Transportation

How to Become a Mover in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

by Occupations.ca Team
12 min read

Are you someone who likes to stay active, help people on important days, and work on a team that gets real results by the end of the shift? If yes, working as a mover in Ontario could be a strong fit for you. As a mover, you Support families, students, seniors, and businesses during some of their biggest transitions—packing, lifting, driving, and setting up their new space. This guide walks you through what the job is like, how to qualify, what you can earn, and where this career can take you in Ontario.

Job Description
What movers do in Ontario
Movers pack, load, transport, and unload residential or commercial goods. Depending on the company, you may work as:

  • A non-driving mover (crew member/packer)
  • A driver (local straight truck or long-haul tractor-trailer)
  • A specialized mover (pianos, safes, art, lab equipment, offices)

You work indoors and outdoors, in all seasons, often starting early in the morning. Most movers are employed by moving companies (local and long-distance), office moving specialists, or institutions (universities, hospitals, government) that relocate equipment and furniture.

Daily work activities

  • Meet at the yard or job site, review the work order, and inspect tools, blankets, straps, dollies, and the truck.
  • Walk through the site with the customer and crew lead; note fragile or high-value items.
  • Wrap and protect furniture (blankets, shrink wrap, corner protectors).
  • Safely lift, carry, and maneuver items through tight spaces, stairs, elevators, and loading docks.
  • Disassemble and reassemble furniture (beds, desks, modular office systems).
  • Load the truck tightly and safely, using straps, mats, and load bars; document inventory.
  • Drive to the new location if you’re the driver (follow routes, obey hours-of-service rules if applicable).
  • Unload, place items where the customer wants them, and remove protection materials.
  • Complete paperwork (inventory, bills of lading), collect payment if required, and debrief with dispatch.

Main tasks

  • Pack household or office contents with proper materials and labelling.
  • Protect and move furniture and appliances without damage.
  • Operate moving equipment: two-wheel dollies, four-wheel dollies, appliance dollies, piano boards, ramps, liftgates, and moving straps.
  • Plan safe lift paths; use team lifts and mechanical aids.
  • Load and secure cargo inside trucks according to best practices.
  • Drive (if licensed and assigned) and complete pre-trip inspections.
  • Provide clear, respectful Customer Service throughout the move.
  • Follow workplace Safety rules (WHMIS, ergonomics, PPE).
  • Complete documentation and follow company policies.

Required Education
Diplomas and certifications
Most mover roles have a low formal education barrier, which makes this a good entry point into the transport sector. Here’s what employers in Ontario typically ask for:

  • High school diploma (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) — preferred for many roles.
  • Valid Ontario driver’s licence:
    • G-Class: for cars, vans, and some smaller cube vans.
    • D-Class: often required for 5-ton straight trucks used in moving.
    • AZ-Class: for tractor-trailers used in long-haul or specialized moves.
  • Z air brake endorsement: usually required for D- or A-class vehicles with air brakes.
  • Safety Training/certificates that give you an edge:
    • WHMIS (hazard Information and safe handling)
    • Occupational health and safety awareness (mandatory basic training)
    • First Aid & CPR
    • Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) if your employer handles regulated goods
    • Safe lifting/ergonomics and Material Handling
    • Forklift certification (useful if the company has a Warehouse)

Licensing notes (Ontario):

Length of studies

  • On-the-job training for non-driving movers: typically 1–4 weeks to get comfortable with packing, padding, carrying, and loading techniques.
  • WHMIS and basic safety: a few hours to 1 day.
  • First Aid & CPR: 1–2 days, depending on level.
  • D-Class licence training: varies; many trainees prepare over 1–4 weeks, depending on experience and whether a Z endorsement is also needed.
  • AZ-Class licence (Mandatory Entry-Level Training, MELT): a minimum of 103.5 hours of Instruction, plus road test Scheduling and practice time.
  • Forklift certification: often 1–2 days.
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Where to study? (Ontario examples)
Commercial Driver Training (D, AZ) — Private career colleges recognized in Ontario:

Safety and Compliance training:

Regulatory information (useful for drivers and employers):

Tip: You do not need a college or university degree to start as a mover. However, completing safety training and earning a D or AZ licence significantly improves your job options and pay in Ontario.

Salary and Working Conditions
Pay ranges in Ontario
Pay varies by city, company size, union status, and whether you drive. Tips can be a significant part of your income during busy seasons.

  • Non-driving mover (entry): about $16–$20 per hour. With experience, $20–$25+.
  • Crew lead/Foreman: about $22–$28+ per hour.
  • Local mover with D + Z licence (straight truck driver): about $23–$30 per hour.
  • Long-haul household goods driver with AZ: about $25–$35+ per hour, sometimes with mileage or percentage pay.

Government wage references (to help you benchmark):

Other compensation factors:

  • Overtime pay: In Ontario, most employees earn overtime after 44 hours/week, though specific exemptions may apply in transportation. Read the Employment Standards Act (ESA) guidance:
    https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/overtime-pay
  • Tips: Common in residential moving and can add $20–$100+ per day in peak season.
  • Benefits: Larger employers may offer health/dental, RRSP matching, and paid training.
  • Travel/meal allowances: Sometimes paid on long days or out-of-town jobs.

Working conditions

  • Hours: Early starts; shifts often run 8–12 hours, especially May–September. Weekends are common in peak season.
  • Environment: Indoors and outdoors, all weather. You’ll work in homes, apartments, offices, warehouses, and loading docks.
  • Physical demands: Frequent lifting, carrying on stairs, tight corners, bending, reaching, and teamwork. Proper technique reduces injury risk.
  • Dress and PPE: Steel-toe boots, gloves, weather-appropriate clothing, and sometimes hi-vis vests. Employers often supply moving blankets, straps, and tools; you may need to bring boots and gloves.
  • Safety: Employers must follow Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Workers have the right to training and to refuse unsafe work.

Job outlook in Ontario
Demand for movers is closely tied to Real Estate, business relocations, and seasonal trends. Ontario’s diverse economy and ongoing urban development keep demand steady for entry-level movers and drivers.

Government outlook sources:

Overall, prospects are generally stable to good, with stronger opportunities for movers who hold a D or AZ licence and for those willing to work peak seasons and weekends.

Key Skills
Soft skills

  • Customer service and professionalism: You are in people’s homes and offices on stressful days.
  • Teamwork and communication: Coordinate lifts, calls on corners/stairs, and loading plans.
  • Problem-solving: Tight stairwells, elevators out of service, limited Parking—things change fast.
  • Reliability and punctuality: Moves are scheduled to the hour; crews depend on you.
  • Stress Management: Stay calm, respectful, and solution-focused under time pressure.
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Hard skills

  • Safe lifting and ergonomics: Use legs, keep loads close, avoid twisting; know when to team lift.
  • Packing and padding: Wrap, box, and label items to prevent damage; protect floors and walls.
  • Load planning and cargo securement: Pack tight, use straps and load bars, balance weight.
  • Use of moving equipment: Dollies, sliders, ramps, liftgates, piano boards, moving straps.
  • Basic assembly: Beds, desks, modular systems; use hand tools efficiently.
  • Driving and vehicle inspections (if licensed): Pre-trip checklists, backing, docking, defensive driving, basic hours-of-service compliance.
  • Documentation: Bills of lading, inventories, condition reports, payment receipts.

Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages

  • Fast entry: You can start with minimal formal education and get paid training.
  • Active work: Stay fit and skip the gym—your work is your workout.
  • Variety: Each day and job site is different; you’ll see new homes, offices, and neighbourhoods.
  • Team environment: You’ll build strong teamwork and Leadership skills.
  • Growth potential: Move into crew lead, driver (D/AZ), operations, dispatch, Sales/estimating, or start your own moving company.
  • Extra earnings: Tips and overtime can significantly increase your pay in busy months.

Disadvantages

  • Physically demanding: Risk of strains and sprains if technique and rest are overlooked.
  • Seasonal hours: Peaks in spring/summer; winter can be slower for some companies.
  • Weather exposure: Heat, rain, cold, and snow are part of the job.
  • Long days: Unpredictable end times (traffic, elevators, last-minute changes).
  • Customer stress: You need patience and professionalism on tough move days.
  • Damage risk: Mistakes can be costly; attention to detail is essential.

Expert Opinion
If you’re just starting out in Ontario, here’s a practical path to build a strong moving career:

  1. Start as a crew member to learn the fundamentals
  • Focus on safe body mechanics, smart use of dollies/straps, and careful padding.
  • Ask to learn load planning. This is a valuable skill that leads to crew lead roles quickly.
  • Track your performance: on-time starts, damage-free days, customer compliments.
  1. Add high-value safety training early
  • Complete WHMIS and Ontario worker health and safety awareness courses. They’re fast and make you safer from day one.
  • Add First Aid/CPR so your crew can rely on you in emergencies. It shows leadership.
  1. Earn your D + Z or AZ licence if you want higher pay and flexibility
  • Many Ontario moving companies pay a premium for drivers who can operate 5-ton straight trucks (D with Z endorsement).
  • If you want long-haul or specialized work (e.g., interstate/long-distance household goods, trade show setups), consider an AZ. You’ll open doors to higher-earning routes and year-round work.
  1. Build a professional reputation
  • Be the person customers remember for being careful, friendly, and solution-focused.
  • Learn to estimate time and materials; this can move you into sales/estimating later.
  • Keep a clean driver’s abstract if you plan to drive professionally.
  1. Use Ontario’s safety and employment resources
  • Review Ontario’s ESA rules on hours and overtime and ask employers how they apply.
  • Use IHSA and WSPS resources to reduce injury risk; Prevention keeps you employable and ready for promotions.

Bottom line: If you enjoy active, hands-on work and want a role you can grow in—driver, lead, dispatcher, or even business owner—moving is a smart, accessible entry point into Ontario’s transport and logistics sector.

FAQ
Do I need a D or AZ licence to work as a mover in Ontario?
Not always. Many movers start as non-driving crew with a G licence or no licence (meeting at job sites). But to drive a typical 5‑ton straight truck used by moving companies, you often need a D-Class licence and a Z air brake endorsement if the vehicle has air brakes. For tractor-trailers (long-haul or specialized moves), you need an AZ-Class licence. Licence classes overview:

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Are tips taxable, and how are they usually handled?
Yes. In Canada, tips are considered taxable income. Whether tips are cash or added to a card, you are responsible for reporting them on your tax return. Some employers include tips in Payroll if customers pay by card; others do not, and crew members pool or split cash tips at the end of the day. Keep a simple daily log so you can report accurately at tax time.

What personal gear should I bring on day one?
Bring:

  • CSA-approved steel-toe boots with good grip (essential in wet or icy conditions).
  • Work gloves (grip and cut resistance).
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, rain gear, sun protection).
  • Water bottle and snacks (long days, variable break times).
  • Basic hand tools if your employer requests them (multi-bit screwdriver, Allen keys, adjustable wrench). Many companies supply tools, but boots and gloves are often your responsibility.

If I start my own moving business in Ontario, what should I know?
You’ll need to consider business registration, commercial auto Insurance, WSIB coverage for employees, and your obligations under the OHSA and ESA. Additionally, if operating commercial vehicles, your company may need a CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration).

Are there legal lifting limits in Ontario, or safety rules I should know?
Ontario does not set a single maximum “lifting limit” for all jobs. Instead, employers must identify and control musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks, provide training, and supply equipment and help (e.g., team lifts, dollies). You also have the right to know about hazards and to refuse unsafe work under the OHSA. Useful resources:

Salary and Working Conditions — Quick References (Ontario)

Writing Rules Recap for Your Success in Ontario’s Moving Field

  • Focus on the essentials first: safety, teamwork, and customer service.
  • Add credentials that pay back quickly: WHMIS, First Aid/CPR, and D + Z licence.
  • Keep a clean driving record and be reliable—these two factors lead directly to better pay.
  • Learn to plan loads and manage time; it puts you on the path to crew lead, driver, and scheduler roles.
  • Use official Ontario and Government of Canada resources for training and legal information to stay compliant and safe.

Key Ontario Links (for quick access)

By focusing on safety, strong work habits, and the right licences, you can build a reliable, well-paid career as a mover in Ontario’s transport sector.

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