Toronto, being Canada’s largest city and economic engine, offers a wide range of job opportunities—including a strong demand for general labour positions. These roles are essential across various industries such as construction, manufacturing, warehousing, landscaping, and logistics. If you’re looking for hands-on work with minimal entry barriers, general labour jobs in Toronto might be the perfect fit.
What Are General Labour Jobs?
General labour jobs involve physical work that doesn’t typically require formal education or specialized training. These roles focus on tasks like loading, lifting, assembling, cleaning, moving materials, and operating simple tools or machinery.
Industries Hiring General Labourers in Toronto
General labourers are needed across many sectors, including:
- Construction (residential, commercial, infrastructure)
- Warehousing and Logistics (packing, sorting, loading)
- Manufacturing and Assembly (factories and production lines)
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping
- Cleaning and Sanitation Services
- Event Setup and Takedown Crews
- Common General Labour Job Titles
- General Labourer
- Construction Helper
- Warehouse Associate
- Material Handler
- Factory Worker
- Packaging Assistant
- Maintenance Labourer
- Cleaner or Janitor
Key Responsibilities
While duties vary by role and industry, typical general labour tasks include:
- Lifting and moving heavy materials
- Using hand tools and power tools
- Cleaning job sites or equipment
- Assisting skilled tradespeople
- Loading and unloading deliveries
- Packing and unpacking goods
- Performing quality checks
Skills and Qualifications
Most general labour positions in Toronto don’t require a college degree. However, employers often look for:
- Physical strength and stamina
- Ability to follow instructions
- Safety awareness and use of protective gear
- Dependability and punctuality
- Basic communication and teamwork skills
- Prior experience (an asset, but not always required)
Wages and Work Conditions
General labour wages in Toronto typically range from CAD 16 to 22 per hour, depending on experience, company, and industry. Some unionized or specialized roles can pay higher. Work may be full-time, part-time, or seasonal, and many roles include early morning or evening shifts. Work conditions can be physically demanding, sometimes outdoors, and may involve standing for long periods or working in varied weather.