Most Packer roles in Canada sit within a practical gross range that depends on province, industry (warehouse vs. production),
and shift premiums (evenings/nights). Overtime rules are set by provincial standards and can differ by location and job type.
Gross hourly: CAD 15.50–24.70Common shifts: Day / Afternoon / NightOvertime: Often 1.5× after thresholdStart speed: 1–2 weeks ramp-up
What changes your hourly rate
Province & local market: minimum wage baselines and demand vary.
Shift premiums: late shifts may add a premium per hour.
Overtime: paid after a daily/weekly threshold depending on province and role.
Environment: cold storage, food-grade zones, or fast conveyor lines can pay differently.
Cross-training: scanning, quality checks, or equipment operation can lift the rate.
Figures shown are gross (before deductions). Net pay depends on statutory deductions and individual circumstances.
What you’ll do on a typical shift
Packer roles are hands-on and pace-driven. Depending on the site (warehouse, e-commerce fulfillment, or production),
your day usually mixes packing accuracy with steady throughput.
Pick and pack orders using a scan sheet or handheld scanner (where applicable)
Prepare cartons: assemble boxes, add protective materials, seal and label
Check quantity, barcodes, expiry dates or lot codes (industry-dependent)
Keep work area organized; remove waste, separate recyclables, follow housekeeping rules
Stage completed orders on pallets or conveyors for shipping/dispatch
Report damages, shortages, or mislabels to the lead/line supervisor
Some employers rotate packers through receiving, sorting, simple rework, or quality checks after onboarding.
Candidate portrait
Fast self-check before you apply
You are a good fit if you…
prefer clear rules and measurable targets (accuracy, units/hour, scan compliance)
can keep a steady rhythm without sacrificing label/quantity accuracy
are comfortable in shift environments (including evenings/nights if offered)
follow hygiene and PPE routines consistently
stay calm when the line speeds up (peak, inbound rush, dispatch cutoffs)
can work well in a diverse team and take feedback from a lead hand
This role is not for you if you…
need constant task variety and dislike repetitive workflows
often ignore safety steps to “save time”
struggle with punctuality or last-minute shift changes
dislike performance tracking (scan rate, error counts, or audits)
If you match the “good fit” profile, a strong CV with availability and location preference is typically enough to start screening.
Work authorization & onboarding documents (Canada)
General guidance (final requirements depend on employer and province)
To work legally in Canada, you must have valid authorization that matches the job conditions.
In practice, employers usually hire candidates with either an employer-specific (closed) work permit
or an open work permit, depending on the person’s status and the hiring pathway.
Identity documents: passport and any status/work authorization documents required for employment.
Onboarding items: a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is typically required for payroll processing.
Site entry checks: some sites require background screening or safety orientation before the first shift.
Role-specific checks: food-grade facilities may require hygiene training and compliance checks.
This page describes a typical role profile. Do not assume visa sponsorship or automatic work authorization.
Hiring is always subject to legal eligibility and employer policy.
Working conditions (PPE, safety, deductions — general)
Practical expectations on Canadian sites
Safety culture: expect toolbox talks, clear PPE rules, and documented procedures.
PPE: employers often provide role-specific PPE; some sites require workers to bring basic items (e.g., safety boots).
Temperature: some packing is in cold areas (food distribution/cold storage).
Breaks: breaks and meal periods follow provincial standards and site policy.
Deductions: statutory deductions apply; other deductions can exist depending on benefits, uniforms, or accommodation (if offered).
Probation: many sites run an initial trial/ramp-up period focused on attendance and accuracy.
Hiring story (role narrative)
Warehouses and production sites hire packers when throughput rises: seasonal peaks, new client contracts,
or tighter dispatch windows. Managers usually value accuracy first (mislabels are expensive), then speed.
A clear CV showing availability, shift flexibility, and any packing/scanning exposure tends to perform well.
The range on this page is shown as gross (before deductions). Net pay depends on statutory deductions and individual circumstances.
Do I need experience to start?
Not always. Many sites train entry-level packers, but you must be reliable, follow instructions, and maintain accuracy at pace.
What shifts are typical for packer roles?
Day, afternoon, and night shifts are common. Rotation and overtime depend on project volume, province, and employer policy.
What documents are usually needed for onboarding?
Identity documents and valid work authorization are required. A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is typically needed for payroll processing. Additional checks depend on site policy.