Canada continues to attract professional truck drivers because its transportation and logistics industry depends on thousands of drivers to move goods across provinces and between Canada and the United States.
For international applicants, Canada truck driver jobs can be particularly interesting because transport truck driving is classified under NOC 73300, and Canadian employers have used the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to recruit foreign truck drivers.
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In 2025, approximately 4,500 LMIA positions were approved for transport truck drivers under NOC 73300, according to Canadian government information. This followed approximately 8,100 approved positions in 2024.
There are also thousands of truck-driver vacancies advertised through Canada’s official Job Bank. At the time of checking, Job Bank showed roughly 2,000 transport truck driver jobs across Canada.
However, international applicants should understand an important distinction: finding a truck-driving vacancy is not the same as automatically receiving a Canadian work permit.
A foreign driver generally needs a qualifying employer, the appropriate work authorization and the required Canadian driving credentials.
This guide explains Canadian truck driver salaries, NOC 73300, LMIA sponsorship, requirements, provinces with opportunities, how foreign drivers can apply and how to avoid recruitment scams.
What Is NOC 73300?
NOC 73300 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Transport truck drivers.
The occupation covers drivers who operate heavy trucks to transport goods over local, regional, national and international routes.
Depending on the position, a truck driver may transport:
- Food
- Machinery
- Construction materials
- Manufactured products
- Agricultural products
- Fuel
- Refrigerated goods
- Industrial materials
- General freight
- Other commercial cargo
Long-haul drivers may travel thousands of kilometres across Canada and sometimes cross into the United States.
How Much Do Truck Drivers Earn in Canada?
Truck-driver salaries vary considerably depending on the province, employer, experience, route and type of vehicle.
Canada’s Job Bank currently reports national wages for transport truck drivers of approximately:
| Wage level | Hourly pay |
|---|---|
| Low | $19.45 |
| Median | $26.42 |
| High | $37.00 |
The figures are national wage data published by Job Bank.
Some current vacancies advertise significantly more than the national median.
For example, recent Job Bank listings have included truck-driving positions paying around $36 to $40 per hour, while other long-haul positions advertise approximately $31 to $37 per hour.
At $37 per hour, a driver working 40 hours per week for 52 weeks would have gross annual earnings of about $77,000 before taxes and other deductions.
However, this should not be interpreted as a guaranteed truck-driver salary.
Actual earnings depend on the employment contract and working schedule.
Can Truck Drivers Earn $70,000 or More?
Yes, some experienced truck drivers can reach or exceed $70,000 per year.
The possibility becomes more realistic where the job pays a higher hourly rate, includes overtime or involves long-haul work.
For example, a position paying $36.50 per hour at 40 hours per week would produce approximately $75,920 in gross annual wages before overtime and deductions.
A current Job Bank listing in the Edmonton region advertised a long-haul truck-driver position at $36.50 per hour.
Another recent Job Bank search showed vacancies paying $38 to $40 per hour in Ontario.
Therefore, “$70,000+” can be a useful search angle for experienced drivers, but applicants should always check the actual job posting.
Why Canada Needs Truck Drivers
Canada has a large geography and relies heavily on road transportation.
Truck drivers move products between:
- Warehouses
- Distribution centres
- Farms
- Factories
- Retail stores
- Construction sites
- Ports
- Airports
- Border crossings
The transportation and warehousing sector accounts for a significant share of employment in the occupation.
Job Bank’s regional outlook information shows that truck-driving employment remains important across multiple Canadian regions, with some areas rated Good for the 2025–2027 period.
Can Foreigners Get Truck Driver Jobs in Canada?
Yes, foreign nationals can potentially work as truck drivers in Canada if they obtain the appropriate work authorization and meet the employment requirements.
Canada has used the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to recruit transport truck drivers.
Government information shows that approximately 4,500 LMIA positions for NOC 73300 were approved in 2025.
This does not mean that every truck-driver vacancy is available to foreign workers.
An employer must follow the applicable immigration process, and the worker must qualify for the relevant work permit.
What Is an LMIA?
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment.
It is an assessment used in Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program to determine whether hiring a foreign worker is justified under the programme.
For an employer-specific work permit supported by an LMIA, the employer generally needs to obtain a positive LMIA before the foreign worker applies for the work permit.
Canada explains that the LMIA process is designed to assess the impact of hiring a temporary foreign worker on the Canadian labour market.
The employer, rather than the worker, applies for the LMIA.
The government provides an online system through which eligible employers can submit LMIA applications.
Does Every Canadian Truck Driver Job Require an LMIA?
No.
The immigration requirements depend on the specific situation.
Some jobs may be supported by an LMIA, while other work permits can be LMIA-exempt under particular immigration programmes.
For example, Canada’s Francophone Mobility work permit can allow eligible employers to hire certain French-speaking foreign workers without an LMIA when the requirements are met.
Therefore, international applicants should not assume that every Canadian truck-driver job uses the same immigration route.
What Does LMIA Sponsorship Mean for a Truck Driver?
When people search for “Canada truck driver jobs with LMIA sponsorship,” they are generally looking for an employer that is prepared to recruit a foreign worker and complete the applicable LMIA process.
The basic arrangement can look like this:
Canadian employer
↓
Job offer
↓
Employer applies for LMIA where required
↓
Positive LMIA
↓
Foreign worker applies for work permit
↓
Worker receives immigration decision
The employer and worker each have responsibilities.
A positive LMIA does not itself give the worker permission to work in Canada.
The worker still needs the appropriate work authorization.
Truck Driver Requirements in Canada
Requirements can vary by employer and province.
However, Job Bank identifies several typical requirements for transport truck drivers.
Depending on the position, applicants may need:
- Secondary school education
- Appropriate driver’s licence
- Air brake endorsement
- On-the-job training
- Previous driving experience
- Additional certification for specialised cargo
- Medical fitness where required
- Good driving record
The exact licence classification depends on the province and the type of truck.
Job Bank provides the occupation’s general requirements and should be checked alongside the licensing authority for the province where you plan to work.
Do Foreign Truck Drivers Need a Canadian Licence?
This is an important issue.
Having a commercial driving licence from Nigeria, Ghana, India, the Philippines or another country does not automatically mean you can operate every type of commercial truck in Canada.
Canadian driving licences are administered provincially and territorially.
Therefore, an overseas driver should investigate the licence requirements in the province where the employer is located.
You may need to:
- Exchange a licence where eligible
- Complete knowledge tests
- Complete road tests
- Obtain the appropriate commercial licence
- Obtain an air-brake endorsement
- Complete additional training
The exact process varies by province.
Provinces With Truck Driver Opportunities
Truck-driving vacancies exist across Canada.
Some provinces and regions have particularly large transportation industries.
Ontario
Ontario is Canada’s largest provincial economy and has a substantial logistics and transportation sector.
Job Bank regularly lists truck-driving positions in areas such as:
- Toronto
- Brampton
- Mississauga
- Cambridge
- Hamilton
- Windsor
- Ottawa
- London
Job Bank’s current listings include Ontario vacancies with advertised wages reaching approximately $38 to $40 per hour in some cases.
Alberta
Alberta has a major transportation, construction, energy and resource economy.
Truck drivers can find work in:
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Red Deer
- Fort McMurray
- Other regional centres
Job Bank has recently listed long-haul truck-driving vacancies in the Edmonton region at around $36.50 per hour.
British Columbia
British Columbia has important transportation links through Vancouver and other parts of the province.
Long-haul and local transport jobs can be found across the province.
Job Bank currently reports a median wage around $29 per hour for the Lower Mainland–Southwest region.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has major agricultural, resource and transportation industries.
Truck drivers may transport:
- Grain
- Agricultural products
- Equipment
- Construction materials
- Industrial goods
Job Bank’s outlook information identifies several Saskatchewan regions where the employment outlook for transport truck drivers is rated Good for 2025–2027.
Manitoba
Manitoba’s location makes it important for transportation between western and eastern Canada.
Winnipeg is a major transportation and distribution centre.
Truck drivers can find opportunities in long-haul and regional transportation.
Long-Haul Truck Driver Jobs in Canada
Long-haul driving is one of the most visible areas of the Canadian trucking industry.
Long-haul drivers can travel between provinces and may spend several days on the road.
Typical duties include:
- Inspecting the truck
- Planning routes
- Loading and securing cargo
- Completing paperwork
- Driving long distances
- Communicating with dispatchers
- Maintaining delivery records
- Following safety requirements
- Managing delivery schedules
Some long-haul jobs can provide higher earnings than local positions, particularly when overtime, mileage or other compensation is included.
Class 1 Truck Driver Jobs
The terminology for commercial driving licences varies between provinces.
In several provinces, the licence required to operate large tractor-trailer combinations is commonly referred to as Class 1.
For example, employers may advertise:
Class 1 driver
Class 1 truck driver
Class 1A driver
Applicants should check the specific provincial licensing requirements rather than assuming that every province uses identical terminology.
Truck Driver Jobs With LMIA
LMIA-supported trucking jobs can be especially relevant to foreign workers.
However, not every employer is willing or able to complete an LMIA application.
The employer has to satisfy the government’s requirements.
Canada’s government reported approximately 8,101 LMIA positions approved for transport truck drivers in 2024 and approximately 3,526 approved positions from January through September 2025.
The 2025 full-year figure was approximately 4,500 approved positions.
This demonstrates that LMIA recruitment has been used significantly in the trucking sector, but it should not be interpreted as a promise that every applicant will receive sponsorship.
How to Find Canada Truck Driver Jobs
The best starting point is Canada’s official Job Bank.
Job Bank currently contains a large number of transport truck driver vacancies under NOC 73300.
You can search using terms such as:
- Truck driver
- Transport truck driver
- Long-haul truck driver
- Class 1 driver
- Tractor-trailer driver
- Heavy truck driver
- Delivery truck driver
- Flatbed truck driver
- Tanker truck driver
You can also filter vacancies based on location, salary and other job characteristics.
How to Find LMIA Truck Driver Jobs
Finding an LMIA job requires more than searching for “truck driver Canada.”
Try more specific searches such as:
truck driver LMIA Canada
transport truck driver LMIA
long haul truck driver LMIA
Class 1 driver LMIA
truck driver jobs Canada foreign workers
NOC 73300 LMIA jobs
Then read the vacancy carefully.
Some job postings explicitly identify whether an LMIA has been requested or whether the employer is recruiting temporary foreign workers.
For example, Job Bank has published truck-driver vacancies indicating that an LMIA has been requested.
What Does “LMIA Requested” Mean?
This phrase should not be misunderstood.
If a job advertisement says LMIA requested, it does not necessarily mean that the employer already has a positive LMIA.
It can mean the employer has requested or is pursuing the LMIA process.
A positive LMIA is different from an application that is merely in progress.
Foreign applicants should therefore ask the employer about the actual status of the process.
Can a Truck Driver Apply for Permanent Residence?
Potentially, yes.
Working in Canada as a truck driver can contribute to eligibility for certain permanent-residence programmes, depending on the worker’s circumstances.
Possible pathways can include:
- Provincial Nominee Programmes
- Express Entry-related programmes
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Other economic immigration options
The correct programme depends on factors such as:
- Province
- Work experience
- Language ability
- Education
- Age
- Job offer
- Immigration status
For example, the Atlantic Immigration Program requires qualifying work experience, education and language requirements, among other conditions, and includes a designated-employer job-offer component.
A truck-driving job does not automatically result in permanent residence.
Can a Truck Driver Bring a Family to Canada?
Family options depend on the worker’s immigration status and the current rules.
Spouses or partners and dependent children may qualify for immigration or work/study permissions in certain circumstances.
However, applicants should check the current family-member eligibility rules for their exact work permit and occupation.
Canada’s rules can change, so applicants should not rely on an old social-media post or recruitment advertisement.
How to Apply for a Canada Truck Driver Job
Step 1: Check your driving experience
Determine the types of commercial vehicles you have operated.
Include:
- Truck type
- Years of experience
- Long-haul experience
- International driving
- Accident record
- Safety record
Step 2: Prepare your CV
Your CV should clearly show:
- Driving licence
- Years of experience
- Previous employers
- Vehicle types
- Cargo experience
- Long-distance routes
- Certifications
- Contact information
Step 3: Search Job Bank
Use Canada’s official Job Bank to identify current vacancies.
Step 4: Check whether foreign workers are accepted
Read the job posting carefully.
Look for information about:
- LMIA
- Temporary foreign workers
- Work permit
- Recruitment from outside Canada
- Relocation assistance
Step 5: Apply directly
Follow the employer’s application instructions.
Step 6: Verify the employer
Check that the company is real.
Look for:
- Official website
- Business information
- Physical address
- Company registration
- Genuine job posting
- Contact details
Step 7: Discuss immigration support
If you are outside Canada, ask whether the employer is prepared to support an LMIA or another appropriate work-permit process.
Step 8: Apply for the work permit
If an LMIA is required and approved, the worker can then proceed with the appropriate work-permit application.
What Should Be on a Truck Driver CV?
A strong truck-driver CV should make your experience easy to understand.
Include a professional summary such as:
Experienced long-haul truck driver with X years of commercial driving experience, a clean driving record and experience operating heavy vehicles across long-distance routes.
Then list your:
- Driving experience
- Licence
- Vehicle types
- Safety record
- Cargo experience
- Previous employers
- Professional certifications
- Education
- References
If you have experience with refrigerated trucks, tankers, flatbeds or other specialist equipment, mention it.
Can You Get a Truck Driver Job Without Experience?
Some employers provide training.
Job Bank currently includes truck-driver postings where the employer indicates that experience may not be required and training may be provided.
However, foreign applicants seeking immigration sponsorship should not assume that an entry-level vacancy will automatically qualify for a work permit.
An employer may prefer experienced drivers because of the additional recruitment and immigration responsibilities involved in hiring from abroad.
Canada Truck Driver Jobs for Nigerians
Nigerian truck drivers with commercial driving experience can investigate Canadian opportunities, but they need to prepare carefully.
Before applying, consider:
- Your driving experience
- Your licence
- Your education
- Your English ability
- Your work history
- Your driving record
- Your ability to meet Canadian licensing requirements
- Whether the employer recruits foreign workers
- Whether an LMIA is required
Do not send money to someone simply because they claim to have a Canadian trucking vacancy.
Verify the company and job independently.
Canada Truck Driver Job Scams
The popularity of Canadian immigration has created opportunities for scammers.
A fake recruiter might advertise:
“Canada truck driver job – $90,000 salary – free visa – guaranteed PR.”
This should immediately raise concerns.
No legitimate recruiter can guarantee that Canada’s immigration authorities will approve your application.
Warning signs include:
- Guaranteed permanent residence
- Guaranteed visa
- Extremely high salary with no experience
- Large upfront recruitment fee
- No interview
- Fake LMIA certificate
- Fake employment letter
- Personal bank account for payment
- Pressure to pay immediately
- Recruiter refusing to identify the employer
Always verify the vacancy through reliable sources.
Do You Pay for an LMIA?
Applicants should be particularly careful here.
The LMIA is an employer-side process.
Canada’s LMIA application system is designed for employers, and eligible employers submit applications to Service Canada.
A recruiter should not simply tell you:
“Pay me $20,000 and I will sell you an LMIA.”
That is a major warning sign.
If an employer is genuinely recruiting a foreign worker, the employment and immigration process should be transparent.
What Is the Difference Between LMIA and a Work Permit?
They are not the same thing.
An LMIA is an assessment involving the employer and the labour market.
A work permit is the immigration document that authorizes the foreign national to work in Canada under the applicable conditions.
A simplified example is:
Employer needs foreign worker
↓
Employer applies for LMIA if required
↓
Positive LMIA
↓
Worker applies for work permit
↓
IRCC assesses worker
↓
Work permit decision
The exact process can vary depending on the immigration category.
Is Canada Good for Truck Drivers?
Canada can be an attractive destination for experienced truck drivers because of its large geography, extensive road transportation network and continued demand for commercial transportation.
The current Job Bank data shows thousands of transport truck driver vacancies across the country.
Some regions also have favourable employment outlooks.
For example, Job Bank currently rates the outlook as Good for transport truck drivers in several Saskatchewan regions, while other areas have Moderate or Limited outlooks.
This means applicants should look beyond Toronto and Vancouver.
Smaller cities and provinces can sometimes offer opportunities with less competition.
Best Places to Search for Truck Driver Jobs
Consider searching in:
- Ontario
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- British Columbia
- Atlantic provinces
Do not limit your search to one city.
The trucking industry is national, and long-haul drivers can work from locations outside Canada’s largest metropolitan areas.
Final Thoughts
Canada remains an important destination for professional truck drivers, and the country’s official employment data shows substantial demand for transport truck drivers under NOC 73300.
Job Bank currently lists roughly 2,000 truck-driver vacancies across Canada, while recent vacancies have advertised wages of more than $35 per hour and some reaching approximately $40 per hour.
For foreign workers, the LMIA system is particularly important.
Canada approved approximately 4,500 LMIA positions for transport truck drivers in 2025, demonstrating that employers have continued to use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to recruit drivers from abroad.
However, an LMIA is not the same as a work permit, and an advertisement mentioning “LMIA” does not guarantee immigration approval.
The safest approach is to start with genuine jobs.
Find a real Canadian employer, verify the vacancy, understand the driving-licence requirements, determine whether an LMIA is required, and then follow Canada’s official immigration process.
For anyone outside Canada, especially applicants from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, India, and the Philippines, this distinction can prevent expensive mistakes.
A genuine truck-driving opportunity should involve a real employer, a real job, and a transparent immigration process.
Read more: Highest Paying Jobs in Canada 2026: $100k+ Careers Nobody Talks About
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do truck drivers make in Canada?
Job Bank currently reports national wages of approximately $19.45 to $37 per hour, with a median of $26.42 per hour. Some individual job advertisements offer higher rates.
Can truck drivers make $70,000 a year in Canada?
Yes. Some experienced drivers can reach or exceed $70,000, particularly where wages, overtime or long-haul compensation are higher. Recent Job Bank postings have included rates around $36–$40 per hour.
What is NOC 73300?
NOC 73300 is the Canadian occupational classification for transport truck drivers.
Can foreigners get truck driver jobs in Canada?
Yes, provided they obtain the appropriate work authorization and meet Canadian employment and licensing requirements.
Does Canada sponsor truck drivers?
Canadian employers can recruit foreign truck drivers through immigration programmes such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program when the applicable requirements are satisfied. Government data shows thousands of LMIA positions have been approved for NOC 73300.
What is LMIA?
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment. It is an employer-side assessment used in Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program for applicable positions.
Does an LMIA guarantee a work permit?
No. A positive LMIA does not itself give a foreign worker authorization to work in Canada. The worker must complete the applicable work-permit process.
Can I apply for a Canadian truck driver job from Nigeria?
Yes, you can apply for vacancies from outside Canada, but you must find an employer willing to recruit you and then satisfy the relevant work-permit and licensing requirements.
Do I need a Canadian truck licence?
Foreign commercial drivers need to meet the licensing requirements applicable in the province where they will work. A foreign licence does not automatically give unrestricted permission to operate every Canadian commercial vehicle.
Which provinces hire truck drivers?
Truck-driver vacancies can be found across Canada, including Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia. The number of vacancies and employment outlook varies by region.
Can truck driving lead to permanent residence?
Potentially. Depending on your circumstances, Canadian work experience may contribute to eligibility under certain permanent-residence programmes, but there is no automatic pathway from a truck-driver job to permanent residence.
How can I avoid Canadian truck-driver job scams?
Verify the employer, check the vacancy through reliable sources such as Job Bank, never pay someone for a “guaranteed visa,” and be suspicious of anyone promising guaranteed LMIA approval or permanent residence.