After a turbulent 2020, many of you are likely re-evaluating your career.
1 in 4 women are considering a career change since the onslaught of the pandemic. And during economic uncertainty, we see the highest number of changes in the hiring market, the highest number of available candidates, and the highest number of people deciding what to do to make money. Looking at the unemployment rate and listening to the daily news updates, the situation can feel bleak. But (and this is a big but), there are career paths that are busier than ever!
It can be tempting to think about the short term in times of uncertainty, but the long term hiring market trends in Canada are expected to return to pre-pandemic predictions in 2022. It is critical to think about your career in terms of long term predictions and growth.
To summarize some of the best careers for growth and demand I researched the top 33 jobs in Canada. The research was based on the Canadian Occupation Projection Systems (COPS) which is available to the public, along with my personal understanding of the skills required to succeed in the career path. Since much of the data predicts a return to a similar post-pandemic hiring market, I have noted which career paths have become in higher demand due to the pandemic. These are likely to change as our economy continues to recover.
Not sure what career to pursue? Check out the overall demand, geographical demand, certifications required, average salary, and skills in the list below!
If you want to learn about a specific career path that you are considering, email me at [email protected] and I can provide all the information you need to make a well-informed decision.
1. Registered Nurse and Registered Psychiatric Nurse
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +9300 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing. Registration with the provincial nursing association.
Average Salary: $38.14/hour
Valuable Skills: attention to detail, compassion, checking and monitoring vital signs, patient education, treatment planning, CPR.
2. Nursing Aides and Healthcare Support Roles
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +8300 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: some post-secondary is required depending on the exact position. Many college diplomas and certifications will allow you to work in this field.
Average Salary: $20.55/hour
Valuable Skills: attention to detail, record keeping, strong interpersonal communication, fluency in medical terminology, empathy.
3. Manufacturing and Utilities
Demand: +5000 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: trades certifications are beneficial.
Average Salary: $27.00/hour
Valuable Skills: attention to safety protocols, operating tools and equipment, efficiency, process-oriented.
4. Information Systems Analysts (IT)
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +4700 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: post-secondary certification, diploma or degree. Further industry certifications such as CCNA and CompTIA are beneficial.
Average Salary: $39.42/hour
Valuable Skills: strong analytical skills, propensity to learn new things, attention to detail, adaptability, technical experience with a range of software and hardware.
5. Social and Community work
Demand: +3500 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Registration with the provincial association.
Average Salary: $33.65/hour
Valuable Skills: active listening, creating treatment plans, crisis management, clear verbal communication, strong observation skills.
6. Food Preparation and Service
Demand: +3000 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: no qualifications required.
Average Salary: $14.00/hour
Valuable Skills: strong personal hygiene practises, attention to detail, interpersonal communication skills, customer service.
7. Elementary and Kindergarten Teachers
Demand: +2700 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Bachelor’s degree in education or certification in early childhood education.
Average Salary: $38.46/hour
Valuable Skills: lesson planning, patience, strong technology skills, time management, creativity, compassion.
8. Family Doctors
Demand: +2600 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Doctor of Medicine (MD) and residency.
Average Salary: $211,934/year
Valuable Skills: critical thinking, compassionate communication, a strong understanding of the medical system, teamwork, professionalism, ongoing interest in research and learning.
9. Computer Programming and Developer
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +2500 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Bachelor’s degree or post-secondary diploma preferred but not required.
Average Salary: $37.95/hour
Valuable Skills: a variety of programming languages, experience within an agile methodology or DevOps, critical thinking, curiosity,
10. Retail Management
Demand: +2400 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: not required although Bachelor’s degree often preferred.
Average Salary: $33.65/hour
Valuable Skills: strong sales skills, team culture building, customer service, manage conflicting priorities.
11. Human Resources Professionals
Demand: +2300 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Bachelor’s degree.
Average Salary: $36.00/hour
Valuable Skills: interpersonal communication, negotiation, recruitment, advising, strong administration skills, skilled at utilizing an HRIS, analytics.
12. Light Duty Cleaning
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +2300 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: none required.
Average Salary: $15.94/hour
Valuable Skills: attention to detail, strong physical abilities, customer service approach, problem-solving.
13. Cashiers
Demand: +2100 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: none required.
Average Salary: $13.85/hour
Valuable Skills: customer service approach, integrity, cash management, point of sales systems, mathematical and analytical skills.
14. Natural Health Practitioners (Massage Therapists etc.)
Demand: +2000 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: post-secondary diploma and registration with local associations are required to practise.
Average Salary: $25.00/hour
Valuable Skills: medical terminology and anatomical knowledge, strong communication skills, dependability and consistency, stress management technique, client education.
15. Store Shelf Stockers, Clerks and Order Fillers
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +2000 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: none required.
Average Salary: $14.00/hour
Valuable Skills: organization, critical thinking, independent work, attention to detail.
16. Truck Drivers
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +1900 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: specific road license for the size of vehicle driven.
Average Salary: $22.00/hour
Valuable Skills: time management, logistics, planning, safety-conscious, dependable, independent worker.
17. Social and Health Policy Researchers and Consultants
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +1800 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Master’s degree or above.
Average Salary: $37.00/hour
Valuable Skills: data management and analysis, advising, critical thinking, teamwork, verbal and written communication skills, knowledge of scientific and medical terminology.
18. Financial Auditors and Accountants
Demand: +1700 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Bachelor’s degree required. Further certification may be needed based on the role.
Average Salary: $35.00/hour
Valuable Skills: strong understanding of local industry standards, data analysis, varied experience with accounting software, attention to detail, ability to work independently while collaborating with different business units.
19. Business Management Consulting
Demand: +1700 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: business-related Bachelor’s degree and experience in previous business roles required.
Average Salary: $36.06/hour
Valuable Skills: flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, data and process analytics, ability to work in high-pressure environments, advising.
20. Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers
Demand: +1700 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: post-secondary diplomas and certifications preferred.
Average Salary: $23.00/hour
Valuable Skills: attention to detail, mathematically minded, strong technical skills with a variety of bookkeeping software, intermediate excel skills, balance sheets.
21. Specialist Physicians
Demand: +1700 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Medical doctorate (MD) plus further specialization and fellowships.
Average Salary: $275,247/year
Valuable Skills: critical thinking, expertise in the area of specialization, compassionate communication, a strong understanding of the medical system, teamwork, professionalism, ongoing interest in research and learning.
22. Sales and Account Representatives
Demand: +1700 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: post-secondary preferred but not required.
Average Salary: $25.00/hour
Valuable Skills: strong relationship building skills, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, client acquisition and retention, digital marketing, negotiation, networking.
23. Computer and Information System Managers
Demand: +1500 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Degree or Diploma strongly preferred. Further industry certifications are highly beneficial.
Average Salary: $51.28/hour
Valuable Skills: people and team management skills, strong technical understanding, project management skills, understanding of business units outside of IT, analytics, budgeting.
24. IT User Support
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +1500 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Diploma or Degree preferred. Further industry certifications are recommended.
Average Salary: $29.74/hour
Valuable Skills: clear verbal and written communication, empathy, strong technical understanding, client education, Microsoft application support, external hardware support.
25. Athletes, Coaches, Referees and Related Occupations
Demand: +1500 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: dependant on the role. Kinesiology Bachelor’s Degrees are beneficial.
Average Salary: $22.00/hour
Valuable Skills: dependent on position. Include competitivism, dedication, clear coaching communication, athletic program planning, basic First-Aid.
26. Technical Sales Specialists
Demand: +1500 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Post-Secondary education in a STEM-related subject.
Average Salary: $25.00/hour
Valuable Skills: technical background and industry knowledge, relationship building/networking, clear verbal and written communication, presentation skills, customer service, creativity.
27. Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
Demand: +1400 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: post-secondary certification or diploma.
Average Salary: $19.20/hour
Valuable Skills: patience, compassion, creativity, time management, parent interaction and education, lesson plan creation, first aid, infection control and sanitation practises.
28. Customer and Information Service Representatives
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +1300 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: not required but is beneficial.
Average Salary: $18.27/hour
Valuable Skills: verbal and written communication, compassion, time management, ability to manage multiple priorities, relationship building skills, patience, problem-solving.
29. Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +1200 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Nursing degrees and hands-on experience.
Average Salary: $40.00/hour
Valuable Skills: strong nursing experience, team building and management, scheduling and logistics, triaging, mentoring junior nursing staff, program and treatment planning.
30. Licensed Practical Nurse
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +1200 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: LPN diploma/certification.
Average Salary: $27.00/hour
Valuable Skills: patient care, teamwork, medical terminology, ability to manage conflicting priorities, patient education, compassion, communication.
31. Judges and Lawyers
Demand:+1200 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Bachelor’s degree and Master’s.
Average Salary: $116,940/year
Valuable Skills: interpersonal communication skills, critical thinking, ability to work in high-pressure situations, research skills, public speaking, collaboration.
32. Real-Estate Agents
Demand: +1200 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: Provincial accreditation and exam.
Average Salary: $46,212/year
Valuable Skills: negotiation, strong listening and communication skills, patience, ambition, responsibility, strong knowledge of the local property market.
33. Cleaning Supervisors and Executive House Cleaners
*increased demand due to pandemic*
Demand: +1200 jobs in 2021
Geography:
Certification Required: none required.
Average Salary: $23.50/hour
Valuable Skills: team management and scheduling, attention to detail, strong client-facing communication skills, high cleaning standards.
