can be lower than other student jobs in Canada. However, you can increase your salary through tips. According to the Job Bank, the average Barista salary in Canada is CAD14.60 per hour.

Administrative Assistant (NOC 13110)

Many companies hire part-time administrative assistants to help with data entry, answering phones, and managing appointments. This type of position offers valuable office experience that can help you in your future career. Depending on the business, you may need specific qualifications for this role, but the average salary for an administrative assistant in Canada is CAD24.00 per hour, according to the Job Bank.

Fitness Instructor (NOC 54100)

If you're passionate about health and fitness, working as a fitness instructor can be a rewarding part-time job. You can teach group classes or offer personal training sessions, allowing you to share your knowledge and help others achieve their fitness goals. You must be certified as a fitness instructor to qualify for this job. You'll need to get a Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Certified Personal Trainer (CSEP-CPT) certification to do this. However, if you do get your certificate, you can earn an average of CAD17.77 per hour, according to the Job Bank.

Bank Teller (NOC 64400)

Banks often hire part-time tellers to assist customers with transactions and provide excellent customer service. This job offers a stable income and the opportunity to gain experience in the financial industry. You may need to pass a background check for this job, but Canada's job bank states you can earn an average of CAD20 per hour if you do.

Social Media Manager

If you're savvy with social media platforms and enjoy creating engaging content, working as a part-time social media manager can be a great opportunity. Many businesses need help managing their online presence, and this job can help you build valuable marketing skills. Depending on your seniority, you can earn between CAD24.36 and CAD74.36 per hour, according to Canada's job bank.

Tour Guide (NOC 64320)

If you enjoy meeting new people and sharing your knowledge of local attractions, working as a tour guide can be a fun and rewarding part-time job. This position allows you to interact with tourists worldwide and share your passion for your city. Depending on your company, you may need a certification, but you can earn an average of CAD16.17 per hour plus tips guiding tourists around your new city, according to the Job Bank.

Research Assistant (NOC 41201)

Many universities and research institutions hire part-time research assistants to help with various projects. This job provides valuable experience in your field of study and may lead to full-time opportunities after graduation. This can be a fantastic opportunity as it can allow you to further your academic goals, work with some of Canada's best minds, work on campus, and earn an average hourly rate of CAD25.00.

You'll need a study permit if you haven't started studying in Canada. One of the best ways to maximize your chances of getting one is to have a certified immigration professional like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC can help you write your motivation letters, fill out your application forms, create your online profiles, provide you with courses to help you improve your English language and job interview abilities, and provide you with the guidance and support you need throughout your entire application process.

How to Find the Best Part-Time Jobs for Students in Canada

When searching for the best part-time jobs for students in Canada, there are several strategies to consider:

Leverage Your Network

Talk to your friends, classmates, and professors about potential job opportunities. They may know of available positions or can connect you with someone who does.

Use Job Search Platforms

Online job search platforms such as Indeed, Workopolis, and Glassdoor can help you find part-time job opportunities in your area.

Visit Career Centers

Most universities have career centers that offer resources and support to help students find part-time jobs. They may also host job fairs and provide access to job postings.

Utilize Social Media

Follow companies you're interested in on social media and watch their job postings. You can also join local job search groups on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated on available opportunities.

Consider Volunteering

Volunteering at a local organization can help you gain valuable experience and expand your network, which may lead to part-time job opportunities. You can learn more about finding a job in Canada here.

What Working in Canada is Like

International student life in Canada offers a unique work experience. As a student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during school breaks. This allows you to gain valuable work experience while earning money to support your studies.

Canadian employers value diversity and strive to create inclusive work environments. As an international student, you'll be able to work with people from various backgrounds and learn from their perspectives. Additionally, Canada has strong labor laws and regulations that protect workers' rights and ensure fair wages and safe working conditions. To know more about working in Canada, here's a quick introduction.

FAQs

Can International Students Work in Canada?

International students in Canada can work part-time during their studies and full-time during school breaks. However, you must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) to work in Canada. Learn more about working in Canada as an international student here.

How Many Hours Can International Students Work in Canada?

International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during regular school terms/semesters. Working more than 20 hours per week violates their study permit conditions, and they can lose their student status for doing so. They may also not be approved for a study or work permit. However, from November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, international students may work more than 20 hours per week off-campus while class is in session if they are studying at a DLI full-time (or part-time during their final academic session).

What is the Minimum Wage in Canada?

The minimum wage in Canada varies by province, ranging from CAD11.45 to CAD15.20 per hour. Therefore, researching the minimum wage in your province is essential to ensure you're paid fairly.

Fund Your International Student Life in Canada

Finding the best part-time jobs for students in Canada can significantly contribute to a flourishing international student life in Canada. Not only can you earn money to support your studies, but you can also gain valuable work experience that will benefit you in your future career. By leveraging your network, utilizing job search platforms, and seeking guidance from career centers, you can discover the ideal part-time job that aligns with your goals and interests.

If you're interested in international student life in Canada and want to learn more about studying and working in this diverse country, schedule a consultation with an RCIC today. They can provide expert advice and guidance on how to start your journey to studying and working in Canada.