Canada’s Job Market Highlights Top 100 Jobs in High Demand Until 2033
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Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has identified over 100 occupations expected to face significant shortages over the next decade i.e. up until 2033. Based on the projections from Economic Policy Directorate (EPD) and the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS), this forecast highlights the challenges and opportunities ahead for workers, employers and policymakers.
Growing Demand for Skilled Workers in Canada’s Labour Market
By 2033, Canada is projected to have about 8.1 million job openings driven by:
- 2.6 million new positions created through economic growth
- 5.5 million replacement jobs with 4.3 million vacancies due to retirements as baby boomers exit the workforce
With 68.1% of job openings arising from retirements, the labour market would face significant gaps. Moreover, 75% of these roles will require post secondary education or management experience emphasising the demand for skilled professionals.
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While on the supply side, approximately 8.2 million job seekers will enter the workforce, including:
- 5.9 million recent graduates, school levers
- 2.6 million immigrants supported by Canada's immigration policies
- A net loss of 1,80,000 workers exiting the labour pool
While supply and demand appear balanced at a macro level, sector specific shortages are expected to create challenges in the Canadian job market.
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Which Sectors will be Most Affected?
The ESDC’s analysis covers 485 of 516 occupations under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. Labour shortages could impact key industries leading to project delays, wage inflation, and pressure on essential services
Critical Shortage Areas:
| Sector | Occupations |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | A shortage of nurses and healthcare professionals could strain public health services |
| Construction | A lack of skilled tradespeople may delay housing projects, worsening the housing crisis |
| Natural and Applied Sciences | Engineers and IT professionals will be in high demand |
| Transportation | A shortage of truck drivers and logistics workers may disrupt the supply chain. |
Meanwhile, 17 occupations, mainly in arts and culture, are projected to have a labour surplus showing the demand imbalances will vary across industries
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How this Influences the Immigration and Workforce Planning?
Canada's immigration policies play a key role in addressing labour gaps. The latest ESDC report suggests that, while immigration targets have been slightly adjusted downwards (as of October 2024) the list of occupations facing shortages remain largely unchanged.
For skilled professionals, these forecasts highlight strong job prospects in high demand fields and employers and policy makers must strategize effectively to attract and retain talent in these critical sectors.
Top 100 Occupations Facing Shortages Until 2033
Canada is bracing for a labour shortage across multiple industries with over 100 occupations expected to face significant gaps by 2033. The demand was skilled professionals is particularly high in healthcare, trades, engineering, and education where shortages could impact essential services and economic progress. Listed below are the top sectors which would face labour shortages, along with the occupations at critical risk
1. Healthcare
The healthcare sector faces the highest risk with 38 occupations experiencing work posts, shortages due to an ageing population and increasing demand for medical services.
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Specialists in Clinical Medicine | 31100 |
| Specialists in Surgery | 31101 |
| General Practitioners | 31102 |
| Veterinarians | 31103 |
| Dentists | 31110 |
| Optometrists | 31111 |
| Audiologists | 31112 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 |
| Dietitians | 31121 |
| Psychologists | 31200 |
| Chiropractors | 31201 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 |
| Occupational Therapists | 31203 |
| Other Health Diagnosing Professions | 31209 |
| Nursing Coordinators | 31300 |
| Registered Nurses | 31301 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 31302 |
| Physician Assistants | 31303 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | 32101 |
| Paramedics | 32102 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 32103 |
| Animal Health Technologists | 32104 |
| Other Therapy Technicians | 32109 |
| Dental Hygienists | 32111 |
| Medical Lab Technologists | 32120 |
| Medical Radiation Technologists | 32121 |
| Medical Sonographers | 32122 |
| Cardiology Technologists | 32123 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 32124 |
| Other Medical Technicians | 32129 |
| Massage Therapists | 32201 |
| Medical Lab Assistants | 33101 |
| Nurse Aides | 33102 |
| Pharmacy Assistants | 33103 |
2. Natural and Applied Sciences
With 12 occupations in demand Canada's focus on engineering, technology and sustainability highlights the importance of a strong talent pipeline
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Specialists | 21220 |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 21301 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | 21310 |
| Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers | 21321 |
| Geological Engineers | 21331 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists | 22300 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists | 22301 |
| Construction Estimators | 22303 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologists | 22310 |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Inspectors | 22313 |
3. Trades, Construction and Transportation
The construction industry leads with 25 occupations at risk, driven by infrastructure investments and growing housing market
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Construction Managers | 70010 |
| Home Renovation Managers | 70011 |
| Machinists | 72100 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | 72102 |
| Welders | 72106 |
| Electricians | 72200 |
| Industrial Electricians | 72201 |
| Plumbers | 72300 |
| Gas Fitters | 72302 |
| Carpenters | 72310 |
| Cabinetmakers | 72311 |
| Bricklayers | 72320 |
| Millwrights | 72400 |
| Heavy-Duty Mechanics | 72401 |
| HVAC Mechanics | 72402 |
| Aircraft Mechanics | 72404 |
| Automotive Technicians | 72410 |
| Electrical Mechanics | 72422 |
| Water Well Drillers | 72501 |
| Air Pilots | 72600 |
| Other Technical Trades | 72999 |
| Concrete Finishers | 73100 |
| Roofers | 73110 |
| Painters | 73112 |
| Floor Installers | 73113 |
| Transport Truck Drivers | 73300 |
| Water Transport Crew | 74201 |
| Construction Helpers | 75110 |
4. Education and Social Services
With 11 occupations listed there is a strong demand for teachers, caregivers and social service workers
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers | 41220 |
| Elementary Teachers | 41221 |
| Social Workers | 41300 |
| Therapists in Counselling | 41301 |
| Police Officers | 42100 |
| Firefighters | 42101 |
| Social Service Workers | 42201 |
| Early Childhood Educators | 42202 |
| Disability Instructors | 42203 |
| Teacher Assistants | 43100 |
| Home Support Workers | 44101 |
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5. Natural Resources and Agriculture
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Oil and Gas Supervisors | 82021 |
| Livestock Workers | 84120 |
| Livestock Labourers | 85100 |
| Harvesting Labourers | 85101 |
| Greenhouse Labourers | 85103 |
| Mine Labourers | 85110 |
6. Sales and Service
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agents | 63100 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Butchers | 63201 |
| Postal Services Reps | 64401 |
7. Manufacturing and Utility
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Paper Machine Operators | 94122 |
| Industrial Butchers | 94141 |
| Fish Plant Workers | 94142 |
| Electrical Assemblers | 94203 |
| Metal Fabrication Labourers | 95101 |
| Wood Processing Labourers | 95103 |
| Food Processing Labourers | 95106 |
| Fish Processing Labourers | 95107 |
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The Road Ahead For Canada
Canada's labour market outlook shows a growing demand for professionals across critical sectors. with immigration. While immigration will help bridge gaps, employees must also focus on training programs, higher wages and automation to meet workforce needs. for job seekers. These in demand occupations offer a pathway to stable and lucrative carries in Canada
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