Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students

It’s a fact - the cost of living is rising, and tuition fees are higher than ever. More and more students in Canada are looking for part-time jobs to help with their living expenses. 

So, what are the best jobs to get the most back out of your time? Where are they, and what should you expect? 

This article is a must-read for students hoping to find part-time jobs in Canada because it breaks down high-paying job opportunities and gives valuable insights into different options. We’ll explore salaries, work experience, and which jobs have the most flexibility and growth potential!

You could be an international student navigating work permit requirements or a local Canadian student. Regardless, this guide has everything you need to find a job that suits your skills and complements your studies. We cover:

• Advantages of studying in Canada
• Insights into Canada’s job market
• Highest-paying part-time student jobs
• Different categories of part-time jobs
• Salary ranges of part-time jobs
• Frequently asked questions

Let’s get into it!

Benefits of Studying in Canadian Cities

Canada is known for its top-class universities and colleges offering various programs and qualifications across multiple fields. You could be studying science, medicine, architecture, or the arts. A range of diplomas and courses are available, taught by highly qualified tutors and professors. 

As well as the opportunity to earn degrees, students can benefit from Canadian cities' rich, multicultural environments. Students from countries all over the world flock to Canadian schools. Canadian campuses are a melting pot of cultures, languages, and experiences. 

Students can experience diverse food, music, and cultural events when studying in Canadian cities. Students from India, the USA, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Malaysia, Germany, Singapore and more! They all frequently study abroad in Canada thanks to the country's many opportunities. 

For international students, the eligibility criteria for study permits and student visas are relatively straightforward. Studying in Canada also leads to a range of long-term opportunities for students after their studies. Working while studying provides increased real-world confidence and experience. 

How Canada’s Job Market Works for International Students

Canada’s favorable visa rules allow international students to work while studying. Moreover, Canada’s diverse economy with various employment opportunities across different sectors makes it easier to couple studies with work.

Getting a Part-time Job in Canada as an International Student

You must understand the local job market and employment expectations to obtain a part-time job as a student in Canada. To help with your job seeking, you can take advantage of university services, online portals, and networking events. 

Positions such as barista, waiter, and retail salesperson are popular among students as such jobs offer flexibility. There is also a lot of interest in on-campus jobs thanks to their convenient location.

Rules and Regulations for a Student to Work in Canada

In Canada, international students must comply with Canadian laws and regulations regarding their employment. 

You’ll need to secure a study permit - these permits let students work up to 20 hours per week. However, under certain circumstances, you may be able to secure permission to work more. Study permits are only available for those attending a DLI - a Designated Learning Institution. 

You must provide paperwork, documents, and certificates showing you have the right to work in Canada. You’ll also need to provide your social insurance number and basic information like your name and personal details. Some jobs that require a high level of English fluency may also require your IELTS certificate. 

Canada has a culture of strong workers' rights, and any job you hold must comply with Canadian workplace law. For example, your employer must provide sufficient sick leave and scheduled breaks. 

You must ensure you know the rules around employment as an international student. Breaking these rules could jeopardize your eligibility to work and study in Canada and any scholarships you may qualify for. 

Top High-Paying Part-Time Job Opportunities in Canada

When choosing a part-time job in Canada, you want to ensure you are compensated enough to justify time. Jobs on the following list are well-paid and flexible to fit with a busy study schedule. 

The Canadian minimum wage is relatively high, at $16.65 per hour. Your employers must pay you this much at a minimum. 

Server/Bartender

Working as a server or bartender is a flexible role that fits well with study hours. In bigger cities, these roles offer competitive wages and, combined with tips, are a great chance to earn good money. 

These roles can also help you improve your communication skills and customer service experience. This opportunity can be invaluable if English is your second language. 

Sales Assistant

A sales assistant position is another flexible role, often with weekend work available, so it doesn’t interfere with lectures. It’s a chance to increase your sales experience. Sometimes, sales assistants may even earn a commission on top of their regular wage. 

Barista

A barista role is popular among students thanks to the flexible scheduling and the fun, relaxed environment. Canada has a strong coffee culture and plenty of cafes, especially in its bustling cities! 

Dog Walker

For animal lovers, this is the ideal part-time job. The hours are flexible, it’s rewarding, and most of all, it’s fun! Who wouldn’t love hanging out with dogs and getting paid? 

Dog walking is a fantastic, relaxing way to get some steps in and interact with others while on your walks. Nothing else compares! 

Tutor

Drawing from our experience, tutoring is a great way to earn extra money by capitalizing on your knowledge and skills. Tutor positions are an excellent option for individuals with high grades who want to gain teaching experience.

Moreover, tutoring looks excellent on your resume! A tutoring job also has limited hours, which is excellent for busy students. 

Ride-Sharing Driver/Delivery Driver

Do you have a car? Working as a ride-sharing or delivery driver for companies like Uber and Lyft is great for earning extra cash! 

You have total responsibility for your schedule. You can work more hours when your schedule is quiet and fewer hours during exam time. 

Teacher's Assistant

Working as a Teaching Assistant is ideal for students hoping to pursue a career in academia. It’s the perfect way to gain experience in the higher education sector while networking, learning new information, and making connections. A TA often acts as a researcher for their teachers and sometimes also helps mark coursework. 

Freelancer

Working as a freelancer is a great way to make money if you have experience in the creative industries. You can freelance as a writer, web designer, or graphic designer. 

Freelancers can choose work that fits their skill sets and schedules. They can also use their part-time work to start building a portfolio. 

Freelance work is often remote, so you’ll also save on travel costs. The pay rate can be higher than standard part-time jobs if you freelance for a job requiring specific skills. 

Nanny

Working as a nanny is perfect for those who want to earn money while experiencing Canadian family life. The hours are often compatible with your school schedule, and it’s an excellent way to make connections. Nannies are usually hired directly by parents who are often flexible with their hours for the right candidate. 

Translator

Working as a translator is the logical choice if you speak multiple languages! It can be highly lucrative and is often done freelance. You can make the hours work for your schedule. 

Bookkeeper

Part-time bookkeeping is a popular choice for students studying finance or accounting. It’s an excellent way to gain real-world work experience and looks great on your resume. Good time management is essential to succeed at this job, and sometimes it requires certification. 

Customer Service Assistant

Customer service work is excellent for students who want to improve their communication and problem-solving skills by talking to customers. These skills are essential for almost any career, serving as ideal work experience. 

Cook

Based on our observations, many restaurants have part-time cook positions available as part of their kitchen team. The hours are often in the evening, so it is suitable for students and is accessible to international students. 

Program Facilitator

Program facilitating is another excellent way to earn money while increasing your skill set. A program facilitator role helps you develop your leadership skills - perfect for when you enter the workforce full-time. 

Writer/Editor

Why not put all those skills you’ve developed writing essays to good use? Freelance writing and editing are flexible options for students and handy for building a portfolio. Depending on the job, you may be asked to write news articles, blogs, copy for websites, or even Instagram captions. 

Exploring Different Types of Part-Time Jobs

Once you decide you want a part-time job, you must determine what job will work best. The right job will fit well with your educational journey and help you get work experience. This experience can benefit your future employment prospects greatly! 

Some factors to consider are travel costs, time, and whether the job relates to your field of study.

On-Campus Jobs

On-campus jobs are subject to fewer rules for international students, provided you’re studying full-time. Unlike off-campus jobs, there are no rules regarding how many hours you can work at an on-campus job. 

You’re usually employed by the university you’re enrolled at for on-campus jobs. You may work for or with a faculty member, student organization, or private business on campus. Students often find that any on-campus job is in demand, and the application process can be stringent. 

Off-Campus Jobs

Off-campus jobs cover any job not located on the university campus, including retail, hospitality, and customer service. As with on-campus employment, you can only start working off-campus once your studies begin. That is, you can’t work before your studies commence. 

Off-campus jobs are a great way to experience Canadian culture and gain work experience at various companies in various sectors.

Co-op Placements or Internships

Co-op placements or internships are usually related to your study and are part of a university program. They’re a great way to develop professional skills related to the subjects you’re studying and improve your employment opportunities. 

They often have strict eligibility requirements and offer pathways and guidance to great careers. A good co-op placement or internship can provide fantastic growth opportunities. 

Financial Aspects of Part-Time Jobs

Before you commit to a part-time job, it’s essential to understand how to manage your costs and budget. When conducting your job search, you should fully understand minimum wage, taxes, and pay scales. Due diligence will help determine how many hours you must work to service your expenses and tuition fees. 

Part-Time Job Salary in Canada for International Students

The pay for part-time jobs in Canada will vary greatly depending on industry, location, and job type. All jobs will be subject to either federal or provincial minimum wage rules. Skilled jobs such as tutoring, editing, or technology-related jobs may have higher pay than unskilled ones.

Average Pay Scale and Minimum Wages by Province

The federal minimum wage in Canada is $16.65 per hour. The provincial minimum wage varies depending on where you are. 

The table below shows current minimum wages by province. Near-future wage changes and particularities for some provinces have been noted below the table. Of course, your earnings will depend on your field, what city you’re in, and how many hours you work.

Province/ Territory

Minimum wage*

Alberta

$15.00

British Columbia

$16.75

Manitoba

$15.30

New Brunswick

$14.75*

Newfoundland & Labrador

$15.00

Northwest Territories

$16.05

Nova Scotia

$15.00*

Nunavut

$16.00*

Ontario

$16.55*

Prince Edward Island

$15.00

Quebec

$15.25*

Saskatchewan

$14.00

Yukon

$16.77*

*Candian Dollars

*New Brunswick’s minimum wage will increase to $15.30 on April 1, 2024.

*Nova Soctia’s minimum wage will increase to $15.20 on April 1, 2024.

*Nunavut’s minimum wage will increase to $19.00 on April 1, 2024.

*In Ontario, students under the age of 18 receive $15.60. Liquor servers receive $16.55. Minimum wage rates are increased on October 1 each year.

*Yukon’s minimum wage will increase to $17.59 on April 1, 2024. Minimum wage is adjusted on April 1 each year relative to the Consumer Price Index.

*In Quebec, employees receiving tips earn $12.55. Minimum wage rates are increased on May 1 each year.

Paying Taxes as An International Student in Canada

Just like Canadian residents, international students are required to pay income tax. This includes all income from part-time jobs, internships, and freelancing. 

When filing a tax return, international students must also declare if they’ve earned any income overseas. It’s crucial to ensure you research and understand Canada's tax system. You can ensure you are taking advantage of any benefits or deductions. 

Key Takeaways

For international or domestic students looking to supplement their income, part-time work is a great way to make money. While pay can vary, several industries provide flexible working hours for students that fit well with their studies. Moreover, many part-time job opportunities offer people valuable work experience. 

In this article, we covered:

• The benefits and advantages of studying in Canadian cities
• The way the job market works in Canada for international students
• Best high-paying part-time jobs for students in Canada
• Working on campus, off-campus, or at an internship
• Minimum wage levels for each province
• Being aware of your financial and tax obligations

When working part-time as an international student, ensuring your work fits in with your studies is paramount. Choose something flexible that won’t prevent you from attending classes and getting good grades. Keep in mind your education is what matters the most!

Thanks to a thriving economy, Canada has many part-time jobs available for students. There’s something that should suit almost any kind of student. This abundance of opportunity within a healthy economy is another reason Canada is such an attractive study destination! 

Working as a student is the perfect way to grow your confidence and also experience a different side of Canada. Some jobs will even let you go to different destinations and experience the natural beauty of Canada. For example, working in tourism during the university holidays. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Hours Can International Students Work in Canada?

International students can work up to 20 hours a week under most circumstances. International students may be able to work longer if they meet certain conditions. These rules ensure students don’t work so many hours they can’t keep up with their studies. 

What are the Working Hours for International Students in Canada?

Most international students in Canada are limited to working 20 hours a week, but there are no set working hours. You can work at your part-time job at any time as long as it fits in with your study schedule. You can also make up the 20 hours by working multiple jobs. 

How to Change the Conditions on the Study Permit?

Your study permit may say you are not authorized to work off campus while studying. In this case, you must apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Ensure you’re fully aware of your study permit eligibility requirements before beginning work so you don’t jeopardize your permit.