Find the most in-demand jobs in Canada right now. Get complete information about requirements, salaries and career prospects for 10 popular job positions in Canada.
Canada is one of the largest economies in the world and has a relatively low unemployment rate. This shows that Canada needs a quality workforce to support the country’s economic growth. If you are interested in working in Canada, then knowing the types of jobs that are most needed in that country could be the right first step. In this article, we will discuss the 10 most sought-after jobs in Canada and provide important information such as qualifications, salaries and career prospects in these fields.
Information Technology Jobs
The first popular major that has good job prospects in Canada is Information Technology. If you study Information Technology in Canada, you will get a learning experience that focuses on work practices in the field. This field is much needed in Canada because the country is developing the information technology industry in the business realm. Even though many undergraduate graduates can join, if you are a graduate with a master’s degree you will be more considered by companies.
1.1 Software Developer Profession
This profession is also commonly referred to as Software Engineer. A software engineer is tasked with carrying out analysis, engineering, compiling specifications, implementing and validating a software system design to answer a problem. This profession is similar to a programmer and system analyst. The difference is, a software engineer must master the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) as capital in developing software, from requirements to maintenance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions in software development are projected to grow 21% from now to 2028; much faster than the average for other types of work. While these are U.S. statistics, the same trends are visible in the Canadian job market as well.
To have a career in this field, you need to have the knowledge and skills:
- Ability to think logically, conduct research and analysis
- Understanding algorithms, artificial intelligence
- Mastery of foreign languages
If you pursue a career as a Software Engineer in Canada, the average salary you can earn is around CAD 71,000 per year as a beginner and around CAD 99,000 for a more experienced Software Engineer. For more senior Software Engineers, the salary you get can even be around CAD 135,000, you know.
1.2 Network and Computer Systems Engineer
Another job that can be taken for graduates majoring in Computer Systems, one of which is Network Engineer. This profession is tasked with building a network in an organization or company. Apart from that, they are also tasked with designing, implementing and carrying out maintenance so that the network does not experience problems. Usually, large companies have their own Network Engineer to design and carry out local network maintenance.
If you choose to pursue this field, then you must have several qualifications such as knowledge of network basics, analytical skills that will be useful for database deployment plans and network design, creating working documentation that will help solve problems in the future. Teamwork is also needed in this job, because you will be in contact with other teams, supervisors, vendors, the Network Operating Center (NOC), and others.
The average salary you can get as a Network Engineer in Canada is around CAD 8,280 or around IDR 90 million per month.
1.3 Network and Information Systems Security Analyst
Information systems are a combination of information technology and the activities of people who use them to support operations and management. In this field there is a section that is needed in the Canadian job market, namely Network Security Analysts or security analysts. This field is responsible for securing the company’s sensitive data and information security. They collaborate with other departments to plan and implement security systems for the company. As the name suggests, a security analyst is tasked with analyzing security and potential threats to the company, including recommending solutions for the company’s security measures.
The qualifications you need to have if you want to enter this field are:
- Knowing ethical hacking:
Ethical hacking itself is used to find gaps in a network for security purposes. It can be on your own network, or on another party’s network. However, as a security analyst, ethical hacking needs to be carried out on company systems. This is so they can analyze the threat and find what kind of solution to do.
- Understanding computer forensics:
Security analysts, they must know how to find evidence or traces when a hack occurs. Then, the evidence or traces are analyzed to find out further prevention and treatment.
- Carrying out reverse engineering:
This profession is required to be able to understand how an application or software works, and to be able to find out what bugs or issues might occur. This is done so that if one day a problem occurs with an application, they can know how to handle it.
- Understanding cyber security:
Cyber threats are increasing, so a security analyst must have the basics and know how to prevent digital attacks.
Jobs in the Health Sector
Jobs in the health sector are promising in every country. Especially since the Covid 19 pandemic hit, the demand for health workers has increased to be able to meet the needs of the community in various health agencies, as well as in Canada. The following are some of the jobs in the health sector that are most in demand in Canada.
2.1. Nurse
Today, a large portion of Canada’s population is approaching old age. Therefore, nurses will be increasingly needed to care for the elderly. Nursing study programs at Canadian universities are quite diverse, ranging from 1 year programs to bachelor’s degrees. After graduating, prospective nurses need to take an exam to get a work permit in the area they are going to.
The qualifications you need to have if you want to work as a nurse in Canada are:
- Knowledge and empathy:
A nurse must have knowledge in her field of work, but that alone is not enough. Because you also need to have empathy because you will be dealing with a lot of patients who have different medical backgrounds.
- Have a Strong Mentality
Even though you always look patient, being a nurse is not an easy thing. You have to meet patients who come from various characters. Apart from that, working in shifts means you have to take care of your own health so you can serve patients well.
- Maintain personal hygiene
This is very important to maintain because you will be dealing with patients with various diseases. Apart from ensuring that the patient is always sterile, personal hygiene skills will keep you healthy.
- Work in groups
In the hospital you need to coordinate with various other professions. The concept of service and social aspects in Nursing is the fundamental difference from Medical Science. In Nursing, good health services have a big role in patient recovery. That is why, to be a good nurse, you must have skills in communicating and working in groups.
According to data compiled by Job Bank Canada, in 2021, the average salary for a nurse in Canada is around CAD 59.11 per hour or around CAD 98,000 per year or around IDR 1 billion per year. Apart from that, location also affects the amount of salary you can get. For example, according to data from PayScale, a nurse’s salary in Toronto can reach around CAD 108,000 per year or around IDR 1.1 billion, while in a smaller city like Halifax, a nurse’s salary is only around CAD 82,000 per year or the equivalent of IDR 900 million.
2.2. Pharmacist / Pharmacist
To become a pharmacist in Canada, you can take pharmacy majors available at various universities in Canada. After that, you have to take an exam administered by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) and undergo an internship program. You will also be asked to provide proof that you master English or French.
There are a large number of Pharmacist jobs in Canada for foreigners and Canadian Citizens. There is no discrimination in Canada and all Pharmacist applications must be considered fairly according to Canadian employment law.
Some of the qualifications you must meet to become a pharmacist in Canada are:
- Have language proficiency
Applicants must be able to show proof of proficiency in speaking, reading, writing and understanding English or French. You can take special tests required for registration documents.
- Meet the criteria for skilled workers
Many jobs in Canada require applicants to have specific skills and work experience to qualify. For example, the Federal Skilled Worker Program requires applicants to have at least one year of continuous full-time work experience in a skilled occupation.
- Show Proof of Financial Stability
As a foreign citizen, if you want to work in Canada, you must be able to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself or your family while living and working in Canada.
According to a report from the Pharmaceutical Journal, the average salary you can get if you work as a pharmacist in Canada is around CAD 97,000 per year or around IDR 1 billion.
2.3. General practitioners
If you are a doctor from a developing country and want to work as a general practitioner in Canada, it is quite difficult because medical certificates from developing countries cannot be used in America and Canada. If you want to practice as a general practitioner, then you have to go through three stages of equivalency exams (Medical Licensing Exams in Canada which are equivalent to USMLE stages 1-2) and follow the program family doctor specialist education. However, it requires 6 years of residency education and must have English and French language qualifications up to a high level of fluency. That’s why it will be easier if you start studying in Canada in Medical Sciences and then immediately start a career there.
Canada has some of the best universities in the world offering quality medical education programs. Apart from that, after graduating, job opportunities in the health sector in Canada are also quite large. However, to be able to work in Canada, you must pay attention to the requirements and licenses required. You must pass a medical licensing exam and meet other requirements set by local health authorities in order to pursue a career as a general practitioner in Canada.
First, you must graduate from a Faculty of Medicine recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Next, you have to take an exam called the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination. After that, you have to do a residency program for several years to get certification.
Even though the process is long and difficult, a career in Medicine in Canada is very promising. One of the advantages is the salary is quite high, which ranges from CAD 135,000 to CAD 405,000 per year. This salary depends on experience and work location.
Jobs in the Construction Field
Job prospects in the construction sector in Canada are quite good. Construction is a growing sector in Canada, especially in urban areas which are experiencing rapid growth. Here are some of the most in-demand jobs in Canada in the Construction sector.
3.1. Civil Engineer
Civil engineering is generally considered to be one of the oldest branches of engineering. This career ranks first on the list of the best or highest paying engineering jobs in Canada. A professional in this field is known as a Civil engineer. They design, build, and analyze construction jobs including roads, buildings, bridges, dams, tunnels, airports, water and sewage systems, and other large-scale infrastructure projects.
To become a civil engineer in Canada, you must meet several requirements which generally involve education, certification and work experience. These requirements may differ from one province or territory to another in Canada. However, generally the requirements needed are as follows:
- Education: you need to have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from a recognized university. This degree must be equivalent to the standards set by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) or Engineers Canada.
- Professional certification: After completing your bachelor’s degree, you will need to register as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) with a professional regulatory body in the province or territory where you plan to practice such as the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA ) or Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
- Work experience: in order for your career to develop, after registering as an EIT/EI, you must obtain work experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer for around 3 – 4 years.
- Vocational examination: After gaining sufficient work experience, you must pass the Professional Practice Examination administered by the professional regulatory body in the province or territory where you wish to become a licensed engineer.
- Engineer Licensure: After successfully passing the Professional Vocational exam, you can apply for full licensure as a civil engineer with your local professional regulatory agency. After obtaining a license, you will be recognized as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and have the authority to carry out civil engineering practices independently.
Regions that require a lot of labor in Canada currently are British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta. So you can try starting a career as a civil engineering engineer in these places. For an average salary, a Civil Engineering Engineer in Canada can earn CAD 97,203 or around IDR 1 billion per year.
3.2. Building Technician
The duties of a building technician involve a variety of responsibilities in supporting and implementing new construction projects as well as maintenance of existing buildings. Such as assisting with project planning, checking specifications and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and standards. They can also assist in preparing project schedules and cost estimates. In addition to new construction projects, building technicians may also be involved in the maintenance and repair of existing buildings. They can perform inspections, identify problems, and propose solutions for necessary repairs or maintenance.
There are several qualifications you need to fulfill before deciding to pursue a career as a Building Technician in Canada:
- Education: you must study at a local university with a relevant major. Typically, a bachelor’s degree or diploma in building engineering or related programs are recognized by employers and regulatory bodies.
- Certification or Accreditation: Several provinces in Canada have certification or accreditation programs for building technicians. For example, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) offers the Certified Building Technician (Accredited) certification in British Columbia.
- Work Experience: Relevant work experience in the field of building engineering would be an added advantage. Previous work experience as an engineering assistant, field technician, or related role in the construction industry may also be considered a requirement.
- Computer Skills: Mastery of computer design (CAD) software and building information modeling (BIM) software is often a valued skill in the field of building engineering in Canada.
The average salary that can be earned for a Building Technician in Canada can be based on work experience:
- 0 – 2 years of experience: The starting salary of a building technician in Canada usually ranges from CAD 40,000 to CAD 55,000 per year.
- 2 – 5 years of experience: Within this range of experience, a building technician’s salary in Canada can increase to around CAD 55,000 to CAD 70,000 per year.
- Advanced Experience (5+ years of experience): Building technicians with more than 5 years of experience in Canada can earn a salary of between CAD 70,000 to CAD 90,000 per year or more.
3.3. Construction Consultant
In general, a construction consultant is a professional who interprets all the client’s needs and desires by creating project development planning designs starting from calculation concepts, drawings and other important concepts. Furthermore, the construction consultant will provide assistance and supervision to the contractor during the project construction implementation phase.
To become a Construction Consultant, the qualifications you need to have are not much different from those in other engineering fields:
- Education: you need to have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, or a related field. This degree must be recognized by the relevant regulatory body or professional association in Canada.
- Professional Certification: After completing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to register and obtain relevant professional certification from a regulatory body or professional association in the province or territory where you plan to practice. Examples of regulatory bodies are the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) or the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ).
- Work Experience: Relevant work experience in the construction industry and project management is essential in becoming a construction consultant. Typically, a certain number of years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed construction consultant is required before one can obtain one’s own license.
- Professional Examination: After meeting the specified educational and work experience requirements, you must pass a professional examination administered by a local regulatory body or professional association. This exam aims to evaluate your knowledge and abilities in construction consulting practice.
The average salary you can get if you work as a Construction Consultant in Canada is:
- 0 – 2 years experience: ranges from CAD 50,000 to CAD 70,000 per year.
- 2 – 5 years of experience: CAD 70,000 to CAD 100,000 per year.
- 5+ years of experience: Construction consultants with more than 5 years of experience in Canada can earn salaries between CAD 100,000 to CAD 150,000 per year or more.
Jobs in the Financial Sector
An area that Canada also needs a lot of is the financial sector. Here are some types of work:
4.1. Accountant
An accountant is an accounting expert who is tasked with compiling, guiding, supervising, inspecting and improving the bookkeeping and administration of a company or government agency. According to the latest data, the need for accounting services is predicted to increase by 10% until 2026 throughout the world, including Canada.
An accountant has a big responsibility because their work is related to recording and calculating financial data, so they have to be careful to avoid mistakes that can have fatal consequences.
Accountants who already have a Master’s/Master’s degree, or have passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate exam will have better job prospects. Apart from CPA, here are several other certifications/accreditations that will improve the job prospects of an accountant:
- Certified information systems auditor (CISA)
- Chartered financial analyst (CFA)
- Certified management accountant (CMA)
- Certified internal auditor (CIA)
- Chartered global management accountant (CGMA)
- Certified payroll professional (CPP)
Apart from that, mastering several software such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Dynamics GP will also increase your competency.
Salaries in Canada are very competitive and, as an experienced accountant, you can expect to earn between CAD 92,360 and CAD 145,000 or around IDR 1 billion to IDR 1.5 billion per year.
4.2. Financial Analyst
In general, a financial analyst is a person who works within a company to monitor, analyze and study financial data. A financial analyst will recommend what financial guidelines and options are best as a solution for the company. Apart from that, financial analysts also have a role in analyzing and reporting changes in financial performance.
To be able to compete with the job market in Canada, having a certificate to support your career is something worth considering. Although certification is not always mandatory, some finance-related certifications can increase your chances of getting a job. For example, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Financial Risk Manager (FRM) are certifications that are recognized and respected in the financial industry.
The salary you can get if you become a financial analyst in Canada can range from CAD 63,696 per year for beginners, and can increase to CAD 108,613 per year based on work experience.
4.3. Investment Manager
According to The University of Law, investment managers are also known as fund managers or asset managers. The investment manager’s role is to help provide advice to clients regarding the use of their funds, especially ensuring that the value of the funds can increase. Investment managers also help minimize the risk of loss experienced by their customers. For example, by recommending the best investment products based on customer preferences.
An investment manager in Canada must obtain relevant certification such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Canadian Investment Manager (CIM). This certification demonstrates a high level of knowledge and skill in investment and portfolio management.
You also need to obtain permission from the applicable financial regulator in Canada. For example, if you want to become an investment manager in the capital markets, you must be registered with the Organization canadien de réglementation du commerce des valeurs mobilières (OCRCVM).
It is recommended to contact applicable financial regulators in Canada such as the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) or the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), as well as related professional associations such as the CFA Institute, for more detailed and up-to-date information regarding the requirements and process for becoming a manager. investment in Canada.
The average salary you can get when you become an investment manager in Canada is around CAD 100,021 per year or around IDR 1.1 billion per year.
Jobs in the Energy Sector
The energy sector in Canada is an important and rapidly growing sector. Canada has abundant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, uranium and renewable energy, which provide an important foundation for the country’s energy industry. The following are several professions that are quite sought after related to the Energy Sector in Canada.
5.1. Electrical and Electronics Engineer
An Electrical and Electronics Engineer or Electrical Engineer is a person who is responsible for electrical matters in a company. This profession is required to have the ability to repair electrical problems with production machines or other existing equipment, for the sake of smooth company operations. Periodic inspection and maintenance activities, both regarding the electrical installations of office buildings and all production equipment in a maintenance company, are routine activities that must be carried out. Apart from that, electricians are expected to be able to plan the use of electricity.
To become an Electrical Engineer in Canada, there are several things you need to pay attention to:
- You need to have a bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronic engineering that is recognized by Engineers Canada or a related professional body. This degree must come from a recognized educational institution.
- After completing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to obtain certification as a professional engineer. This involves registration with a professional regulatory body in a province or territory in Canada. For example, in Ontario, you need to be a member of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
- Typically, before becoming certified as a professional engineer, you need to gain relevant work experience under the guidance of a registered professional engineer. This experience can be gained through internships, academic projects, or work in related industries.
This profession offers an average salary of CAD 55,000 to CAD 75,000 per year for junior workers with under 2 years of experience. Meanwhile, it is CAD 75,000 to CAD 95,000 per year for workers with less than 5 years of experience. And CAD 95,000 to CAD 120,000 per year for workers with more than 5 years of experience.
5.2. Petroleum Engineering Expert
It’s called Petroleum Engineering, but don’t be mistaken, in this department you don’t just learn about petroleum. Natural gas and geothermal are also the focus of learning for Petroleum Engineering students.
Graduates of this major are often directly involved in oil prospecting and production. Some professions in this field include geologists who study the geology of drilling sites to search for crude oil and natural gas, geophysicists who examine the external and internal composition of the earth to search for oil and gas reserves, drilling engineers who carry out drilling operations, oil production engineers who determine the best way to bring oil to the earth’s surface, a reservoir engineer who checks fluid distribution and pressure to obtain maximum results, or a facilities engineer who designs the processing and transportation of oil on the earth’s surface.
Why should you study Petroleum Engineering and have a career in Canada? Because Canada is the largest foreign supplier of crude oil to the US, accounting for 48% of total US crude oil imports and 22% of US refinery crude oil intake.
To enter this world, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related discipline such as chemical engineering or mechanical engineering that is recognized by Engineers Canada or a related professional body. Then after that you need to have certification as a professional engineer. This involves registration with a professional regulatory body in a province or territory in Canada. For example, in Alberta, you need to be a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).
Many people flock to enter this field because the salaries offered are very promising. Fresh graduates majoring in Petroleum Engineering at bachelor degree level in the United States and Canada can earn $120,000 per year, you know. Or around IDR 1.7 billion. Remember, that’s only for fresh graduate level!
5.3. Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers are creative inventors who specialize in developing, designing and perfecting mechanical devices. These professionals work to create new mechanical objects such as engines, automotive parts, electrical generators, air conditioners, equipment, sensors, and related items. Mechanical engineers are needed in Canada because of the roles and contributions they make in various industrial sectors.
Over the next few years, it is estimated that there will be 24000 new jobs created due to expansion and the need for replacement as well as 31000 new positions to be filled by graduates and immigrants who want to live and work in Canada, including Mechanical Engineers. To be able to work in Canada, you must take skills certification which is the standard for work in Canada. Additionally, being licensed by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is also required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
The average salary that a Mechanical Engineer can earn in Canada is around CAD 105,408, or around IDR 1.1 billion per year.
These are some of the most in-demand jobs in Canada right now.