Why More Canadians Are Working for U.S. Companies (And How You Can Too)

There’s been a quiet shift in the way Canadians are working. Maybe you’ve noticed it—the friend who landed a remote gig at a Silicon Valley startup, the ex-colleague now cashing in on a high-paying U.S. job while sipping coffee from a Toronto café. More Canadians than ever are sidestepping local employers in favor of American companies, drawn in by higher salaries, remote flexibility, and a whole new world of career possibilities.

So, what’s fueling this movement, and more importantly—how can you do it too?

Why U.S. Companies Are Hiring More Canadians

U.S. employers have always had their eyes on international talent, but lately, Canada has become prime real estate for skilled professionals. Here’s why:

• The Talent Pool is Strong – Canadians are well-educated, experienced, and fluent in English. Many U.S. companies see Canadian hires as an easy win—no language barriers, strong work ethic, and often, a better deal salary-wise than hiring locally.
• Remote Work Changed the Game – The pandemic shattered the old “must be in the office” mindset. Now, companies are focused on results rather than location, opening the doors for Canadians to compete for U.S. jobs without ever crossing the border.
• The Cost Advantage for Employers – Hiring a Canadian contractor or remote employee often saves U.S. companies money. They can skip expensive benefits packages required for American workers while still offering salaries that outpace Canadian equivalents.

The Benefits of Working for a U.S. Company

Aside from bragging rights and a shinier paycheck, there are real advantages to making the jump to a U.S. employer.

• Higher Salaries – The wage gap between Canada and the U.S. is no secret. A mid-level marketing role in Toronto might pay $70K, while the same job in New York or San Francisco could start at $100K+.
• More Career Opportunities – The U.S. has a bigger job market, more startups, and larger corporations offering positions that may not exist in Canada. If you’re in tech, finance, media, or digital marketing, the U.S. job scene is stacked with opportunities.
• Remote Work = More Freedom – Many U.S. companies don’t care if you’re working from Vancouver, Montreal, or a cabin in the Rockies. As long as you meet deadlines and perform well, your location is just a footnote.

The Challenges to Be Aware Of

Before you start updating your resume, know that working for a U.S. company as a Canadian isn’t all smooth sailing.

• Taxes Can Get Complicated – You’ll need to navigate cross-border tax obligations. Typically, you’ll pay Canadian taxes, but if you're classified as a contractor, you'll be responsible for your own deductions. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides official guidelines on handling foreign income tax obligations, so it’s worth reviewing their requirements or consulting an accountant.
• No Benefits, No EI, No CPP – Many U.S. companies hire Canadians as independent contractors, which means no employer-paid health benefits, employment insurance, or contributions to the Canada Pension Plan. You’ll need to budget accordingly.
• Currency Exchange Risks – If you’re earning in USD but spending in CAD, exchange rate fluctuations can impact your take-home pay.

How to Land a U.S. Job from Canada

If you’re ready to trade your Canadian paycheck for an American one, here’s how to make it happen:

1. Look in the Right Places

Not all U.S. companies hire internationally, so be strategic. Job boards like We Work Remotely, Remote.co, and AngelList are great for finding remote-friendly employers. LinkedIn is another goldmine—filter by “remote” and “U.S.” to zero in on the right roles. Some U.S. companies partner with Employer of Record (EOR) services to legally hire international talent, so it’s worth understanding whether your potential employer offers this option—or whether you need a partner to help grow your global teams.

2. Tailor Your Resume for a U.S. Audience

U.S. hiring managers expect a clear, results-driven resume. Skip the long paragraphs and focus on quantifiable achievements. And yes, use “resume” instead of “CV”—small details matter.

3. Know Your Work Status Options

Most Canadians working for U.S. companies do so as independent contractors, but some are hired as full-time remote employees. If you're considering relocating, you’ll need a work visa like the TN Visa (for NAFTA professionals) or the H-1B (for specialized workers).

4. Network Like Your Career Depends on It

Because it does. Follow industry leaders, engage with U.S.-based professionals on LinkedIn, and attend virtual events. Many jobs never get publicly posted—being on the right recruiter’s radar can make all the difference.

5. Secure the Offer You Deserve

Remember, U.S. companies are used to American salary expectations. Don’t sell yourself short—Glassdoor Salary Insights can help you compare U.S. and Canadian salaries to ensure you're asking for what you’re worth. Research market rates on sites like Levels.fyi and Payscale, and be ready to negotiate.

The Future of Cross-Border Work

With remote work becoming the norm, the U.S.-Canada job market is blending in ways we’ve never seen before. More Canadians are finding themselves working for U.S. employers without ever leaving the country—and for many, that means better salaries, bigger opportunities, and a whole new level of career freedom.

So if you’ve been eyeing that dream job in New York or Silicon Valley, go for it. The border has never been more open—at least in the digital world.