The Canadian government remains committed to welcoming skilled newcomers each year. With nearly one million job vacancies, there is a significant demand for skilled workers to fill these positions. Overseas candidates with experience in high-demand occupations are expected to have strong prospects in the Canadian labor market in the coming years and are likely to be strong applicants for skilled immigration programs.
Examining targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws across Canada highlights the jobs in demand for immigration purposes. Careers in healthcare, technology, and scientific fields are generally in high demand across the country.
In September 2023, Canada’s job market underwent significant changes, creating numerous opportunities in various sectors nationwide. Fields such as transportation, food services, healthcare, technology, and educational services, among others, offer promising job prospects for those seeking employment. As an immigrant, below are the most in demand job in Canada to explore after relocation,
1. Pharmacist
Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications and providing health consultations to advise on medications. Pharmacists can build a career path by working in a hospital, pharmacy, or opening their own pharmacy.
Pharmacists are provincially regulated, meaning that each province has its own regulations. To become a pharmacist, you must have a degree in pharmacy, pass an exam from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), and register as a certified pharmacist in Canada in your province or territory. Similar to other careers in the medical field, pharmacists have been in high demand in recent years.
Average annual salary: $89,314
Provinces with the highest salaries: British Columbia, Quebec and New Brunswick.
Minimum education: Pharmacy degree
2. Registered Nurse (RN)
Healthcare jobs in many provinces in Canada remain in short supply. Nurses are particularly in short supply due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and many provinces have conducted PNP draws for registered nurses.
With the high demand for nurses, overseas candidates with nursing experience also have a variety of immigration options to encourage them to consider Canada as one of their immigration options.
Average Annual Salary: $70,975 CAD
Highest Paying Provinces: Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon.
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree and registration with a provincial or territorial regulator.
3. Web Developer
Web developers are experts involved in the development of applications or websites. Typically, there is a wide range of types of projects that people have the opportunity to work on.
With the booming tech industry, there are many options for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. With Canada’s Global Talent Stream, web developers have a reliable path to obtaining a Canadian work permit. There are also several Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) options for candidates with work experience in these occupations.
Average Annual Salary: $72,627
Highest Paying Provinces: Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba.
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree
4. Electrical Engineer
The electrical engineer occupation requires the ability to design, analyze, and specify electrical systems. These systems are also built and tested by electrical engineers, so they are vital in the entire process. People who work in this type of role need to maintain these systems and components to ensure that they operate safely. Typically, this position requires a high level of education.
Average Annual Salary: $91,832
Highest Paying Provinces: Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan.
Minimum Education: Varies depending on the position, with a minimum requirement of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
5. Truck Driver
Truck drivers are generally one of the most sought-after jobs in Canada. They are needed in almost every Canadian province and territory to move commercial freight from coast to coast. According to Statistics Canada, the vacancy rate in trucking is around 8%, which provides good job prospects for those looking to immigrate to Canada as a truck driver.
Average Annual Salary: $46,828 CAD
Provinces with the highest salaries: British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
Minimum Education: Completion of truck driver training and proper licensing and endorsements.
6. Welder
With Canada projected to add 23,000 welding jobs to the economy by 2028, this occupation is in high demand. British Columbia and Prince Edward Island are particularly in high demand for welding positions. However, those with welding experience may have a strong advantage across the country when considering where to immigrate.
Average Annual Salary: Between $18.00 CAD/hr and $41.10 CAD/hr
Provinces with the highest salaries: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia
Minimum Education Requirements: Varies, but field training and/or training certificates are usually required
7. Veterinarian (Vet)
Like many places around the world, Canadians love their pets. Unfortunately, however, there is a low supply of veterinarians in Canada. This has made this profession one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada for many years. Many provinces have specific PNP draws designed to encourage more veterinarians to come to Canada.
Veterinarians trying to establish a career path in Canada must have a license from a provincial/territorial regulator, as this is a provincially regulated profession.
Average Annual Salary: $95,804 CAD
Provinces with the highest salaries: Saskatchewan, Edmonton, and Calgary
Minimum Education Requirements: Veterinary License
8. Industrial Electrician
Electricians in this popular occupation are among the best jobs in the skilled trades in Canada. In particular, industrial electricians are in high demand across the country. New immigrants with relevant education and employment experience can find a job in Canada as an industrial electrician or other similar electrician occupations.
Average annual salary: $68,000
Provinces with the highest salaries: Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan.
Minimum education level: On-site training and/or industry certification.
9. Accountant
Accountants are essential to the operation of a successful company. As businesses grow in the post-pandemic economy, financial management becomes an increasingly important factor in maintaining success.
Accountants can expect to find job opportunities across the country with potential for growth in the coming years.
Average annual salary: $56,257
Provinces with the highest salaries: Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec.
Minimum education: Business-related diploma or bachelor’s degree.
