Top 10 High-Demand Jobs in Canada

The continued job shortage in Canada remains a major concern for the government. Research shows that the Canadian job market heavily relies on adequate immigration levels to handle this shortage. Canadian Immigration will play a major role in fixing the gap in the labor force in 2023.

The Canadian government’s objective for 2023 and beyond remains centered on welcoming skilled immigrants into the country. With nearly a million job vacancies currently available, a growing demand exists for skilled professionals to take over these positions. Individuals from overseas with expertise in high-demand fields are poised to find favorable prospects within the Canadian job market in 2023, making them strong candidates for various skilled immigration programs.

A closer review of the targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) across Canada gives insight into the specific jobs in demand for immigration purposes. Typically, healthcare, technology, and scientific roles remain highly needed nationwide. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the demand for healthcare professionals, leading many provinces to conduct targeted PNP draws to invite more individuals in this sector to contribute to Canada.

These are the top 10 jobs that are projected to remain in high-demand throughout 2023 and beyond:

1. Registered Nurse (RN)

Healthcare professions continue to rank among the most high-demand in various Canadian provinces. The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the shortage of nurses, making them particularly scarce. Many regions have initiated targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws explicitly aimed at registered nurses.

Given the critical need for nurses, numerous immigration avenues are open for international candidates with nursing experience, encouraging them to explore the possibility of immigrating to Canada.

· Average Annual Salary: $70,975

· Highest Paying Provinces: Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon.

· Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree and registration with a provincial or territorial regulatory authority.

2. Web Developers

Web developers specialize in creating applications and websites, encompassing a broad spectrum of potential projects. In a thriving tech industry, tech professionals have abundant opportunities to immigrate to Canada. The Global Talent Stream of Canada offers a robust route for web developers to secure a work permit.

· Average Annual Salary: $72,627

· Highest Paying Provinces: Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba.

· Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree

3. Electrical Engineering

They are vital in designing, analyzing, and defining electrical systems. These experts manage the building, testing, and maintenance of these systems and their components to ensure safe and optimal operation. Given the technical nature of the work, this position typically requires a high level of education.

· Average Annual Salary: $91,832

· Highest Paying Provinces: Alberta, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Saskatchewan.

· Minimum Education: Varies depending on the specific role but typically requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in engineering.

4. Truck Driver

Truck drivers consistently rank among the most high-demand professionals in Canada. Their services are essential across almost every province and territory, enabling retail goods transportation from one place of the country to the other. Statistics Canada reports an approximately 8% vacancy rate in the truck transportation sector, highlighting promising job opportunities for immigrants aspiring to work as truck drivers in Canada.

· Average Annual Salary: $46,828

· Highest Paying Provinces: British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.

· Minimum Education: Truly completing truck driver training and obtaining appropriate licensing and endorsements.

5. Welder

The demand for welders in Canada is expected to surge, with an estimated 23,000 welding positions projected to be added to the economy by 2028. This demand is mainly needed in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island regions. However, individuals with welding expertise can anticipate favorable prospects nationwide when considering immigration options.

· Average Annual Salary: Between $18.00/hour and $41.10/hour

· Highest Paying Provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia

· Minimum Education: Requirements vary but typically involve on-site training or a training certificate.

6. Veterinarian (Vet)

Canadians’ relationship with their pets is imaged across the globe, contributing to a significant demand for veterinarians. Regrettably, the supply of veterinarians falls short in Canada, rendering this profession among the most coveted and in-demand jobs for several years. Numerous provinces have introduced targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws to entice more veterinarians to relocate to the country.

Aspiring veterinarians seeking a career path in Canada must secure a license from the regulatory body within the respective provinces or territories, as this occupation falls under provincial regulation.

· Average Annual Salary: $95,804

· Highest Paying Provinces: Saskatchewan, Edmonton, and Calgary

· Minimum Education: Veterinarian license

7. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Much like Registered Nursing, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) role garners significant demand in Canada. The convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population has intensified the strain on the healthcare system, further emphasizing the necessity for more Licensed Practical Nurses. Parallel to Registered Nurses, multiple immigration pathways are available to healthcare professionals, enhancing their potential to secure Canadian opportunities.

· Average Annual Salary: $55,564

· Highest Paying Provinces: Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

· Minimum Education: Varies, but typically involves a degree and a registration with a provincial or territorial regulatory authority.

8. Industrial Electrician

Electricians occupy a prime position in the skilled trades sector within the realm of in-demand jobs in Canada. Notably, the demand for Industrial Electricians is pronounced across the nation. Skilled newcomers with pertinent education and work experience stand to secure positions as industrial electricians or in related electrician roles.

· Average Annual Salary: $68,000

· Highest Paying Provinces: Alberta, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Saskatchewan.

· Minimum Education: Typically involves on-site training and acquiring a trade certification.

9. Pharmacist

Pharmacists play a pivotal role in medication distribution and offer crucial health consultations about medicines. The profession affords the flexibility of working in diverse settings, such as hospitals, drugstores, or even establishing one’s pharmacy.

Pharmacists fall under provincial regulations, signifying that each province has its guidelines. To embark on a career as a pharmacist in Canada, you must hold a pharmacy degree, sit and pass the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exam successfully, and complete registration with the relevant provincial or territorial regulatory authority. As with other medical professions, the demand for pharmacists has recently remained consistently high.

· Average Annual Salary: $89,314

· Highest Paying Provinces: British Columbia, Quebec, and New Brunswick.

· Minimum Education: Pharmacy degree

10. Accountant

Accountants play a major role in determining the smooth functioning of prosperous companies. As businesses navigate the landscape of a post-pandemic economy, effective financial management becomes a pivotal element in sustaining success.

Prospects for accountants are plenty across the nation, with growth opportunities expected in the coming years.

· Average Annual Salary: $56,257

· Highest Paying Provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec.

· Minimum Education: Typically necessitates a business-related Diploma or Bachelor’s degree.