Top 10 In-demand Jobs in Canada for Semi and Low Skilled Workers

Canada urgently needs skilled foreign workers of all skill levels to fill the current labor gap and has set its sights high, aiming to welcome over 465,000 newcomers by the end of 2023 as per information obtained from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be extremely complex. With over 80 immigration pathways to Canada, strict deadlines, and regulations regarding form completion and submission, you don’t want to risk your application being rejected.

The following provides information for eligible prospective immigrants on Canada's top ten in-demand semi and low-skilled jobs.

Canada’s Job Skill Types/TEER Levels

canada's job skill types/teer levels

The Canadian immigration system generally categorizes occupations into skill levels described as skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled occupations. The inclusion of Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) levels adds further assistance in clearly classifying available occupations in Canada into six categories from TEER 0 to 5, replacing the previous NOC skill levels (0 to D).

High-Skilled Jobs (TEER 0,1 and 2)

High-skilled jobs usually require a university education, college education, or apprenticeship training. This usually includes jobs such as management positions (marketing managers), financial analysts, bankers, lawyers, social workers, government administrators, etc.

Semi/Low-Skilled Jobs (TEER 3 and 4)

This includes occupations that usually require secondary school and/or occupation-specific training or occupations that usually require on-the-job training. This includes jobs such as sales representatives, cashiers, customer service workers, retail assistants, commercial drivers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc.

Unskilled Jobs (TEER 5)

Includes jobs such as farm and livestock workers, fishing, whaling, cleaners, general workers/laborers etc. The work duties usually require physical labor and have a reiterative operational process. No formal education is required to be eligible for a majority of jobs in this category.

Top 10 In-demand Semi and Low-Skilled Worker Jobs in Canada

top ten in-demand jobs for semi and low skilled workers

There is plenty of semi or low-skilled job opportunities available in Canada, which urgently need to be filled by qualified immigrant workers. Canada is a land of opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers alike. With a thriving economy, the country is experiencing a high demand for jobs in various sectors.

In-demand jobs are positions employers struggle to fill because of a shortage of qualified job seekers. These jobs offer competitive salaries, and job security, and often come with benefits.

In Canada, the government regularly publishes a list of in-demand jobs that helps job seekers and employers identify the opportunities. The list comprises jobs in different sectors, including healthcare, construction, and transportation.

Knowing your NOC (National Occupational Classification) code is crucial as this will help to know which category of skilled worker you fall under. To help you find your NOC code, here’s a handy guide.

Long-Haul Truck Driver (NOC 73300)

Long-haul truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods over long distances. They drive tractor-trailers or semi-trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds and require a special license.

Long-haul truck drivers also receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Additionally, some trucking companies offer signing bonuses and tuition reimbursement for CDL training.

Expected Salary

As per information IndeedCanada, Long-haul truck drivers in Canada earn an average of 69, 556 CAD per year.

Front Desk Hotel Manager (NOC 60031)

Front desk hotel managers oversee the daily operations of a hotel's front desk. They are responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction, managing staff, and handling reservations. They ensure guests have an enjoyable stay and that all staff members perform their duties effectively. The job requires a high school diploma and hospitality experience.

Front desk hotel managers in Canada are entitled to various benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement plans. Some hotels also offer their managers travel discounts and other perks.

Expected Salary

As per information IndeedCanada, Front desk hotel managers in Canada earn an average of 73, 687 CAD per year.

Executive housekeepers (NOC 62021)

Executive housekeepers are responsible for managing a hotel's housekeeping staff and ensuring that rooms are clean and well-maintained. The job requires a high school diploma and hospitality experience. They ensure that rooms are clean and well-maintained.

Besides salary, executive housekeepers may also receive benefits like health insurance, dental insurance, and paid time off. Some employers may also provide housing or other perks as part of their compensation package.

Another advantage of being an executive housekeeper in Canada is the opportunity for career growth. Many executive housekeepers start as housekeeping staff and work up to management positions.

Expected Salary

As per information IndeedCanada, Executive housekeepers in Canada earn an average of 69 823 CAD per year.

Industrial Butchers and Meat Cutters (NOC 63201)

Industrial butchers and meat cutters work in the meatpacking industry and are responsible for cutting, trimming, and packaging meat products. The job requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training. They work in meat processing plants and other food production facilities.

In addition to a competitive salary, industrial butchers and meat cutters also enjoy various benefits. These include health and dental insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation time, and sick leave. Some employers may also offer bonuses or profit-sharing plans, which can add to your overall compensation package.

This high demand for meat products has created a need for skilled workers who can process and prepare meat safely and efficiently. Another reason industrial butchers and meat cutters are in demand is that they are difficult to replace.

Expected Salary

As per information IndeedCanada, Industrial butchers and meat cutters in Canada earn an average of 60 573 per year.

Food and Beverage Servers (NOC 65200)

Food and beverage servers work in restaurants and take orders, serve food and drinks, and handle payments. The job requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Food and beverage servers work in restaurants, bars, and other hospitality establishments. They take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure that guests have an enjoyable dining experience.

Depending on your work, their experience, and their company. This job also offers benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Expected Salary

As per information IndeedCanada, Food and beverage servers in Canada earn an average of 49, 370 CAD per year, plus tips.

General Farmworkers (NOC 84120)

General farmworkers and livestock workers work on farms and ranches and are responsible for various tasks like planting, harvesting, and caring for animals. The job requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training.

Becoming a general farmworker does not require formal education or training. The demand for general farmworkers is high due to the increasing demand for food products, both domestically and globally. Some employers may offer additional health insurance, housing, and transportation benefits.

Expected Salaray

As per information IndeedCanada, the salary for general farmworkers in Canada ranges from 55,401 CAD per year.

Livestock Workers (NOC 85100)

Livestock workers are responsible for caring for and managing livestock, including feeding, watering, and monitoring their health. They work on farms and in other agricultural settings.

The aging workforce in this industry means high demand for new Livestock Workers. They also receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Expected Salary

As per information IndeedCanada, the salary for livestock workers in Canada ranges from 55,177 CAD per year.

Welders (NOC 72106)

Welders are responsible for using welding equipment to join metal parts. They work in multiple industries, including construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.

With the aging workforce in Canada, the demand for skilled welders will only increase in the coming years. Welders are needed in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and repair.

The demand for welders is particularly high in the oil and gas industry, where they are needed to build pipelines and other infrastructure. Welders also enjoy benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Expected Salary

As per information IndeedCanada, the salary for welders in Canada ranges from 79,664 per year.

Pipefitter (NOC 72301)

Pipefitters are responsible for installing and repairing pipes for heating, cooling, and other purposes. They work in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas.

The demand for pipefitters is increasing in Canada due to the country's growing infrastructure needs. The construction industry, in particular, is booming in Canada, and pipefitters play a crucial role in building and maintaining infrastructure.

In addition to a good salary, pipefitters also enjoy a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation time.

Expected Salary

As per information IndeedCanada, the salary for pipefitters in Canada ranges from 113,419 CAD per year.

Industrial Electrician (NOC 72201)

Industrial electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical systems in industrial settings. They work in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and mining.

Industrial electricians are well-paid in Canada, with an average salary of around 49,30 CAD per hour. The salary can vary depending on the location, experience, and the specific industry you work in. Additionally, industrial electricians enjoy several benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation time.

Expected Salary

As per information IndeedCanada, the salary for pipefitters in Canada ranges from 114,181 CAD per year.

The following presents a simplified table of the Top in-demand jobs in Canada for Semi and Low-skilled jobs in Canada.

Semi/Low Skilled Occupations Currently In-demand
Occupation NOC Code Average Annual Salary (CAD)
Long-Haul Truck Driver 73300 69,556
Front Desk Hotel Manager 60031 73,687
Executive housekeepers  62021 69,823
Industrial Butchers and Meat Cutters 63201 60,573
Food and Beverage Servers 65200 49,370
General Farmworkers  84120 55,401
Livestock Workers 85100 55,177
Welders 72106 79,664
Pipefitter 72301 113,419
Industrial Electrician 72201 114,181

Immigration to Canada for Semi-Skilled/Low-Skilled Workers

immigration to canada for semi and low-skilled workers

The best way to immigrate to Canada as a semi-skilled worker is through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). 11 out of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories have their own PNP, each with its in-demand occupations and set of criteria, targeting a specific need in the labor market. Some examples of PNPs and provincial in-demand occupations lists you can use to apply include:

PNPs

Provincial In-demand occupations list

If your job falls on a particular province or territory’s in-demand occupation list, it means that you will be more likely to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.

Immigration Pilots

Immigration pilots were created to attract and retain eligible foreign nationals in certain industries and occupations that are in need of the labor they provide and also want to permanently settle in the communities the in-demand occupations are based in. This helps achieve the main purpose of immigration pilots which is to address the labor force needs and skills shortfall in specific provinces or regions in Canada.

Semi and low-skilled workers are eligible to apply to all major immigration pilots which include:

After reading the eligibility criteria for the aforementioned programs, you can do a preliminary check into your eligibility to apply by using our Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator tool. 

Why Being Semi-skilled/Low-skilled Worker in Canada isn’t Low

Abundant Employment Opportunities

Semi and low-skilled work are some of the most needed occupations in Canada. The combination of the low-birth rates, aging population, and disinterest from the majority of the tertiary-educated youthful Canadian demographic has left an excess of semi and low-skilled job posts for eligible foreign workers to fill in.

Competitive Wages/Salaries

The remuneration for low-skilled workers/semi-skilled workers in Canada is world-leading. According to IndeedCanada, the annual average salary for low-skilled and semi-skilled laborers is 59 906 CAD.

Employment Benefits

Many employers offer benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Some employers may also offer bonuses for safe driving or meeting certain performance goals.

FAQs

Which Province in Canada is the Best to be a Semi-skilled/Low-skilled Worker?

There is no definitive province regarded as the best for low-skilled/semi-skilled workers due to the sheer variability of the cited answers as a consequence of subjective determining factors like work experience, need, skills, etc. However, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia are the most commonly cited provinces.

What is the Average Annual Base Salary for Semi-skilled/Low-skilled Workers in Canada?

According to IndeedCanada, the annual average salary for low-skilled and semi-skilled laborers is 59,906 CAD.