Best $22–$28/hr Jobs in Canada (Living Wage Guide 2026)

In 2026, the salary band of $22 to $28 per hour (approx. $45,000 – $58,000 per year) is the new "Middle Class Entry Point."

At this level, you are no longer making minimum wage, but you aren't quite at the "Manager" level either. You are in the "Specialist" zone.

Employers in this bracket aren't looking for warm bodies; they are looking for Certifications. They want to know: Can you drive a 5-ton truck? Can you sterilize surgical equipment? Can you handle a complex payroll system?

The best part about this bracket? It is dominated by Healthcare and Unionized Trades. This means that unlike the private sector where you might get fired on a whim, these jobs often come with strong job security, defined-benefit pensions, and guaranteed annual raises.

If you are ready to trade "Survival Mode" for "Stability Mode," here are the best jobs paying $22–$28/hr in Canada.

1. Personal Support Worker (PSW) / HCA

• The Job: Helping elderly patients with daily tasks (bathing, feeding) in Long-Term Care homes or hospitals.
• The Pay: $22.00 – $28.00 per hour.
• Why it fits:
  • Government Boost: In provinces like Ontario, the government has applied a permanent "Wage Enhancement" (approx. $3/hr) to base wages, pushing many PSWs into the $25+ range.
  • Hospital vs. Home Care: Aim for Hospital jobs. They pay the top of the band ($26-$29) compared to private home care ($21-$24).
• The Path: Requires a 6-8 month college certificate.
• Related: This is the #1 Recession-Proof Job in Canada. The aging population guarantees you will never be unemployed.

2. Sterile Processing Technician (MDRT)

• The Job: Cleaning, sterilizing, and assembling the surgical tools used in operating rooms. You are the "Behind the Scenes" hero of the hospital.
• The Pay: $24.00 – $29.00 per hour.
• Why it wins:
  • No Patient Contact: If you want to work in healthcare but are introverted or squeamish about blood/bedside care, this is perfect.
  • The Cert: You need a "Medical Device Reprocessing" certificate (usually 4-6 months at college).
• Internal Link: See more roles like this in our Hospital Jobs Without a Degree guide.

3. CNC Machine Operator

• The Job: Operating a computer-controlled machine that cuts metal parts for aerospace or automotive factories.
• The Pay: $22.00 – $28.00 per hour.
• The Difference: A "General Labourer" moves the metal. A "CNC Operator" presses the buttons and reads the blueprints.
• The Demand: With Canada building new EV battery plants (Volkswagen, Stellantis), manufacturing is booming.
• Entry: Many companies offer On-the-Job Training if you have basic math skills.

4. Transit Operator (Training Rate)

• The Job: Driving city buses or streetcars for the TTC, TransLink, or OC Transpo.
• The Pay: $27.00 – $29.00 per hour (Starting/Training Rate).
• The Career Arc: You start at ~$28/hr. After 2 years, you hit the full rate of **$36 - $40/hr**.
• The Catch: You will work "Split Shifts" (morning rush hour + evening rush hour with a 4-hour unpaid break in between) for the first few years.
• The Benefit: One of the best pension plans in Canada (OMERS/Municipal).

5. Human Resources Assistant

• The Job: Screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and answering employee questions about benefits.
• The Pay: $23.00 – $27.00 per hour.
• Why it fits: It is the standard corporate entry point. If you are organized and "good with people," you can thrive here without a specialized degree (a certificate helps).
• The Path: This leads directly to HR Manager ($80k+).
• Related: A top choice for women pivoting careers—see our Jobs for Women Guide.

6. School Bus Driver (With Charters)

• The Job: Driving kids to school in the morning and afternoon.
• The Pay: $22.00 – $26.00 per hour.
• The "Charter" Bonus: The base route pays the bills, but picking up "Charter Runs" (driving sports teams to games or classes to field trips) is where you earn the extra cash.
• Retention Bonuses: Because of the driver shortage, many companies now offer $1,000 - $3,000 sign-on bonuses.

7. Junior Marketing Coordinator

• The Job: Managing social media accounts, writing email newsletters, and organizing trade show booths.
• The Pay: $22.00 – $26.00 per hour.
• Why it fits: Companies are realizing that "Social Media" is a real job, not just something an intern does.
• Remote Friendly: This is highly likely to be a Remote Job compared to the others on this list.

Comparison Table: Public vs. Private Sector Pay

In this bracket, who you work for matters more than what you do.

Practical Questions Answered

"Is $28/hr considered good money?"

It is the national average.

• The Reality: The average Canadian hourly wage is roughly $34/hr. So $28/hr is slightly below average, but for a job without a degree, it is excellent.
• The Perspective: $28/hr is ~$58,000/year. If you have a partner earning the same, your household income is $116,000. That is a very comfortable middle-class life in most cities (Winnipeg, Halifax, Edmonton).

"Do I have to join a Union?"

You should want to.

• The Benefit: In the $22-$28 bracket, unions are your best friend. They protect you from inflation. When the cost of living goes up, the Union negotiates a 3% raise for you. Non-union workers usually get 0%.

"Is the Sterile Processing course hard?"

It is memorization-heavy.

• The Content: You need to learn the names of 100+ surgical instruments (clamps, retractors, etc.) and understanding bacteria/viruses. If you were good at biology in high school, you will pass easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to get to $28/hr?

Driving.

If you have a clean driving record, getting hired as a Transit Operator is the fastest route. They hire fast, train you (paid), and you start at $28+ immediately.

Do these jobs pay overtime?

Yes, especially Healthcare and Transit.

If you are a PSW or Bus Driver, overtime is almost always available. Working one extra shift a week at "Time and a Half" ($42/hr) adds $10,000 to your yearly income.

Can I work part-time?

Yes.

Most Hospital and Transit jobs actually start as Part-Time or Casual. You have to "earn" your way to Full-Time status, which might take 6-12 months.

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

• Ontario PSW Wage Enhancement: https://www.ontario.ca/page/personal-support-workers-and-direct-support-workers-permanent-compensation-enhancement-program
• TTC Careers (Transit Operator Pay): https://www.ttc.ca/jobs
• Job Bank (Medical Device Reprocessing): https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/24220/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.