Jobs for Teens in Canada

Part-time, summer, and first jobs for Canadian teenagers aged 14-17. Start building your resume and earning money while in school.

Finding Your First Teen Job in Canada

Getting your first job as a teenager is a big milestone. Whether you want to save for university, buy your first car, or just have spending money, there are plenty of opportunities for teens across Canada. The key is knowing where to look and what you can legally do at your age.

Canadian employment laws vary by province, but most teens can start working between ages 13 and 15 depending on where they live. Younger teens may face restrictions on the types of work and hours they can work during the school year, but these generally loosen during summer break and as you get older.

14

Jobs for 14 Year Olds in Canada

At 14, your options are more limited but still exist. Many teens start with babysitting, lawn care, dog walking, newspaper delivery, or tutoring younger students. In Alberta, 14 year olds can work in retail and food service with parental consent. Some provinces require you to be 15 for most formal employment.

15

Jobs for 15 Year Olds in Canada

At 15, most provinces allow you to work in retail stores, fast food restaurants, grocery stores, and movie theatres. You may still have restrictions on how late you can work on school nights. This is the age when many teens land their first official part-time job with regular pay and a schedule.

16-17

Jobs for 16-17 Year Olds in Canada

By 16, most employment restrictions are lifted. You can work in restaurants, warehouses, offices, and most retail environments. Many employers prefer hiring 16+ because there are fewer scheduling limitations. You can also work more hours, including evenings and weekends, making it easier to earn and save.

Best First Jobs for Teenagers

Retail Sales Associate

Help customers, stock shelves, and operate the cash register at clothing stores, grocery stores, and more.

Fast Food / Restaurant Worker

Take orders, prepare food, and serve customers. Many restaurants hire at 15 with flexible scheduling.

Grocery Store Clerk

Bag groceries, stock shelves, and help customers. Grocery stores are one of the biggest teen employers.

Camp Counsellor

Lead activities, supervise campers, and work outdoors during summer. Great for teens who enjoy working with kids.

Lifeguard

Monitor pool or beach safety. Requires certification but pays well and is a respected summer job.

Tutor

Help younger students with homework and test prep. Great for academically strong teens, flexible hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Jobs

What age can you start working in Canada?

The minimum working age varies by province. In most provinces, teens can start working at 14-15 with restrictions on hours and types of work. In Alberta, the minimum age is 13 with parental consent. In Ontario, it's 14 for most jobs. By age 16, most restrictions are lifted across Canada.

Do teens need a work permit in Canada?

Canadian citizens and permanent residents under 18 do not need a work permit, but some provinces require parental consent for workers under 16. International students may need a work permit depending on their visa status. Check your province's employment standards for specific requirements.

What is the minimum wage for teens in Canada?

Most provinces pay teens the same minimum wage as adults. Ontario has a lower student minimum wage ($16.20/hr vs $17.20/hr in 2026) for students under 18 working 28 hours or less per week. Alberta, BC, and most other provinces have a single minimum wage for all ages.

How many hours can a teenager work in Canada?

Hours vary by province and age. Generally, teens under 16 are limited to lighter hours during school weeks (often 2-3 hours on school days). During summer and holidays, hours are more flexible. Teens 16 and older can typically work the same hours as adults, though night shift restrictions may apply.

Free Tools for Teen Job Seekers

Free Resume Builder

Create a professional resume in minutes, even with no work experience.

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Income Tax Calculator

Understand your take-home pay, deductions, and tax brackets as a first-time worker.

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