agencyFactory and warehouse jobs in Canada have become some of the most accessible and reliable employment options for both foreign workers and residents in 2026. With hourly wages ranging from $18 to $28 per hour, these roles offer steady income, overtime opportunities, health benefits, and in many cases, visa sponsorship and pathways to permanent residence.
Unlike seasonal or informal work in other countries, factory and warehouse jobs in Canada are regulated, protected by labor laws, and tied to long-term economic demand. As Canada’s manufacturing, logistics, food processing, and e-commerce sectors continue to expand, employers are actively hiring to fill labor shortages that local supply cannot meet.
This guide explains which factory and warehouse jobs pay $18–$28 per hour, what the work involves, who qualifies, provinces hiring the most, expected monthly income, benefits, visa options, and how to apply safely.
Why Factory & Warehouse Jobs Are in High Demand in Canada
Canada’s economy depends heavily on manufacturing, food production, warehousing, and logistics. From supermarkets and online retailers to automotive plants and food processors, these industries require consistent, physically present labor that cannot be outsourced.
Several factors drive demand in 2026:
An aging workforce with many retirements, growth in e-commerce and distribution centers, expansion of food processing and packaging, increased domestic manufacturing, and low unemployment in many regions.
Because of this, employers are offering higher hourly wages, shift premiums, and sponsorship support to attract reliable workers.
What Counts as Factory and Warehouse Work in Canada
Factory and warehouse jobs are often described as “entry-level” or “unskilled,” but in reality many roles require experience, stamina, and technical awareness. These jobs typically involve hands-on tasks in controlled environments.
Common work settings include manufacturing plants, food processing facilities, distribution centers, cold storage warehouses, and packaging facilities.
Most roles are full-time, shift-based, and offer overtime pay after standard working hours.
Factory Jobs Paying $18–$28 per Hour
Production Line Workers
Production workers assemble, package, inspect, or label products on factory lines. In food processing plants, this may involve meat, seafood, dairy, or packaged foods. In manufacturing, it may include electronics, automotive parts, or consumer goods.
Hourly pay typically ranges from $18 to $24, with night shifts paying more. Overtime can push effective hourly earnings higher.
Machine Operators
Machine operators run and monitor industrial equipment used in manufacturing or processing. These roles often require basic training but no formal education.
Pay ranges from $20 to $28 per hour, depending on experience and machine complexity. These roles are common in manufacturing, plastics, metal fabrication, and food processing.
Quality Control Inspectors
Quality control workers check products for defects, safety, and compliance with standards. Attention to detail is essential.
Hourly wages typically range from $20 to $26. Experience increases earning potential.
Food Processing Workers
Food processing plants are among the largest employers of factory workers. Tasks include sorting, cutting, packing, freezing, and labeling food products.
Pay usually ranges from $18 to $23 per hour, with benefits and stable hours. Many employers provide health insurance and sometimes accommodation assistance.
Warehouse Jobs Paying $18–$28 per Hour
General Warehouse Associates
Warehouse associates handle picking, packing, loading, unloading, and inventory organization. These roles are physically active and in high demand.
Hourly wages usually range from $18 to $22, with bonuses and overtime opportunities.
Forklift Operators
Forklift operators move pallets and heavy goods within warehouses. Certification is required but often provided by employers.
Pay typically ranges from $20 to $28 per hour, making this one of the highest-paying warehouse roles.
Order Pickers and Packers
Order pickers prepare customer orders using scanners or automated systems. Accuracy and speed are key.
Hourly pay ranges from $18 to $23, with productivity bonuses in some facilities.
Warehouse Supervisors (Entry-Level)
Some workers progress quickly into lead or junior supervisory roles. These positions involve coordinating shifts and monitoring performance.
Hourly pay often falls between $24 and $28, sometimes higher with experience.
Provinces Hiring the Most Factory & Warehouse Workers
Ontario is Canada’s largest hub for manufacturing and warehousing, particularly in food processing, automotive, packaging, and logistics.
Alberta hires heavily in warehousing, distribution, food processing, and industrial manufacturing, often offering higher wages and lower living costs.
British Columbia employs large numbers of warehouse workers in ports, distribution centers, and food processing facilities.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan offer strong demand with lower competition and affordable living costs, making them attractive for newcomers.
Atlantic provinces such as New Brunswick and Nova Scotia also sponsor factory and warehouse workers due to labor shortages.
Monthly and Annual Earnings Explained
At $18 per hour, a full-time worker earns approximately $2,880 per month before tax or about $37,000 per year.
At $22 per hour, monthly earnings rise to around $3,520, or $45,000 per year.
At $28 per hour, workers can earn over $4,480 per month, translating to $58,000+ annually, excluding overtime.
Overtime pay, which is usually time-and-a-half, can significantly increase total income.
Benefits and Job Security
Most factory and warehouse jobs in Canada include benefits such as employer-provided health insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, workplace safety protections, and pension contributions.
Many facilities operate year-round, offering stable employment rather than seasonal contracts.
Unionized workplaces may provide even higher wages and stronger protections.
Visa Sponsorship and Work Permits
Many factory and warehouse employers sponsor foreign workers through employer-specific work permits, often supported by LMIA approval.
These jobs are popular among foreign workers because requirements are practical rather than academic. Employers value reliability, physical ability, and willingness to work shifts.
Some provinces also allow factory and warehouse experience to count toward permanent residence pathways, especially in regions facing population decline.
Who Is Eligible for These Jobs
Most factory and warehouse jobs require basic English communication, physical fitness, ability to follow instructions, and willingness to work shifts.
Formal education is usually not required. Prior experience is helpful but not always mandatory.
Forklift roles require certification, which employers often provide.
Working Conditions and Shifts
Work is usually organized in day, evening, or night shifts. Night shifts often pay more.
Some environments, such as cold storage or food processing, require working in temperature-controlled settings.
Safety training is mandatory, and employers must provide protective equipment.
Common Mistakes Job Seekers Make
One major mistake is paying agents for fake job offers. Legitimate Canadian employers do not sell jobs or charge recruitment fees.
Another mistake is ignoring smaller cities, where competition is lower and sponsorship is more common.
Some applicants underestimate the importance of showing reliability and availability during interviews.
Questions People Ask About Factory & Warehouse Jobs in Canada
Do these jobs really pay up to $28 per hour
Yes, especially forklift operators, machine operators, and supervisors.
Are these jobs suitable for foreigners
Yes. Many employers actively recruit and sponsor foreign workers.
Do I need experience
Not always. Many roles offer on-the-job training.
Is overtime paid
Yes. Overtime is legally regulated and usually paid at higher rates.
Can these jobs lead to permanent residence
Yes, especially in provinces with labor shortages.
Key Takeaways
Factory and warehouse jobs in Canada pay between $18 and $28 per hour, demand is high across multiple provinces, overtime significantly boosts income, many roles offer health benefits and sponsorship, and these jobs can lead to long-term settlement opportunities.
Conclusion
Factory and warehouse jobs in Canada paying $18–$28 per hour are no longer fallback options. In 2026, they represent stable, well-regulated, and financially viable employment pathways for both residents and foreign workers. With strong demand, clear labor protections, and opportunities for advancement, these roles offer reliable income and a realistic path toward long-term security in Canada for those willing to work consistently and follow the legal process.
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