If you’ve been looking for ways to make money in Canada, you’re not alone. More than half of newcomers say financial stress is their biggest challenge since arriving. With rising living costs, higher housing expenses, and inflation affecting housing budgets, finding reliable ways to earn extra money has never been more important.
That’s why we’ve created this guide at Remitly to walk you through legitimate, accessible money-making opportunities, no matter your skill level or schedule. From traditional employment to digital work, passive income, and entrepreneurial ventures, we’ll show you what’s realistic and achievable. While results depend on your efforts and commitment, this guide will help you explore the best options to increase your income in Canada.
Traditional employment opportunities
Traditional employment is a reliable way to earn extra income, whether through part-time jobs, seasonal work, or gigs. With 54% of new immigrants feeling financial pressure, these opportunities provide a quick and accessible option for earning money in Canada.
Part-time and seasonal work
Part-time and short-term jobs are widely available across retail, food service, and logistics. Retail work often peaks during holiday shopping and summer tourism, while restaurants, cafes, and fast food chains hire throughout the year.
Warehouse and delivery jobs with companies like Amazon and Canada Post also provide flexible schedules and dependable work. Average hourly wages vary:
Gig economy jobs
The gig economy is ideal if you want flexible ways to earn on your own schedule. Driving for Uber or Lyft in major Canadian cities can pay well, depending on when and where you work.
Food delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or local apps offers similar earning potential and flexibility. Task-based platforms like TaskRabbit also let you take on jobs ranging from furniture assembling to handyman work.
Just keep in mind that as a contractor, you’re responsible for your own taxes, including reporting income and claiming eligible expenses.
- Rideshare: $15–31 CAD per hour at Uber
- Food delivery: $15–30 CAD per hour
- Task-based work: $20–45 CAD per hour at TaskRabbit, depending on the task
Online income opportunities
Canadians can make money online from anywhere, whether through freelancing or teaching.
Freelancing and remote work
Upwork, Fiverr, and Canadian-specific job boards connect freelancers with clients worldwide. Skills in demand include writing, graphic design, web development, and virtual assistance. To succeed, create a strong profile, showcase your work, and ask clients for reviews to build trust.
Average rates for freelancers in Canada:
- Writing/editing: $25–35 CAD per hour
- Graphic designer: $19–52 CAD per hour
- Web development: $21–61 CAD per hour
- Virtual assistance: $10–20 CAD per hour on Upwork
Online teaching and tutoring
Teaching online is a flexible way to earn extra income. You can help international students practice English conversation on dedicated platforms or offer subject-specific tutoring through sites like Tutor.com. Most language teaching platforms require fluency in English, a stable internet connection, and a bachelor’s degree or a TEFL/TESOL certificate.
For subject tutoring, you may need proof of expertise or an academic background. If you’d rather create and sell your own online courses, you’ll need well-structured lessons and some basic tech skills to record and upload content. Earning potential varies:
- English teaching platforms: $10–40 CAD per hour, depending on experience and platform
- Online courses: Income depends on enrollment
Creative and skill-based income
If you enjoy working with your hands or sharing creativity online, you can turn your skills into income in Canada.
Selling products and crafts
Handmade goods and digital products do well on platforms like Etsy, where Canadians sell everything from candles to custom artwork. Local farmers’ markets and craft fairs across the provinces are also great places to connect with buyers in person.
Photography is another option, whether you provide event services or sell stock photos online. Setting competitive prices and promoting your work on social media can help you build your client base.
Average earnings:
- Etsy seller: Earnings vary based on product type, pricing strategies, and demand
- Commercial photographer: $17–38 CAD per hour
- Stock photography: Earnings vary based on individual photo sales and licensing
Content creation
Building an online audience can also be a source of income. On YouTube, creators can monetize through ads once they meet the required watch-time and subscriber thresholds.
Social media influencers often earn through brand partnerships, while blogging and affiliate marketing allow you to earn commissions by promoting products. Just keep in mind that building an audience requires consistency and time before income becomes significant.
Average earnings:
- YouTube ad revenue: $5–15 CAD per 1,000 views
- Social media influencer: $50–500 per sponsored post (with 1k–10k followers)
- Affiliate blogging: $500–2,000 CAD per month once established
Investment and passive income strategies
If you want your money to work for you, you can build income over time with these practical tips:
Low-risk investment options
Canadians can secure savings vehicles like High Interest Savings Accounts (HISAs) and Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), which offer steady, predictable returns.
Tax-advantaged accounts such as the Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) and Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) let you grow your investment tax-free or defer taxes until retirement. For those comfortable with the stock market, dividend-paying Canadian stocks and ETFs can also provide a reliable stream of passive income.
Average earnings:
- HISAs: best annual interest rates ranging from 2.80% to 3.30%
- GICs: annual return depending on term length
- TFSA contribution limit (2025): $7,000 CAD annually
- RRSP contribution limit (2025): 18% of earned income, up to $32,490 CAD
Real estate opportunities
Real estate can also be a path to passive income. In Canadian cities, many people rent out a spare room or property through platforms like Airbnb. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) let investors benefit from property markets without holding buildings directly.
Another option is “house hacking”—living in one part of the home while renting out another to cover mortgage costs. Be sure to check local bylaws and tax rules before starting.
- Airbnb hosts: Earnings vary by province and season
- REITs: 4–8% or higher annual dividend yield based on economic conditions, property sector and REIT performance
- House hacking savings: $500–1,500 CAD per month off housing costs
Service-based income opportunities
Offering services, whether personal or professional, is a straightforward way to earn a steady income in Canadian communities.
Personal services
Pet care, dog walking, and house sitting are always in demand, especially in urban areas. Platforms like Rover connect you with pet owners, while local networks make it easy to find house-sitting or property maintenance jobs.
Personal shopping and errand services can also be arranged through community boards and local apps. Seasonal opportunities, such as lawn care in the summer and snow removal in the winter, provide reliable ways to earn extra income.
- Dog walking/pet sitting: $15–32 CAD per hour
- Personal shopping/errand services: $15–33 per hour
- Seasonal work (snow removal, lawn care): $18–41 CAD per hour
Professional services
For those with specialized skills, consulting, bookkeeping, and translation work can attract higher-paying clients. Bookkeepers and tax preparers are valuable for small businesses, while translation services are in demand across Canada’s English and French markets. Depending on your field, you may need specific credentials, certifications, or licenses to offer these services.
Government programs and benefits
Canada offers a variety of government programs aimed at supporting workers, students, and entrepreneurs.
Available support programs
Employment Insurance (EI) provides temporary financial help if you lose your job through no fault of your own, while training initiatives help you gain new skills to re-enter the workforce.
Provinces also offer job creation incentives and grants to encourage hiring and skill development. For students, financial aid programs such as loans and grants make education more accessible. Entrepreneurs can apply for federal and provincial mentorship programs designed to help new businesses succeed.
Maximizing your income success
Once you’ve chosen the right opportunities, the next step is ensuring you keep more of what you earn and grow it steadily over time.
Tax considerations for Canadians
If you earn money outside traditional employment, be sure to understand your tax obligations. Self-employed Canadians have to pay both the employee and employer portions of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which can be an unexpected cost.
You may also claim deductions for business expenses such as a home office, internet, phone bills, or equipment. If your income exceeds $30,000 CAD in 12 months, you’ll need to register for GST/HST and charge it on eligible services. For more complex income situations, working with a tax professional can help you maximize deductions and avoid costly mistakes.
Building multiple income streams
Diversifying your income can help you stay financially stable and build wealth more quickly. Many Canadians combine part-time work, online freelancing, or investments with a main job. The key is to manage your time well and set clear priorities to avoid burnout.
Start with one or two side hustles, then expand once you feel more comfortable. Over time, a side job or online venture can grow into a full-time business. Tracking your business and setting realistic goals will keep you moving in the right direction.
Take advantage of Canadian income opportunities
There are plenty of accessible ways to earn extra income in Canada, from part-time work and gigs to freelancing or selling your skills online. The best approach is to focus on one or two methods that fit your schedule and abilities, instead of trying everything at once. This keeps things manageable while you build experience and confidence.
Before getting started, take time to assess your skills, availability, and financial goals. This helps you choose opportunities that are both realistic and rewarding. Tracking your income and expenses, especially if you’re freelancing or running a side business, will ensure you’re prepared at tax time.
FAQs
What are the easiest ways to start making money in Canada right away?
Some of the safest options include part-time retail or food service jobs, gig economy apps like Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash, and online freelancing on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. These let you start earning quickly without much setup.
Do I need to pay taxes on side income in Canada?
Yes. You have to report all income in Canada, including side hustles and freelance work, to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You may also be able to deduct related expenses, like internet costs or supplies, to reduce your taxable income.
What are the best apps for making money in Canada?
Popular choices include Uber and Lyft for rideshare, DoorDash and Uber Eats for food delivery, TaskRabbit for odd jobs, and Rover for pet care. For online work, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Canadian job boards are good starting points.
How much can I realistically earn from side hustles in Canada?
Earnings depend on the type of work and time invested. Delivery and rideshare jobs can pay around $15–30 CAD per hour, while freelancing rate depends on skills and experience. For example, graphic designers can charge $19–51 CAD per hour.
Are there any free ways to make money online in Canada?
Yes. Options include survey sites, cashback apps, and selling unwanted items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. While those won’t bring in a large income, they’re free to start, easy to use, and can provide a quick financial boost.