Looking for a side hustle? These are the best-paid ones in Canada

With the rising cost of living, it’s no wonder many Canadians are looking for a side hustle to supplement their income.

More workers are taking up side jobs due to rising rental rates, inflation, increasing grocery costs, and other economic factors. According to a 2023 report from H&R Block, 28% of Canadians have some sort of side hustle. This represents a 13% year-over-year increase from H&R Block’s 2022 report.

Using data from the job search site Indeed, Preply, an online language-learning marketplace, analyzed the average hourly wages of side hustles across Canada. The study reveals the 10 highest-paid side hustles and the cities and provinces that offer the best hourly rates.

“The average salary for side hustles across Canada sits at $24.90, and in a year (working 10 hours per week), this totals $12,948, which could have a huge financial impact on your life,” reads the study.

And some jobs pay even better.

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If you’re good with cars, you should consider using that skill to earn extra income. In Canada, mechanics earn up to $35 per hour, followed by plumbers at $34 per hour and personal trainers at $29.10 per hour.

Where you live also matters.

In BC, freelance designers can earn up to $45 per hour; in Alberta, mechanics can earn an average of $40 per hour; and in Saskatchewan, a waste collector can earn $37 per hour.

Overall, BC takes the top spot with an average hourly wage of $26.70, followed by Saskatchewan with an average hourly wage of $24.10, and Alberta, where side hustles can earn you an average of $23.80 per hour.

Rates can also vary depending on which city you live in.

Side gig workers in Quebec City earn an average of $32.50 per hour; in Vancouver, they make around $27.50 per hour on average, while workers in St. John’s can bring in up to $27.20 per hour.

Are you looking to dive into the gig economy? Here are the 10 best-paid sides hustles by average hourly wage in Canada:

1. Mechanic — $35/hour

2. Plumber — $34/hour

3. Personal trainer — $29.10/hour

4. Freelance designer — $24.50/hour

5. Freelance writer — $24.30/hour

6. Painter — $24.50/hour

7. Handyman services — $24.30/hour

8. Uber driver — $24/hour

9. Waste collection — $22.30/hour

10. Tutor — $21.60/hour

Do you have an atypical side hustle? We would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

With files from Christopher Liew.

This article was originally published on February 26, 2024.