International students in Canada and the United States often rely on part-time work to support tuition and living expenses. Both countries allow students to work under specific visa rules, but hourly pay rates vary depending on job type, location, and employer. This 2025 guide provides an updated list of average hourly wages for international students in both Canada and the U.S., covering on-campus jobs, part-time roles, and internships.
Work Regulations Overview
| Country | Work Limitations During Study | Full-Time Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 20 hours/week during semesters (with pilot policies temporarily allowing more) | Full-time during scheduled breaks (summer, winter) |
| U.S. | 20 hours/week on-campus (off-campus only with CPT authorization) | Full-time during breaks; OPT available post-graduation |
Average Hourly Pay in Canada (2025)
International students in Canada benefit from strong labor protections and higher provincial minimum wages compared to many U.S. states.
| Job Type | Average Hourly Pay (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Library Assistant | $16 – $22 | Quiet, flexible, student-friendly environment |
| Teaching Assistant (TA) | $20 – $30 | Best for graduate students; builds academic CV |
| Research Assistant (RA) | $18 – $28 | Common in STEM and social sciences |
| Tutoring | $20 – $40 | Private tutoring in math, science, or languages is highly paid |
| Retail/Sales Associate | $15 – $21 | Flexible scheduling, common for undergraduates |
| Food Service (Barista, Server) | $15 – $25 (with tips) | Tips can significantly boost earnings |
| Delivery Driver (Uber Eats, DoorDash) | $18 – $28 | Requires a valid driver’s license |
| IT Support | $18 – $25 | Ideal for computer science students |
Average Hourly Pay in the U.S. (2025)
The U.S. offers many on-campus roles and high-paying CPT/OPT internships, though hourly pay depends heavily on state minimum wages and industry demand.
| Job Type | Average Hourly Pay (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Library Assistant | $13 – $18 | Common on-campus job with steady hours |
| Teaching Assistant (TA) | $14 – $22 | Includes tuition discounts for some roles |
| Research Assistant (RA) | $15 – $25 | Highly competitive, valuable for grad students |
| Tutoring | $15 – $30 | High demand in math, sciences, and languages |
| Retail/Sales Associate | $12 – $18 | Wages depend on state minimum pay |
| Food Service (Barista, Server) | $12 – $20 (tips may increase to $25+) | Popular among undergraduates |
| IT Support | $15 – $22 | Campus computer labs and tech offices hire frequently |
| CPT Internships (Tech, Finance) | $20 – $45 | Industry-driven roles, often highly paid |
Comparing Pay Rates in Canada and the U.S.
While hourly pay is similar in many fields, Canada’s higher minimum wages often make low-skilled part-time jobs more profitable. The U.S., however, excels in high-paying CPT internships and OPT career opportunities after graduation.
| Job Type | Canada (CAD/hour) | USA (USD/hour) |
|---|---|---|
| Tutoring | $20 – $40 | $15 – $30 |
| Research Assistant | $18 – $28 | $15 – $25 |
| Retail/Sales | $15 – $21 | $12 – $18 |
| Food Service | $15 – $25 (tips included) | $12 – $20 (tips included) |
| IT Support | $18 – $25 | $15 – $22 |
| Internships (Tech/Finance) | $20 – $35 | $20 – $45 |
Tips to Maximize Earnings as an International Student
- Apply early for on-campus jobs through university portals.
- Leverage tutoring and bilingual skills for higher hourly pay.
- Target CPT internships in tech, finance, or engineering in the U.S. for higher salaries.
- Consider cost of living—high wages in New York or Toronto may be offset by expenses.
- Focus on jobs that align with your future career for long-term benefits.
Conclusion
In 2025, international students in both Canada and the U.S. can earn $15–$30 per hour in common part-time roles such as tutoring, campus jobs, and IT support. Canada offers slightly higher baseline wages thanks to provincial laws, while the U.S. provides more lucrative CPT and OPT internships in industries like technology and finance. Choosing between the two countries depends on whether students prioritize steady part-time income (Canada) or career-building internships (U.S.).