Student Jobs in Canada (2026 Guide – Best Part-Time & No-Experience Work)

Find the best student jobs in Canada for 2026. Includes part-time jobs, flexible work for students, no-experience roles, salaries, hiring companies, and where students should apply.

Finding a student job in Canada is easier than most people expect — especially in 2026. With thousands of part-time, flexible, and no-experience jobs across the country, students can earn money while studying, paying bills, or saving for the future.

This guide shows you the best student jobs, popular employers, Canadian salaries, how many hours you can legally work, and where to apply for part-time or full-time roles. Whether you’re in high school, college, or university, this guide is built to help you get hired fast.

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Understanding the Student Job Market in Canada (2026)

Before choosing a part-time job, it helps to understand how the student job market works in Canada. In 2026, student hiring has become more flexible, more remote, and more open to beginners than ever before. Employers in retail, restaurants, customer service, delivery apps, tutoring, and online support roles actively look for students because they can work shorter shifts, fill evening hours, and adapt quickly to fast-paced environments.

One of the biggest advantages for students in Canada is that employers do not expect years of experience. Most student jobs offer on-the-job training, meaning you can start even if you’ve never worked before. Many companies also raise wages during peak seasons such as summer, back-to-school, and the holiday months of November and December.

⭐ Student income support and programs

Students also benefit from several Government of Canada programs that help them find work, build skills, or get financial support during the school year. These include grants, summer job placements, youth employment funding, and training programs for young workers.

You can explore official student financial supports here:
👉 Government of Canada – Student Aid & Grants

These programs help you cover school fees, books, transportation, or even basic living expenses while working part-time.

⭐ Youth employment programs (very helpful for beginners)

Canada also offers the Youth Employment & Skills Strategy, a government-funded initiative that helps young workers (ages 15–30) find entry-level jobs, gain work skills, and get training.

Learn more here:
👉 Youth Employment & Skills Strategy

Many students get hired faster through these programs because employers receive incentives to hire youth workers.

⭐ Work-study and co-op opportunities

Students enrolled in college or university can take advantage of work-study and co-op programs, which allow you to earn money while gaining real professional experience. These jobs pay more than regular student roles and look very strong on a resume.

You can see available programs here:
👉 Work-Study Programs in Canada

These programs are especially helpful for students pursuing studies in business, technology, hospitality, engineering, and healthcare.

⭐ Volunteer work still counts as experience

If you have zero work experience, volunteer work can help you qualify for better student jobs. Employers in Canada value volunteer roles because they show responsibility, reliability, communication skills, and community involvement.

You can search legitimate volunteer opportunities here:
👉 Volunteer Canada Listings

Many students use volunteer work as their “first job” on a resume to get hired for paid positions later.

⭐ Why students get hired quickly in Canada

Employers constantly look for young workers because:

Students can work evenings and weekends
Student schedules match peak business hours
Young workers learn new tools fast
Businesses need extra help during busy seasons
Students can start quickly and adapt easily

This makes 2026 a great time for students to find flexible and high-quality part-time jobs. With the rise of remote work and online support roles, students now have more opportunities than ever — even without leaving campus or home.

⭐ 1. Best Jobs for Students in 2026

These are the top-paying and most flexible student jobs across Canada. They hire students regularly and don’t require advanced skills.

⭐ 1. Retail Associate — $17–$22/hr

Retail is one of the easiest student jobs to get. You can work evenings, weekends, or flexible part-time shifts.

Tasks include:

Cash register
Helping customers
Stocking shelves
Organizing merchandise

Best for students who:
✔ enjoy people
✔ want flexible hours
✔ prefer indoor work

Add link here:
After this section, place:
👉 Job Bank Canada – Student Jobs: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/youth

⭐ 2. Fast Food Crew Member — $17–$21/hr

One of the most common student jobs in Canada. Restaurants hire quickly, often within 1–3 days.

Why it’s great for students:

Easy to get hired
Shift flexibility
Free or discounted meals
Growth opportunities (supervisor roles)

Popular employers: McDonald’s, Burger King, A&W, Pizza Pizza, KFC.

⭐ 3. Barista — $17–$23/hr

Coffee shops love hiring students because they work well in short shifts and evenings.

Tasks include:

Taking orders
Making drinks
Cleaning and organizing
Customer service

This job is popular in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal.

⭐ 4. Warehouse Associate (Part-Time) — $20–$26/hr

Some warehouses hire students for weekend or evening shifts.

Why it pays more:

Physical work
Inventory handling
Packing and sorting
Night-shift premiums

Great for students who want higher hourly pay.

⭐ 5. Tutor — $20–$40/hr

If you’re good in math, science, English, French, or computer skills, tutoring is one of the best-paying student jobs in Canada.

You can tutor:

Elementary school
High school
ESL students
College subjects

Many tutoring jobs can be done online.

⭐ 6. Delivery Driver — $20–$30/hr

Students with a driver’s license can make good money delivering food in the evenings or weekends.

Platforms:

Uber Eats
SkipTheDishes
DoorDash
Amazon Flex (18+ only)

This job gives you total freedom over your schedule.

⭐ 7. Babysitter / Childcare Helper — $18–$25/hr

Families across Canada hire students for babysitting and after-school care.

Why students like this:

Easy and fun
Good pay
Short shifts
Flexible hours

⭐ 2. Online Jobs for Students (Work From Home)

These are the best online jobs for students who prefer remote work.

⭐ 1. Online Chat Support — $18–$24/hr

No phone calls — just typing. Great for introverts or students with a quiet space.

⭐ 2. Data Entry — $18–$22/hr

Simple typing and organization tasks. Perfect for late-night or weekend work.

⭐ 3. Virtual Assistant — $18–$25/hr

Many small businesses hire part-time virtual assistants for admin tasks.

Help businesses manage Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Students are perfect for this because they understand trends.

⭐ 2.5 The "Summer Cash" Kings: Seasonal High-Pay Jobs

If you only have 4 months off (May to August), you can't afford to make minimum wage. You need to make a year's worth of tuition in one summer. These jobs are physically demanding but pay significantly more than retail.

1. Tree Planter ($200 – $400/day)

This is the classic Canadian student rite of passage. You live in a bush camp in Northern BC, Alberta, or Ontario and plant seedlings by hand.

The Pay: Piecework (12¢ to 25¢ per tree). A rookie might make $150/day, but a "Highballer" (veteran) can make **$500+ per day**.
The Reality: You live in a tent, deal with bugs and rain, and work 10 hours a day. But you have zero expenses (food/camp costs are low), so you can save $10,000 – $15,000 in one summer.
Internal Link: Read the truth about camp life in our Tree Planting Pay Guide.

2. Corn Detasseler (Ages 14–18) ($18 – $25/hr)

For high school students in Southern Ontario (Chatham, London, Guelph), this is the #1 summer job.

The Job: Walking through cornfields and pulling the tops (tassels) off corn stalks to create hybrid seeds.
The Season: Very short (only 3–4 weeks in July).
The Pay: Often minimum wage plus a "Completion Bonus" that bumps your effective rate up to $20+/hr if you don't quit.
Why do it: It requires no interview. If you show up to the bus pickup spot at 5:00 AM, you are hired.

3. Student Painter ($18 – $25/hr)

Franchises like Student Works Painting or College Pro hire thousands of students to paint houses.

The Job: Exterior and interior painting of residential homes.
The Ladder: You start as a painter ($18/hr). If you are smart, you become a Crew Chief or Franchise Manager ($25+/hr + profit share) where you run your own team.
Skill Gained: You learn sales, project management, and customer service. It looks amazing on a business resume.

4. City Parks Labourer ($22 – $28/hr)

Municipal jobs are the "Golden Ticket" for students because they are unionized.

The Job: Mowing soccer fields, watering hanging baskets, picking up litter in parks.
The Pay: Cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver pay their summer students $22+ per hour to start.
How to Apply: You must apply early (January/February) on the specific City Career Portal. These jobs are gone by March.
Internal Link: Similar to Garbage Collector Jobs, these are government roles with strict hours.

⭐ 2.6 The "Campus Elite": High-Pay University Jobs

Don't look for work off-campus until you have checked on-campus. Universities and Colleges are massive employers, and they prioritize their own students. These jobs also accommodate your exam schedule better than any coffee shop.

1. Resident Advisor (RA) / Don (Free Rent + Stipend)

The Deal: You live in the dorms and supervise a floor of 1st-year students. You handle noise complaints, organize pizza nights, and support student mental health.
The Pay: You usually get FREE Room and Board (worth ~$10,000–$15,000) plus a small meal plan.
Why it wins: Not paying rent is tax-free income. It effectively "pays" you $30/hr for the actual hours you work.
Internal Link: This is the student version of Live-in Caregiver Jobs.

2. Teaching Assistant (TA) / Marker ($25 – $45/hr)

The Job: Grading papers, running tutorials, or supervising labs for professors.
Who gets it: Usually reserved for 3rd/4th year undergrads or Masters students with high grades.
The Pay: Unionized rates at universities (like U of T or UBC) are incredibly high ($45/hr for exam invigilation is common).

3. Professional Note Taker ($18 – $22/hr)

The Job: Accessibility Services hires students to take clean, organized notes during lectures for students with disabilities.
The Hack: You are already sitting in the class! You are getting paid to do something you should be doing anyway.
How to Apply: Go to your university's "AccessAbility" or "Student Services" office in the first week of school.

⭐ 2.7 The "Fun" Economy: Weekend & Event Jobs

If you have a heavy course load during the week, you can make all your money on Saturday and Sunday.

1. Brand Ambassador ($22 – $30/hr)

The Job: Handing out free Red Bull, samples of cheese, or working a booth at a music festival.
The Vibe: High energy, social, and fun. You stand around with other students.
The Flexibility: You use an app to accept shifts. If you have midterms, you just don't click "Accept."
Internal Link: Read our full guide on Brand Ambassador Jobs to find the agencies hiring in your city.

2. Sports Referee / Umpire ($25 – $50 per game)

The Job: Refereeing kids' soccer, hockey, or baseball games.
The Pay: Paid per game. A soccer game takes 90 minutes and pays $45. If you do 3 games on a Saturday morning, you make **$135 cash** before lunch.
Requirements: You need to take a certification clinic (usually 1 weekend, costs ~$100), but you make that money back in your first week.
Ages: You can start this at age 14.

3. Event Staff / Security (CNE, Stampede, PNE)

The Job: Ticket taker, usher, or crowd control at major events like the Calgary Stampede, CNE (Toronto), or concerts at Scotiabank Arena.
The Pay: $17 – $22/hr.
The Perk: You often get to see concerts and games for free while you work.

⭐ 2.8 The "Prestigious" Route: CBSA Student Border Officer

This is the crown jewel of student jobs in Canada. It is part of the FSWEP (Federal Student Work Experience Program), but it deserves its own mention because of the pay and prestige.

Student Border Services Officer (SBSO)

The Job: Working at airports and border crossings alongside real Border Agents. You check passports, ask declaration questions, and help process travelers.
The Pay: $20 – $30+ per hour (depending on overtime/shifts).
The Training: You are sent to a training facility (often Rigaud, Quebec) for paid training, including self-defense and law.
Why apply: It allows you to carry a badge (but not a gun). It is the ultimate resume booster for anyone interested in law, policing, or government.
Internal Link: Similar to Entry-Level Government Jobs, this requires a clean background check.

⭐ 2.9 The "Lifeguard" Ladder: Highest Pay for Teens

If you are 15 or 16, Lifeguarding is statistically the highest hourly wage you can earn legally.

The Investment: You must pass your Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and National Lifeguard Service (NLS) exams. This costs about $500–$800 and takes 1–2 years of courses.
The Return:
- Swim Instructor: $20 – $25/hr.
- Lifeguard: $22 – $28/hr.
- Head Guard: $30+/hr.
The Comparison: While your friends are making $16.55 at McDonald's, you are making $25 sitting in a chair at the pool. The return on investment for the courses is massive.

⭐ 3. Government Programs for Students (2026)

Canada offers several programs to help students find jobs.

Add link here:
👉 Government of Canada – Student Work Programs
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/student.html

Common programs include:

1. Canada Summer Jobs

Pays employers to hire full-time students during summer.

2. Youth Employment Services

Resume help, interview practice, and job matching.

3. Co-op & Internship Programs

Paid work that matches your program or interest.

4. On-campus jobs

Universities hire students for:

Library
IT support
Campus events
Student services

⭐ 4. Best Provinces for Student Jobs (2026)

Every Canadian province has opportunities, but these are the best for students:

⭐ Ontario

Largest number of jobs.
Top cities: Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, London.

Popular student jobs:

Retail
Coffee shops
Customer service
Delivery
Tutoring

⭐ British Columbia

High demand in tourism and retail.
Top jobs:

Restaurant
Barista
Retail
Hotel work

⭐ Alberta

Higher wages + flexible part-time work.
Top student jobs:

Cashier
Server
Warehouse
Customer service

⭐ Quebec

Perfect for bilingual students (French + English).
Top jobs:

Retail
Customer service
Call centre
Tutoring

⭐ Atlantic Canada

Great for part-time hospitality and seasonal student jobs.

⭐ 5. How Many Hours Can Students Work in 2026?

International Students

✔ Can work full-time until April 2026 (new Canadian rule)
✔ Normally 20 hours/week during school, but currently expanded

Canadian Students

✔ No limit on work hours
✔ Can work full or part-time anytime

⭐ 6. Resume Tips for Students

Keep it simple:

✔ One page
✔ Recent experience at top
✔ Add volunteer work
✔ Add school clubs or projects
✔ Use a simple layout

Your resume does NOT need to be perfect — students are expected to have limited experience.

⭐ 7. Where Students Should Apply

These are the best student job sites:

1. Job Bank Canada – Student Jobs
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/youth

2. Indeed – Student Jobs
https://ca.indeed.com/Student-jobs

3. LinkedIn – Student Job Search
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?keywords=student

4. Local staffing agencies
(Spherion, Randstad, Adecco)

🟦 Answer: What are the best jobs for students in Canada?

Here are the top high-paying and flexible student jobs in Canada, including part-time, summer, remote, and on-campus positions that hire fast:

1. Retail Associate – $16–$20/hr

Shoppers, Walmart, Canadian Tire, Best Buy.
Flexible evening and weekend shifts.

2. Barista / Café Worker – $16–$22/hr

Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Second Cup.
Great for students with busy schedules.

3. Food Service Worker – $16–$21/hr

Restaurants, fast food, cafeterias.
Part-time and full-time options.

4. Customer Service Representative – $17–$23/hr

Call centres, telecom companies, banks.
Some remote positions available for students.

5. Delivery Driver / Courier – $20–$30/hr

Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes.
Flexible hours — perfect for students.

6. Tutor (Online or In-Person) – $20–$40/hr

Teach English, math, science, languages.
Great income for high school and college students.

7. Warehouse Associate – $18–$24/hr

Amazon, Purolator, DHL.
Overnight or weekend shifts available.

8. Government of Canada Student Jobs – $22–$28/hr

Federal programs: FSWEP, CRA, NRCAN.
Open to high school, college, and university students.

9. Summer Jobs (Canada Summer Jobs Program) – $16–$22/hr

Government-funded summer work for students aged 15–30.
Thousands of positions every year.

10. Campus Jobs – $15–$22/hr

Library assistant, student services, IT support, research assistant.
Convenient working hours.

The best student jobs in Canada include retail associate, barista, food service worker, customer service rep, delivery driver, tutor, warehouse worker, Government of Canada student positions, Canada Summer Jobs roles, and campus jobs. These flexible and high-paying options fit student schedules and hire quickly.

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 (Federal Student Work Experience Program - FSWEP): https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/federal-student-work-program.htmlOntario Ministry of Labour (Young Workers Rights): https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/young-workers-rightsRetail Council of Canada (Retail Careers): https://www.retailcouncil.org/

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.

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