Part-Time Jobs with Benefits in Canada (Health, Dental & Tuition 2026)

In Canada, "Benefits" (Health, Dental, Vision) are usually reserved for full-time employees.

If you work part-time (under 30 hours), you are typically left to fend for yourself. This is a major problem for Students (who need tuition help), Freelancers (who need drug plans), and Parents (who need braces for their kids).

But in 2026, the war for talent has forced major companies to change their rules.

There is a select group of "Gold Standard" employers in Canada that treat their part-timers like full-timers. They offer prescription drug coverage, massage therapy, and even defined-benefit pensions to people working as little as 15-20 hours a week.

If you need coverage but can't commit to a 9-to-5, here are the best part-time jobs with benefits in Canada.

1. Starbucks (The Gold Standard)

• The Job: Barista.
• The Benefits: Comprehensive Health & Dental, Tuition Reimbursement, and Stock Options ("Bean Stock").
• The Rule: You must work a minimum of 20 hours per week to qualify.
• Why it wins:
  • Mental Health: They offer a $5,000/year mental health benefit (therapy) which is unheard of in retail.
  • Tuition: They reimburse up to $1,000/year for tuition (varies by tenure).
• Internal Link: This is often cited as one of the Best Fun Jobs because of the social atmosphere.

2. UPS (Union Power)

• The Job: Package Handler (Warehouse) or Helper.
• The Benefits: 100% Employer-Paid Health & Dental, Pension Plan, and Tuition Assistance.
• The Rule: You are unionized (Teamsters). Benefits typically kick in after 1 year of service, but they are incredibly strong.
• Why it wins:
  • Zero Premiums: Unlike other companies where money is deducted from your paycheck for benefits, UPS often pays the full cost.
  • The Pension: Yes, you get a pension even as a part-timer.
• Internal Link: Learn more about their training in our On-the-Job Training Guide.

3. Costco (The Long Game)

• The Job: Stocker, Cashier Assistant, or Bakery Wrapper.
• The Benefits: Dental, Prescription Drugs, Vision, and Paramedical (Massage/Chiro).
• The Rule: You qualify for benefits after working roughly 24 hours/week for a set probation period (usually 3-6 months).
• Why it wins: The coverage is better than most corporate office jobs. Plus, you get a free Costco membership.
• The Pay: Costco pays significantly above minimum wage ($18.50+ start), making it a top tier **$15-$20/hr Job**.

4. The Home Depot

• The Job: Sales Associate (Lumber, Paint, Garden).
• The Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Tuition Reimbursement.
• The Rule: Part-timers are eligible for "Orange Life" benefits. Note that for part-timers, it is often a voluntary plan (you pay a share of the premium), but the rates are much cheaper than private insurance.
• Why it fits: Perfect for semi-retired tradespeople who want to share their knowledge without working full-time.

5. TD Bank (and other Big 5 Banks)

• The Job: Customer Experience Associate (Teller).
• The Benefits: Medical/Dental, Share Ownership Plan, and Pension.
• The Rule: TD is famous for offering benefits to employees working 15+ hours per week.
• Why it wins:
  • The Atmosphere: It is a professional, seated environment (unlike retail).
  • The Future: It puts "Banking" on your resume. See our $20-$25/hr Guide for where this career leads.

6. IKEA

• The Job: Sales Co-worker or Logistics.
• The Benefits: Health, Dental, Pet Insurance (yes, really), and RRSP Matching.
• The Rule: Eligibility starts at 20 hours per week.
• Why it wins: IKEA offers 4 months of Paid Parental Leave even for part-timers (with tenure), which is extremely rare in Canada.

7. LCBO / Cannabis Stores (Government Run)

• The Job: Cashier or Stocker at provincial stores (LCBO in Ontario, SQDC in Quebec, BCLDB in BC).
• The Benefits: As government/union employees, casual staff often get % in lieu of benefits (extra cash) or access to the plan after a specific number of hours.
• The Pay: often starts at $17 - $20/hr and climbs to $28/hr.
• Related: If you are interested in the Cannabis sector specifically, check our Best Fun Jobs article.

Comparison Table: Hours Required vs. Perks

Practical Questions Answered

"Do I get benefits on Day 1?"

NO.

• The Probation Period: Almost every company requires a "Waiting Period" (usually 3 months or 600 hours worked) before benefits kick in.
• The Strategy: Do not quit your current coverage until you have passed probation at the new job.

"What happens if my hours drop below 20?"

You lose coverage (Audit).

• The Risk: Companies like Starbucks perform a "Benefits Audit" every 6 months (Jan and July). If you didn't average 20 hours/week over that period, you get kicked off the plan. You must chase shifts to stay safe.

"Is it better to take the cash?"

Sometimes.

• In Lieu: Some jobs (like Nursing/Hospital casuals) offer "14% in lieu of benefits." This means if the pay is $20, they pay you $22.80 instead of giving you dental. If you are young and healthy, the cash might be better. If you have bad teeth, take the plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students get these benefits?

Yes.

If you have a valid SIN and meet the hourly requirements (20 hrs/week), you are eligible for the company plan just like a Canadian citizen. This is huge because provincial health care (OHIP/MSP) often doesn't cover dental for students.

Do these jobs cover family members?

Yes.

Most plans (Starbucks, Costco, UPS) allow you to add your Spouse and Children to the plan. However, you will usually pay a higher monthly premium for "Family Coverage" vs. "Single Coverage."

Which job has the best tuition reimbursement?

UPS and Starbucks.

UPS is known for high dollar amounts (sometimes $2,000+ per semester), while Starbucks is known for flexibility.

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

• Starbucks Canada Benefits: https://www.starbucks.ca/careers/working-at-starbucks/benefits-and-perks/
• Teamsters Canada (UPS Benefits): https://teamsters.ca/
• TD Bank Careers: https://jobs.td.com/en-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.