Earn $60k a Year in 6 Months: Government-supported Payroll Clerk Courses!
Did you know the average payroll clerk in Canada earns $55,000–$65,000 annually – with top earners making over $80,000? Better yet, Canada is facing a critical shortage of 23,000+ skilled payroll professionals by 2026. This isn’t just a job – it’s a recession-proof career with gov’t-subsidized training options!

🚨 Canada’s Payroll Crisis = Your Opportunity
The Numbers Don’t Lie:
Statistic | Value | Source |
---|---|---|
Avg. Salary | $58,400/yr | Indeed Canada 2024 |
Job Growth (2023–2030) | 11% | Job Bank Canada |
Employers Desperate to Hire | 82% | Canadian Payroll Association Survey |
Why this matters: Every business from Toronto tech startups to Alberta oil companies needs payroll pros. With automation-resistant skills, you’ll always be in demand.
Why Choose a Career as a Payroll Clerk?
1️⃣Job Security and Demand
Canada’s economy is robust and diverse, with a continuous need for reliable payroll services. Every business, whether small or large, requires an expert to handle employee compensation. This universality makes the payroll clerk role highly secure. Here are some key points:
- Consistent Demand: Payroll functions are essential regardless of economic cycles.
- Diverse Opportunities: You can work in corporate environments, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
- Remote Work Possibilities: With the increasing trend toward remote work, many companies are open to hiring payroll professionals who can manage tasks from any location.
2️⃣Career Advancement Opportunities
The skills acquired in a payroll clerk course are highly transferable. Graduates often progress to more advanced positions such as:
- Payroll Supervisor: Overseeing a team of payroll professionals.
- Payroll Manager: Leading payroll operations across multiple departments.
- Human Resources and Finance Roles: Transitioning into broader administrative roles within organizations.
🎓 Government Programs That Pay YOU to Learn
1. Canada Training Credit (CTC)
- Get: Up to $1,000/year for tuition
- Who Qualifies: Ages 25–65, income < $150k
- How: Automatically deposited to your CRA account
2. Ontario’s Second Career
- Get: Up to $28,000 for tuition + living costs
- For: Unemployed/underemployed workers
- Covers: Payroll courses at colleges like Seneca
3. Canadian Payroll Association (CPA) Scholarships
- Award: $1,500–$5,000
- Requirements: Enrolled in approved programs
- Pro Tip: 73% of applicants get funding!

🚀 How to Start Your Payroll Career
- Pick Your Program (Use our comparison chart below)
- Apply for Funding (Deadlines every 3 months!)
- Study Flexibly (Most courses are online)
- Get Certified → Start Applying!
🔥 Limited-Time Opportunity: 2025 Grant Deadlines
- Canada Training Credit: Apply by March 1, 2026
- Second Career Ontario: Enrollment period is after January 15th
- CPA Scholarships: Rolling applications
💥 Top 3 Payroll Courses (Ranked by Graduate Salaries)
1. Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) Certification
- Cost: $1,995 (but 60% covered by CTC + CPA grants)
- Duration: 6–12 months
- Outcome: 89% job placement within 3 months
- Best For: Career switchers needing flexibility
2. Humber College Payroll Administration
- Tuition: $4,200 (Second Career eligible)
- Perks: RBC/TD Paid Internship
- Avg. Starting Salary: $61,200
3. Udemy Payroll Bootcamp (Gov’t Approved)
- Price: $129.99 (often $19.99 on sale)
- Speed: Completed within 30 days at the earliest
- Boon: There are discounts for paying with CTC funds

📈 Real Student Success Stories
Case Study 1: Sarah from Winnipeg
- Before: $38k as retail manager
- After PCP Course: $67k at Manitoba Hydro
- Secret: Used $2,800 in combined grants
Case Study 2: Ahmed from Montreal
- Background: Uber driver
- Investment: $1,200 (after CPA scholarship)
- Result: Hired at Deloitte – $74k + bonuses
Conclusion
With government paying most tuition and employers begging for talent, there’s never been a better time to become a payroll pro. Whether you choose a quick online course or a college program with internships, your path to a $60k+ salary starts today.
“I went from part-time gigs to a stable career in 5 months – the grants made it possible!”
– Jamie L., Vanco
More details: Humber College