
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) recently unveiled a list of occupations that are predicted to face significant shortages until 2033. This forecast, based on data from the Economic Policy Directorate (EPD) and the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS), offers a clear picture of the challenges—and opportunities—ahead for job seekers and employers.
From healthcare to construction, here’s a deep dive into the most in-demand roles that will shape Canada’s workforce over the next decade.
A Labour Market Under Pressure: Key Insights
Canada is projected to have 8.1 million job openings by 2033, split between:
- 2.6 million new jobs driven by economic growth.
- 5.5 million replacement jobs due to retirements, particularly among baby boomers.
Replacement demand accounts for 68.1% of these job openings, highlighting the need to fill positions left by an aging workforce. Most of these roles will require post-secondary education or management skills, emphasizing the value of skilled labor.
While the supply of job seekers (8.2 million) seems to match demand, over 100 occupations will face shortages, making them highly competitive. Meanwhile, 17 occupations may experience surplus, especially in arts and culture sectors.
Top 100 Occupations Facing Shortages Until 2033
Healthcare: The Beating Heart of Canada’s Labour Crisis
Healthcare has 38 occupations at risk, reflecting Canada’s aging population and rising demand for medical services. These are:
- Specialists in Clinical Medicine (NOC 31100)
- Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101)
- General Practitioners (NOC 31102)
- Veterinarians (NOC 31103)
- Dentists (NOC 31110)
- Optometrists (NOC 31111)
- Audiologists (NOC 31112)
- Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
- Dietitians (NOC 31121)
- Psychologists (NOC 31200)
- Chiropractors (NOC 31201)
- Physiotherapists (NOC 31202)
- Occupational Therapists (NOC 31203)
- Other Health Diagnosing Professions (NOC 31209)
- Nursing Coordinators (NOC 31300)
- Registered Nurses (NOC 31301)
- Nurse Practitioners (NOC 31302)
- Physician Assistants (NOC 31303)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
- Paramedics (NOC 32102)
- Respiratory Therapists (NOC 32103)
- Animal Health Technologists (NOC 32104)
- Other Therapy Technicians (NOC 32109)
- Dental Hygienists (NOC 32111)
- Medical Lab Technologists (NOC 32120)
- Medical Radiation Technologists (NOC 32121)
- Medical Sonographers (NOC 32122)
- Cardiology Technologists (NOC 32123)
- Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 32124)
- Other Medical Technicians (NOC 32129)
- Massage Therapists (NOC 32201)
- Medical Lab Assistants (NOC 33101)
- Nurse Aides (NOC 33102)
- Pharmacy Assistants (NOC 33103)
Natural and Applied Sciences: Innovators in Demand
This sector, with 12 flagged occupations, reflects Canada’s focus on tech, engineering, and sustainability:
- Architecture and Science Managers (NOC 20011)
- Cybersecurity Specialists (NOC 21220)
- Civil Engineers (NOC 21300)
- Mechanical Engineers (NOC 21301)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310)
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers (NOC 21321)
- Geological Engineers (NOC 21331)
- Civil Engineering Technologists (NOC 22300)
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists (NOC 22301)
- Construction Estimators (NOC 22303)
- Electrical Engineering Technologists (NOC 22310)
- Aircraft Mechanics and Inspectors (NOC 22313)
Trades, Construction, and Transportation: Building Canada’s Future
The construction sector has 25 occupations, driven by housing demand and infrastructure growth:
- Construction Managers (NOC 70010)
- Home Renovation Managers (NOC 70011)
- Machinists (NOC 72100)
- Sheet Metal Workers (NOC 72102)
- Welders (NOC 72106)
- Electricians (NOC 72200)
- Industrial Electricians (NOC 72201)
- Plumbers (NOC 72300)
- Gas Fitters (NOC 72302)
- Carpenters (NOC 72310)
- Cabinetmakers (NOC 72311)
- Bricklayers (NOC 72320)
- Millwrights (NOC 72400)
- Heavy-Duty Mechanics (NOC 72401)
- HVAC Mechanics (NOC 72402)
- Aircraft Mechanics (NOC 72404)
- Automotive Technicians (NOC 72410)
- Electrical Mechanics (NOC 72422)
- Water Well Drillers (NOC 72501)
- Air Pilots (NOC 72600)
- Other Technical Trades (NOC 72999)
- Concrete Finishers (NOC 73100)
- Roofers (NOC 73110)
- Painters (NOC 73112)
- Floor Installers (NOC 73113)
- Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300)
- Water Transport Crew (NOC 74201)
- Construction Helpers (NOC 75110)
Education and Social Services: Shaping Minds and Communities
11 occupations in this category signal the growing need for educators and caregivers:
- Secondary School Teachers (NOC 41220)
- Elementary Teachers (NOC 41221)
- Social Workers (NOC 41300)
- Therapists in Counselling (NOC 41301)
- Police Officers (NOC 42100)
- Firefighters (NOC 42101)
- Social Service Workers (NOC 42201)
- Early Childhood Educators (NOC 42202)
- Disability Instructors (NOC 42203)
- Teacher Assistants (NOC 43100)
- Home Support Workers (NOC 44101)
Natural Resources and Agriculture
Canada’s resources sector highlights 6 key occupations:
- Oil and Gas Supervisors (NOC 82021)
- Livestock Workers (NOC 84120)
- Livestock Labourers (NOC 85100)
- Harvesting Labourers (NOC 85101)
- Greenhouse Labourers (NOC 85103)
- Mine Labourers (NOC 85110)
Sales and Service
This category includes 5 in-demand occupations, ranging from retail to insurance:
- Insurance Agents (NOC 63100)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
- Butchers (NOC 63201)
- Postal Services Reps (NOC 64401)
Manufacturing and Utilities
Manufacturing lists 7 occupations, spanning from industrial butchers to metal fabricators:
- Paper Machine Operators (NOC 94122)
- Industrial Butchers (NOC 94141)
- Fish Plant Workers (NOC 94142)
- Electrical Assemblers (NOC 94203)
- Metal Fabrication Labourers (NOC 95101)
- Wood Processing Labourers (NOC 95103)
- Food Processing Labourers (NOC 95106)
- Fish Processing Labourers (NOC 95107)
What’s Next for Canada?
As healthcare, trades, and technology sectors face severe shortages, employers must innovate by offering better wages, training, and more accessible career pathways. For job seekers, these occupations represent secure, future-proof career opportunities.
Kingsbridge Immigration can help you navigate Canada’s job market, offering guidance on immigration programs that align with in-demand occupations. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in securing a brighter future in Canada.