Top 10 Occupations We Know in Canada with the Highest Job Vacancies (2024)
Canada's job market is undergoing significant shifts, with job vacancies steadily declining across various sectors. However, certain industries continue to thrive, offering excellent opportunities for immigrants and job seekers. If you're planning to work in Canada or secure permanent residency, focusing on these high-demand occupations can greatly enhance your chances of success.
Understanding the Current Job Market
According to Statistics Canada, job vacancies dropped to 546,100 by the end of Q3 2024, marking the ninth consecutive quarterly decline from the record high of 983,600 vacancies in Q2 2022.
Key trends include:
• Decline in roles: Permanent positions fell by 5.9% (-27,800), and temporary positions dropped by 4.0% (-4,100).
• Unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio: Increased to 2.6, meaning 2.6 unemployed individuals are competing for every available job.
Despite these declines, certain industries are experiencing robust demand, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and skilled trades.
Top 10 Occupations with the Most Vacancies (Q3 2024)
Occupation | Job Vacancies | Average Hourly Wage ($) |
Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations [65201] | 30,130 | $16.85 |
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses [31301] | 23,905 | $35.40 |
Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers [64100] | 19,970 | $17.55 |
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates [33102] | 17,170 | $24.15 |
Cooks [63200] | 13,820 | $19.10 |
Transport truck drivers [73300] | 13,170 | $27.10 |
Construction trades helpers and labourers [75110] | 12,285 | $23.45 |
Social and community service workers [42201] | 10,860 | $24.80 |
Licensed practical nurses [32101] | 10,615 | $30.05 |
Food and beverage servers [65200] | 9,575 | $16.00 |
Top 10 Occupations with the Largest Annual Increases in Vacancies
Certain roles have seen remarkable growth in demand compared to the previous year.
Occupation | Job Vacancies (2024) | Job Vacancies (2023) | % Change | Hourly Wage ($) |
Firefighters | 1,170 | 605 | 93.4% | $37.65 |
Instructors of persons with disabilities | 1,170 | 670 | 74.6% | $26.65 |
Production and transportation logistics coordinators | 915 | 530 | 72.6% | $29.50 |
Banking, insurance, and financial clerks | 1,475 | 940 | 56.9% | $24.45 |
Financial advisors | 1,740 | 1,125 | 54.7% | $32.80 |
Dental assistants and lab technicians | 1,655 | 1,145 | 44.5% | $29.00 |
Medical radiation technologists | 1,450 | 1,045 | 38.8% | $34.90 |
Civil engineers | 2,590 | 1,875 | 38.1% | $44.90 |
Shippers and receivers | 4,365 | 3,335 | 30.9% | $19.85 |
Retail sales supervisors | 3,525 | 3,000 | 17.5% | $19.55 |
Top 10 Occupations with the Largest Annual Decreases in Vacancies
While some roles are growing, others are experiencing sharp declines.
Occupation | Job Vacancies (2024) | Job Vacancies (2023) | % Change | Hourly Wage ($) |
Store shelf stockers, clerks, and order fillers | 6,595 | 11,230 | -41.3% | $16.20 |
Customer and information services representatives | 7,070 | 11,855 | -40.4% | $21.90 |
Food counter attendants and helpers | 30,130 | 47,475 | -36.5% | $16.85 |
Light-duty cleaners | 9,015 | 14,125 | -36.2% | $19.20 |
Transport truck drivers | 13,170 | 20,140 | -34.6% | $27.10 |
Retail salespersons | 19,970 | 30,115 | -33.7% | $17.55 |
Construction trades helpers | 12,285 | 18,325 | -33.0% | $23.45 |
Cooks | 13,820 | 19,815 | -30.3% | $19.10 |
Social and community service workers | 10,860 | 15,300 | -29.0% | $24.80 |
Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses | 23,905 | 30,300 | -21.1% | $35.40 |
Key Takeaways for Job Seekers
1. Focus on High-Demand Sectors: Industries like healthcare, engineering, logistics, and financial services are experiencing strong growth.
2. Be Strategic: Research roles with increasing vacancies and align your skills with these opportunities.
3. Stay Informed: Monitor job market trends to understand which provinces and sectors offer the best prospects.
Provincial Unemployment Rates (November 2024)
• Highest Unemployment: Newfoundland and Labrador (10.8%)
• Lowest Unemployment: Saskatchewan (5.6%)
By targeting in-demand roles and understanding regional employment trends, you can position yourself for a successful career in Canada.
FAQs: Job Vacancies and Employment Opportunities in Canada (2024)
1. What are the top occupations with the highest job vacancies in Canada?
The top occupations with the highest job vacancies in Canada as of Q3 2024 include:
• Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations
• Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses
• Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers
• Nurse aides and patient service associates
• Cooks
• Transport truck drivers
• Construction trades helpers and labourers
• Social and community service workers
• Licensed practical nurses
• Food and beverage servers
2. Which industries in Canada are experiencing the most growth?
Industries experiencing significant growth include healthcare, logistics, financial services, civil engineering, and production coordination. These sectors have seen an increase in job vacancies over the past year.
3. Are job vacancies in Canada increasing or decreasing?
Job vacancies in Canada have been steadily declining. By Q3 2024, vacancies dropped to 546,100 from a record high of 983,600 in Q2 2022. However, certain sectors, such as healthcare and logistics, continue to see growth in job opportunities.
4. What is the unemployment rate in Canada?
As of November 2024, Canada's unemployment rate is 6.8%.
5. Which province has the highest unemployment rate?
Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest unemployment rate in Canada at 10.8%, followed by Prince Edward Island (8%) and Ontario (7.6%).
6. Which province has the lowest unemployment rate?
Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 5.6%, followed closely by British Columbia (5.7%) and Manitoba (5.8%).
7. What is the average hourly wage for high-demand occupations in Canada?
The average hourly wage varies by occupation. For example:
• Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses: $35.40
• Transport truck drivers: $27.10
• Construction trades helpers and labourers: $23.45
• Food counter attendants and kitchen helpers: $16.85
8. What are the top occupations with the largest annual increases in job vacancies?
The occupations with the largest annual increases in vacancies include:
• Firefighters (+93.4%)
• Instructors for persons with disabilities (+74.6%)
• Production and transportation logistics coordinators (+72.6%)
• Financial advisors (+54.7%)
9. What are the top occupations with the largest annual decreases in job vacancies?
The occupations with the largest annual decreases in vacancies include:
• Store shelf stockers and clerks (-41.3%)
• Food counter attendants and kitchen helpers (-36.5%)
• Transport truck drivers (-34.6%)
• Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses (-21.1%)
10. How can I find job opportunities in high-demand occupations in Canada?
You can find job opportunities by:
• Visiting government job boards like Job Bank Canada
• Networking through professional platforms like LinkedIn
• Applying directly to employers in high-demand sectors
• Consulting recruitment agencies specializing in Canadian employment
11. What is the unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio in Canada?
The unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio in Q3 2024 is 2.6, meaning there are 2.6 unemployed individuals for every job vacancy.
12. How can I align my skills with high-demand occupations in Canada?
To align your skills:
• Research industries with increasing job vacancies.
• Pursue certifications or training relevant to high-demand roles.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight transferable skills.
13. Are there opportunities for temporary foreign workers in Canada?
Yes, Canada continues to welcome temporary foreign workers to fill labor shortages in high-demand sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and skilled trades.
14. How do job vacancies differ between full-time and part-time positions?
In Q3 2024, full-time job vacancies decreased by 4.5%, while part-time vacancies dropped by 8.5%. This trend reflects an overall decline in both categories.
15. What are the best strategies for securing employment in Canada?
• Focus on sectors with high job vacancies.
• Stay updated on provincial employment trends.
• Obtain relevant work permits or certifications.
• Use job search platforms and professional networks to identify opportunities.
By understanding these FAQs, job seekers can navigate Canada's evolving labor market and increase their chances of finding meaningful employment.