Top In-demand Jobs in Alberta

Alberta, one of Canada’s prairie provinces, offers abundant opportunities for individuals seeking employment. With a strong economy and a diverse range of industries, Alberta is home to many in-demand jobs that attract foreign workers worldwide.

From nursing to bricklaying, the in-demand occupations in Alberta range across all skill levels, opening the province’s labor pool to a broad number of eligible foreign workers.

Want to know which jobs in Alberta are in demand? The following list describes the top 10 in-demand jobs in Canada!

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Top 10 In-demand Jobs in Alberta

Registered Nurses

Registered Nurses are crucial to Alberta’s healthcare system, providing patient care, administering medications, and offering emotional support to patients and their families.

The demand for registered nurses in the province is constantly increasing due to an aging population, provincial labor shortages, and advancements in healthcare technology.

To work as a registered nurse in Alberta, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing (validated by Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and be registered with the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA).

Find out more about the best places to live and work in Canada as a Registered Nurse.

NOC Code: 31301

Average annual salary in Alberta: 119,340.00 CAD

Retail Sales Supervisors

Retail Sales Supervisors oversee the day-to-day operations of retail establishments, ensuring smooth customer service and efficient sales processes. With the rise of e-commerce, many retail businesses in Alberta need skilled supervisors to drive sales and manage their teams effectively.

NOC Code: 62010

Average annual salary in Alberta: 58,039.84 CAD

Transport Truck Drivers

With Alberta's vast landscape and growing transportation industry, the demand for transport truck drivers is high. They transport goods across the province and to other Canadian provinces or territories.

NOC Code: 73300

Average annual salary in Alberta: 74,279.20 CAD

Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics

As Alberta's industrial sector thrives, the need for heavy-duty equipment mechanics remains constant. They repair and maintain various heavy machinery, such as construction and agricultural machinery.

NOC Code: 72401

Average annual salary in Alberta: 104,725.24 CAD

Paramedical Occupations

Paramedical occupations, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, are in high demand in Alberta. They provide essential healthcare services to individuals with physical, mental, and communication challenges.

NOC Code: 32102

Average annual salary in Alberta: 82,233.16 CAD

Learn more about how to get a Job in Canada as a paramedic.

Software Engineers and Designers

In the digital age, software engineers and designers are in high demand across various industries. Alberta's growing technology sector offers numerous opportunities in software development, web design, and data analysis.

NOC Code: 21231

Average annual salary in Alberta: 122,413.20 CAD

Learn more about getting a Canadian Work Visa as a software engineer.

Restaurant and Food Service Managers

Alberta's vibrant culinary scene has created a demand for skilled restaurant and food service managers. They oversee the operations of restaurants, including:

• Ensuring excellent customer service
• Accounting for the customer intake of the restaurant
• Answering direct questions from customers upon request
• Managing staff
• Maintaining quality standards

Strong leadership skills are crucial for success in this role.

NOC Code: 60030

Average annual salary in Alberta: 63,172.36 CAD

Find out how to find a job in Canada in the food service industry.

Bricklayers

Alberta’s construction industry is thriving, and bricklayers are in high demand. These skilled tradespeople build and repair structures using bricks, concrete blocks, and other materials. As Canada’s housing needs continue to expand, the country's need for skilled construction personnel, including bricklayers, has steadily increased. This demand has not been met by the local labor market.

NOC Code: 72320

Average annual salary in Alberta: 103,742.14 CAD

Pulp Mill Machine Operators

Pulp mill machine operators play a vital role in Alberta's forestry industry. They operate and maintain machinery used to produce pulp and paper products.

NOC Code: 93102

Average annual salary in Alberta: 114,130.75 CAD

Human Resource Manager

Human Resource Managers are crucial in organizations, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and policy development. Alberta's thriving business sector requires skilled HR professionals who can attract and retain top talent.

NOC Code: 10011

Average annual salary in Alberta: 140,356.34 CAD

Learn how to get the perfect HR job in Canada.

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How Can You Work in Alberta?

Canada Work Permits

If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will need a work permit to work in Alberta. The Canadian government’s work permit programs include:

Temporary Foreign Work Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) enables your employer to legally hire you for a job post they could not fill within the local Alberta labor market.

If your application for a TFWP is successful, you’ll receive an employer-specific/closed work permit, allowing you to work for the same employer for a specified period.

Find out more about the Temporary Foreign Work Program (TFWP).

International Mobility Program

If you want to speed up the process of getting a work permit, you can apply for the International Mobility Program (IMP). Depending on your job, IMP will give you a closed or open work permit, enabling you to work anywhere in Alberta (and Canada generally) for any employer of your choice.

Learn more about Canada’s IMP.

IEC Working Holiday Visa

The IEC Working Holiday Visa program allows foreign youth to live and work in Canada for up to 2 years. It’s designed for individuals aged 18-35 from one of the 35 participating countries to gain valuable work experience while exploring the province and its culture.

Find out more about the Working Holiday Visa.

How Can You Find a Job in Alberta?

Job Search Websites

Numerous job search websites cater specifically to Alberta’s job market. Online job portals that can greatly assist your efforts to fund a job in Alberta include:

• Indeed Canada
• Workopolis
• Canada’s Job Bank
• Eluta
• Alberta Job Centre

Occupational Networking

Networking is a great way to find employment opportunities in your job field. Make use of networking opportunities in Alberta by visiting some of the following top events.

• Calgary Job Fair - Calgary Career Fair
• Mentorship: Making Connections
• Open for Business In-Person Networking Event
• Alberta Business Bash - Edmonton

Use Canadian Staffing Agencies

Canadian staffing agencies specialize in connecting job seekers with employers across various industries. These agencies have extensive networks and can help match your skills and qualifications with suitable job opportunities in Alberta. Prominent Staffing Agencies in Alberta include:

• Prime Staffing
• Diversified Staffing Services
• About Staffing
• KPM Staffing

Alberta Works and Alberta Support Centers

Alberta Works and Alberta Support Centers offer career counseling, job search workshops, and information on available job openings in the province. Utilizing these significantly enhances your job search efforts.

Why Work in Alberta?

Alberta’s Fast-Growing Cities Have Many Economic Opportunities

Alberta boasts several fast-growing cities, with Calgary and Edmonton as the most prominent. These cities are the centers of major industrial and agricultural activity in the province, as exemplified below. Figures obtained from mergr.com and Statista.

Top Industrial and Agricultural Companies in Alberta	Economic Sector	Revenue (millions CAD)	Number of Employees
Suncor	Energy Services and Equipment	60,740,66	16,558
Imperial Oil	Oil/Gas Exploration	59,594,04	5,300
Parkland	Oil/Gas Exploration	36,929,14	6,284
Agrium, Inc.	Agriculture	20,270,33	24,700

Along with Alberta Health Services, which employs 102,000 workers according to the Alberta government, these companies are some of the largest employers in Alberta, attracting more workers to Alberta’s major cities and increasing their populations.

Career Advancement Opportunities in Alberta

With a strong focus on skills development and continuous learning, individuals in Alberta can enhance their knowledge and expertise to progress in their careers.

Career advancement opportunities in the province are facilitated via:

• Training programs,
• Apprenticeships,
• Further post-secondary education, and
• Company retreats and conferences.

To receive career advancement support services and information, we recommend contacting the Career Development Association of Alberta, a regulatory organization of Certified Career Development Practitioners (CCDP).

Business Development Opportunities in Alberta’s Primary Economic Sector

Alberta's abundance of natural resources and a well-established infrastructure present significant business development opportunities. The province supports these industries. These industries include:

• Oil and gas
• Mining
• Agriculture
• Food processing

Alberta can help you capitalize on these business opportunities through prominent business support development programs such as:

• Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program,
• Canadian Agricultural Partnership,
• Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, and
• Alberta Enterprise Corporation

Employment Benefits in Alberta

Working in Alberta offers numerous employment benefits, including competitive wages, comprehensive healthcare coverage, and generous retirement savings plans.

Employers in Alberta also offer retirement savings plans, such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), to help employees save for their future. Other employee benefit programs in Alberta include:

• Group Life Insurance Plan
• Extended Medical Benefits Plan
• Long-Term Disability Income Continuance (LTDI) Plan
• Prescription Drug Plan

Cost of Living in Alberta

The cost of housing, transportation, and groceries in Alberta can vary depending on the city and region. However, as demonstrated in the table below, Alberta’s major cities of Calgary and Edmonton are generally more affordable than other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Figures obtained from numbeo.com.

Canadian Cities	Average Monthly Cost of Living For a Family of Four (CAD)	Average Rent in the City Centre (For a Family of Four) (CAD)
Vancouver	5,566.7	4,981.14
Toronto	5,511.8	4,244.44
Calgary	5,484.2	2,961.14
Edmonton	5,106.2	2,184.78

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FAQs

Can International Students Work in Alberta?

Yes. However, to work in Alberta as an international student, one needs a valid study permit and be enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI). Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and full-time during scheduled student holiday breaks. Students can also work on campus without the use of a Canada work permit.

Can You Work in Alberta Without a Work Permit?

Generally, you will need a work permit to work anywhere in Canada, including Alberta. The following classes of people are some of those who are exempted from the work permit requirement to work in Canada:

• Foreign government officer
• Military personnel
• On-campus employment
• Performing Artists