RCIC News. 
Canada's job market is improve—discover the careers that will dominate the next decade
On This Page You Will Find:
- Complete rankings of Canada's highest-growth occupations with specific migration rates
- Salary expectations and job security insights for each career path
- Strategic career planning advice for newcomers and students
- Industry-specific growth drivers and future demand projections
- Actionable steps to position yourself in these expanding fields
Summary:
Canada's job market is experiencing a dramatic transformation driven by an aging population, technological disruption, and skilled worker mobility. This comprehensive analysis reveals the 20 occupations projected for explosive growth through 2035, based on national labor projections and the newly released Leaky Bucket 2025 report. From data scientists seeing 19-21% onward migration rates to healthcare managers with virtually zero departure rates, these careers span technology, healthcare, logistics, and specialized services. Whether you're planning your career, considering immigration, or making hiring decisions, understanding these growth trajectories is crucial for navigating Canada's evolving economy and securing long-term professional success.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Data scientists, mathematicians, and statisticians top the growth charts despite 19-21% leaving Canada within 25 years
- Healthcare managers show the strongest retention rates with virtually no onward migration
- Tech occupations dominate the top 10 but face significant talent drain to other countries
- Financial and business managers have the highest departure risk at 32% within 25 years
- Transportation, logistics, and delivery roles offer stable growth with low migration rates
Marcus Chen stared at his laptop screen in his Toronto apartment, scrolling through job boards for the third time that week. After completing his computer science degree, he was overwhelmed by conflicting advice about which career path would offer the best long-term prospects in Canada. Should he pursue data science? Healthcare technology? Or maybe pivot to something completely different?
If you've ever felt this same uncertainty about your career direction, you're not alone. Canada's job market is improve at breakneck speed, creating unprecedented opportunities in some fields while others stagnate or decline.
The challenge isn't just finding a job—it's finding a career that will thrive over the next decade as technology reshapes entire industries, baby boomers retire in record numbers, and global talent becomes increasingly mobile.
Here's what makes this moment unique: for the first time in decades, we have detailed data showing not just which jobs are growing, but also which ones are losing talent to other countries. This dual perspective reveals the complete picture of Canada's employment landscape through 2035.
The Forces Reshaping Canada's Job Market
Three powerful trends are colliding to create this employment transformation. First, Canada's aging population is creating massive demand in healthcare while simultaneously opening leadership positions across all sectors as experienced workers retire.
Second, technological acceleration isn't just creating new jobs—it's fundamentally changing how work gets done. Artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms are reshaping everything from healthcare delivery to supply chain management.
Third, and perhaps most surprising, is the "onward migration" phenomenon. Many skilled immigrants who initially settle in Canada are later moving to other countries, creating a continuous talent drain in precisely the occupations driving economic growth.
This creates a paradox: the fastest-growing occupations often face the biggest talent shortages.
1. Data Scientists, Mathematicians, Statisticians and Actuaries
Leading the pack with explosive growth projections, this occupation cluster represents the backbone of Canada's digital transformation. These professionals command impressive salaries—typically $75,000 to $150,000+ annually—but face significant retention challenges.
The numbers tell a compelling story: approximately 7% leave Canada within 5 years, climbing to 19-21% within 25 years. Yet demand continues outpacing supply as every major sector embraces data-driven decision making.
You'll find these roles expanding beyond traditional tech companies. Hospitals use predictive modeling to manage patient flows, retailers deploy demand forecasting algorithms, and governments rely on data analysis for housing and immigration planning.
What this means for your career: If you're considering this field, focus on developing specialized skills in machine learning, climate modeling, or healthcare analytics. The high departure rates actually create more opportunities for those who stay.
2. Healthcare Managers
Here's where the story gets interesting. Healthcare managers show virtually zero onward migration—they stay in Canada. This stability, combined with explosive demand from an aging population, makes healthcare management one of the most secure career paths available.
These professionals oversee operations in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and specialized treatment centers. As provinces expand healthcare capacity and integrate digital systems, demand for skilled managers continues accelerating.
The role extends far beyond traditional administration. Modern healthcare managers coordinate staffing during shortages, implement new technologies, manage complex budgets, and ensure quality standards across expanding facilities.
Career insight: Healthcare management offers the rare combination of high growth, job security, and meaningful work. Entry typically requires healthcare experience plus management training, making it ideal for career changers from clinical roles.
3. Software Engineers, Programmers and Web Developers
Despite facing the same high migration rates as data scientists (19-21% within 25 years), software development remains one of Canada's most resilient career fields. The reason? Demand is growing faster than talent is leaving.
This isn't limited to traditional tech companies anymore. Banks need fintech developers, hospitals require healthcare software engineers, and government agencies seek cybersecurity specialists. The integration of AI across industries is creating entirely new specializations.
Starting salaries typically range from $60,000 to $90,000, with senior developers earning $120,000+. The key to long-term success lies in specialization—whether that's machine learning, cybersecurity, or industry-specific applications.
Strategic advice: Focus on developing skills in emerging areas like AI integration, cybersecurity, or healthcare technology. These specializations command premium salaries and offer better retention incentives.
4. Natural Healing Practitioners
This might surprise you, but natural healing practitioners are experiencing remarkable growth as Canadians increasingly embrace holistic healthcare approaches. The field includes naturopaths, acupuncturists, homeopathic providers, and wellness consultants.
Growth is driven by several factors: increased interest in preventive care, expanded cultural awareness of traditional healing methods, and a growing senior population seeking non-pharmaceutical treatments. Corporate wellness programs are also adding natural healing services.
Migration rates remain moderate, suggesting practitioners find Canada's regulatory environment and market conditions favorable for long-term practice.
5. Transportation and Production Logistics Coordinators
Global supply chain disruptions have permanently elevated the importance of logistics professionals. These roles show comparatively low onward migration, making them excellent choices for stable, long-term careers.
Modern logistics extends far beyond moving boxes. Today's coordinators manage complex networks involving manufacturers, warehouses, customs compliance, and last-mile delivery. They use sophisticated software to optimize routes, predict delays, and coordinate with international suppliers.
E-commerce growth, infrastructure projects, and increased focus on supply chain resilience will continue driving demand through 2035.
Why this matters: Logistics offers stable employment with growth potential, especially for those who master digital logistics platforms and international trade regulations.
6. Delivery Service Drivers and Personal Delivery Workers
The delivery revolution isn't slowing down. Canadians now expect same-day delivery for everything from groceries to pharmaceuticals, creating sustained demand for delivery professionals.
This field is evolving rapidly with electric vehicle adoption, automated routing systems, and specialized delivery services. Rural communities increasingly depend on delivery services, while urban centers require faster, more efficient distribution networks.
The work offers flexibility and steady demand, with opportunities to specialize in medical deliveries, high-value goods, or rural route services.
7-10. The Professional Services Boom
Occupations 7 through 10 represent the growth of specialized professional services:
Support Professionals in Personal Services includes pet care specialists, fitness coaches, and wellness assistants. Consumer spending on lifestyle and self-care continues rising, creating niche opportunities.
Policy and Program Researchers are increasingly vital as governments tackle complex challenges around housing, immigration, and climate change. These roles offer intellectual stimulation and direct impact on public policy.
Computer and Information Systems Professionals maintain the digital infrastructure supporting remote work, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems. Despite high migration rates, demand continues outpacing supply.
Managers in Engineering, Architecture, Science and Information Systems coordinate major infrastructure projects, housing developments, and technical initiatives. Migration rates of 15% within 25 years reflect global demand for Canadian-trained technical leaders.
Understanding the Migration Challenge
The data reveals a fascinating pattern: many of Canada's highest-growth occupations also face significant talent drain. Financial and business managers show the highest departure rates at 32% within 25 years, while healthcare managers rarely leave.
This creates both challenges and opportunities. High migration rates mean more advancement opportunities for those who stay, but also suggest potential instability in certain fields.
Strategic career planning: Consider both growth potential and retention rates when choosing your path. High-migration fields may offer faster advancement but require stronger retention incentives from employers.
The Complete Top 20 Rankings
The remaining occupations (11-20) span healthcare specialties, manufacturing, sports, arts, and cultural sectors. Each offers unique growth drivers:
- Therapy and Assessment Professionals benefit from aging population needs
- Technical roles in healthcare and IT provide stable, growing opportunities
- Manufacturing Engineers support Canada's industrial modernization
- Arts and Cultural roles benefit from digital content demand and cultural investment
Positioning Yourself for Success
Whether you're a newcomer to Canada, a student planning your career, or considering a career change, these insights offer clear direction:
For newcomers: Focus on occupations with lower migration rates and strong growth, such as healthcare management, logistics, or technical healthcare roles.
For students: Consider the long-term trajectory over current popularity. Data science offers high salaries but faces retention challenges, while healthcare management provides stability and growth.
For career changers: Look for fields where your existing skills transfer. Business professionals can move into healthcare management, while technical workers can specialize in high-demand areas.
The Path Forward
Canada's employment landscape through 2035 will be defined by these high-growth occupations. Success requires understanding not just where jobs are growing, but where talent is staying and thriving.
The occupations leading this list represent more than career opportunities—they're the foundation of Canada's economic future. Whether you choose the high-reward, high-mobility path of data science or the stable growth of healthcare management, positioning yourself in these expanding fields offers the best prospects for long-term career success.
Your next career move should align with both your personal goals and these market realities. The data is clear: these 20 occupations will shape Canada's economy for the next decade. The question isn't whether these jobs will be there—it's whether you'll be ready to fill them.
FAQ
Q: Which jobs in Canada are expected to grow the fastest through 2035, and what salary ranges can I expect?
Data scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries lead Canada's fastest-growing occupations, with salaries typically ranging from $75,000 to $150,000+ annually. Healthcare managers follow closely with virtually zero onward migration rates, offering exceptional job security. Software engineers and web developers remain highly sought after despite facing 19-21% migration rates within 25 years, with starting salaries from $60,000-$90,000 and senior positions earning $120,000+. Other rapidly expanding fields include natural healing practitioners, transportation logistics coordinators, and delivery service professionals. The growth is driven by Canada's aging population, technological acceleration, and digital transformation across all sectors. While tech roles offer higher initial salaries, healthcare management provides the most stable long-term prospects with minimal talent drain to other countries.
Q: What does "onward migration" mean, and how does it affect my career prospects in these growing fields?
Onward migration refers to skilled workers who initially settle in Canada but later move to other countries, creating a continuous talent drain in high-growth occupations. The Leaky Bucket 2025 report reveals that approximately 7% of data scientists leave Canada within 5 years, climbing to 19-21% within 25 years. Financial and business managers face the highest departure risk at 32% within 25 years, while healthcare managers show virtually zero migration rates. This phenomenon actually creates more advancement opportunities for professionals who stay in Canada, as employers compete harder to retain talent through better compensation, benefits, and career development programs. For career planning, consider both growth potential and retention rates—high-migration fields like tech may offer faster promotion opportunities but require stronger negotiation for retention incentives, while stable fields like healthcare management provide predictable long-term career paths.
Q: How is Canada's aging population specifically driving job growth in these sectors?
Canada's aging population is creating a dual employment impact that's reshaping the entire job market through 2035. First, it's generating massive demand in healthcare-related occupations as baby boomers require more medical services, long-term care, and specialized treatments. This explains why healthcare managers, therapy and assessment professionals, and natural healing practitioners are experiencing explosive growth. Second, widespread retirements are opening leadership positions across all sectors, creating advancement opportunities in management, engineering, and technical roles. The aging demographic also drives demand for delivery services as seniors increasingly rely on home delivery for groceries and medications. Additionally, government policy researchers are needed to address housing, healthcare infrastructure, and pension system challenges. This demographic shift is permanent and accelerating, making age-related service occupations among the most secure career choices for the next decade.
Q: What specific skills should I develop to succeed in these high-growth technology occupations?
Success in Canada's fastest-growing tech occupations requires specialization beyond basic programming or data analysis skills. For data scientists, focus on machine learning, climate modeling, healthcare analytics, or AI integration—these niche areas command premium salaries and better retention packages. Software engineers should develop expertise in cybersecurity, fintech applications, or healthcare technology systems, as these specializations are expanding beyond traditional tech companies into banks, hospitals, and government agencies. Computer and information systems professionals need cloud infrastructure management, enterprise cybersecurity, and remote work technology skills. The key differentiator is industry-specific knowledge—understanding healthcare regulations for medical software, financial compliance for fintech, or supply chain optimization for logistics technology. Continuous learning is essential since these fields evolve rapidly, but professionals who stay current with emerging technologies while developing deep industry expertise will command the highest salaries and strongest job security.
Q: Are there opportunities in these growing fields for career changers without technical backgrounds?
Absolutely—many of Canada's fastest-growing occupations welcome career changers and offer multiple entry paths. Healthcare management is ideal for professionals with business, administration, or clinical backgrounds who want to transition into a high-growth, stable field. The role requires management skills and healthcare knowledge, which can be developed through specialized training programs. Transportation and logistics coordination suits professionals with organizational, customer service, or supply chain experience, offering stable growth with relatively low migration rates. Natural healing practitioners can build on backgrounds in wellness, fitness, or alternative health approaches. Support professionals in personal services include pet care specialists, fitness coaches, and wellness assistants—fields where life experience and interpersonal skills matter more than formal technical training. Policy and program researchers value diverse professional backgrounds for analyzing complex social issues. The key is identifying how your existing skills transfer and then acquiring sector-specific knowledge through certification programs, continuing education, or entry-level positions with advancement potential.
Q: How do I choose between high-salary, high-migration fields like data science versus stable fields like healthcare management?
This decision depends on your personal risk tolerance, career timeline, and life priorities. High-migration fields like data science offer excellent initial salaries ($75,000-$150,000+), rapid skill development, and international mobility—but require continuous upskilling and face retention challenges. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy learning new technologies, and want maximum earning potential, these fields suit ambitious early-career professionals. Stable fields like healthcare management provide predictable growth, job security, and meaningful work with virtually zero migration risk, making them ideal for professionals seeking work-life balance and long-term community roots. Consider hybrid approaches: start in high-growth tech to build skills and savings, then transition to stable sectors later in your career. Geographic factors matter too—tech hubs like Toronto and Vancouver offer more opportunities but higher living costs, while healthcare management roles exist nationwide. Evaluate your 10-year goals: if you want to maximize earnings quickly, choose high-migration fields; if you prioritize stability and community impact, choose retention-focused occupations.
Q: What actionable steps should newcomers to Canada take to position themselves in these growing fields?
Newcomers should focus on occupations with strong growth and lower migration rates to build stable Canadian careers. Start by targeting healthcare management, logistics coordination, or technical healthcare roles rather than high-migration fields like financial management. Immediately begin credential recognition processes through provincial regulatory bodies—this often takes 6-12 months but is essential for professional roles. Enroll in Canadian-specific certification programs that combine technical skills with local regulatory knowledge, such as healthcare administration, supply chain management, or Canadian business practices. Build Canadian work experience through internships, volunteer positions, or entry-level roles in your target field, as employers value local experience highly. Network actively through professional associations, newcomer services, and industry meetups—many opportunities come through referrals. Consider geographic strategy: smaller cities often have greater demand and less competition for skilled professionals. Develop English/French language skills specific to your field, as technical communication is crucial for advancement. Finally, research employer retention programs and benefits, as companies in high-growth sectors increasingly offer immigration support, professional development, and long-term career paths to attract and retain newcomer talent.