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Minimum Wage in Canada
For some individuals, during the initial years of immigration to Canada, it may happen that they are unable to find work in their previous profession or field. As a result, they may have to take on low-level jobs that pay the minimum wage. One important piece of information that you should be aware of before moving to Canada is the **minimum wage** in the country, as well as the jobs that offer such wages. In this article, we will help you gather this information.
Minimum Wage in Canada for 2024
The lowest hourly wage in Canada is **14 Canadian dollars**.
It is important to note that the minimum wage in Canada is officially announced annually. The minimum wage is not the same across all of Canada, and the minimum wage declared in each province can vary from one province to another.
On average, the cost of living in Canada for one month is around **2,200 Canadian dollars**.
Comparison of Minimum Wage and Cost of Living in Canada
Minimum wage is set and announced annually by provincial governments and the federal government. Most jobs in Canada offer salaries higher than the minimum wage declared by the government.
To compare the **minimum wage** in Canada with the **cost of living in Canada**, you need to consider the living costs and income for each job in your desired city. In other words, if your income is less than the cost of living in Canada, you will fall below the poverty line in the country. In recent years, **25 Canadian dollars per hour** has been identified as the poverty line.
With minimum wage, it is not possible to live in all cities of Canada. Living in large cities incurs more expenses compared to smaller cities.
For your convenience, a list of jobs and their hourly wages in ten different provinces of Canada is provided in the table below:
Living on Minimum Wage in Canada
If, due to your circumstances, you have to live on minimum wage in Canada, it’s best to know the ways to manage life under these conditions in advance. Below are some tips that will help you navigate this situation:
- The first step to living on a low income in Canada is to settle in cheaper cities. As mentioned earlier, the cost of living and minimum wages vary across different cities in Canada. Many people who move to Canada from other countries are interested in settling in large cities like Vancouver and Toronto. However, living in such cities without strong financial backing or a high guaranteed income can significantly lower your quality of life. It’s important to carefully choose your city of residence and pick one that suits your circumstances.
Note: If you’re looking for more affordable living, cities in the provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, and New Brunswick can be good options for you.
- Another way to increase your spending capacity is by working hard. Canada is one of those countries where your quality of life will clearly improve if you put in the effort. If you work hard from the beginning of your time in Canada, your progress will increase dramatically.
If you’re planning to go to Canada on a student visa, it’s better to start looking for ways to earn money from the first days of your stay. Make sure to look for a job that fits your available free time. One major benefit of getting a job early is that you’ll adapt to life in Canada much faster.
- Another essential method for living on minimum wage is managing your expenses and living costs. Living on low wages, not only in Canada but anywhere, requires avoiding unnecessary purchases and being frugal; otherwise, it will be impossible for you to manage life under these circumstances.
One suggested method for tracking your expenses is to write them down manually or enter your income and costs into an Excel sheet so you can monitor and manage your finances. There are currently apps designed for this purpose, easily accessible to the public, which will make the task much easier. You can use such apps to manage your living expenses.
- Having a roommate greatly helps reduce living costs in Canada. A large portion of your income in Canada will go toward paying rent, so it’s wise to save money by sharing accommodation. This solution might not seem very appealing at first, but it is undoubtedly one of the biggest steps you can take to reduce your living costs in Canada.
Suitable Jobs for Newcomers to Canada
Upon first arriving in Canada, due to the lack of Canadian work experience, you will likely be forced to work in general jobs. In Canada, finding specialized work without Canadian work experience and references is difficult and somewhat impossible. Therefore, most immigrants end up working in general jobs in the early stages of their immigration.
For general jobs, you do not need specific skills, high language proficiency, education, or work experience; only in some jobs that are slightly more specialized, an internship period may be required.
It is important to note that in most general jobs, your income will be higher than the minimum wage in Canada as officially stated.
In general, public jobs can be divided into three categories:
1- Driving and Delivery
The average income from this group is around 18 to 20 CAD per hour.
The average income from this group is around 18 to 20 CAD per hour.Driving jobs are among those you can rely on shortly after arriving in Canada. It is important to note that to perform such jobs, you need to have a valid driver’s license. In these jobs, you will be required to transport food, packages, or passengers.
Note: Having a driver’s license and a vehicle is essential for working in these jobs. Therefore, to enter these jobs, you should have at least some initial capital. So, as soon as you arrive in Canada, make sure to review the steps for getting a driver’s license in Canada.
Some examples of jobs in this group include food delivery, ride-sharing driver, heavy vehicle driver, and Amazon delivery driver.
2- Service, Labor, and Technical Jobs
The average income from this group is around 20 to 25 CAD per hour.
Most jobs in this category require specialized skills, so completing an internship is often necessary. Due to the technical nature of these jobs, the minimum wage for these positions is higher compared to other general public jobs. By entering many of these jobs, you increase your chances of career advancement, and consequently, financial and social improvement.
Examples of jobs in this group include plumbing, welding, waitstaff, hotel reception, construction worker, and home caregiver.
3- Sales
The average income from this group is around 15 to 18 CAD per hour.
This group encompasses a wide range of general public jobs. Usually, these jobs don’t require specialized skills, so they can be a good starting point for newcomers to Canada.
Examples of jobs in this group include cashier, customer service, stocker, and sales associate.
Ways to Increase Salary in Canada
1- Studying or Acquiring a Skill at a College
Studying and attending college courses can serve as a launching pad for your future career. College programs are shorter, more focused on practical training, and more affordable compared to university courses. It is also worth noting that the credentials earned from completing college programs are highly respected.
2- Internship
Internship in Canada is one of the important ways to advance in your career. By completing an internship, you will learn a specialized job in a work environment.
Some of the benefits of interning in Canada include ease of employment, earning a wage during the internship, and most importantly, adding it to your resume and work experience.
3- Public Jobs
Working in public jobs is an important starting point for newcomers to Canada. You can improve your social standing from scratch by taking on a public job, and also gather funds for future endeavors.
4- Working in Large Companies
Large companies are very flexible when it comes to working with students. Due to their studies, students cannot dedicate all their time to working, so they need flexible jobs in terms of time. Of course, non-students can also look for jobs in such companies, but students have a better chance.
Important Recommendations:
- Strengthen your work experience and language skills: If you want to reach a higher income than the minimum wage in Canada faster, work on improving your English and French language skills and try to gain more experience in specialized jobs.
- Consult with successful Iranians in Canada: One of the most important factors in finding a suitable job is building strong relationships with managers and prominent individuals in successful businesses. It’s recommended to prioritize building a strong network of capable individuals in Canada, alongside other essential tasks when you first arrive in Canada.
- We at SMILE to Canada are here for advice and guidance in setting up your own business.