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Best Entry-Level Government Jobs in Canada (No Degree Required)

Want a stable career with a pension but don’t have a university degree? Discover the best entry-level government jobs in Canada that require only a high school diploma. Learn about salaries, roles like CR-04 and PM-01, and how to apply today.
A person working at a computer in a modern Government of Canada office setting

Finding a job with the Government of Canada is often seen as the "gold standard" of employment. You get stability, unbeatable benefits, and a guaranteed pension. But a common myth stops many people from applying: the belief that you need a university degree to get in.

The truth is, thousands of federal employees start their careers with just a high school diploma. If you are looking for jobs that require no degree, the federal public service is one of the best places to look. Whether you are a Canadian citizen or exploring opportunities for newcomers, these roles offer a clear path to a six-figure future.

While the hiring process can be slower than the private sector, the payoff is worth it. Many departments also offer remote government positions, allowing you to work from anywhere in the country. If you are currently studying, there are even specialized student employment programs designed to bridge you into full-time work.

Here is your guide to the best entry-level government jobs in Canada that do not require a university degree.

Top 5 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree

When searching on the official GC Jobs portal, you won't always see "Entry Level" in the title. Instead, you need to look for specific classifications. The most common codes for non-degree jobs are CR (Clerical and Regulatory) and PM (Program Administration).

1. Administrative Assistant (CR-04)

The CR-04 classification is arguably the most common entry point for people without a degree. These roles are the backbone of the public service.

  • What you do: Data entry, processing mail, scheduling meetings, and organizing digital files.
  • Average Salary: $50,821 – $61,761 per year.
  • Requirements: Usually requires a secondary school diploma (high school) or employer-approved alternative.
  • Why it’s great: It gets your foot in the door. Once you are in a CR-04 pool, it is much easier to apply for internal positions.

2. Program Officer / Service Canada Agent (PM-01)

If you enjoy customer service but want better pay and stability, the PM-01 level is ideal. These are often "Citizen Services" roles.

  • What you do: You help Canadians access benefits like Employment Insurance (EI), passports, or pensions. This can be in a call centre or in-person at a Service Canada center.
  • Average Salary: $61,786 – $69,106 per year.
  • Requirements: High school diploma and experience in customer service.
  • Why it’s great: The pay is significantly higher than private sector roles requiring no experience.

3. Border Services Officer (CBSA)

For those who want an active, high-responsibility career, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) hires recruits without degrees.

  • What you do: Enforce laws at border crossings, airports, and marine ports.
  • Average Salary: Trainees start around $75,000, rising to over $93,000 after successful completion of the program.
  • Requirements: Secondary school diploma, valid driver’s license, and passing the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
  • Note: This process includes rigorous physical and psychological testing.

4. Mail Operations & Processing (Canada Post)

While technically a Crown Corporation, Canada Post offers federal-level benefits and stability.

  • What you do: Sorting mail, operating processing machinery, or delivering mail as a letter carrier.
  • Average Salary: $22 – $29 per hour (varies by role).
  • Requirements: High school diploma and a valid driver’s license (for delivery).
  • Why it’s great: These are excellent $20 to $30 per hour roles that often have overtime availability.

5. Data Entry Clerk (CR-03)

A step below the CR-04, the CR-03 level is strictly clerical and often involves high-volume processing.

  • What you do: Digitizing paper records, verifying simple forms, and general office support.
  • Average Salary: $45,000 – $50,000 per year.
  • Requirements: Secondary school diploma.
  • Why it’s great: Low stress and very consistent hours, perfect for those who want a simple 9-to-5.

How to Apply: The "Secret" to Getting Screened In

Applying for government jobs is different from the private sector. If you use a standard resume, you will likely be rejected by the automated system.

1. Speak the Language

Government job posters list "Essential Qualifications." You must copy these keywords exactly into your application. If the posting asks for "experience using Microsoft Excel," do not just list it in your skills section. You must write a paragraph explaining where and how you used it.

2. Create a GC Jobs Account

All federal hiring happens through jobs.gc.ca. Create a profile and set up email alerts for the CR and PM classifications so you never miss a new posting.

3. Be Patient

Government hiring is slow. If you need immediate income, you might want to look at jobs that hire faster in the private sector while you wait for your government application to process. It can take 6 to 12 months from application to job offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a degree to work for the government in Canada?

No, you do not need a university degree for many government jobs. Positions classified as CR (Clerical), PM (Program Administration), and GL (General Labour) typically only require a secondary school diploma (high school). Experience in customer service or office administration is often accepted in place of higher education.

What is the easiest government job to get in Canada?

The easiest government job to get is usually a casual or term CR-04 position. "Casual" contracts are short-term (90 working days) and have a faster hiring process because they do not require the full competitive process. Once you are inside as a casual employee, you can network and apply for internal "indeterminate" (permanent) roles.

How much do entry-level government jobs pay in Canada?

Most entry-level federal jobs (like CR-04 or PM-01) pay between $55,000 and $69,000 per year. In addition to the base salary, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, 3 weeks of vacation to start, and a defined benefit pension plan that is among the best in Canada.

Is it hard to get a government job in Canada?

It is competitive, but the difficulty often lies in the application process, not the job itself. The screening process is rigid; if you do not explicitly state how you meet every single qualification, the system will filter you out. Success requires attention to detail and patience with the long hiring timeline.

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

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.

Published by:

Mc Yow-z Jeff Calixte