Driving Jobs That Pays High in Canada

Being a driver can be seen as a skill to benefit one personally, but you can earn a decent income through applying for driving jobs that pay high in Canada. If you choose driving as a career option for either cars, trucks/trailers, or even tractors, it is possible to be paid handsomely and live a comfortable life.

Canada is known as one of the thriving countries in the world and it is no surprise that a skill like driving can sustain one. Of course, as a driver you will spend hours on the road, in different weather, plying different routes, but the compensation that comes with it is great. In this article, we will explain the different driving jobs that pay high in Canada. Get your driving license prepared and be ready to take advantage of one of these opportunities.

The Canadian Transport Sector

Driving jobs are one of the in-demand jobs in Canada. It involves the transportation of goods, materials, or humans from one place to another. The transportation industry is so important to the country, such that it is listed among the occupations that IRCC will give preference to in the Express Entry draws. It is listed because there are shortages of these jobs in the Canadian labor market. There are many sectors of the transport sector which include truck driving, chauffeur, taxi driving, and even delivery. For instance, ever since the pandemic when online shopping rose, there has been growing demand in the delivery transport sector. 

The beautiful thing about driving jobs is that it is a good entry-level position for anyone interested with minimal job requirements. To qualify to be a driver, you need a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and a great knowledge of the routes. Although, if you would like to advance to a more technical job like truck driving, you would need proper licenses and certificates. You may also need a specialized license for different provinces. However, having a commercial driver’s license (CDL) qualifies you to drive a bus or chauffeur. 

5 Best High Paying Driving Jobs in Canada

If you meet all the requirements as a driver, here are some of the driving jobs that will get you a high pay:

Chauffeur

Being a chauffeur involves driving a private car or at times a hired one. It could be the employer’s car, a limousine, or even a taxi. You are tasked with the responsibility of picking up your employer at the given destination and driving them to their desired location. An example is driving students to prom in a limousine.

The chauffeur may also be employed by a company for the of working with a central dispatcher. The requirements for being a chauffeur are having a driver’s license and a clean driving record. Some employers require that you have a high school diploma or GED, and having a commercial driver’s license may be advantageous. Aside from driving, the maintenance of the vehicle’s interior and exterior falls on you. The average salary for a chauffeur is $23.05 per hour in Canada. 

Logistics/Courier Vehicle Driver Job in Canada

Another high-paying job in Canada is being a logistics/courier driver. Your job responsibilities include transporting parcels and products as designated by your employer which are mostly companies. This job involves loading the goods to be transported safely, following the prescribed routes to the delivery location, and most importantly being time-conscious.

There are several well-known logistics companies in Canada where you can be employed such as FedEx Logistics, Canada Post Carrier, or even DHL Logistics. The average salary for a Logistics/Courier Driver is $19.85 per hour in Canada. 

Truck Driving

This is one of the most specialized driving jobs. Only trained and licensed professionals are employed for this role and they deliver all sorts of goods while driving trucks over a long distance. Although a truck driver may choose to work independently, as an owner-operator, you will be responsible for all your authority, licenses, state permits, all paperwork, maintenance, and truck-related costs.

Whether you are employed or work independently, you must ensure that you properly document your trips, deliver goods to their destination on time, maintain the truck, and plan your routes with the GPS. You just also need to be ready to spend a great deal of time on the road in different weather conditions. The average salary for a Truck Driver is $26.07 per hour in Canada. 

Transit Bus Operator

This driving job is essentially to ply a designated route and transport the passengers there. Simply put, as a transit bus driver, you will stop at locally scheduled locations to pick up or drop off your passengers. To be employed in this position includes having a commercial driver’s license. Your duties as a transit bus operator include collecting fares and issuing receipts. You must always be punctual, keep your bus clean, and communicate positively and professionally with your passengers to ensure that they are comfortable.

Before each trip, inspect the bus to ensure it is in proper working condition and reduce the likelihood of it breaking down on the way. In all weather conditions, you must drive safely and obey all traffic laws. The average salary for a bus driver is $20.91 per hour in Canada.

Taxi Drivers

This is one of the most popular and essential driving jobs. Taxi drivers, who are also referred to as cab drivers, transport people from one location to another and calculate the fare using a meter. The pros of being a taxi driver are that you are your own boss and as such, you choose your work hours. You can even do this work as a side gig to earn more income.

Although, some taxi drivers work for companies. As a taxi driver, you need to have great verbal commitment and listening skills, as well as excellent customer service. It is important to be able to read and interpret the GPS, for you to be able to drive through unfamiliar routes. For this job, you need some secondary school education, a valid driver’s license, a municipal permit, and at least one year of safe driving experience. The average salary for a taxi driver is $19.72 per hour in Canada. 

Conclusion

Finally, it is possible to earn a decent living with any of these driving jobs. But remember, driving requires duly following all state and federal traffic rules, being sober and alert, and having mechanical knowledge to be able to fix some issues that might occur on the road. Pick any of these driving jobs and do more research on them before applying. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.