Best $20–$25/hr Jobs in Canada (Junior Professional Guide 2026)

Breaking the $20.00 per hour barrier is a major psychological milestone.

At $20/hr (approx. $41,600/year), you are officially out of the "Minimum Wage" danger zone. At $25/hr ($52,000/year), you are earning a respectable living wage in most Canadian cities outside of downtown Toronto or Vancouver.

This salary bracket is unique. It is filled with "Junior Professionals."

These aren't just "jobs"—they are careers. Employers in this range expect you to have specific knowledge. They aren't paying for your time; they are paying for your competence. Whether it is knowing how to balance a ledger, how to manage a classroom of kids, or how to fix a machine, you need to bring a skill to the table.

If you are ready to trade "General Labour" for "Specialized Work," here are the best jobs paying $20–$25 right now.

1. Educational Assistant (EA)

• The Job: Working in a classroom to support students with special needs (Autism, ADHD, or physical disabilities). You are the teacher's right hand.
• The Pay: $22.00 – $28.00 per hour.
• Why it wins: You work the same hours as teachers (8:30 AM – 3:30 PM) and get summers off (though usually unpaid, unless you bank your pay).
• The Benefit: Most School Boards (like TDSB or VSB) offer incredible pension and benefit packages that are worth an extra $5/hr.
• Requirement: A college diploma in "Educational Support" (1 year) is standard, but some private schools hire based on experience.
• Related: If you love working with kids but lack the diploma, check our Teen Jobs Guide for camp counselor roles that build experience.

2. Junior Bookkeeper / Payroll Clerk

• The Job: Managing invoices, tracking expenses, and running payroll for small businesses.
• The Pay: $21.00 – $26.00 per hour.
• The Skill: You do not need a CPA degree. You need to know QuickBooks or Xero. If you can take a $200 online course in QuickBooks certification, you are instantly hireable.
• Why it fits: It is low-stress compared to accounting. You aren't doing taxes; you are just organizing the daily numbers.
• Remote Potential: High. Many bookkeepers work from home. See our Remote Jobs Guide.

3. Apprenticeship (Year 2)

• The Job: Plumber, Electrician, or Carpenter Apprentice.
• The Pay: $20.00 – $25.00 per hour.
• The Progression: A 1st-year apprentice makes ~$18. By your 2nd year, you are legally required to be paid a higher percentage of the Journeyman rate (usually 60-70%).
• Why it fits: You are getting paid to learn. In 2 years, this will double to $45/hr.
• Internal Link: Learn how to start this path in our Construction Jobs Guide.

4. Bank Teller (Financial Advisor Trainee)

• The Job: Handling cash, but more importantly, helping customers open accounts and apply for credit cards.
• The Pay: $20.50 – $24.00 per hour.
• The Title: Banks rarely call them "Tellers" anymore. They are "Customer Experience Associates."
• The Perks: Cheap mortgages, bank matching for your retirement savings (RRSP), and paid vacation.
• The Career Path: This is the entry point to becoming a Branch Manager ($80k).

5. Specialized Delivery Driver (Class 3 / D)

• The Job: Driving a 5-ton cube truck, a garbage truck, or a specialized courier van (FedEx Step Van).
• The Pay: $22.00 – $26.00 per hour.
• The Difference: An Uber driver makes variable pay. A "Class D" driver makes a guaranteed hourly wage because they have a license to drive vehicles with air brakes.
• Why it fits: It is independent work. As long as you make your deliveries on time, nobody bothers you.

6. Pharmacy Assistant

• The Job: Counting pills, printing labels, and managing inventory at Shoppers Drug Mart or Rexall.
• The Pay: $19.00 – $24.00 per hour.
• The Vibe: It is a healthcare environment without the "blood and guts" of a hospital. It is clean, quiet, and professional.
• Requirement: Some employers require a college certificate, but many will train you if you have strong attention to detail.

7. Service Coordinator (Automotive)

• The Job: The person at the car dealership front desk who books your oil change and explains the bill.
• The Pay: $20.00 – $25.00 per hour + Commission.
• The Bonus: You often get a commission on "upsells" (e.g., selling a cabin air filter). A good advisor can make $60k/year.
• Why it fits: You don't need to be a mechanic. You just need to be organized and good at talking to people.

Comparison Table: The "Certification" Bump

See how a small certificate jumps you into this pay bracket.

The "Reddit Defense": Practical Questions Answered

"Is $25/hr a good salary?"

It is the new "Middle Class" minimum.

• The Reality: $25/hr = $52,000/year.
• Tax Take Home: Approx $3,400/month.
• Lifestyle: You can afford a decent apartment, a used car, and a vacation once a year. It is a comfortable life in cities like Winnipeg, Halifax, or Edmonton. In Toronto, it is "survival plus."

"How do I get a bank job?"

Customer Service is key.

• The Secret: Banks don't hire math whizzes for tellers; they hire people who can sell. If you have experience at Starbucks or specialized retail (selling phones), highlight your sales targets on your resume.

"Do EAs get paid in the summer?"

Usually No.

• The Trap: Most Education Assistants are laid off for July and August. You collect EI (Employment Insurance) during the summer. You must budget for this income drop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bookkeeping automating away?

Not yet.

While AI does data entry, businesses still need a human to verify the categories and chase clients for receipts. The role is shifting to "Financial Admin," but the pay is staying strong.

Can I get these jobs part-time?

Yes.

Bank Tellers and Pharmacy Assistants often work part-time (20-30 hours), making them great for students or parents. EAs work school hours, which is perfect for parents.

Do I need to be bilingual?

It helps.

In Ottawa, Montreal, or New Brunswick, being bilingual instantly pushes you from the $20 bracket to the **$23+ bracket**. See our Jobs for French Speakers guide.

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

• QuickBooks Certification: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/accountants/training-certification/
• Canadian Bankers Association (Careers): https://cba.ca/
• Job Bank (Educational Assistant Wages): https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/25517/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.