What Jobs Are In Demand in Ontario
Ontario’s job market is booming, with record employment growth seen in recent years. The province added 183,200 net new jobs in 2023 (a 2.4% increase) – the highest three-year job gain on record. This growth, along with an aging workforce and shifting economic needs, has created high demand for workers in several key occupations. Below, we explore some of the most in-demand jobs in Ontario, spanning healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and more, and explain why these roles are so sought-after.
1. Registered Nurses (RNs) and Healthcare Aides
Nursing professionals are at the top of Ontario’s in-demand list. Hospitals and clinics across the province face a serious nursing shortage, driven by an aging population and increased healthcare needs. In early 2024, there were nearly 4,000 job postings for nurses in Ontario on a major job site. Despite steady graduation of new nurses, the gap continues to grow – nationally, projections show 155,400 nursing job openings versus 143,700 job seekers over 2022 – 2031. This means opportunities for RNs (and related roles like RPNs and personal support workers) are plentiful and growing. Ontario’s nurses also enjoy competitive pay (around $89,700 median annual wage in Ontario). Overall, if you have the qualifications in nursing or caregiving, you will find no shortage of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community clinics eager to hire.
2. Physicians and Medical Doctors
Along with nurses, physicians – especially family doctors and general practitioners – are in high demand. Many Ontario communities, including both urban and rural areas, struggle to recruit enough doctors to meet patient needs. Job postings for physicians regularly appear, and Canada-wide forecasts predict a shortfall of about 19,500 physicians by 2031 if trends continue. Ontario’s growing and aging population is driving the need for more doctors in clinics and hospitals. Family physicians, specialists, and psychiatrists are all on hiring sprees. The province has even started offering incentives to attract and retain doctors in underserviced areas. For those with medical degrees, Ontario offers an abundance of opportunities – and notably high earning potential (the median family doctor income in Ontario is over $250,000 annually). With healthcare a top priority, doctors remain one of the most in-demand professions in the province.
3. Pharmacists
Pharmacists are another in-demand healthcare role in Ontario. As the population ages and requires more medications and advice on treatment, pharmacies and hospitals are urgently seeking licensed pharmacists. Provinces like Ontario“need more pharmacists to keep up with the demand”fueled by an aging population. In fact, roughly 20% of Canadians are now seniors, leading to greater prescription volumes. Ontario has seen some hospital pharmacies offering signing bonuses to recruit pharmacists, and community pharmacies often report unfilled vacancies. This profession offers a stable career path with strong salaries (Ontario’s average pharmacist wage is around $50 – $60 per hour). For those with a pharmacy degree and licensure, the job market in Ontario is very favorable, with opportunities ranging from retail pharmacies to clinical and hospital pharmacy roles.
4. Software Developers and IT Professionals
Ontario (especially the Toronto – Waterloo tech corridor) has a thriving technology sector, which makes software developers one of the hottest commodities in the job market. In early 2024, there were over 3,400 software developer openings in Ontario on job boards. Companies across finance, e-commerce, gaming, and AI are all competing for coding talent.“It’s no surprise that software developers are in hot demand,”notes Randstad Canada, calling them“essential players in developing innovative technological solutions.”Skilled developers, software engineers, and QA testers are needed to design apps, build websites, implement cloud services, and more. Ontario’s tech firms, from startups to global companies, are offering attractive salaries (the median software developer salary in Ontario is about $85,700 a year) and perks to attract talent. In addition, related IT roles like data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and IT project managers are also seeing growing demand as organizations undergo digital transformation. If you have coding skills or IT expertise, Ontario’s booming tech industry has plenty of opportunities for you.
5. Electricians (Skilled Trades)
Electricians are in big demand across Ontario, reflecting a broader shortage of skilled tradespeople. These licensed professionals, who install and maintain electrical systems in buildings and infrastructure, are vital to support the province’s growth. The construction of new homes, commercial developments, and green energy projects has stretched the pool of available electricians. Job listings for electricians in Ontario routinely number in the hundreds – for example, around 891 electrician job openings were noted in a recent snapshot. This shortage is expected to grow in coming years, with forecasts of about 45,600 new electrician openings (2022 – 2031) versus only 37,200 new qualified seekers entering the field. Electricians enjoy solid wages (around $66,300 median annual pay in Ontario) and often the stability of unionized or long-term employment. With the provincial government investing in infrastructure and housing, electricians and other construction trades are assured a steady stream of work. It’s a great time to be or become a certified electrician in Ontario.
6. Welders and Machining Trades
Ontario’s manufacturing and construction industries are experiencing a pronounced shortage of welders and related skilled trades. Welding is crucial for building everything from bridges and high-rises to factory equipment, yet employers report difficulty finding enough qualified welders.“The Canadian welding industry is experiencing a shortage… due in significant part to an aging population and a lack of young people entering the skilled trades,”warns the Canadian Welding Bureau. In Ontario, there were over 800 welding job postings at one point in early 2024, indicating strong hiring appetite. Welders (and similar trades like machinists and metal fabricators) can expect plenty of job options, whether in construction, automotive and aerospace manufacturing, or industrial maintenance. The work can be physically demanding, but it is rewarding and fairly well-paid (median welding wages around $50,000 in Ontario). Importantly, this shortage isn’t short-term – unless more people train as welders, the demand will remain high for years. As Randstad Canada notes,“demand is growing for occupations in manual industries, such as electricians and welders.”
7. Plumbers and Pipefitters
Alongside electricians and welders, plumbers (and related occupations like pipefitters and steamfitters) are among the skilled trades urgently needed in Ontario. These professionals install and repair piping systems, water supply, and HVAC infrastructure – work that is essential in both new construction and maintaining aging facilities. Ontario’s construction boom and the retirement of many veteran tradespeople have led to a shortage of qualified plumbers. In fact, the overall skilled trades labor shortage spans“a wide range of trades, including electricians, plumbers, welders, and mechanics.”Employers from residential construction companies to industrial maintenance services are competing to hire licensed plumbers. The outlook is very positive: BuildForce Canada projects Ontario will need over 100,000 new construction workers by 2030 to keep up with growth and retirements – many of those will be in plumbing and mechanical trades. For those entering the plumbing trade, this means strong job security, rising wages, and the chance to pick among many job offers across the province.
8. Construction Managers and Project Managers
With so much activity in building and infrastructure, construction managers (project managers, site supervisors, etc.) have become highly sought-after in Ontario. These are the professionals who plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from start to finish. Ontario’s government and private sector have numerous large-scale projects underway – new housing developments, transit lines, hospitals, and more – creating a need for experienced managers to lead them. The demand is evident: companies are hiring managers for construction and engineering projects at a rapid clip, and many senior workers are retiring. A recent industry report noted“intense levels of demand for both residential and non-residential construction [workers] until at least the early 2030s”in Ontario. Construction managers who can keep projects on schedule and budget are invaluable. Similarly, project managers in IT and other fields are also in demand as organizations undertake complex initiatives. For those with strong organizational and leadership skills in the construction domain, Ontario offers a wealth of opportunities, from managing high-rise builds in Toronto to infrastructure projects across the province.
9. Transport Truck Drivers
It may surprise some, but truck drivers continue to be in very high demand in Ontario (as well as across Canada). The trucking industry is literally the engine of the economy, hauling goods that keep shelves stocked and businesses running. An aging driver workforce, challenging working conditions, and the explosion of e-commerce have all contributed to a persistent driver shortage. As of 2024, Canada had a persistent shortage of transport truck drivers, a trend ongoing for several years. This is true in Ontario, home to major transportation corridors and distribution centers. Logistics companies and trucking firms arealwayslooking for reliable drivers with a commercial license. In fact, the demand for drivers is expected to remain high through 2025 and beyond despite economic ups and downs. For job seekers, trucking offers good pay (often hourly or mileage-based, with experienced long-haul drivers earning strong incomes) and does not necessarily require a college degree – just the proper training and licensing. It’s a career path with numerous openings right now, from long-haul highway drivers to local delivery and transit operators.
10. Accountants and Financial Auditors
Ontario’s robust economy and concentration of businesses mean that accounting and finance professionals are perennially in demand. Accountants, auditors, and bookkeeping experts are needed by companies of all sizes to manage finances, ensure compliance, and analyze budgets. The province’s financial services sector (especially in Toronto) is huge, but even small businesses and nonprofits require accounting talent. In early 2024, there were over 2,300 job postings for accountants in Ontario, and demand has only grown since. Salaries for accountants are attractive (around $75,000 median in Ontario for certified accountants). Moreover, a tight labor market exists for finance roles: employers across Canada reportincreasing demand for accountants and finance professionals, especially those with tech and analytics skills. Over the 2022 – 2031 period, about 88,000 new openings for financial auditors and accountants are projected in Canada, outpacing the number of new graduates in this field. In short, if you have accounting credentials (CPA or similar) or experience in financial analysis, you will find many opportunities in Ontario – from public accounting firms to corporate finance departments – with competitive pay and career growth potential.
11. Financial and Investment Analysts
Among specialized finance roles, financial analysts stand out as in-demand in Ontario’s job market. Financial analysts evaluate data, market trends, and company performance to guide business and investment decisions. Banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and large corporations in Ontario are all seeking talented analysts to help drive strategic decisions. Thanks to the strong finance sector in cities like Toronto (one of North America’s financial hubs), there’s a continual need for analysts in areas like investment analysis, risk management, and fintech. The competition for skilled candidates is high – a recent report noted that there is a“limited supply of candidates in finance and accounting in Canada,”with 87% of hiring managers struggling to find skilled talent in these fields. This means qualified financial analysts (with backgrounds in finance, economics, or CFA credentials) often receive multiple job offers. They can also command healthy salaries given the expertise required. Whether it’s analyzing stock portfolios, budgeting for a Fortune 500 company, or advising on corporate mergers, financial analysts with the right skills are highly sought after in Ontario’s robust financial industry.
12. Marketing and Sales Managers
Companies in Ontario are eager to hire talented marketing, sales, and business development managers to help drive growth. As businesses emerge in new markets and competition intensifies, the need for skilled professionals who can develop strategies, lead teams, and boost revenue is critical. Roles such as Marketing Manager,Sales Manager, and Business Development Manager are frequently listed among Ontario’s in-demand jobs. These roles involve planning campaigns, identifying market opportunities, and building client relationships – all key to a company’s success. Ontario’s diverse economy (ranging from tech startups to manufacturers and service companies) provides a wide array of opportunities for managers in these fields. There were around 2,800 job openings for sales, advertising, and marketing managers in Ontario at one point in 2024, and employment prospects remain strong going forward. In fact, over the next several years, about 23,200 new openings for advertising, marketing and public relations managers are expected in Canada, nearly matching the supply of new professionals. This balanced yet growing demand suggests steady job availability. If you have a background in business or marketing and strong leadership skills, Ontario’s employers are actively looking for people to lead their sales and marketing initiatives. These managerial roles also tend to offer high compensation – for example, the median salary for marketing and business services managers in Ontario is around $100,000+ annually.
13. Human Resources (HR) Professionals
As organizations expand, human resources professionals are increasingly in demand to help recruit, develop, and retain talent. Ontario’s low unemployment and competitive job market mean companies must work hard to attract skilled workers – which elevates the importance of HR roles such as HR managers, recruiters, and HR generalists. In 2025, Randstad listed the HR generalist as one of Canada’s emerging sought-after roles. Businesses need HR staff to manage hiring drives, training programs, benefits, and workplace culture improvements. The demand spans many sectors: tech firms need recruiters to scale up teams, hospitals need HR managers to coordinate large staff, and manufacturers need HR specialists to handle labor and training needs. With many senior HR professionals retiring and new challenges like remote work emerging, companies are eager for fresh HR talent. If you have skills in people management, recruitment, or labor relations, you’ll find plenty of HR job openings in Ontario. These roles can be quite rewarding, often bridging the gap between company leadership and employees, and they offer solid salaries that grow with experience.
14. Administrative Assistants and Office Support
Not all in-demand jobs require advanced degrees – administrative assistants and other office support roles are hugely in demand in Ontario. Virtually every industry needs efficient admins to keep operations running smoothly, handle communications, and organize schedules. From medical offices and schools to corporate headquarters, administrative professionals are the backbone of daily business. In Ontario, there were over 3,000 job postings for administrative assistants in a recent survey, and shortages are projected to continue. In fact, Canada is expected to have 68,200 job openings for admin assistants (2022 – 2031), with a shortfall of workers to fill about 11,000 of those positions. Ontario, being the economic engine, will account for a large share of that demand. This role typically requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and often a college diploma or related office experience. The payoff is good job stability and the possibility to work in virtually any field that interests you. While entry-level pay may be modest (Ontario’s median admin assistant salary is around $48,700), experienced executive assistants can earn much more. If you’re detail-oriented and good at multitasking, this is a career with many job opportunities across Ontario’s public and private sectors.
15. School Teachers and Educators
Ontario’s education sector is also experiencing a shortage of qualified teachers and educators, making teaching a field of high demand. School boards across the province – English, Catholic, and French – have reported difficulty filling teaching positions in recent years. There is a“significant and growing teacher shortage in Ontario, affecting all 73 publicly funded school boards”. This applies to elementary and secondary teachers, with especially acute needs for French-language teachers, math and science teachers, and those willing to work in rural or Northern communities. Ontario’s government has acknowledged the issue by investing in training more teachers, but in the meantime many schools are hiring uncertified or supply teachers to cover gaps. In addition, early childhood educators (ECEs) for child care and kindergarten are in high demand, as Ontario expands child care services but faces a shortage of certified ECEs. For aspiring teachers, this environment means more job openings and often quicker pathways to full-time positions than in the past. New graduates from teaching programs are finding it easier to land permanent roles, and retired teachers are being recruited back. Teaching in Ontario offers the reward of shaping the next generation, and now also comes with strong job security. While you do need the proper education degree and licensing to teach in public schools, once qualified you will find many regions actively recruiting – making it a promising career choice if you have a passion for education.
Ontario’s thriving economy and demographic shifts have creatednumerous opportunitiesfor job seekers across a variety of fields. In-demand jobs range from front-line healthcare workers and tech experts to skilled trades and business professionals. The common thread is that employers are facing skill shortages – whether due to retirements, not enough new graduates, or new economic growth – and are eager to hire qualified candidates. If you’re considering your career path or a possible move to Ontario, these high-demand occupations are worth a close look. Not only do they offer plentiful job openings, but many also come with good salaries and growth potential. By training or upskilling in one of these areas, you can position yourself to take advantage of Ontario’s booming job market and build a rewarding, stable career in the years ahead.
