server - food and beverage services

According to Government of Canada Job Bank data for 2026, restaurant cooks earn a low wage of $17.00 per hour, median wage of $21.00 per hour, and high wage of $29.00 per hour nationally. Tips and shift differentials can increase earnings by up to 25% in urban areas like Toronto and Vancouver. These figures account for 4% annual CPI adjustments from 2024 baselines.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour sets the minimum wage for liquor servers at $12.10 per hour plus tips as of January 1, 2026, while general restaurant workers earn $18.50 per hour. Tips must be shared as per employer policy, with records kept for 3 years. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the rate after 44 hours per week.

Foreign workers require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) costing employers $1,000 per position, with processing times of 10-20 business days for low-wage restaurant roles under $29.50 per hour. Exemptions apply for intra-company transfers or IEC working holiday visas up to age 35 from 35 countries. Apply via IRCC portal with job offer letter and proof of qualifications.

No post-secondary education is required; a high school diploma is sufficient for 70% of postings, with on-the-job training provided for 2-4 weeks. Previous customer service experience of 6-12 months is preferred by 60% of employers. Minimum age is 15 years for non-hazardous roles under provincial standards.