Looking for your first job? You’re in the right place. Most teens in Canada start with short shifts in food service, retail or a summer day camp. You don’t need work experience for many of these jobs. You do need to meet the age rules where you live, so check those first. This guide covers who can work at what age, where teens usually get hired, and how to apply when your resume is still blank.
14
Common starting age in Ontario and Quebec, for many jobs
13
Earliest age in Alberta, on approved jobs only
16
Standard age in B.C. Younger teens need consent or a permit
These are summaries, not legal advice. Rules differ by province and by type of work.
Cashier jobs to browse
Cashier work is one of the most common first jobs. Not every listing will fit your age, so open it to see what it asks for, and search your city to narrow things down.
How old do you have to be to work?
Here are the rules in Canada’s four largest provinces. If you live somewhere else, contact your province or territory’s employment standards office before you start.
| Province | The basics | Official page |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 14 for places like offices, stores, arenas and restaurant serving areas. 15 for places like factories and warehouses, including some grocery store areas. Some industries set a higher age. Employers can also set their own minimum. | Ontario.ca |
| British Columbia | 16 and up: regular employment rules apply. 14 and 15: light work, such as cashier or stocking shelves, with a parent or guardian’s written consent. Other work needs a permit. Under 14: a permit is needed, with a few exceptions. | Gov.bc.ca |
| Alberta | 13 and 14: approved jobs only, such as delivering flyers, retail clerk, or restaurant jobs like host, cashier or dishwasher. Other jobs need a permit. In restaurants, an employee who is 18 or older must be there with you the whole time. | Alberta.ca |
| Quebec | 14 is the legal minimum. Under 14 is only allowed for certain jobs set out in law, and a parent or guardian must complete a consent form. | CNESST |
Checked November 1, 2026 on the official pages linked above. Always confirm with the official page, since rules can change.
Where teens usually get hired
Quick tip
Restaurants and cafes
Quick-service spots often hire for cashier, host and cleaning shifts on evenings and weekends.
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Stores and grocery
Bagging, stocking and cashier work teach customer service, which every future employer values.
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Camps and recreation
Community centres and day camps hire helpers for summer and school breaks. Some roles need a first aid or lifeguard certificate.
Quick tip
Your own neighbourhood
Babysitting, yard work and snow shovelling count as experience. Ask a client if you can use them as a reference.
How to apply with no experience
Quick tip
List what you have done
School clubs, sports teams, volunteering and helping a neighbour all show you are reliable.
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Be clear about your hours
Tell employers exactly when you can work around school. Open availability on weekends helps.
Quick tip
Pick your references
Ask a teacher, coach or volunteer leader first. A family member is usually not the best choice.
Quick tip
Practise three answers
Why this job? When can you work? Tell me about a time you helped someone. Say them out loud once.
Ready to look further?
See more roles for young people across Canada, or tell employers what you are looking for.
Browse youth jobs Add your resumeQuestions teens ask
Can a 14 year old get a job in Canada?
Yes, in many places, but it depends on your province and the type of work. In Ontario and Quebec, 14 is a common starting age. In B.C., 14 and 15 year olds can do light work with written consent from a parent or guardian. In Alberta, 13 and 14 year olds can work approved jobs.
Do teens get paid minimum wage?
Check your province, because some have a separate rate for students or younger workers. Your employment standards office will list the current rate.
Can I work during school hours?
Usually no. Provinces limit school-time work for younger teens, and many also limit hours on school days. Check the official page for your province.
Do I need a resume for my first job?
It helps, even if it is short. One page with your contact details, school, activities, any volunteering and your availability is enough to start.