Updated: July 15, 2026
Factory worker jobs in Canada continue to attract applicants searching for stable full-time work, competitive hourly pay, overtime opportunities and employer benefits. Current opportunities can be found in manufacturing plants, food-processing facilities, packaging companies, warehouses and major distribution centres.
Positions range from entry-level factory labourer and production helper jobs to machine operator, warehouse associate, material handler, packager, assembler and quality-control roles. Some employers provide paid training, making these positions accessible to candidates without extensive factory experience.
However, applicants should understand one important detail before applying: a Canadian job offer does not automatically provide a visa or work permit. Foreign applicants must check whether an employer accepts international candidates and whether the position supports an employer-specific work permit, an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt route.
Factory Jobs in Canada: Quick Facts
- Typical national hourly wage: approximately CAD $16.50 to $25.40
- National median wage: approximately CAD $20 per hour
- Common schedule: around 35 to 40 hours per week
- Popular roles: factory labourer, production worker, packager, warehouse associate and machine operator
- Common shifts: day, evening, overnight and rotating shifts
- Potential benefits: medical insurance, dental coverage, paid leave, pensions and performance bonuses
- Application method: online through job platforms or an employer’s official career website
Government of Canada Job Bank data places the national wage range for factory labourers in manufacturing at approximately CAD $16.50 to $25.40 per hour, with a median of about CAD $20. Job Bank also reports that factory labourers normally work around 35 to 40 hours weekly.
Are Factory Workers Currently Needed in Canada?
Hiring levels change by province, occupation and season, but Canadian employers continue to advertise general labour, factory and warehouse positions. When this guide was researched, Job Bank’s occupation-specific page showed approximately 246 general labourer-manufacturing postings across Canada.
The largest number on that page was in Quebec, followed by British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba. These figures can change daily as employers add new jobs and remove filled positions. Not every vacancy is available to candidates applying from outside Canada.
Job seekers should therefore read each advertisement carefully instead of assuming that every factory worker job includes visa sponsorship, relocation assistance or accommodation.
Opens the current factory-worker search results on Indeed Canada.
Factory and Manufacturing Jobs Applicants Can Search For
“Factory worker” is a broad search term. Applicants can uncover more relevant opportunities by searching for the exact job titles employers commonly use.
1. General Factory Labourer
A general factory labourer may move raw materials, prepare work areas, clean equipment, assist machine operators and help package finished products. These positions are often entry-level, although previous industrial experience can improve an applicant’s chances.
2. Production Worker
Production workers assist with the day-to-day manufacturing process. Duties may include loading materials, monitoring a production line, checking products for defects, recording production information and preparing completed items for shipping.
3. Packaging Worker
Packaging jobs may involve weighing products, labelling containers, sealing boxes, preparing pallets and checking that orders contain the correct items. Packaging workers are commonly employed in food, beverage, pharmaceutical and consumer-goods facilities.
4. Warehouse Associate
Warehouse associates receive, sort, store, pick and prepare products for shipment. Depending on the position, workers may use scanners, pallet jacks, forklifts or voice-controlled order-picking systems.
5. Food-Processing Worker
Food-processing jobs can include preparing ingredients, operating production equipment, packaging products and cleaning food-production areas. These jobs may require workers to follow strict hygiene, temperature-control and food-safety procedures.
6. Assembly-Line Worker
Assembly workers help construct products or components by hand or with tools and machinery. Attention to detail, consistency and the ability to follow instructions are particularly important in these roles.
7. Machine Operator
Machine operators set up, monitor or adjust manufacturing equipment. These positions can offer higher pay than general labour jobs, but employers may request previous experience, technical training or safety certification.
8. Material Handler
Material handlers move supplies and finished goods throughout factories and warehouses. Some roles involve powered equipment and may require forklift or pallet-jack experience.
According to Job Bank, typical factory-labourer duties include transporting materials, checking and weighing products, sorting and packaging goods, assisting operators and cleaning equipment or production areas. The work can require prolonged standing, repetitive movement, bending and manual material handling.
Factory Worker Salaries in Canada
Factory worker salaries depend on the province, industry, shift, experience and level of responsibility. Overnight work, specialized machinery, cold-storage work and jobs requiring certification may pay more than standard entry-level production positions.
| Location | Low Wage | Median Wage | High Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $16.50 | $20.00 | $25.40 |
| Alberta | $16.24 | $20.70 | $27.00 |
| British Columbia | $18.25 | $20.25 | $30.00 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | $18.64 | $23.99 |
| New Brunswick | $15.90 | $18.00 | $22.35 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.75 | $18.44 | $25.00 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $19.89 | $25.00 |
| Quebec | $16.60 | $20.00 | $25.81 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | $20.00 | $27.00 |
Hourly amounts are Job Bank estimates for factory labourers in manufacturing. They are not guaranteed starting wages. Individual job advertisements may offer more or less depending on the employer and location.
Benefits That May Be Included
Salary is only one part of a job offer. Applicants should also review the complete compensation package. Job Bank reports that approximately 68.5% of workers in this occupation receive at least one type of non-wage benefit.
Depending on the employer and whether the position is permanent, temporary, unionized, full-time or part-time, benefits may include:
- Medical and extended health coverage
- Dental or life-insurance plans
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Employer pension or retirement contributions
- Night-shift or weekend premiums
- Overtime pay
- Performance or attendance bonuses
- Safety footwear or equipment allowances
- Employee discounts
- Paid workplace training
Applicants should confirm every benefit in writing. A general career page may describe benefits that are not available with every position.
Large Employers With Factory, Warehouse and Distribution Jobs
Large companies can provide a useful starting point, but applicants should not limit their search to famous names. Small and medium-sized Canadian manufacturers also advertise production, packaging and general labour opportunities.
Amazon Canada Warehouse Jobs
Amazon maintains an official Canadian search area for hourly warehouse roles. Warehouse associates may help receive, store, pick, pack and prepare customer orders for delivery. Availability depends on the location and hiring period.
Walmart Canada Distribution Jobs
Walmart Canada operates distribution and transportation facilities that support its stores and e-commerce operations. Its supply-chain facilities run around the clock, and the company advertises associate, transportation, receiving, order-filling and distribution-centre roles.
Recent Walmart listings included distribution-centre positions in areas such as Calgary, Cornwall, Surrey and Moncton, although individual vacancies can close at any time.
Loblaw Warehouse and Distribution Jobs
Loblaw advertises warehouse, distribution and supply-chain positions in different parts of Canada. Recent examples included warehouse roles in Calgary and Vancouver, with paid training, flexible schedules and benefit packages described in the individual postings.
One Calgary posting advertised starting pay of approximately $20 per hour, while a Vancouver warehouse-assembler posting advertised approximately $21.50 per hour. These examples are not national pay guarantees and may expire or change.
Other Employer Categories to Search
- Food and beverage manufacturers
- Meat and poultry processing companies
- Dairy and cheese producers
- Furniture manufacturers
- Automotive-parts suppliers
- Packaging and printing companies
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Electronics and appliance manufacturers
- Building-material producers
- Retail distribution centres
Search the company name together with terms such as “careers,” “production worker,” “warehouse associate,” “manufacturing jobs” or “distribution centre.” Always confirm that the application page belongs to the real employer.
Compare employers, locations, shifts and salary information before applying.
Requirements for Factory Worker Jobs
Requirements differ considerably. Some entry-level factory jobs provide on-the-job training, while specialized manufacturing positions require previous experience or certification.
Employers commonly look for candidates who can:
- Follow written and verbal safety instructions
- Stand or move for extended periods
- Perform repetitive tasks consistently
- Lift or carry the weight stated in the job description
- Work accurately in a fast-paced environment
- Work day, evening, weekend or overnight shifts
- Communicate effectively with supervisors and co-workers
- Maintain a clean and organized work area
- Use basic tools, scanners or production equipment
- Arrive reliably and complete assigned shifts
A forklift licence, WHMIS training, food-safety certification, first-aid certificate or machine-operation experience may help with certain jobs. Do not claim to hold a certificate that you have not completed.
Can Applicants Without Experience Apply?
Yes, some entry-level factory worker jobs accept applicants without previous manufacturing experience. Employers may train new workers in packaging, workplace safety, production procedures or the use of basic material-handling equipment.
Applicants without direct factory experience should highlight transferable skills such as:
- Reliability and punctuality
- Previous physical or hands-on work
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail
- Following safety procedures
- Working under time limits
- Inventory handling
- Cleaning and workplace organization
- Customer-order preparation
A candidate who has worked in construction, agriculture, retail stocking, delivery, cleaning, hospitality or food preparation may already possess useful skills for an entry-level manufacturing or warehouse position.
Factory Jobs in Canada for Foreign Workers
Foreign applicants often search for “factory jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship.” However, Canadian employers and government agencies normally use more precise terms such as LMIA, temporary foreign worker, employer-specific work permit or LMIA-exempt work permit.
An employer-specific work permit allows a person to work under the conditions listed on the permit, including the employer, occupation and sometimes the location. To apply, a worker normally needs a genuine job offer and must meet Canada’s general work-permit requirements.
For many positions, the employer must first determine whether it needs an LMIA. When an LMIA is required, the employer—not the job seeker—submits the LMIA application. After receiving the required employer documents, the worker may be able to submit a work-permit application.
Important: A Job Offer Is Not a Work Permit
A job offer does not guarantee that a work permit will be approved. Applicants should not claim on an application that they are legally authorized to work in Canada unless that statement is true.
Applicants who do not already have Canadian work authorization should read the employer’s eligibility instructions carefully. Some employers only consider people who already have a valid work permit, permanent residence or Canadian citizenship.
What Does “LMIA Requested” Mean?
An LMIA is a Labour Market Impact Assessment. It is a document that a Canadian employer may need before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA generally confirms that hiring a foreign worker would have a positive or neutral effect on Canada’s labour market.
A posting marked “LMIA requested” does not necessarily mean that the LMIA has been approved. It also does not guarantee that every international applicant will receive a job offer or work permit.
How to Apply for Factory Worker Jobs in Canada
Step 1: Search Multiple Job Titles
Do not search only for “factory worker.” Try several related phrases:
- Factory worker jobs in Canada
- General labourer manufacturing
- Production worker jobs
- Warehouse associate jobs
- Packaging jobs in Canada
- Food-processing worker
- Assembly-line worker
- Machine operator jobs
- Material handler jobs
- Night-shift manufacturing jobs
- Full-time warehouse jobs
- Temporary foreign worker jobs
- LMIA manufacturing jobs
Step 2: Choose a Province or City
Adding a location can produce more relevant results. Examples include:
- Factory worker jobs in Toronto
- Manufacturing jobs in Mississauga
- Warehouse jobs in Calgary
- Production worker jobs in Edmonton
- Factory jobs in Vancouver
- Food-processing jobs in Winnipeg
- Manufacturing jobs in Montreal
- Warehouse jobs in Surrey
Step 3: Read the Entire Job Description
Before applying, confirm:
- The hourly wage or salary
- Whether the position is full-time, part-time, temporary or permanent
- The shift schedule
- The work location
- Physical requirements
- Required experience or certificates
- Whether overtime is available
- Whether benefits are included
- Whether applicants need existing Canadian work authorization
Step 4: Verify the Employer
Search for the company’s official website and physical location. Check whether its contact information matches the job advertisement. Be especially careful when a supposed employer communicates only through messaging applications or free personal email accounts.
Step 5: Prepare a Focused Resume
A factory-worker resume should be clear and easy to scan. Include:
- Name and reliable contact information
- A short professional summary
- Relevant employment history
- Production, warehouse or physical-work skills
- Safety and equipment certificates
- Languages spoken
- Availability for shifts
Step 6: Tailor the Application
Use keywords from the job advertisement when they truthfully match your experience. For example, a posting may emphasize order picking, packaging, machine operation, quality inspection, pallet preparation or workplace safety.
Step 7: Track Every Application
Record the employer, job title, location, application date and job-posting link. This will help you respond professionally if an employer contacts you for an interview.
Resume Keywords for Factory and Warehouse Jobs
Relevant keywords can help an employer quickly understand your experience. Use only terms that accurately describe your abilities:
Production: assembly, production line, machine operation, manufacturing, quality inspection, production targets.
Warehouse: order picking, packing, shipping, receiving, inventory, pallet preparation, material handling.
Safety: workplace safety, personal protective equipment, WHMIS, hazard reporting, sanitation procedures.
Personal strengths: dependable, detail-oriented, team player, punctual, adaptable and safety-conscious.
Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Job
A legitimate employer should be able to explain the position clearly. Before accepting, ask:
- What is the guaranteed hourly wage?
- How many hours are normally available each week?
- Is the role permanent, temporary or seasonal?
- What shift will I work?
- Is overtime mandatory or optional?
- Are there premiums for nights or weekends?
- What benefits are included?
- Is transportation provided?
- If accommodation is offered, what does it cost?
- Does the employer consider applicants outside Canada?
- Does the position require an LMIA or another work-permit route?
Ask for important employment terms in writing. Do not rely only on verbal promises.
How to Avoid Fake Factory Job Offers
Employment and immigration scams frequently target people searching for overseas work. Be cautious when someone promises guaranteed entry to Canada, guaranteed high pay, instant visa approval or unusually fast immigration processing.
IRCC warns that immigration forms and guides are available free of charge and that websites promising guaranteed entry, high-paying employment or faster processing may be fraudulent. A request for financial information or a deposit before the application process has properly started is another warning sign.
Canada’s Competition Bureau also warns job seekers about offers that require upfront fees, banking information or participation in suspicious payment transfers.
Major Warning Signs
- The recruiter guarantees a job or visa.
- You are asked to purchase an LMIA or job offer.
- The salary is unrealistically high for simple work.
- The company asks for payment before an interview.
- The recruiter asks to use your bank account.
- The email address does not match the company.
- The interview happens only through text messages.
- The employer refuses to provide a written contract.
- The company website or address cannot be verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a factory worker earn in Canada?
Government Job Bank data shows a national range of approximately CAD $16.50 to $25.40 per hour, with a median of about CAD $20. The actual amount depends on the province, industry, experience and shift.
Can I get a factory job in Canada without experience?
Some employers accept entry-level applicants and provide workplace training. Machine-operation, maintenance and specialized production jobs may require previous experience or certification.
Do factory jobs in Canada include accommodation?
Some employers may offer accommodation or help workers locate housing, but it is not standard for every position. Verify the cost, conditions, location and whether the accommodation is optional.
Do factory jobs provide visa sponsorship?
Some employers consider foreign workers, but applicants should look for specific language about LMIA support, temporary foreign workers or work-permit eligibility. A job offer does not automatically grant a visa or work permit.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
You can submit applications from outside Canada when the employer accepts international candidates. However, many employers state that applicants must already be legally authorized to work in Canada.
What is the best province for factory work?
No single province is best for every applicant. Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba all have manufacturing or warehouse activity. Candidates should compare wages with housing, transportation and living costs.
Are night-shift factory jobs paid more?
Some employers offer night, evening or weekend shift premiums, but the amount varies. Review the compensation section of each job advertisement.
Should I pay a recruiter for a job offer?
Treat requests to purchase a job offer, guaranteed position or LMIA as a serious warning sign. Verify recruiters and immigration representatives before providing money or personal documents.
Search Current Factory Worker Openings
Factory and warehouse vacancies change frequently. Apply only after reviewing the salary, location, schedule, responsibilities and work-authorization requirements.
Use the search below to compare current factory labourer, production worker, packaging, manufacturing and warehouse jobs across Canada.
Review each employer’s requirements before submitting personal information.
Final Application Checklist
- Confirm that the job is still open.
- Check the employer’s official website.
- Read the salary and shift information.
- Confirm the physical requirements.
- Prepare a targeted resume.
- Apply using truthful information.
- Never pay for a guaranteed job or visa.
- Confirm your work-permit eligibility.
- Keep copies of applications and correspondence.
Disclaimer: This article provides general job-search information and is not an employment agency, immigration representative or government service. It does not guarantee employment, an LMIA, a visa or a Canadian work permit. Job availability, wages and eligibility requirements can change. Applicants should verify information with the employer and official Government of Canada resources before making financial, employment or immigration decisions.