Residential Cleaner / Housekeeper

As per Employment and Social Development Canada, the federal minimum wage for cleaning staff in federally regulated sectors is $18.65 per hour effective January 1, 2026. This applies to cleaners in airports, railways, and federal buildings. Overtime pay is 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours per week.

As per Job Bank Canada, cleaning staff (NOC 65310) earn low wages of $17.00 per hour, median $19.50, and high wages of $24.00 per hour nationwide in 2026. Full-time workers average 1,730 hours annually, equating to $33,815 yearly at median rate. Wages are higher in urban areas like Toronto at $20.75 median.

As per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, foreign workers need an employer-specific work permit for low-wage cleaning jobs, requiring a positive LMIA costing employers CAD $1,000. Application fee is CAD $155 plus CAD $85 biometrics, with processing averaging 20 weeks for low-wage streams in 2026. Permits are typically issued for up to 2 years.

As per Job Bank Canada, no postsecondary education or certification is required for cleaning staff (NOC 65310); high school completion suffices for 70% of postings. Employers provide 10-20 hours of on-the-job training. Physical fitness to lift 20 kg and reliable transportation are common criteria.