Best Part-Time Jobs for Students: Flexible Hours & High Pay

Being a student in Canada is expensive. Between tuition, textbooks, and $2,000 rent, you need a job that pays more than minimum wage but doesn't destroy your GPA.

Most students default to fast food. That is a mistake.

In 2026, smart students are strategic. They don't just look for a paycheck; they look for Tuition Reimbursement, Exam Leave, and Union Wages.

Why work at a burger joint for $17.20/hour when you could work at the LCBO for $20.36/hour? Why work retail if Costco will let you take the entire winter semester off and keep your job?

If you want to graduate debt-free without burning out, here is the ranked list of the best student jobs in Canada.

1. The "High Roller": LCBO / Cannabis Stores

If you are over 18 (or 19 depending on the province), selling regulated substances is the highest-paying retail gig in the country.

LCBO (Ontario)

• The Role: Seasonal Customer Service Representative.
• The Pay: $20.36 per hour (Starting).
• Why it wins: It is a government crown corporation. You get paid more than any other cashier in the mall.
• The Catch: It is seasonal. They hire massively for Summer (May–Aug) and Holiday (Nov–Dec). You need to apply 2 months in advance.

Private Cannabis Budtender

• The Role: Selling legal cannabis.
• The Pay: $18 – $22 per hour + Tips (Yes, people tip budtenders).
• The Requirement: You need your CannSell (Ontario) or Selling It Right (BC) certificate.
• Internal Link: This is similar to the certification needed for Brand Ambassador jobs.

2. The "Scholarship": Starbucks Canada

Starbucks is famous for its benefits, but you need to know the fine print.

• The Role: Barista.
• The Pay: Minimum wage + Tips (approx. $2–$3/hr extra).
• The Perk: Tuition Reimbursement. Starbucks Canada reimburses eligible partners up to $1,000 per year for tuition. (Note: This is different from the US "Free University" program).
• The Flexibility: They are the kings of scheduling. If you need to change your availability every semester, they accommodate it.

3. The "Long Game": Costco

Costco is the hardest retail job to get, but the best one to keep.

• The Pay: Starts around $18.50/hr, but on Sundays, you get Time and a Half ($27.75/hr).
• The Secret Weapon: College Student Retention Program (CSRP).
  • How it works: You work hard during the summer. When school starts, Costco allows you to work zero hours (or very few) during the semester while keeping your employee status and seniority. When exams are done, you walk right back into your job.

4. The "Introvert Special": PC Express (Loblaws)

If you hate talking to customers, become a "Personal Shopper."

• The Role: You walk around Superstore or Loblaws with a scanner, picking groceries for online orders.
• The Pay: $17.50 – $19.00 per hour.
• Why it’s great: It is independent work. You listen to music (one earbud often allowed), push a cart, and go home. No angry customers yelling about prices.

5. The "Resume Builder": FSWEP (Government)

This is the most prestigious student job in Canada.

• What it is: Federal Student Work Experience Program.
• The Job: Admin assistant, border services junior, or research assistant for the Government of Canada.
• The Pay: $22.00 – $28.00 per hour.
• The Strategy: You apply to a "pool" on the government website. Managers pull resumes from the pool.
• Tip: Apply in October for the following Summer. It is slow, but it launches careers.

Comparison Table: Best Student Jobs Ranked

Practical Questions Answered

"Is Uber Eats good for students?"

Consensus: Only for extra cash, not rent.

• The Reality: It is tempting because you have no boss. But after gas and wear-and-tear, you often make less than minimum wage.
• Use it for: "Beer money" or covering a sudden textbook cost. Do not rely on it for your $1,500 rent payment.
• Internal Link: Read our Amazon Flex vs. Intelcom comparison for better driving options.

"Can international students work off-campus?"

Yes, but check the rules.

As of 2026, the temporary "unlimited hours" policy has expired. Most international students are capped at 24 hours per week off-campus during the semester. You can work full-time during scheduled breaks (Summer/Winter).

• Warning: Working cash jobs to bypass this limit puts your visa at risk.

"Do on-campus jobs pay well?"

Rarely.

Working at the campus bookstore or library is convenient (no commute), but usually pays exact minimum wage. The real value is the networking with professors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which part-time job pays the most in Canada?

Serving and Bartending is statistically the highest paying part-time job due to tips. A server at a busy restaurant (like The Keg or Earls) can earn $30–$40 per hour (wage + tips) on a Friday night.

Do students pay taxes in Canada?

Yes. Income tax is deducted from your paycheck. However, because students usually earn less than the "Basic Personal Amount" (~$15,000) and have tuition credits, you will likely get almost all of that tax back as a Refund when you file your tax return in April.

How do I get a job at the LCBO?

You must apply online through their careers portal. Do not drop off a resume at the store. The key hiring windows are February/March (for Summer) and September (for Christmas). If you miss these windows, it is very hard to get in.

Can I get a job with no experience?

Yes. Employers like McDonalds, Tim Hortons, and Cineplex are designed to be "first jobs." They hire based on availability and attitude. Once you have 6 months of experience there, you can upgrade to a better job like Costco or a Bank Teller.

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

• Government of Canada (FSWEP): https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/workforce/staffing/mobility/student-employment-programs-federal-government/federal-student-work-experience-program.html
• Costco Canada Careers: https://www.costco.ca/jobs.html
• LCBO Careers: https://www.lcbo.com/content/lcbo/en/corporate-pages/careers.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.