When you are new to Canada, the “best” first job is not simply the job with the highest hourly wage.
A useful first or bridge job should fit your:
- work authorization;
- experience;
- transportation;
- physical ability;
- schedule;
- licensing requirements;
- local job market;
- English communication level.
This guide compares 15 occupations that overlap with Speak2Work’s job-English courses.
Important: “Entry-level” does not mean “no requirements.” Some jobs below require a licence, certification, driver’s licence, previous experience, or stronger English. “Bridge job” means a role that can help you earn income or build Canadian experience while working toward another career.
How to read the wage data
The wage figures below are Job Bank labour-market estimates, not job offers and not legal minimum wages.
For most occupations in this guide, Job Bank’s wage data uses the 2023–2024 reference period and was updated later. Your actual wage can differ by province, city, employer, shift, experience, tips, union status, and other factors.
A province’s current legal minimum wage may also be higher than the “low” value in an older labour-market dataset.
Speak2Work English Communication Load
This is a Speak2Work editorial assessment, not a government requirement, CLB score, or legal standard.
Low — limited customer contact; most communication involves short instructions, labels, safety phrases, and basic coworker interaction.
Medium — regular communication with coworkers/customers; asking questions and confirming details matters.
High — frequent customer/phone interaction, conflict handling, detailed explanations, reports, or professional writing.
A “Low” rating does not mean English is unimportant. In physical workplaces, misunderstanding a safety instruction can be serious.
Quick comparison
| Occupation | NOC | TEER | Canada Low | Median | High | English load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier | 65100 | 5 | $15.00 | $16.00 | $19.02 | Medium |
| Food Counter Attendant | 65201 | 5 | $15.00 | $16.55 | $21.50 | Medium |
| Server / Waiter | 65200 | 5 | $15.00 | $18.50 | $30.00 | High |
| Grocery Store Stocker | 65102 | 5 | $15.00 | $16.55 | $22.00 | Medium |
| Warehouse Worker / Material Handler | 75101 | 5 | $16.55 | $22.00 | $30.29 | Low |
| Delivery Driver | 75201 | 5 | $15.00 | $20.00 | $29.35 | Medium |
| Security Guard | 64410 | 4 | $16.55 | $21.00 | $31.45 | High |
| Cleaner | 65310 | 5 | $15.50 | $19.74 | $25.00 | Low |
| Landscaper | 85121 | 5 | $17.00 | $20.75 | $28.00 | Low |
| Construction Helper | 75110 | 5 | $18.25 | $25.00 | $40.00 | Medium |
| Painter & Decorator | 73112 | 3 | $20.00 | $28.00 | $40.99 | Medium |
| Receptionist | 14101 | 4 | $16.25 | $21.00 | $29.00 | High |
| Harvesting Labourer | 85101 | 5 | $16.00 | $18.00 | $25.00 | Low |
| Hotel Housekeeper | 65310 | 5 | $15.50 | $19.74 | $25.00 | Medium |
| Customer Service / Call Centre | 64409 | 4 | $16.00 | $22.00 | $33.14 | High |
All amounts are CAD/hour.
1. Cashier
NOC: 65100
TEER: 5
Job Bank wage: $15.00 low / $16.00 median / $19.02 high
Typical requirements
Cashier jobs often involve short training and basic math/customer-service skills. Requirements vary by employer.
Casino-cashier positions can have additional gaming-related requirements; ordinary retail cashier roles are different.
English load: Medium
Why: customer interaction is constant, but many conversations are short and repetitive.
English you may need
- “Your total is $24.60.”
- “Would you like a receipt?”
- “Cash or card?”
- “The return desk is over there.”
- “Let me call my supervisor.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/cashier/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/24153
2. Food Counter Attendant / Fast Food Worker
NOC: 65201
TEER: 5
Job Bank wage: $15.00 low / $16.55 median / $21.50 high
Typical requirements
Many employers provide on-the-job training. Work can include taking orders, preparing simple food, packaging take-out orders, cleaning, and stocking supplies.
English load: Medium
Why: order-taking is repetitive but often happens quickly and in noisy environments.
English you may need
- “For here or to go?”
- “What can I get for you?”
- “Would you like a drink with that?”
- “Your order number is 42.”
- “We’re out of that item right now.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/fast-food-worker/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/17215
3. Server / Waiter
NOC: 65200
TEER: 5
Job Bank wage: $15.00 low / $18.50 median / $30.00 high
Typical requirements
On-the-job training is common. If a role involves serving alcohol, responsible-beverage-service requirements can apply and differ by province.
Tips can be important in food service, but do not assume a fixed tip amount.
English load: High
Why: servers listen to detailed orders, answer questions, explain menu items, manage complaints, and make polite small talk.
English you may need
- “Are you ready to order?”
- “How would you like that cooked?”
- “I’ll check with the kitchen.”
- “I’m sorry about the delay.”
- “Would you like separate bills?”
Speak2Work: /jobs/server-waiter/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/6647
4. Grocery Store Stocker
NOC: 65102
TEER: 5
Job Bank wage: $15.00 low / $16.55 median / $22.00 high
Typical requirements
The job can involve unpacking products, stocking shelves, rotating goods, checking labels and helping customers find items.
English load: Medium
Why: much of the work is independent, but customers regularly ask questions.
English you may need
- “That’s in aisle six.”
- “Let me check in the back.”
- “This shelf needs restocking.”
- “Where should I put this case?”
- “This item expires tomorrow.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/grocery-store-stocker/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/14272
5. Warehouse Worker / Material Handler
NOC: 75101
TEER: 5
Job Bank wage: $16.55 low / $22.00 median / $30.29 high
Job Bank describes this occupation as work involving moving, loading and unloading materials by hand or with equipment. A current Job Bank summary describes it as typically requiring short-term work experience and no formal education.
English load: Low
Why: customer communication is limited, but workplace and safety English are essential.
English you may need
- “Where does this pallet go?”
- “Shipping or receiving?”
- “This box is damaged.”
- “Keep this aisle clear.”
- “Can you show me how to use this scanner?”
Speak2Work: /jobs/warehouse-worker/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/16702
6. Delivery Service Driver
NOC: 75201
TEER: 5
Job Bank wage: $15.00 low / $20.00 median / $29.35 high
Typical requirements
An appropriate provincial driver’s licence is required. Employer requirements for driving experience, record checks, vehicle type, or handling certain goods can vary.
Do not assume every delivery job is accessible to a brand-new driver.
English load: Medium
Why: much of the day can be independent, but drivers must understand addresses, instructions and customer messages.
English you may need
- “I have a delivery for unit 304.”
- “Where is the loading entrance?”
- “Please sign here.”
- “I couldn’t access the building.”
- “The package was damaged in transit.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/delivery-driver/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/27037
7. Security Guard
NOC: 64410
TEER: 4
Job Bank wage: $16.55 low / $21.00 median / $31.45 high
BC example median: $22.75/hour
Typical requirements
Security licensing is provincial/territorial. Training, background checks and licence requirements can differ by jurisdiction and type of security work.
Check the regulator in your province before applying.
English load: High
Why: security workers may speak with the public, give directions, de-escalate situations, use radios and write incident reports.
English you may need
- “Please sign in at the desk.”
- “May I see your ID?”
- “This area is restricted.”
- “I need you to step back.”
- “I’m documenting what happened.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/security-guard/
Wage source:
https://www.on.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/14290
8. Cleaner
NOC: 65310
TEER: 5
Job Bank wage: $15.50 low / $19.74 median / $25.00 high
Typical requirements
Many light-duty cleaner roles provide on-the-job training and do not require a specific degree. Employer requirements vary by workplace.
English load: Low
Why: work is often task-based and independent, but instructions, chemical/safety information, room priorities and supply requests matter.
English you may need
- “Which rooms are priority?”
- “We’re out of paper towels.”
- “Caution — wet floor.”
- “Should I clean this office now?”
- “I finished the third floor.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/cleaner/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/14309/ca
9. Landscaper / Grounds Maintenance Labourer
NOC: 85121
TEER: 5
Job Bank wage: $17.00 low / $20.75 median / $28.00 high
Typical requirements
Work is often physical and seasonal. If a job includes applying regulated pesticides or certain chemicals, provincial requirements may apply.
English load: Low
Why: customer conversation can be limited, but you must understand task, equipment and safety instructions.
English you may need
- “Should I trim these bushes?”
- “Where is the mower?”
- “The sprinkler isn’t working.”
- “Do you want the clippings removed?”
- “I need more fuel.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/landscaper/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/20227
10. Construction Helper
NOC: 75110
TEER: 5
Job Bank wage: $18.25 low / $25.00 median / $40.00 high
Typical requirements
On-the-job training is common, but employers may require jobsite-specific safety training, PPE, previous experience, traffic-control certification or other credentials depending on the task.
Do not describe one certificate as mandatory for every construction helper job.
English load: Medium
Why: construction sites can be noisy and safety instructions may be urgent.
English you may need
- “Hand me the drill, please.”
- “Is the power off?”
- “Where should I move this material?”
- “Watch out overhead.”
- “Can you repeat the measurement?”
Speak2Work: /jobs/construction-helper/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/8448
11. Painter & Decorator
NOC: 73112
TEER: 3
Job Bank wage: $20.00 low / $28.00 median / $40.99 high
Painter is the clearest example in this article of a bridge/pathway occupation, not necessarily a zero-experience job.
Typical requirements
Training and certification pathways vary. Job Bank describes apprenticeship/experience routes, and trade certification rules differ by province. Certification is compulsory in Quebec and voluntary in many other jurisdictions.
A newcomer may enter through helper/apprentice work before qualifying as a fully experienced painter.
English load: Medium
Why: painters discuss surfaces, finishes, colours, preparation, measurements and customer instructions.
English you may need
- “Do we need primer here?”
- “This wall needs another coat.”
- “Which finish did the client choose?”
- “I’m covering the floor first.”
- “There’s a crack near the window.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/painter/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/6520
12. Receptionist
NOC: 14101
TEER: 4
Job Bank wage: $16.25 low / $21.00 median / $29.00 high
Typical requirements
Secondary school and computer/office skills are commonly expected. Requirements differ between ordinary offices, medical clinics, dental offices and other workplaces.
English load: High
Why: the job involves phone calls, visitors, schedules, messages and professional communication.
English you may need
- “Good morning, how can I help you?”
- “May I ask who’s calling?”
- “Please hold for a moment.”
- “I can book you for Thursday.”
- “I’ll pass your message along.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/office-receptionist/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/24402
13. Harvesting Labourer / Farm Worker
NOC: 85101
TEER: 5
Job Bank wage: $16.00 low / $18.00 median / $25.00 high
Current Job Bank postings also show examples where no degree is required and employers will train, but job conditions differ significantly by crop, season and employer.
English load: Low
Why: conversation may be limited, but instructions, quantities, equipment, quality and safety still matter.
English you may need
- “Which row should I start?”
- “These are ready to harvest.”
- “Where do the full crates go?”
- “This equipment isn’t working.”
- “I finished this section.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/farm-worker/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/9292
14. Hotel Housekeeper
NOC: 65310
TEER: 5
Job Bank wage group: $15.50 low / $19.74 median / $25.00 high
Hotel housekeepers are part of the broader Light Duty Cleaners occupational group.
Typical requirements
Many postings provide on-the-job training. The work can include beds, bathrooms, linens, supplies, room status, and reporting maintenance issues.
English load: Medium
Why: room tasks are repetitive, but employees regularly communicate with supervisors, front desk staff and sometimes guests.
English you may need
- “Room 412 is ready.”
- “The guest requested extra towels.”
- “This room has a maintenance issue.”
- “Do not disturb is on the door.”
- “I need more clean linens.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/hotel-housekeeper/
Wage/source group:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/296858/ca
15. Customer Service / Call Centre Representative
NOC: 64409
TEER: 4
Job Bank wage: $16.00 low / $22.00 median / $33.14 high
Typical requirements
Secondary school is commonly expected. Some employers prefer additional education, sales/clerical experience or industry knowledge.
English load: High
Why: the work can involve complex listening, phone calls, verification, explaining policies, conflict and written notes.
English you may need
- “Let me confirm your account details.”
- “I understand why that’s frustrating.”
- “Here are the options available.”
- “Could you repeat the last four digits?”
- “I’ll document this in your account.”
Speak2Work: /jobs/customer-support-chat/
Wage source:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/15201
Which jobs may fit lower English levels?
If your English is still developing, jobs with less customer-facing communication may be easier to start with:
- warehouse/material handling;
- cleaning;
- landscaping;
- farm/harvesting work.
But “less conversation” is not the same as “no English.” Safety, instructions, schedules and emergencies still require understanding.
Which jobs need stronger English?
These roles usually have more communication:
- receptionist;
- customer service;
- server;
- security guard.
They may be good goals if you want to improve professional speaking, but they can be harder when phone/listening confidence is low.
What about job outlook?
Job Bank’s three-year outlooks vary by province and economic region.
Do not label an occupation “high demand” for all of Canada unless current regional data actually supports that claim.
Job Bank uses the labels:
- Very Good
- Good
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very Limited
- Undetermined
Use Job Bank’s Outlook Report for your exact occupation and location before choosing where to apply.
A practical way to choose
Score each job from 1–5 on:
- can I legally work in this role now?
- do I meet the basic requirements?
- can I physically do the job?
- can I commute to the shifts?
- is the wage enough for my situation?
- can I understand the English safely?
- does this job help my longer-term plan?
A lower-paying role that gives you stable hours, local references and relevant experience may be more useful than a slightly higher-paying role with no connection to your goal.
Sources and wage snapshot
Wage figures are Job Bank labour-market estimates. The Job Bank pages should be rechecked before publication and at least annually.
Job Bank wage/outlook methodology:
- Wage reports: https://on.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-wages
- Outlook reports: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-job-outlooks
- Job profiles: https://www.on.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-occupations
- Outlook methodology: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-job-outlooks/outlooks-methodology
Editorial note
Last fact-checked: September 12, 2026.
This guide provides general educational information. It is not legal, immigration, tax, financial, or professional advice. Rules, wages, job requirements, government programs, and website interfaces can change. Always confirm current requirements with the official source for your province, territory, occupation, and personal situation.
Speak2Work is an independent English-for-work education project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, Job Bank, Statistics Canada, IRCC, CRA, or any provincial or territorial government.
© 2026 Volodymyr Vechirnii / Speak2Work. All rights reserved.