The elimination of daily travel, reduced wardrobe expenses, and the freedom to work from home (even in pajamas, if preferred) are just a few advantages of remote jobs in Canada. Initially, securing work-at-home opportunities in Canada was quite challenging. However, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed this landscape significantly.
In 2020, a large number of businesses shifted their employees to remote work to help mitigate the spread of the virus. By May of that year, around 37% of Canadians were working from home, according to Statistics Canada. Although this figure decreased to 22% by December 2021, many employers recognized that workers could be just as productive when operating remotely from their residences.
If you’re exploring remote or online job options—whether as a stay-at-home parent, a reluctant commuter, or simply someone seeking the flexibility of a digital lifestyle—continue reading for our compilation of the 16 top remote jobs available in Canada.
The encouraging aspect: none of these online positions in Canada require a substantial financial outlay, and many are ideal for stay-at-home parents, students, and other Canadians looking for a side gig while maintaining a full-time job.
1. Online English Teacher
Potential earnings: US$20 to US$30 per hour
If you possess a strong command of the English language, you can monetize this skill online, often without needing a formal degree. Holding a BA, teaching certificate, or college degree can enhance your opportunities. Teaching English is frequently the first remote job that comes to mind for individuals.
Where to find employment:
- Skooli.com (focuses on teaching English at the middle, high school, and university levels)
- VIPKid.com (offers online classes for students from kindergarten to Grade 9)
- Preply.com (provides tutoring in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and French)
- Qkids.com (features pre-structured lesson plans for teaching English to children aged 6 to 12)
- Additional platforms to explore include WhalesEnglish.com, iTutorGroup.com, and cambly.com.
2. Freelance Writer, Editor, or Graphic Designer
Earnings potential: Varies based on expertise and market demand.
As a freelance writer, editor, or graphic designer, numerous online platforms can help you connect with clients. You can set your own rates, provided there’s a market willing to pay what you think you’re worth.
However, keep in mind that while you may land some gigs shortly after signing up, establishing a steady flow of work can take weeks.
Where to find work: Many freelance websites will require you to set up an account and browse their job listings to find projects that interest you.
- Upwork.com – caters to various sectors, including design, writing, translation, and accounting.
- Workmarket.com – appeals to creatives as well as professionals in the tech and healthcare industries.
- Fiverr.com – allows you to offer a wide range of services as long as they abide by the site’s rules.
- Freelancer.ca – claims to be the largest freelance marketplace, accommodating various fields from design to writing.
3. Resell Your Unused Items
Potential earnings: Determined by market demand.
Numerous websites provide platforms to sell your unwanted items online. You can quickly list items and respond to inquiries at your convenience.
Generally, sellers must be at least 18 years old (Kijiji allows users as young as 16). If you’re under that age, you might need the aid of a trusted adult to post your items. This method is quite popular among stay-at-home parents in Canada.
Where to sell: There are numerous online marketplaces where you can sell items, many of which are free to use. Some popular options include:
- Kijiji.ca – ideal for selling items and services locally.
- eBay.com – allows listings with a maximum number of items free to bid on.
- Facebook Marketplace – a spot on Facebook to buy and sell with others in your community.
- Shopify.com – offers comprehensive tools for setting up an e-commerce site with an initial low cost for the first few months.
4. Rent Out Unused Space on Airbnb or VRBO
Earnings potential: Use property calculators on Airbnb or VRBO to estimate rental income based on location and property size.
If you have a spare room or are away on vacation, utilizing that space can generate significant extra income. While Airbnb often requires some in-person involvement, many consider it one of the best remote jobs in Canada for those with property.
Individuals must be 18 to create a listing, and you’ll need to provide quality photos, a detailed description, and house rules. Additionally, certain local regulations may necessitate a business license or permit, and some neighborhoods may prohibit short-term rentals altogether.
Important note: Consider short-term rental insurance to safeguard against potential liabilities, especially if your guests will be using your living space.
Where to start: Good platforms include:
- Airbnb.com – charges a commission and boasts millions of hosts and guests.
- VRBO.com – charges a slightly higher commission and features an extensive range of properties worldwide.
5. Participate in Online Surveys
Potential earnings: Ranging from $0.50 to $10 per survey.
Online surveys often take between 5 to 60 minutes, so they likely won’t replace a full-time job. However, they are great opportunities for pocket money, especially for stay-at-home parents during naptime.
Many companies seek your feedback and are willing to reward you with either cash or points redeemable for gift cards.
Typically, no prior experience is needed, but participants should have internet access, an email account, and a method for receiving payments online (e.g., PayPal).
Where to get started: Create a profile on recognized survey sites and remember to vet them for legitimacy.
- Swagbucks.com – facilitates cashback earnings from home.
- BrandedSurveys.com – allows earning through paid surveys and daily polls.
- Rewardia.ca – sign up to earn points payable in gift cards or cash.
- YouGov.com – offer your opinions and receive cash rewards.
- For an extensive list of survey companies operating in Canada, check paidfromsurveys.com.
6. Monetize Your Designs
Potential earnings: Earnings are contingent on sales; it generally provides passive income once your designs are set up.
If you’re a designer or artist, print-on-demand services allow you to showcase your creations on various items without the hassle of inventory management or shipping.
Setting up accounts and uploading designs may take a bit of time, and age restrictions usually require participants to be at least 18, though some platforms allow younger artists to sell under parental guidance.
Where to begin: Consider these print-on-demand platforms:
- RedBubble.com – millions of visitors seek unique items featuring artists’ work.
- Printful.com – provides a venue to sell custom-designed products.
- Teehatch.com – requires you to connect your existing online store for product sales.
- ArtofWhere.com – allows you to create and list products with your art.
7. Virtual Assistant
Earnings potential: Between $7.25 and $37.50 per hour, based on skills and self-promotion.
To become a virtual assistant, proficiency in computer usage and online tools is essential. While the pay may not be the highest, it is an attractive option that requires relatively few technical skills.
How to start: Highlight your skills on your resume and apply through job sites like:
- Indeed.com
- Upwork.com
- Workmarket.com
- Fiverr.com
- Freelancer.ca
8. Start a Dropshipping Business
Earnings potential: Varies based on products, market reach, and effort invested.
Dropshipping involves selling goods you don’t physically stock. You create a website to promote products, then forward customers’ orders to the supplier, who ships directly to them, and you keep a portion of the profit. It’s a straightforward path, but setting up an online presence will require time and possibly some investment.
Where to start: Consider reputable dropshipping platforms:
- Shopify.com – provides tools to build and run your online store.
- Web.com – allows selling on platforms like Etsy and eBay.
- Wix.com – helps create and manage websites easily.
- Squareup.com – offers e-commerce solutions for your products and services.
9. Sell Your Photos Online
Earnings potential: Generally aroynd a percentage of the sale price, varying by site.
If photography is your passion, consider uploading your work to stock photography services where you get paid every time someone downloads your image. Generally, you must be at least 18, but some platforms allow younger individuals to sell photos under parental approval.
Where to start: A good camera or even a smartphone can begin your stock photography journey. Uploading photos is straightforward, but selling them can take time.
- Alamy.com – a large platform offering 50% of sale prices to photographers.
- Shutterstock – a well-known service with varying payouts.
- Smugmug.com – enables storing, sharing, or selling photos.
10. Online Tutoring
Earnings potential: Starting at US$25 per hour, potentially rising to US$80 for certified professionals.
If you are skilled in subjects like math, science, or languages, you can turn your knowledge into tutoring opportunities for students of various ages.
Where to start: Some platforms will require specific qualifications while others focus on your knowledge base. Consider these sites:
- SuperProf.ca – allows you to list your expertise and qualifications.
- Skooli.com – popular for subjects like math and science.
- Preply.com – offers tutoring in various subjects, including languages.
11. Translation and Interpretation Services
Earnings potential: Average pay is US$38.25 per hour.
Fluency in multiple languages can open doors for lucrative translation or interpretation jobs on a freelance or part-time basis, making this a viable online job option in Canada.
Where to begin: Some platforms require prior experience, but fluency is a necessity. Check out:
- Upwork.com – suitable for translators and interpretation specialists.
- Gengo.com – focuses on multiple languages, looking for fluent speakers.
- Pro Translating – represents a network of translators across many languages.
- LanguageLine Solutions – provides services in various dialects and languages.
12. Sell Your Handmade Crafts
Earnings potential: Varies based on product demand.
If crafting is your passion, consider selling your handmade items. Whether it’s knitting, jewelry, or furniture making, you can find an enthusiastic audience for your products online.
Where to begin: Establish your online storefront on a popular marketplace for handcrafted goods:
- Etsy.com – the largest platform for unique and handcrafted items.
- Creativemarket.com – a niche for digital artisans.
- Shopify.com – enables setting up personal sales websites.
13. Proofreading Services
Earnings potential: Between $20 and $25 per hour.
For individuals skilled in English or French, proofreading can provide a source of online income by reviewing various written materials for errors.
Where to begin: Specialized proofreading sites may give you an edge based on your skills or experience. Consider:
- Scribendi.com – requires higher education and professional experience.
- Proofreadingservices.com – offers testing for applicants.
- Gramlee.com – continuously seeking part-time proofreading talent.
14. Web Development or UI/UX Design
Earnings potential: Ranges from US$75 to US$300 per hour.
If you possess web development or UI/UX design skills, you can create a robust client base that provides steady work or a lucrative side gig. The demand is high both in Canada and globally.
Where to start: To attract clients, you’ll need solid experience. Place listings on platforms like:
- Flexjobs.com
- Upwork.com
- Indeed.com
15. Start Your Own Blog
Earnings potential: Building a successful blog can lead to significant income through product promotion or ad revenue, with some bloggers earning six figures.
Blogging offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, making it an excellent choice for aspiring digital nomads. Choose a topic you are passionate about and begin writing.
Where to begin: Utilize blogging platforms with customizable templates:
- WordPress.com
- Site123.com
- Wix.com
16. Life Coaching
Earnings potential: Varies by market presence; average life coaches in Canada earn around $47,000, with experienced professionals making up to $83,000.
If helping others achieve personal goals resonates with you, consider a career in life coaching. Specialized training or education can be beneficial.
Where to promote your services: Without an established online presence, consider listing your offerings on life coaching directories. Recommended platforms include:
- Noomi.com – a globally-focused site but charges a listing fee.
- Lifecoachspotter.com – provides free membership, but space is limited.
- Mycoachspace.com – covers a broad range of coaching types.
Advantages of Remote Work
Online jobs in Canada are highly appealing for many. A Muse survey in February 2022 revealed that approximately 81% of participants expressed a desire to work remotely, even part-time, moving forward. Below are key benefits of remote work:
- No Commute: Eliminating lengthy travel saves time and enhances productivity.
- Reduced Clothing Costs: Depending on your role, working in casual attire like pajamas is often acceptable.
- Flexible Scheduling: Many online jobs offer flexibility in working hours and tasks, allowing for a better work-life balance.
- Cost Reduction: Outlays for transportation, work attire, and meals can decrease, assisting stay-at-home parents in saving on daycare.
- Location Independence: The absence of commuting enables living in more affordable areas while maintaining your job.
Challenges of Remote Work
Before deciding on a remote job in Canada, it’s essential to consider both your preferences and practical needs. Here are several reasons you might reconsider working from home:
- Tendency to Overwork: Remote work can blur the boundaries between personal and professional life, leading to extended work hours.
- Difficulty Maintaining Focus: Home distractions may impede productivity, particularly for those with familial responsibilities.
- Isolation: Missing out on casual social interactions with colleagues, which often diminishes the remote work experience.
- Creativity Challenges: If your hobby becomes a job, the joy of creation may fade as it turns into just another task.