Introduction
The job market in Canada is expected to see continued growth and evolution in 2024. As the economy transforms and new technologies emerge, certain occupations are anticipated to be in high demand over the next few years.
This list examines 10 of the top in-demand jobs projected for 2024 in Canada. It provides a brief overview of the labor market outlook and highlights occupations that are likely to see strong hiring, have abundant openings, and provide good wages.
Factors driving job growth include an aging population requiring more healthcare services, data analytics and AI disrupting many industries, infrastructure projects necessitating skilled trades, and evolving business needs demanding more financial and analytical roles.
While specific hiring needs will vary by province and city, these 10 occupations should provide job seekers with a useful guide to where some of the greatest opportunities lie. The list reflects positions projected to be both numerous and well-compensated.
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered Nursing is projected to be one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada by 2024 due to several factors:
- High demand due to aging population. As the baby boomer generation ages, there will be an increased need for healthcare services and nurses to provide care, especially in long-term care facilities and home health settings. The number of Canadians over 65 is expected to double over the next two decades.
- Strong job growth and salary prospects. Job growth for RNs is projected to be 15% between 2020-2024, much faster than average according to government labor statistics. The median salary for RNs in Canada is over $80,000. With high demand, salaries are likely to increase.
- Education requirements. To become an RN requires completing an undergraduate nursing degree program (usually 4 years) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. Some provinces also require a Bachelor’s degree. While the education requirements are substantial, the high demand and compensation make nursing an attractive field.
2. Data Scientist
Data scientists are in high demand as companies increasingly rely on data analytics and insights to drive business decisions. With the exponential growth of data, there is a pressing need for professionals who can collect, analyze and interpret large datasets to identify trends and opportunities.
The key skills required to be a successful data scientist include mathematics and statistics, programming languages like Python and R, machine learning, and communication skills to explain technical findings to non-technical colleagues. A Master’s degree in a quantitative field like computer science, applied math or statistics is usually required.
Data scientists earn a median salary of over $100,000 in Canada, with experienced professionals earning $130,000 or more. Job growth is projected to be over 25% from 2020 to 2024 as organizations continue to invest in big data. Major employment sectors include IT, finance, healthcare, retail and government.
With demand outweighing supply for qualified candidates, data scientists have excellent job prospects and career advancement opportunities. Their analytical skills will be critical for organizations to unlock insights, improve efficiency and gain a competitive edge.
3. Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineering is poised to be one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada by 2024 due to the country’s focus on updating infrastructure and integrating new technologies. Electrical engineers design, develop, test and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment like electric motors, navigation systems, and power generation equipment.
As Canada continues to invest in clean energy and modernize things like the power grid, electrical engineers will be needed to take on these large-scale projects. Their main responsibilities include designing new ways to generate, distribute, and utilize electrical power. They may work on electric propulsion systems, communications systems, or electrical installations in buildings and factories.
Electrical engineers have a median salary of $87,500 CAD per year. The job outlook for electrical engineers is excellent as demand is growing rapidly. Many new positions will open up by 2024 to design and integrate renewable energy systems across Canada. Electrical engineers are highly skilled professionals who will play a key role in building Canada’s infrastructure and technology capabilities for the future.
4. Marketing Specialist
The marketing landscape has changed dramatically in the digital age. Marketing specialists need to adapt to new technologies and strategies to promote products and services. This evolving role requires certain skills and qualifications to stay competitive.
Marketing specialists analyze market conditions to identify potential customers and promote an organization’s products or services. They often specialize in a specific area like social media, search engine optimization, email marketing, or data analytics. As marketing continues to move online, specialists need expertise in digital platforms and analytics tools.
To succeed as a marketing specialist, you’ll need skills like:
- Creativity and analytical thinking to develop marketing campaigns
- Communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate across teams
- Flexibility to work with new technologies and adapt strategies
- Project management abilities to handle multiple campaigns
A university degree in marketing, communications or business is generally required. Coursework in consumer behavior, market research, data analytics, and digital marketing are assets. Certifications like Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ) can demonstrate expertise. Some on-the-job training may be provided.
The average salary for marketing specialists in Canada is $56,000 per year. With the rise of digital marketing, demand for specialists is growing faster than average for all occupations. Job opportunities are projected to increase 15% from 2021 to 2031.
5. Business Analyst
Business analysts are in high demand as companies seek to make data-driven business decisions. The role of a business analyst is to understand business objectives, processes, and needs, and provide insights and recommendations to help organizations operate more efficiently and profitably.
With the exponential growth of data, there is a growing need for business analysts who can collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify opportunities, streamline operations, and support strategic decision making. Key responsibilities of a business analyst include requirements gathering, data analysis, process modeling, solution design, and project management.
To succeed as a business analyst, certain skills are required including analytical thinking, business acumen, communication, problem-solving, and technical skills with data analysis tools and databases. A business analyst needs to understand the company’s goals and operations, while also having the data analytics skills to extract and analyze relevant information.
Business analyst is a lucrative career with a median salary of around $83,000 in Canada according to PayScale. Job prospects are strong with a projected 9% growth from 2019 to 2028, according to the Government of Canada Job Bank. Business analysts are in demand across various industries from IT to finance to healthcare. With companies relying more on data insights, business analysts play a critical role in driving organizational success.
6. Truck Driver
The trucking industry is essential for transporting goods across Canada. As e-commerce and manufacturing grows, the demand for truck drivers is increasing. There are several types of truck driving jobs available:
- Long-haul trucking involves driving between provinces and spending nights away from home. Long-haul truckers may drive over 150,000 km per year.
- Short-haul trucking involves driving within a province or region and returning home each night. Short-haul routes are typically under 800 km roundtrip.
- Delivery truck drivers pick up and deliver items locally within a city or town. Delivery routes are usually less than 250 km per day.
- Specialized trucking requires additional skills to haul certain cargo like hazardous materials, oversized loads, or liquids. Specialized truckers often transport goods like chemicals, machinery, or oil.
The average salary for a truck driver in Canada is $45,000 to $65,000 per year. However, long-haul truckers and specialized transport can earn over $80,000 annually. The job outlook for truck drivers is strong due to rising transportation demands.There are many well-paying truck driving jobs available now and increasing opportunities in the future.
7. Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee and coordinate construction projects from start to finish. With Canada’s continued growth in real estate and infrastructure, construction managers are in high demand.
Construction managers are responsible for planning, budgeting, and supervising projects. They hire and manage subcontractors, ensure compliance with building and safety regulations, create schedules, monitor progress, and troubleshoot issues. Excellent communication, leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills are required.
The average salary for construction managers in Canada is $87,500. With many major infrastructure projects planned over the next decade and a shortage of skilled tradespeople, demand for construction managers is expected to grow substantially. Construction management is a promising career path offering high pay, varied responsibilities, and plenty of job opportunities across the country.
8. Industrial Electrician
Industrial electricians are in high demand in Canada as infrastructure and industry continue to grow and require skilled tradespeople. The work of industrial electricians is essential for constructing, maintaining, and repairing electrical equipment and systems in industrial facilities like manufacturing plants, refineries, and power generation stations.
To become an industrial electrician, you’ll need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with technical courses. Apprentices need to have a high school diploma and complete the required safety and electrical theory training before working directly on equipment and systems. Certification as a journeyperson industrial electrician requires passing a provincial exam.
The job outlook for industrial electricians is very strong. According to government projections, the number of job openings in this field will grow by 9.5% between now and 2024. The average salary for industrial electricians is over $80,000 per year, with experienced tradespeople earning over $100,000. With demand outpacing supply for skilled trades, those who complete the industrial electrician apprenticeship program will be in a great position to launch and build their career.
9. Pharmacist
Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare, especially as Canada’s population continues to age. With more seniors requiring daily medications and healthcare services, demand for pharmacists is expected to grow over the next decade.
To become a licensed pharmacist in Canada, you must complete a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree, followed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada evaluations. Pharmacists must also register with their provincial regulatory body to practice. With this advanced education and licensing, pharmacists can provide expertise in dispensing prescriptions, administering immunizations, managing chronic diseases, and more.
The median annual salary for pharmacists in Canada is approximately $100,000, making it one of the highest paying healthcare roles. The job outlook is also positive, with a projected employment growth of 5% between 2021 and 2031 according to Government of Canada estimates. This steady demand is fueled by the aging demographics, as well as pharmacists taking on more clinical responsibilities in patient care. With strong career prospects and the ability to directly impact people’s health, becoming a pharmacist is an attractive option for those interested in healthcare.
10. Accountant
Accountants are in high demand in Canada due to the critical role they play in managing finances for businesses and individuals. As the economy grows and regulations evolve, the need for accounting expertise continues to increase.
Some of the key accounting roles and responsibilities include:
- Financial reporting – preparing financial statements, recording transactions, analyzing results
- Auditing – assessing financial records to ensure compliance and accuracy
- Tax accounting – preparing tax returns, maximizing deductions, advising on tax strategies
- Management accounting – budgeting, forecasting, analyzing performance to aid business decisions
- Public accounting – providing auditing, accounting, tax and consulting services to clients
The base salary for accountants in Canada averages around $70,000 annually. With experience and specializations like Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) certification, salaries can exceed $100,000.
