Best $18–$22/hr Jobs in Canada (Skilled Entry-Level 2026)

The jump from $16/hr to $20/hr might seem small ($4/hr), but in terms of lifestyle, it is massive.

At $18–$22 per hour, you stop struggling to pay for basic groceries and start being able to save a little. This is the "Skilled Entry-Level" bracket.

In this range, employers stop looking for "warm bodies" and start looking for specific skills. They want you to have a license (like a Forklift ticket), a language skill (French), or software knowledge (Excel). The work is often less physically exhausting than minimum wage labour and offers actual benefits like dental and vision.

If you are tired of the retail grind and want a "Grown Up" job, here are the best roles paying $18–$22 right now.

1. Administrative Assistant (Junior)

• The Job: Answering emails, booking meetings, and ordering office supplies for a small business.
• The Pay: $19.00 – $23.00 per hour.
• Why it wins: It is an "Office Job." You get a desk, a chair, and weekends off. It is the best entry point for women (and men) wanting to enter the corporate world.
• The Skill: You must know Microsoft Outlook and Word. If you can format a nice document, you are hired.
• Related: See our Jobs for Women Guide for more office career paths.

2. Forklift Operator (Warehouse)

• The Job: Driving a Counterbalance or Reach Truck to move pallets.
• The Pay: $20.00 – $24.00 per hour.
• The Difference: A "General Labourer" makes $17. A "Forklift Operator" makes $21. The only difference is a 2-day course that costs $200. It is the best Return on Investment (ROI) in the job market.
• The Speed: Warehouses are desperate for licensed drivers. You can often get hired in 48 hours.

3. Call Center Representative (Bank/Telco)

• The Job: Handling billing questions for Rogers, Bell, or TD Bank.
• The Pay: $19.50 – $22.50 per hour.
• The Bonus: These jobs almost always come with full benefits (Medical/Dental) from Day 1.
• The Grind: It is mentally tough. You will get yelled at by customers. But if you stick it out for 1 year, you can move to "Back Office" roles (fraud, credit) that pay $25+.
• Remote Option: Many of these roles are now WFH. Check our Remote Jobs Guide.

4. Delivery Driver (FedEx / UPS / Purolator)

• The Job: Driving a courier van to drop off packages.
• The Pay: $19.00 – $24.00 per hour.
• Why it fits: It is active, independent work. You are your own boss inside the van.
• The Season: During "Peak Season" (November–January), wages often spike, and overtime is unlimited.
• Requirement: A clean driving record (G License). No special truck license is needed for the smaller vans.

5. Security Guard (Concierge / Corporate)

• The Job: Sitting at the front desk of a fancy condo or office tower.
• The Pay: $18.00 – $22.00 per hour.
• The Difference: "Mall Security" pays $16. "Corporate Concierge" pays $20 because you have to wear a suit and look professional.
• Why it fits: It is low stress. You are mostly buzzing people in and accepting UberEats deliveries.
• Internal Link: If you want the night shifts, see our Night Shift Guide.

6. Dental Receptionist (No Experience)

• The Job: Booking appointments and billing insurance companies.
• The Pay: $20.00 – $25.00 per hour.
• The Entry: While some offices want experience, many are willing to train someone with good customer service skills because there is a shortage of reliable staff.
• The Hours: No late nights. You finish when the dentist finishes.

7. Landscaping Crew Leader

• The Job: Leading a team of 2-3 people to mow lawns or shovel snow.
• The Pay: $20.00 – $25.00 per hour.
• The Difference: A "Helper" makes $17. A "Leader" (who drives the truck and talks to the client) makes $22.
• Why it fits: Perfect for outdoor lovers who want to be in charge.

Comparison Table: The "Skill Premium"

See how one small skill boosts your pay into this bracket.

Practical Questions Answered

"Is $20/hr enough to move out?"

It depends on the city.

• Toronto/Vancouver: No. $20/hr is ~$2,600/month. Rent is $2,200. You need roommates.
• Calgary/Edmonton/Montreal: Yes. You can find a studio apartment for $1,200, leaving you enough for food and bills.

"How do I get an Admin job with no experience?"

Volunteer.

• The Hack: Call a local charity or church and offer to help organize their files or answer phones for 2 weeks. Put that on your resume as "Office Administrator (Volunteer)." Now you have experience.

"Are agencies good for this pay range?"

Yes.

• Randstad & Robert Half: These agencies specialize in Admin and Warehouse roles in the $18-$22 range. They are better than "Labour Ready" (which is minimum wage).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these jobs offer raises?

Yes.

Unlike retail (where the ceiling is low), a Junior Admin can become an Executive Assistant ($60k). A Forklift Driver can become a Warehouse Manager ($70k). These are career starters.

Is a "G" Driver's License important?

Critically Important.

Even for non-driving jobs, having a license tells employers you are reliable and can get to work. For jobs like Landscaping or Delivery, it is mandatory to hit the $20 mark.

What is the best certification under $500?

First Aid & CPR Level C ($120).

Almost every employer in this bracket (Security, Daycare, Warehouse, Office) loves seeing First Aid on a resume. It makes you a "Safety Asset."

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur. He tracks real-time labour market data, government hiring trends, and entry-level opportunities to help newcomers and students navigate the Canadian job market.

Sources

• Randstad Salary Guide 2026: https://www.randstad.ca/salary-guide/
• Indeed Salary Data (Admin Asst): https://ca.indeed.com/career/administrative-assistant/salaries
• Safety First (Forklift Training): https://www.safetyfirsttraining.ca/

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.