The best side hustles for tradespeople in Canada turn tools and skills you already have into small jobs homeowners struggle to fill: handyman repairs, seasonal outdoor work, pressure washing, and furniture refinishing. Some tradespeople teach online instead. The Canadian rule to know is that some trades are compulsory. In Ontario, for example, you need a certificate of qualification, a provisional certificate, or a registered apprenticeship to do compulsory-trade work, even on a weekend job.
This page is part of the side hustles by skill series. The main beginner guide is handyman work, with first handyman clients and handyman pricing. For finding jobs on apps, see odd-job apps.
| Trade skill | Side hustle | Beginner guide |
|---|---|---|
| General repairs | Handyman jobs | Handyman |
| Equipment and outdoor work | Snow removal, lawn care | Snow removal |
| Exterior cleaning | Pressure washing | Pressure washing |
| Finishing and woodwork | Furniture flipping | Furniture flipping |
| Teaching apprentices | Online courses or YouTube | Online courses |
What are the best side hustles for tradespeople in Canada?
The best side hustles for tradespeople in Canada stay inside work you’re allowed to do privately and use tools you already own. The groups below follow that logic.
Handyman and odd jobs
Small repairs, mounting, assembly, and patching are in steady demand. Handyman work covers setup, and handyman tools lists what you might still need. Apps are covered in TaskRabbit vs Kijiji vs Facebook. Keep work that falls inside a compulsory trade’s scope for when you’re authorized for it.
Seasonal outdoor work
Snow removal, lawn care, Christmas light installation, and fall leaf cleanup use a truck and equipment many tradespeople already have.
Exterior cleaning and hauling
Pressure washing, window cleaning, junk removal, and moving help all reward people comfortable with physical work and equipment. Work at heights carries extra risk, so check insurance first.
Making and teaching
Carpenters and finishers can try furniture flipping. Experienced trades can teach through online courses or a YouTube channel.
Which trade rules apply to side jobs in Canada?
Trade rules are provincial. Ontario’s compulsory trades page is a clear example:
- 144 prescribed trades, 23 compulsory. Compulsory trades include electrician (construction and maintenance, and domestic and rural), plumber, hairstylist, and automotive service technician.
- Authorization. To work in a compulsory trade, you must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification or Provisional Certificate of Qualification in that trade, or be an apprentice under a valid registered training agreement. Exemptions are set out in regulation.
- Scope of practice. Each trade’s scope is set by regulation, so the work you can do privately depends on your certificate.
Other provinces have their own compulsory and voluntary trades lists. Electrical, gas, and plumbing work can also need permits or licensed contractors, so check before quoting.
Your employer may have rules too. The federal conflict-of-interest FAQ for public servants is one example: outside work should be on your own time and not use the employer’s property. Private employers and unions may restrict side work for the company’s customers or the use of company vehicles and tools, so read your agreement.
How should tradespeople price side jobs?
Quote by the job where you can, include materials separately, and build in travel time. The handyman pricing guide explains the approach.
Illustrative example
Assumed numbers, not market rates: a tradesperson quotes a weekend job at an assumed 4 hours at $70 per hour plus $120 in materials, and drives an assumed 30 km round trip.
- Labour: 4 × $70 = $280
- Total invoice: $280 + $120 = $400
- After materials: $400 − $120 = $280, before vehicle costs and tax
What mistakes do tradespeople make with side jobs?
- Doing compulsory-trade work without authorization. Check your certificate and scope.
- Skipping permits. Some jobs need them even when they’re small.
- Using your employer’s truck or tools. Ask first, in writing.
- No liability insurance. Property damage claims can be large.
- Cash jobs without records. All income is taxable.
How is a trades side hustle taxed in Canada?
Report it on Form T2125. Tools, materials, and the business share of vehicle costs can be deductible; see side hustle expense deductions and record keeping. If net self-employment earnings exceed $3,500, you generally pay both halves of CPP contributions outside Quebec. Register for GST/HST once you pass the $30,000 small-supplier threshold. A sturdy tool bag from Amazon.ca TODO-AFFILIATE keeps side-job tools separate from work kit.
This is not tax, legal, or insurance advice.
Which guides sit next to side hustles for tradespeople in Canada?
Handyman startup costs, snow removal pricing, pressure washing tools, and side hustles for retired professionals. If you book jobs through an app, read the TaskRabbit review. For the admin side, see side hustle insurance, mileage logs, and invoicing clients.
What are the common questions?
Can I do electrical or plumbing side jobs without a licence?
Not in compulsory trades. In Ontario, electricians and plumbers are compulsory trades, and you must hold a Certificate of Qualification, a provisional certificate, or be a registered apprentice to work in them. Other provinces have their own rules.
How many compulsory trades are there in Ontario?
Ontario says 23 of its 144 prescribed skilled trades are compulsory, including electrician, plumber, hairstylist and automotive service technician.
What's the best side hustle for a tradesperson?
Handyman work within your authorized scope is the most direct fit. Seasonal work like snow removal, pressure washing, and furniture flipping also uses existing tools.
Can I use my employer's truck for side jobs?
Only with permission. Employers may restrict use of company vehicles and tools, and conflict-of-interest policies generally require outside work to be on your own time and with your own equipment.
Are tools deductible for a trades side hustle?
Tools and materials used to earn self-employment income can be deductible on Form T2125, with larger items depreciated through capital cost allowance. Keep receipts.
Which sources support this guide?
The rules, rates, and platform requirements in this guide are checked against these primary sources. Retail price ranges are labelled as ranges to verify locally, and they are not quotes.
- Compulsory trades and enforcement — Government of Ontario
- Frequently asked questions: Directive on Conflict of Interest — Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
- Form T2125, Statement of Business or Professional Activities — Canada Revenue Agency
- Contributions to the Canada Pension Plan — Government of Canada
- When to register for and start charging the GST/HST — Canada Revenue Agency