Top High-Paying Side Hustles in Canada Uncovered

With rising living costs sweeping across Canada, a growing number of individuals are turning to side hustles to boost their income. Recent research shows that 28% of Canadians have embarked on these ventures, reflecting a significant 13% increase from the previous year. But which side hustles offer the best financial rewards, and how do these opportunities vary by city and province?

LingualNeeds has tapped into the job search platform Indeed to explore the average hourly wages for various side hustles in Canada, ranging from Uber drivers to online tutors. This analysis provides valuable insights into the earning potential of these flexible job opportunities.

They’ve also unveiled the best-paid side gigs in each Canadian province and the most populated Canadian cities and towns.

Key findings

• The best-paid side hustle in Canada is a mechanic, which can earn you an extra $35 per hour.
• The best-paid side hustle across most Canadian provinces is a plumber, with average hourly wages ranging from $30 to $36.
• British Columbia offers the highest average hourly wage for side hustles in Canada, at $26.70.

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The best-paid side hustles in Canada

Side hustles can provide a diverse range of earnings, depending on the type of job and how often you work. We’ve analyzed the average hourly wages for popular side gigs in Canada to highlight which skills can maximize your income. Let’s explore the top-earning side hustles!

1. **Mechanic** – As a high-earning side hustle, mechanics can earn up to $35 per hour. While many pursue this as a full-time career, it’s also a great way to earn extra cash on weekends. If you have skills in car repair, consider this lucrative opportunity!
2. **Plumber**: Earning an average of $34.30 per hour, plumbing ranks as the second highest-paying side hustle. If you have plumbing skills, consider monetizing them by offering your services and generating extra income.
3. **Personal Trainer**: With an average hourly wage of $29, becoming a personal trainer is an excellent way to earn additional income. Opportunities abound, from launching an online training business to conducting sessions in your own backyard.

The best-paid side hustle by province

Whilst it’s known that full-time wages vary from location to location – is this the same for side hustles?

We’ve conducted an in-depth analysis to uncover the highest-paying side hustles across each province. Are you excited to find out what they are?

In many provinces, plumbing stands out as the top-earning side hustle, offering an impressive average hourly wage of $30 to $36. Other lucrative side gigs include personal training, freelance writing, waste collection, mechanics, and design work. This variety highlights that some areas provide more abundant opportunities for additional income than others.

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The best-paid side hustle by city and town

Canada boasts more than 8,000 cities and towns, and we’ve explored the 30 most populated among them to uncover the highest-earning side hustle in each location. Curious about what they are? Keep reading to discover the top side gigs in these vibrant communities!

In Toronto, side plumbing jobs can be quite lucrative, offering an impressive average hourly wage of $37.70. Meanwhile, in Montreal, personal trainers lead the pack with an even higher average hourly rate of $38.30.

In Vancouver and Calgary, freelance designers have the potential to significantly boost their income, earning an impressive average of over $41 per hour. This rate is nearly three times the Canadian minimum wage of $16.65, making freelancing a lucrative option for creative professionals in these cities.

The provinces where side hustles are best paid overall

Some provinces offer better opportunities for earning money through side hustles, prompting us to explore which areas provide the highest potential income. If you’re considering launching a side hustle, it’s essential to know which province offers the best prospects for financial success.

1. British Columbia: Leading Canada’s provinces, British Columbia offers an average hourly wage of $26.70 for side gigs, surpassing the full-time minimum wage of $16.65.
2. Saskatchewan ranks second with an average hourly wage of $24.10 for side hustles. Known for its stunning prairies and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, this province offers great opportunities for creative side jobs like designing, painting, or writing.
3. Alberta ranks third, offering an average hourly wage of $23.80 for side hustles. The top-paying side job here is a mechanic, making it an ideal choice for car enthusiasts.

The cities and towns where side hustles are best paid overall

Which cities overall have the best-paid side hustles? We’ve got the answer.

1. Quebec City: Topping the list, Quebec City (la Vieille Capitale) boasts an average hourly wage of $32.50 for side hustles.
2. Vancouver offers an average hourly wage of $27.50 for side hustles, with graphic design being the top-paying option for those skilled in Photoshop.
3. St. Johns: As the capital and largest city of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. Johns offers an average hourly wage of $27.20 for side hustles.

Toronto, a prominent Canadian city, ranks twelfth in terms of average hourly earnings for side hustles, which stand at $24.10. This figure not only reflects the city’s vibrant gig economy but also exceeds Canada’s minimum wage of $16.65, highlighting the potential for profitable side jobs in the area.

How much can you make annually with a side hustle?

Side hustles offer an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to boost their income. Assuming that most side hustlers dedicate about 10 hours a week to their ventures, we can estimate their potential annual earnings based on this time commitment.

In Canada, the average hourly wage for side hustles is $24.90. If you dedicate just 10 hours a week to this endeavor, you could earn around $12,948 a year—an amount that could significantly enhance your financial situation. If you’re considering a side hustle, explore the top-paying opportunities in your area and why not take the plunge? You might be surprised at the difference it can make!

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How does this compare to the US?

LingualNeeds previously revealed the best-paid side hustles in the US. Let’s see how the results differ in Canada.

In the United States, the top-earning side hustle is dog walking, boasting an impressive average hourly rate of $43. Following closely behind are freelance designers, who earn around $32 per hour, and freelance writers, with an average hourly wage of $29. These figures highlight the lucrative opportunities available in the gig economy.

In Canada, the highest-paying side hustle is a mechanic, earning an average of $35 per hour. Interestingly, side hustle wages show little difference between Canada and the US, indicating a similar earning potential across the border.

Methodology

We tapped into Glassdoor and Indeed to compile a diverse list of side hustles. Next, we examined the average hourly pay for these gigs across every province in Canada, as well as the 30 largest cities.