In-Demand Jobs in Quebec in 2026

Quebec has employment opportunities across healthcare, technology, aerospace, manufacturing and other sectors, but job prospects are not the same everywhere. Your chances of finding suitable work can depend on your occupation, region, French-language ability, qualifications and, for regulated professions, whether you are authorized to practise in Quebec.

This guide looks at occupations with documented employment prospects, Quebec wage information, regional differences, French-language requirements and professional recognition. It also explains where to search for vacancies and how Quebec's skilled-worker immigration system relates to employment. Labour-market conditions can change, so check the latest official information before making employment or immigration decisions.

Jobs With Strong Prospects in Quebec

There is no single list of jobs that can accurately be described as "the most in-demand jobs in Quebec." Labour-market conditions vary by occupation and location. Quebec's labour-market assessments classify occupations according to expected shortages, balances, or surpluses over specific periods, while Canada's Job Bank provides provincial and regional employment outlooks.

Quebec's 2026 labour-market assessment covering 516 occupations projects 36 occupations to face a labour shortage and another 170 to face a slight shortage by 2029 at the provincial level. The same assessment shows that labour-market conditions can differ substantially between regions, which is why looking only at the province-wide picture can be misleading.

For this article, occupations were retained only where current Quebec or Job Bank information provides a documented employment outlook. A large industry, such as healthcare or information technology, does not automatically mean every occupation within that industry has a shortage.

In-Demand Jobs in Quebec: Current Outlook and Wages

The table below uses Job Bank's prevailing wage information rather than the annual-average salary figures used in the older version of this article. Job Bank primarily reports median hourly wages. The figures below are Quebec-level medians unless a regional figure is specifically identified. Wage data were updated by Job Bank in November 2025 and generally use 2023–2024 Labour Force Survey data; they are not guaranteed starting salaries.

An employment outlook is not a vacancy count and does not mean that an employer is currently hiring. Conversely, a Moderate or Limited provincial outlook does not mean that no jobs are available. Regional results can be different from the provincial result.

Aerospace Engineers

Quebec's aerospace industry remains an important employer, particularly around the Montreal region. Job Bank currently gives aerospace engineers (NOC 21390) a “Moderate” employment outlook in Quebec for 2025–2027. The Montreal and Montérégie regions also have Moderate outlooks.

Job Bank reports a Quebec median wage of 47.60 CAD per hour, based on 2023–2024 Labour Force Survey data. The occupation covers engineers who research, design and develop aerospace vehicles, systems and components and perform related testing, evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance duties.

If you are an internationally trained aerospace engineer, employment and authorization to practise are separate questions. Quebec identifies aerospace engineering as a profession connected to the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec for professional-recognition purposes. Check the requirements of the professional order before assuming that an overseas engineering qualification allows you to practise under a regulated professional title.

Learn more about immigrating to Canada as an Aerospace Engineer.

Software Developers

Software development remains an important part of Quebec's technology economy. Job Bank gives software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) a “Moderate” provincial outlook for 2025–2027, rather than describing the occupation as being in a blanket shortage.

The Quebec median wage is 45.67 CAD per hour. Job Bank notes that employment in this occupation depends heavily on demand for professional, scientific and technical services and developments in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, mobile applications, artificial intelligence and automation.

Regional conditions can differ. For example, Job Bank reports a Moderate outlook for software developers in the Montreal and Capitale-Nationale regions, while some other Quebec regions have different outlooks. This makes it useful to search by both occupation and location rather than treating Montreal as a proxy for the entire province.

Explore the best provinces in Canada for tech jobs.

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301) have a “Moderate” Quebec outlook for 2025–2027. Job Bank attributes demand partly to population growth, population aging, and government healthcare priorities.

The Quebec median wage is 40.00 CAD per hour. The provincial outlook should not be confused with the conditions in a particular community. For example, Job Bank's recent-trends information shows that the Capitale-Nationale region experienced a major labour shortage during 2023–2025 even though its 2025–2027 outlook is Moderate.

Nursing is a regulated profession in Quebec. An internationally trained nurse must address professional recognition and authorization to practise rather than relying solely on an immigration approval or an overseas nursing qualification.

Explore more healthcare jobs in Canada.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists (NOC 31120) have a “Moderate” Quebec employment outlook for 2025–2027. Job Bank notes that employment is influenced by the scope of pharmacists' practice and the volume of medications prescribed, while Quebec's expanded pharmacy services and an aging population also affect demand.

The Quebec median wage is 63.00 CAD per hour. This is a prevailing wage measure, not a guaranteed annual salary or starting wage. Pharmacy is regulated in Quebec. Foreign-trained pharmacists should contact the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec to understand the admission, qualification-recognition, and licensing requirements before assuming they can work as pharmacists.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists (NOC 31202) have a “Moderate” provincial outlook for 2025–2027. Job Bank identifies population growth, aging, and increased interest in rehabilitation and functional health as factors supporting employment.

The Quebec median wage is 48.08 CAD per hour. Regional wages can vary. For example, Job Bank reports a median of 44.79 CAD per hour for the Capitale-Nationale region based on the relevant regional wage data.

There can also be a difference between recent labour-market conditions and the forward-looking outlook. Job Bank reports that physiotherapists near Quebec City experienced a major labour shortage during 2023–2025, while the forward outlook for the Capitale-Nationale region is Moderate for 2025–2027.

Medical Laboratory Technologists

Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120) provide laboratory testing and analysis that supports the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease. This occupation is one of the stronger examples of a healthcare role with a documented current outlook: Job Bank rates the Quebec outlook as “Good” for 2025–2027. The Quebec median wage is 35.00 CAD per hour.

Job Bank reports Good prospects in several Quebec regions, including the Montreal and Capitale-Nationale regions. The recent labour-market picture near Quebec City was also classified as a major labour shortage for 2023–2025. The occupation is regulated in Quebec, so internationally trained applicants should investigate recognition and authorization requirements before applying for positions that require the regulated designation.

Trades and Technical Occupations

Trades should also be assessed individually rather than being described broadly as "in demand." For example, Job Bank currently rates industrial electricians (NOC 72201) as “Limited” across Quebec for 2025–2027. However, the outlook is Moderate in several regions, including Montreal/Laval, Mauricie and Estrie, demonstrating why regional searches matter.

Quebec's own 2026 labour-market assessment also identifies a number of technical and construction-related occupations with shortages or slight shortages in multiple regions by 2029. Examples include certain drafting technologists, industrial electricians, metal-frame assemblers and other specialized occupations. These findings should be treated as occupation- and region-specific rather than evidence that every trade has strong prospects.

How to Identify Jobs With Strong Prospects in Quebec

Start with two sources: Quebec's official labour-market information and Canada's Job Bank. Quebec publishes occupational assessments that distinguish between labour shortages, slight shortages, balance and surpluses, while Job Bank provides three-year employment outlooks and wage information for individual occupations and regions. When researching an occupation, check four things:

• The exact NOC occupation and duties;
• The outlook period and whether the result applies to Quebec or a specific region;
• The current wage measure, including whether it is median, low or high and whether it is hourly or annual;
• Whether the occupation is regulated or requires a licence, certificate or other authorization.

This approach also prevents misleading comparisons. For example, NOC 31102 refers to general practitioners and family physicians, not all medical specialists. NOC 92100 covers power engineers and power systems operators and should not be used as a generic code for "renewable-energy engineers." Similarly, NOC 94212 concerns plastic-products assembly, finishing and inspection, so it should not automatically be assigned to every quality-control inspector.

Do You Need French to Work in Quebec?

French is an important part of working and immigrating to Quebec, but there is no single French-language rule that applies identically to every job.

Workplace Requirements

The language requirements of a job depend on the position and employer. Some workplaces may require strong French because the role involves serving the public, working with patients, supervising employees or communicating with Quebec institutions. Other employers may have different requirements. Always read the language requirements in the actual job advertisement.

Immigration Requirements

Quebec's Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) has stream-specific French requirements. For example, current requirements for certain highly qualified occupations include oral French at level 7 or higher and written French at level 5 or higher on Quebec's French proficiency scale. Other streams use different thresholds. There is therefore no universal "French level for Quebec immigration." Check the requirements of the specific PSTQ stream that applies to your occupation and circumstances.

Professional Licensing

Professional licensing is separate from immigration language requirements. Quebec states that sufficient French is required to become a member of a professional order and obtain a regular licence to practise a profession governed by an order. Depending on the circumstances, applicants may need to provide accepted evidence of French or pass the French examination administered by the Office québécois de la langue française.

A temporary licence may be possible in specified circumstances, so internationally trained professionals should check the rules of their professional order rather than assuming that one French test or immigration result automatically settles the licensing question.

Will Quebec Recognize Your Qualifications?

If your occupation is regulated, a foreign degree or overseas work experience does not automatically give you the right to practise in Quebec. Quebec's guidance explains that applicants in regulated professions must contact the body responsible for their profession. The assessment may involve an equivalence process and, depending on the profession, additional studies, refresher training, an internship or examinations. Several occupations discussed in this article are regulated, including:

• Aerospace engineers;
• Registered nurses;
• Pharmacists;
• Physiotherapists;
• Medical laboratory technologists; and
• General practitioners and family physicians.

Use Quebec's guidance on recognition by regulatory bodies as the starting point. You can also check Quebec's list of regulated professions and the professional order responsible for your occupation.

Keep these three processes separate:

• Qualification recognition determines whether your education and experience meet professional requirements;
• Professional licensing determines whether you can legally practise a regulated profession; and;
• Immigration selection determines whether you meet the requirements of an immigration program. One does not automatically guarantee the others.

How Can Skilled Workers Immigrate to Quebec?

Quebec operates its own permanent-selection system for economic immigration. It does not have a Provincial Nominee Program. For skilled workers, the main selection route is the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).

The PSTQ is designed for people who want to settle in Quebec and work there. Applicants first submit a declaration of interest through Arrima. Quebec can then invite profiles that match the criteria of one of its four streams. Receiving an invitation is not automatic simply because an occupation appears to have strong labour-market prospects. The program has different requirements according to the occupation and stream.

These can include work experience, education, French proficiency, regulated-profession requirements and other selection criteria. An employment offer, authorization to work in Canada and permanent-residence selection are also separate matters. Having a job offer does not by itself establish eligibility for permanent selection or provide authorization to work.

What About Express Entry?

Express Entry is not Quebec's skilled-worker selection system. Federal programs managed through Express Entry, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class, require applicants to intend to live outside Quebec. If Quebec is your intended destination, examine Quebec's own immigration selection rules instead of treating Express Entry as Quebec's equivalent of a provincial program.

What Is the Current Status of the PEQ?

Quebec's official rules provide for a temporary reopening of the Québec Experience Program (PEQ). Applications are accepted from July 2 to October 31, 2026, with specific eligibility conditions. The current rules also contain requirements connected to qualifications or work experience acquired by November 19, 2025.

The PEQ should therefore not be described as permanently closed or as a generally available pathway for anyone planning to move to Quebec. Check the current Quebec rules before relying on it.

Where to Find Jobs in Quebec

Begin your search with official and employer sources rather than relying on general claims about labour shortages.

• Quebec's employment portal provides information about occupations, labour-market conditions, training and employment assistance.
• Québec Emploi is the provincial government's online employment service, where vacancies can be filtered by region, employment type and training or field of study.
• Job Bank allows you to search by occupation and region and review wages, requirements and employment prospects.
• Employer career pages can provide the most direct information about current vacancies and language requirements.

When searching, use both English and French versions of an occupation where appropriate. More importantly, use the official NOC occupation title and compare the duties in the vacancy with your actual experience.

Montreal, Quebec City and Other Regions

Montreal is an important employment centre, particularly for technology and aerospace, but it should not be treated as representative of the entire province. Quebec City and the Capitale-Nationale region have their own labour-market conditions, while areas such as:

• Montérégie,
• Mauricie,
• Centre-du-Québec and
• Other regions can show different results for the same occupation.

For example, software developers have a Moderate provincial outlook and a Moderate outlook in Montreal and Capitale-Nationale, while some other regions have different results. Medical laboratory technologists have a Good Quebec outlook and Good prospects in several regions.

Industrial electricians are Limited provincially but have Moderate prospects in several regions. If you are willing to work outside Montreal, search individual regions rather than assuming that a provincial rating applies equally everywhere.

What to Check Before Accepting a Job in Quebec

A job offer should be evaluated on more than the advertised wage. Before accepting a position, consider:

• Whether French is required for day-to-day work;
• Whether your occupation is regulated;
• Whether you already have the authorization required to practise;
• Whether the employer provides support for registration or relocation;
• The location of the workplace and your expected commuting costs;
• Whether the position is permanent, temporary, seasonal or contract-based;
• Whether the advertised wage is hourly, annual, commission-based, or otherwise structured;
• Whether benefits are included and what eligibility conditions apply; and
• Whether your work authorization permits you to perform the proposed job.

Quebec's employment system also distinguishes statutory employment rights from employer-provided benefits and public programs. Do not assume that every newcomer or employee receives identical benefits simply because they work in the province.

Final Thoughts

Quebec has opportunities for skilled professionals, technical workers and healthcare workers, but the strongest strategy is to research the exact occupation rather than relying on broad sector claims. Check the current:

• Employment outlook,
• Regional conditions,
• Wage data,
• French requirements and,
• Professional-recognition rules before deciding where and how to apply.

For internationally trained workers, the distinction between finding a job and being legally authorized to practise is particularly important. A strong employment outlook does not remove licensing requirements, and an immigration pathway does not automatically provide professional authorization.

Labour-market outlooks, wages, immigration rules and professional requirements can change, so readers should verify the latest information with Quebec, Job Bank, the relevant regulatory authority and the applicable immigration program before acting.

FAQs

Can I Work in Quebec Without Speaking French?

It depends on the occupation, employer, and immigration or licensing pathway. Some jobs may have different workplace language requirements, but you should not assume that English alone will be sufficient throughout Quebec. If your occupation is regulated, Quebec also has specific French-language requirements for professional-order membership and licensing. PSTQ applicants must meet the French requirements of the stream that applies to them.

How Do I Check Whether My Occupation Is Regulated in Quebec?

Use Quebec's official information on regulated trades and occupations. If your occupation is regulated, contact the relevant professional order or regulatory authority to determine the recognition, examination, training and licensing requirements that apply to you.

Are Job Prospects Different in Montreal and Other Quebec Regions?

Yes. Job Bank publishes regional outlooks for many occupations, and these can differ from the provincial outlook. For example, industrial electricians have a Limited Quebec outlook for 2025–2027 but Moderate prospects in several regions. Medical laboratory technologists have Good provincial prospects and Good outlooks in several regions. Search the exact occupation in the region where you intend to work.

Does an In-Demand Occupation Guarantee Selection Under the PSTQ?

No. Labour-market demand and immigration selection are separate. Quebec's PSTQ has four streams with specific requirements, and candidates must first submit a declaration of interest and receive an invitation before submitting an application for permanent selection. Meeting an occupation-related criterion does not by itself guarantee an invitation or selection.

Where Can Foreign Applicants Find Quebec Job Vacancies?

Start with Québec Emploi and Job Bank. You can also search the career pages of employers in your occupation and use professional networks. Before applying from outside Canada, check whether you have the work authorization required for the position and whether the occupation is regulated.