Best Night Shift Jobs in Canada (2026 List)

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For night owls, parents with daytime responsibilities, or students balancing classes, night shift jobs offer a perfect solution. But there is another major benefit that most people overlook: The Shift Premium.

In Canada, many employers offer higher wages for overnight work to attract staff. This "shift differential" can add anywhere from $1.00 to $3.00 extra per hour to your pay, simply for working when the sun is down. If you are looking for jobs that pay well, switching your schedule to nights is the fastest way to give yourself a raise without getting a promotion.

Whether you want a physical job in logistics or a quiet role in security, night shifts are often easier to get because there is less competition. If you need work immediately, these roles are consistently in high demand.

Here are the best night shift jobs in Canada for 2026.

Top 5 Night Shift Jobs (Graveyard Shift)

These industries run 24/7 and are the most reliable places to find overnight work.

1. Overnight Warehouse Associate

With the boom in e-commerce, companies like Amazon, FedEx, and Purolator run 24-hour operations.

• What you do: Sorting packages, loading trucks, and preparing deliveries for the morning rush.
• Average Pay: $19.00 – $24.00 per hour (including night premium).
• Why it’s great: You can often listen to music while you work, and there are no customers to deal with.
• Requirements: Ability to lift heavy boxes and stand for long periods.

2. Night Security Guard

Security is one of the most popular jobs for beginners. Buildings need protection even when empty.

• What you do: Monitoring CCTV cameras, patrolling empty offices, or sitting at a concierge desk.
• Average Pay: $18.00 – $23.00 per hour.
• Why it’s great: It is often very quiet. Many students use this time to study while getting paid.
• Requirements: Provincial Security License (a short 40-hour course).

3. Personal Support Worker (PSW) / Care Aide

Hospitals and long-term care homes never close. They need staff overnight to monitor patients.

• What you do: Assisting elderly or injured patients with basic needs and monitoring their sleep.
• Average Pay: $22.00 – $28.00 per hour.
• Why it’s great: Unionized positions often have excellent night shift premiums and benefits.
• Requirements: PSW certificate or relevant healthcare experience.

4. Commercial Cleaner

Offices, malls, and airports need to be cleaned when the public is gone.

• What you do: Vacuuming, mopping floors, and sanitizing workspaces.
• Average Pay: $17.00 – $22.00 per hour.
• Why it’s great: It is a low-stress job where you work independently or in small teams. Perfect if you prefer working alone.

5. Bakery / Food Production

Grocery stores (like Loblaws or Sobeys) and wholesale bakeries bake their fresh goods overnight so they are ready for the morning.

• What you do: Mixing dough, monitoring ovens, and packaging bread.
• Average Pay: $18.00 – $25.00 per hour.
• Why it’s great: You learn a skill and often get free food!

Is the Night Shift Healthy?

Working nights can be tough on your body. To succeed, you need a strategy:

1. Blackout Curtains: You must sleep during the day. Make your room pitch black.
2. Consistency: Try to keep your sleep schedule the same, even on your days off.
3. Vitamin D: Since you miss the sun, take supplements to keep your energy up.

If you find the schedule too difficult, you might prefer weekend jobs or flexible part-time work instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do night shift jobs pay more in Canada?

Yes, often. Many employers offer a "shift premium" or "shift differential" for overnight hours (typically 11 PM to 7 AM). This usually adds $1.00 to $2.50 per hour to your base wage. However, this is not a law in every province; it is usually decided by the employer or union contract.

What is the easiest night shift job?

Overnight Security Guard is widely considered the easiest night shift job. In many corporate buildings or condos, the role involves sitting at a desk, monitoring cameras, and doing occasional patrols. It is physically low-effort and allows for downtime, making it popular among students.

Are night shift jobs full-time or part-time?

Both are available. Many warehouses and hospitals hire full-time night staff (40 hours/week). However, there are also plenty of part-time options, especially in commercial cleaning and hospitality (night auditors at hotels), for those looking to supplement their income.

Is it hard to find a night shift job?

No, it is generally easier to find night work than day work. Most people prefer working 9-to-5, so there is less competition for overnight roles. Employers at warehouses and manufacturing plants are often constantly recruiting for the "graveyard shift."

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

• Statistics Canada (Work shift data): https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/14-28-0001/2023001/article/00008-eng.htm
• ZipRecruiter (Night Shift Salaries): https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Night-Shift-Salary
• Canada Labour Code (Hours of Work): https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/workplace/federal-labour-standards/work-hours.html

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.