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Worm Picker Jobs: The Night Shift That Pays Cash (2026 Guide)

Is the rumour true? Can you really make $300 a night picking worms on an Ontario golf course? We expose the grueling reality of this "Cash Daily" job, break down the "Piecework" pay per can, and reveal why it is the hardest money you will ever earn.
A worm picker wearing a headlamp and rain gear crawling on a wet golf course fairway at night, placing dew worms into a bucket.

In the underground economy of Southern Ontario, there is a job that is legendary among students and new immigrants.

It requires no resume. It requires no interview. And it pays cash every morning.

It is called Worm Picking.

The rumour is always the same: "My cousin made $400 in one night just picking up worms.

Is it true? Technically, yes.

Is it easy? Absolutely not.

Worm picking is widely considered the most physically demanding entry-level job in Canada. It destroys your back, ruins your knees, and forces you to work in the freezing rain from 9:00 PM to 4:00 AM.

But in 2026, with the cost of living skyrocketing in Brampton and Toronto, the demand for this "quick cash" work is higher than ever.

This guide is the ultimate reality check. We will explain exactly how the pay works (it’s not hourly), the specific equipment you need to buy before your first shift, and how to tell the difference between a legitimate farm bus and a scammer who will leave you stranded in a field in Milton.

Looking for other cash jobs? Check out our list of Best Cash Daily Agencies in Brampton or see if you have the stomach for Crime Scene Cleaning.

What is the Job? (The "Picking" Reality)

Most people imagine digging in the dirt with a shovel. That is not what this is.

You are picking Dew Worms (Nightcrawlers) that live on the surface of the grass.

  • The Location: Golf courses, parks, and sod farms in rural Ontario (Milton, Delhi, Simcoe).
  • The Time: Strictly night shift. Worms only come out when it is dark and wet. Shifts usually run 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
  • The Technique: You wear two "coffee cans" strapped to your legs. You crawl on your hands and knees. You scan the grass with a dim headlamp. You grab the worm (which is incredibly fast) and throw it in the can.
  • The Speed: To make money, you must be fast. Experienced pickers grab a worm every 2 seconds.

The Pay: Piecework vs. Minimum Wage

This is where most beginners quit.

Worm picking is almost always paid by Piecework (Per Can or Per Box).

The Math (2026 Rates)

  • Rate: Approx $25 - $35 per can (usually ~450-500 worms per can).
  • Beginner Speed: A new person might fill 2 cans in a night.
    • Total Pay: $60.
    • Hours Worked: 8 hours.
    • Hourly Wage: $7.50/hour (Illegal, but common).
  • Pro Speed: An experienced picker fills 10 - 15 cans in a night.
    • Total Pay: $300 - $450.
    • Hourly Wage: $50.00/hour.

The Catch:

Legally, employers in Ontario must top you up to minimum wage ($17.20/hr) if your piecework falls short.

In Reality: Most worm crews operate in the "Grey Market." If you are too slow, they simply fire you or stop picking you up. They rarely top up your pay. You eat what you kill.

The "Bus" System: How to Get Hired

You don't apply on Indeed. You find a "Job Bus."

  • The Pickup: You meet a nondescript school bus or van at a Tim Hortons or Mall parking lot (common spots: Jane & Finch, Steeles & Hurontario).
  • The Ride: You pay $5 - $10 for the ride to the farm (deducted from your pay).
  • The Destination: You are driven 1-2 hours out of the city to a farm in Delhi or Simcoe.
  • The Risk: If you quit halfway through the night because your back hurts, you are stranded. The bus does not leave until 5:00 AM. You will sit in a dark field for 6 hours waiting for the pros to finish.

Internal Link: If you want a job where you can go home when you want, try TaskRabbit instead.

The Equipment Checklist (Don't Show Up Without This)

If you show up in jeans and running shoes, you will be miserable. You are crawling in wet, near-freezing mud.

  1. Headlamp: Must be RED LIGHT or very dim. Bright white light scares the worms back into their holes.
  2. Rain Gear: Full yellow PVC rain suit (Jacket and Pants). You will be soaked.
  3. Knee Pads: Hard-shell construction knee pads. Your knees will be destroyed without them.
  4. The "Cans": Usually provided, but bring a belt to strap them to your thighs.
  5. Sawdust: You coat your fingers in sawdust to grip the slimy worms. (Provided by the boss).

Practical Questions Answered

We scanned r/TorontoJobs and r/Ontario to find the real stories from the mud.

"Is it back-breaking?"

YES.

  • The Consensus: "I did it for one night. My back hurt so bad I couldn't walk for two days. I made $40."
  • The Advice: This job requires a specific type of fitness (core strength and flexibility). It is harder than construction.

"Is it a scam?"

Sometimes.

  • The Scam: You pick 10 cans. The "Boss" counts them and says, "These are light. I'm only paying you for 5." Or they say, "I'll pay you next week," and never answer their phone.
  • The Legit: Real crews pay Cash Daily or Weekly Cheque without fail. Ask around the pickup spot: "Does this guy pay on time?" before you get on the bus.

"Can I do it part-time?"

Yes.

  • It is gig work. You show up when you want. If it rains, there is no work. If it's too dry, there is no work. It is extremely weather-dependent.

Deep Dive: The "Delhi" Connection & The Red Light Secret

To survive this job, you need to understand the biology of the worm and the geography of the industry.

1. Why Delhi, Ontario?

  • The town of Delhi (near Simcoe) is the Worm Capital of Canada.
  • Why: The soil is sandy. Worms love sandy soil because they can burrow easily.
  • The Industry: These worms aren't for fishing in Canada. They are exported alive to the USA and Europe for bait shops. It is a multi-million dollar export industry.

2. The Red Light Theory

  • Nightcrawlers are photosensitive. They breathe through their skin.
  • White Light: Triggers a pain response. They retract instantly into their burrow.
  • Red Light: They cannot see red light well.
  • Pro Tip: Buy a headlamp with a dedicated Red LED mode. If you use a white light, the veterans will yell at you because your light scares their worms too.

3. The "Grab" Technique

  • You don't just pull.
  • The Anchor: The worm has bristles (setae) that anchor its tail in the hole. If you pull too hard, you rip the worm in half. Broken worms are rejected (you don't get paid for them).
  • The Finesse: You grab the head, wait for the worm to relax its grip (half a second), and then pull gently. It is a rhythm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay taxes on this?

Legally, Yes.

Even if they pay you cash, you are supposed to report it as "Self-Employment Income" (T2125).

  • Reality: Most pickers do not report it. The CRA knows this is a high-risk sector for tax evasion.

Is it safe for women?

It can be risky.

You are in a dark field in the middle of nowhere with a group of strangers (mostly men). While many crews are family-run and safe, many women report feeling unsafe on the buses. Go with a friend or a partner if possible.

What if I get "Skunked"?

  • Skunked: A term for when the weather report was wrong, and no worms come up.
  • Result: You spent 4 hours on a bus and made $0. The boss does not pay you for your time. This is the biggest financial risk of the job.

Summary: The Hardest $300 You'll Ever Make

  1. Don't Do It for Fun: This is survival work. Only do it if you desperately need cash.
  2. Buy the Gear: Investing $40 in knee pads and a rain suit is mandatory.
  3. Start Slow: Don't expect to make $300 your first night. Aim for $50.
  4. Watch the Weather: Only go after a heavy rain. Dry nights are a waste of time.

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