Best Part-Time Jobs in Canada for Beginners (2026 Guide)

With the cost of living rising across the country, more Canadians than ever are looking for part-time work to supplement their income. Whether you are a newcomer waiting for accreditation, a parent needing flexible hours, or someone simply looking to try a new industry, the job market is full of opportunities that don't require a 40-hour commitment.

The best part? You don’t need a university degree or a long resume to get started. Many of the easiest jobs to get in Canada are specifically designed for beginners.

If you are looking for student employment, the options are endless, but part-time work isn't just for students. It is a vital pathway for anyone wanting to gain Canadian experience. From no-degree positions in logistics to customer service roles, this guide breaks down the most stable and accessible part-time opportunities available in 2026.

Here are the best part-time jobs in Canada for beginners that are hiring right now.

Top 5 Part-Time Jobs for Beginners (No Experience)

These roles are known for high turnover, which means employers are always hiring. They often provide on-the-job training, making them perfect for your first job in Canada.

1. Retail Sales Associate

This is the most common starting point for beginners. Retailers in malls and grocery stores need reliable staff for evenings and weekends.

• Average Pay: $16.00 – $19.00 per hour (varies by province).
• What You Do: Stocking shelves, assisting customers, and operating the cash register.
• Why It’s Great: It builds communication skills and often comes with store discounts.

2. Barista / Coffee Shop Server

Canada has a massive coffee culture. Chains like Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and Second Cup are constantly recruiting.

• Average Pay: $16.00 – $20.00 per hour (plus tips).
• What You Do: Taking orders, preparing beverages, and keeping the café clean.
• Why It’s Great: You can often find jobs that pay cash via tips on top of your hourly wage, significantly boosting your take-home pay.

3. Warehouse Associate (Part-Time)

If you prefer physical work over talking to customers, warehouse jobs are ideal. Companies like Amazon and Wal-Mart hire thousands of part-time sorters.

• Average Pay: $19.00 – $24.00 per hour.
• What You Do: Packing boxes, sorting packages for delivery, and moving inventory.
• Why It’s Great: These are often jobs with no resume required for the interview process; if you can lift the required weight, you are hired.

4. Security Guard

While this requires a license, the course is short (often 40 hours) and easy to pass. Once licensed, work is guaranteed.

• Average Pay: $18.00 – $25.00 per hour.
• What You Do: Monitoring entrances, patrolling buildings, or watching security cameras (concierge).
• Why It’s Great: Many shifts are overnight or on weekends, making it one of the best weekend jobs for people with a second job.

5. Administrative Assistant (Casual)

Many offices need part-time help for filing, data entry, and reception coverage.

• Average Pay: $20.00 – $26.00 per hour.
• What You Do: Answering phones, scheduling, and digital filing.
• Why It’s Great: This provides "Canadian Office Experience," which is highly valuable. It can also be a stepping stone into entry-level government jobs.

High-Paying Part-Time "Gig" Jobs

If you need total flexibility—meaning you choose exactly when you work—the gig economy is your best bet.

• Delivery Driver (UberEats / SkipTheDishes): Earn $20–$30/hour during rush hours. Requires a vehicle or bicycle.
• Pet Sitter / Dog Walker: Use apps like Rover. Pay can average $25/hour.
• Event Staff: Working at concerts or sports games. These are seasonal but pay well for short bursts of work.

How to Find a Part-Time Job Fast

If you are in a rush to find work, location matters. Focusing your search on the best cities to find a job like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary will yield faster results than rural areas.

Pro Tip: When applying for part-time work, your availability is more important than your skills. On your resume, clearly state: "Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays." This single sentence will get you more interviews than a university degree will for these specific roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours is a part-time job in Canada?

In Canada, a job is generally considered part-time if it is less than 30 hours per week. However, this varies by employer. Some part-time roles may be as few as 10 hours, while others can go up to 35 hours without being classified as full-time.

What is the minimum wage for part-time jobs in Canada?

As of late 2025, the minimum wage varies by province.

• Federal (Banks/Airlines): $17.75/hr
• Ontario: ~$17.60/hr
• British Columbia: ~$17.85/hr
• Alberta: $15.00/hrMost part-time jobs pay at least the provincial minimum wage.

Do part-time employees get benefits in Canada?

Generally, part-time employees do not receive full health and dental benefits unless they work a certain number of hours (usually over 20–25 hours/week). However, all part-time workers are entitled to vacation pay (usually 4% of earnings) and statutory holiday pay if they meet eligibility requirements.

Can I work two part-time jobs in Canada?

Yes, it is legal to work multiple jobs in Canada. There is no limit on how many jobs you can hold, as long as you are able to perform the duties of each. However, you must be mindful of tax implications, as your second job will likely be taxed at a higher marginal rate at the end of the year.

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 (Job Bank): https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
• Retail Council of Canada (Employment Data): https://www.retailcouncil.org/
• Indeed Canada (Part-Time Trends): https://ca.indeed.com/

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.