Here’s a list of 20 common entry-level (“unskilled”) jobs you can find in Ontario, with their typical wage ranges (where available from Job Bank) and approximate annual salaries. For roles where Ontario-specific data wasn’t published, I’ve used the national averages from a recent StatCan-based report. Annual figures assume a 40 h/week, 52 weeks/year schedule (i.e. hourly × 2,080).
| # | Job Title | Hourly Wage (Ontario) | Approx. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General labourer (manufacturing) | $17.20–$24.00 (h) <br/>Median: $19.00 (h) Job Bank | $19.00×2,080 = $39,520 |
| 2 | General labourer (public works) | $17.20–$32.00 (h) <br/>Median: $25.50 (h) Job Bank | $25.50×2,080 = $53,040 |
| 3 | Construction labourer & helper | $17.25–$41.70 (h) <br/>Median: $29.48 (h) Job Bank | $29.48×2,080 ≈ $61,318 |
| 4 | Light-duty cleaner | $17.20–$24.39 (h) <br/>Median: $18.00 (h) Job Bank | $18.00×2,080 = $37,440 |
| 5 | Tank cleaner | $17.20–$27.00 (h) <br/>Median: $20.00 (h) Job Bank | $20.00×2,080 = $41,600 |
| 6 | School janitor / caretaker | $17.20–$28.37 (h) <br/>Median: $21.60 (h) Job Bank | $21.60×2,080 = $44,928 |
| 7 | Executive housekeeper | $17.20–$26.72 (h) <br/>Median: $21.52 (h) Job Bank | $21.52×2,080 ≈ $44,762 |
| 8 | Housekeeper (light-duty) | Median: $18.00 (h) Job Bank | $18.00×2,080 = $37,440 |
| 9 | Kitchen helper | Median: $17.20 (h) Job Bank | $17.20×2,080 = $35,776 |
| 10 | Dishwasher | Median: $17.20 (h) Job Bank | $17.20×2,080 = $35,776 |
| 11 | Crop harvester | Avg. $36,951 /yr (national) en_US | $36,951 |
| 12 | General farm labour | Avg. $31,051 /yr (national) en_US | $31,051 |
| 13 | Greenhouse worker | Avg. $39,796 /yr (national) en_US | $39,796 |
| 14 | Production (assembly-line) worker | Avg. $34,058 /yr (national) en_US | $34,058 |
| 15 | Warehouse order picker | Avg. $33,754 /yr (national) en_US | $33,754 |
| 16 | Shelf filler | Avg. $38,649 /yr (national) en_US | $38,649 |
| 17 | Retail / stock clerk | Avg. $39,448 /yr (national) en_US | $39,448 |
| 18 | Cashier | Avg. $31,230 /yr (national) en_US | $31,230 |
| 19 | Lawn-care / landscaping worker | Avg. $43,578 /yr (national) en_US | $43,578 |
| 20 | Gardener | Avg. $45,918 /yr (national) en_US | $45,918 |
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Ontario-specific hourly data are from Job Bank’s 2022–23 Labour Force Survey update.
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National averages (StatCan-based) are used where Ontario data wasn’t directly available.
These roles typically require no formal education and minimal on-the-job training, making them accessible if you’re entering the workforce with little prior experience.
Please note that salaries can vary based on factors like location, employer, and experience. Additionally, the minimum wage in Ontario as of October 1, 2024, is $17.20 per hour, which may influence the starting pay for these positions. Wikipedia