Ontario’s booming commercial and residential sectors are creating unprecedented demand for cleaning professionals in 2025. With hourly wages reaching CAD $20/hour plus overtime, Canadian employers are actively sponsoring foreign workers to fill thousands of positions across Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, and beyond.
From luxury hotels in downtown Toronto to massive industrial facilities in Hamilton, cleaning companies are not only offering competitive wages but also full LMIA sponsorship, accommodation support, and clear pathways to permanent residency. If you’ve been looking for a stable entry into Canada’s job market, the cleaning industry is your golden ticket.
Why Ontario is Desperately Hiring Foreign Cleaning Workers
Several critical factors have created a massive shortage of cleaning professionals across Ontario:
- Post-pandemic hygiene standards → Offices, hospitals, and schools now require enhanced cleaning protocols
- Real estate boom → New condos, commercial buildings, and facilities need maintenance staff
- Aging workforce → Many veteran cleaners are retiring with insufficient local replacements.
- Tourism recovery → Hotels and resorts expanding operations need housekeeping teams
- 24/7 operations → Facilities requiring night shift workers struggle to find local staff.
As a result, Ontario employers are investing heavily in foreign recruitment, covering LMIA fees (CAD $1,000), providing training, and even offering housing assistance to attract international talent.
Salary Breakdown: What Cleaning Professionals Really Earn in Ontario
The CAD $20/hour headline rate tells only part of the story. Here’s what foreign workers actually earn in Ontario’s cleaning sector:
| Position Type | Base Hourly Rate | With Overtime | Annual Income | Top Employers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Cleaner | CAD $17-20/hour | CAD $25.50-30/hour | CAD $35,360-52,000 | GDI Services, Bee-Clean |
| Hospital Environmental Services | CAD $19-23/hour | CAD $28.50-34.50/hour | CAD $39,520-59,800 | Sodexo, Aramark |
| Industrial Cleaning Specialist | CAD $20-25/hour | CAD $30-37.50/hour | CAD $41,600-65,000 | BELFOR, ServiceMaster |
| Hotel Housekeeping | CAD $16-20/hour | CAD $24-30/hour | CAD $33,280-52,000 | Marriott, Hilton, Fairmont |
| Residential Cleaning Lead | CAD $18-22/hour | CAD $27-33/hour | CAD $37,440-57,200 | Molly Maid, The Maids |
Bonus opportunities → Many employers offer performance bonuses ranging from CAD $500-2,000 annually
‘Shift differentials → Night and weekend shifts typically pay 15-20% premium rates
Top Cities in Ontario Hiring Foreign Cleaning Workers
Toronto – Canada’s Cleaning Jobs Capital
Toronto’s skyline isn’t just growing upward; it’s creating thousands of cleaning opportunities. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) hosts corporate headquarters, luxury hotels, and medical facilities all competing for cleaning staff. Average wages: CAD $18-23/hour. Major employers like GDI Integrated Facility Services and Impact Cleaning Services sponsor hundreds of foreign workers annually.
Ottawa – Government & Healthcare Demand
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa’s government buildings, embassies, and healthcare facilities maintain strict cleanliness standards. Federal contracts often pay premium rates, with positions at facilities like The Ottawa Hospital and Parliament Hill offering CAD $20-25/hour plus comprehensive benefits.
Mississauga – Industrial & Commercial Hub
Home to Pearson International Airport and countless warehouses, Mississauga offers unique opportunities in industrial cleaning. Companies like Modern Cleaning Concepts and Hallmark Housekeeping regularly sponsor workers for airport and logistics facility contracts paying CAD $19-24/hour.
Hamilton – Healthcare & Manufacturing
Hamilton’s blend of hospitals and manufacturing plants creates diverse cleaning opportunities. Hamilton Health Sciences and industrial cleaning contractors offer stable employment with wages averaging CAD $18-22/hour, plus extensive overtime during shutdown periods.
London – Educational & Medical Corridor
With Western University and multiple hospitals, London maintains steady demand for cleaning professionals. Educational institutions offer excellent benefits and work-life balance, with wages ranging from CAD $17-21/hour.
Industries Actively Sponsoring Cleaning Workers
1. Healthcare & Hospitals (CAD $19-23/hour)
Ontario’s healthcare system prioritizes hygiene above all else. Hospital cleaning roles offer the highest job security and best benefits in the sector.
Sample Positions:
- Environmental Services Aide (CAD $19-21/hour)
- Operating Room Cleaner (CAD $21-23/hour)
- Isolation Unit Specialist (CAD $22-25/hour)
- Biohazard Cleaning Technician (CAD $23-26/hour)
Actively Hiring:
- University Health Network (Toronto)
- Trillium Health Partners (Mississauga)
- The Ottawa Hospital
- Hamilton Health Sciences
2. Commercial & Office Buildings (CAD $17-20/hour)
Downtown office towers and business parks need reliable cleaning crews for after-hours maintenance.
Sample Positions:
- Night Shift Cleaner (CAD $18-20/hour + shift premium)
- Floor Care Technician (CAD $19-21/hour)
- Day Porter (CAD $17-19/hour)
- Carpet Cleaning Specialist (CAD $20-22/hour)
Major Contractors:
- GDI Integrated Facility Services
- Bee-Clean Building Maintenance
- Dexterra Group
- Compass Group Canada
3. Hotels & Hospitality (CAD $16-20/hour + tips)
Ontario’s rebounding tourism industry desperately needs housekeeping staff, especially in tourist hotspots like Niagara Falls and Toronto.
Sample Positions:
- Room Attendant (CAD $16-18/hour)
- Housekeeping Supervisor (CAD $19-22/hour)
- Laundry Attendant (CAD $17-19/hour)
- Public Area Cleaner (CAD $16-18/hour)
Sponsoring Hotels:
- Fairmont Royal York (Toronto)
- Hilton Toronto
- Marriott Fallsview (Niagara Falls)
- Delta Hotels by Marriott
4. Industrial & Specialized Cleaning (CAD $20-25/hour)
Factory shutdowns, construction cleanups, and specialized industrial cleaning pay premium rates.
High-Paying Specializations:
- Post-Construction Cleanup (CAD $22-25/hour)
- Industrial Equipment Cleaning (CAD $23-26/hour)
- Hazmat Cleaning (CAD $25-30/hour)
- High-Rise Window Cleaning (CAD $24-28/hour)
Visa Pathways for Cleaning Jobs in Ontario
| Visa Program | Processing Time | Requirements | Pathway to PR |
|---|---|---|---|
| TFWP (LMIA) | 2-4 months | Job offer, basic English/French | Yes, through PNP |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 6-8 months | 1 year experience in Ontario | Direct PR pathway |
| Rural & Northern Stream | 4-6 months | Job in smaller Ontario communities | Accelerated PR |
| Francophone Stream | 3-5 months | French language skills | Priority processing |
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Language Preparation → Achieve CLB 4 minimum (basic English or French)
2. Document Collection → Police clearances, education credentials, work references
3. Job Search → Apply directly to employers offering LMIA sponsorship
4. Interview Success → Video interviews common, emphasize reliability and work ethic
5. LMIA Processing → Employer handles application (8-12 weeks)
6. Work Permit Application → Submit within 2 weeks of LMIA approval
7. Arrival & Onboarding → Many employers provide initial accommodation
Hidden Benefits Beyond the Hourly Wage for Cleaning Jobs
- Free training and certification programs worth CAD $500-2,000
- Extended health benefits including dental and vision
- Paid sick days (typically 5-10 annually)
- Vacation pay (minimum 4% of earnings)
- Transportation allowances or shuttle services for night shifts
- Uniform provision and cleaning
- WSIB coverage for workplace injuries
- Overtime opportunities during peak seasons can boost income by 30-40%
Requirements & Qualifications for Cleaning Jobs
Unlike many visa sponsorship programs, cleaning positions have accessible entry requirements:
Essential Requirements:
- High school completion preferred (not always mandatory)
- Basic English OR French (CLB Level 4)
- Physical ability to stand, bend, and lift up to 25 lbs
- Clean criminal record check
- Valid passport
Assets That Increase Hiring Chances:
- Previous cleaning or hospitality experience
- WHMIS certification
- First Aid/CPR certification
- Driver’s license (for supervisor roles)
- Flexibility for various shifts
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I really earn CAD $20/hour from cleaning jobs in Ontario?
Yes. While entry-level positions start around CAD $16-17/hour, experienced cleaners, specialized roles, and positions with shift premiums regularly reach CAD $20/hour. Hospital and industrial cleaning positions consistently pay at the higher end.
2. Which companies are most likely to sponsor foreign workers?
Large facility management companies like GDI Services, Bee-Clean, Dexterra, and Aramark have established LMIA processes. Healthcare networks and major hotels also regularly sponsor foreign workers.
3. How quickly can I bring my family to Canada?
Once you receive your work permit, your spouse can apply for an open work permit, and children can attend school. After 12 months of work, you may qualify for Provincial Nominee Program leading to permanent residency for your entire family.
4. Is accommodation provided?
Some employers, particularly in remote locations or for positions with staff shortages, offer temporary accommodation or housing allowances ranging from CAD $200-500/month for the first 3-6 months.
5. What are actual living costs in Ontario?
Budget approximately CAD $1,200-1,800/month for basic expenses including shared accommodation (CAD $600-900), food (CAD $300-400), transportation (CAD $150), and miscellaneous expenses.
6. Can cleaning jobs lead to permanent residency?
Absolutely. After 12 months of full-time work in Ontario, you become eligible for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) under various streams, providing a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Why 2025 is Your Year to Apply
Ontario’s cleaning industry is experiencing a perfect storm of opportunity. Post-pandemic hygiene protocols are now permanent, immigration targets are at historic highs, and the labor shortage shows no signs of slowing. Employers who previously hired only locally are now investing thousands in foreign recruitment.
With wages climbing toward CAD $20/hour, comprehensive benefits, and genuine pathways to permanent residency, cleaning positions offer something invaluable: a legitimate entry point to building your Canadian dream.
The question isn’t whether opportunities exist – they’re everywhere from Toronto’s gleaming towers to Ottawa’s government complexes. The question is whether you’re ready to take that first step.