Canada’s airport logistics sector continues to expand in 2025, driven by rising air cargo volumes, e-commerce growth, and increased international travel. Among the many roles supporting this sector, airport packing jobs are essential and offer consistent employment opportunities for both residents and foreign workers with the appropriate work authorization. These jobs play a key role in ensuring goods, baggage, and cargo are properly packaged and safely prepared for transport.
What Are Airport Packing Jobs?
Airport packing jobs typically fall within the cargo handling, logistics, and warehouse operations areas at or near airports. These roles involve the safe and efficient packaging of items—ranging from general cargo to fragile goods—prior to their transportation via aircraft.
Typical Duties Include:
- Inspecting items for damage or irregularities before packing.
- Selecting appropriate packing materials (boxes, pallets, wrapping materials, padding).
- Securing goods using tools like stretch wrap, straps, sealing tape, and bubble wrap.
- Labeling and tagging packed goods according to shipment requirements.
- Organizing packed items for loading into cargo areas or transportation vehicles.
- Following safety, hygiene, and airport security protocols.
- Maintaining clean and orderly packing workstations.
Depending on the specific job and employer, packers may work in cargo warehouses, bonded freight terminals, or airline support facilities located within or near international airports like Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, or Calgary International.
Salary Expectations in 2025
The wages for airport packing jobs in Canada in 2025 vary depending on location, experience, and employer. On average, here’s what one can expect:
| Job Title | Hourly Wage (CAD) | Monthly Estimate (Full-Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Packer | $16 – $19 | $2,600 – $3,200 |
| Warehouse Packing Staff | $18 – $22 | $3,000 – $3,600 |
| Specialized Cargo Packer | $20 – $25 | $3,400 – $4,200 |
| Lead Packer / Supervisor | $24 – $28 | $4,000 – $4,800 |
Many packing jobs include additional benefits such as overtime pay, health insurance, paid leave, and sometimes night shift premiums. Unionized roles or government-contracted logistics firms may offer higher compensation and better benefits.
Who Can Apply for These Jobs?
Canadian Citizens & Permanent Residents:
They can apply freely through employers, job boards, or local staffing agencies.
Temporary Foreign Workers:
Some employers participate in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or offer Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for packing or warehouse roles, especially in provinces facing labor shortages.
International Students:
Eligible to work part-time during studies and full-time during scheduled breaks. Packing jobs are commonly offered as part-time roles to students in airport-adjacent areas.
Requirements & Qualifications
Airport packing jobs are considered entry-level but still require attention to detail, physical capability, and reliability. Basic qualifications include:
- Education: High school diploma preferred, though not always required.
- Language Skills: Basic English (reading labels, understanding instructions) is typically required. French may be helpful in Quebec.
- Experience: Not always required for entry-level roles. However, previous experience in warehouses, logistics, or manual labor roles is an advantage.
- Physical Fitness: Ability to lift heavy packages (up to 50 lbs), stand for extended hours, and perform repetitive tasks.
- Security Clearance: Working in airport zones often requires passing background checks and security clearance by Transport Canada.
Some employers also require:
- Forklift or pallet jack operation skills.
- Familiarity with scanning and labeling systems.
- Knowledge of dangerous goods handling (for advanced cargo packing roles).
Work Environment & Conditions
Packing roles are typically:
- Physically Demanding: Lifting, bending, and repetitive movement are daily tasks.
- Shift-Based: Many roles operate on rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays due to 24/7 airport operations.
- Fast-Paced: Workers are often expected to meet tight timelines, especially when preparing cargo for imminent flights.
- Team-Oriented: Packing is often done in teams, requiring cooperation and effective communication.
Most positions are full-time, with standard 40-hour workweeks. During peak travel or shipping seasons, overtime may be available or required.
How to Apply for Airport Packing Jobs in Canada
Those seeking airport packing work can apply via:
- Job Boards: National portals and specialized job sites often feature postings from airport logistics firms.
- Staffing Agencies: Many hiring for airport-related roles work through temp agencies that specialize in logistics and supply chain.
- Airport Employer Websites: Large airport authorities and cargo companies post direct job listings on their websites.
- Career Fairs & Local Hiring Events: Especially near major airports or industrial zones.
To improve your chances:
- Prepare a clear and updated resume with relevant skills.
- Emphasize any physical labor or logistics experience.
- Include certifications (e.g. WHMIS, forklift training) if available.
- Be ready for drug screening and background checks.
Growth Potential & Career Pathways
While packing jobs are typically entry-level, they offer several potential growth opportunities:
- Shift Supervisor / Lead Packer
- Inventory Clerk
- Logistics Coordinator
- Forklift Operator / Equipment Handler
- Cargo Agent / Warehouse Supervisor
Employers often provide on-the-job training and, in some cases, support further certifications that can lead to higher-paying roles in the airport logistics ecosystem.
- GTAA Careers – Current opportunities at Toronto Pearson Airport (torontopearson.com)
- Airport Operations jobs at Air Canada (careers.aircanada.com)
Pros and Cons of Airport Packing Jobs
Pros:
- Easy entry with minimal education required.
- Steady demand due to growing cargo and logistics needs.
- Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.
- Potential career growth in warehousing and logistics.
Cons:
- Physically demanding work environment.
- Often involves shift work and long hours.
- Can be repetitive and labor-intensive.
- May require working in cold or hot environments depending on cargo type.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
In 2025, airport packing jobs in Canada are seeing steady demand, especially as air cargo and express shipping continue to grow. E-commerce fulfillment, international trade, and just-in-time supply chain practices all contribute to increasing cargo volumes at Canadian airports.
Automation is slowly being introduced in certain areas of warehouse and cargo operations, but human oversight in packing—especially for fragile, regulated, or high-value goods—remains essential.
For workers seeking stable employment with advancement opportunities, airport packing jobs in Canada present a practical pathway into the country’s growing logistics and aviation sector.
