Top 10 Industries in Demand in Canada

June 12, 2025

Canada’s job market in 2025 is evolving amid economic uncertainties, with an unemployment rate rising to 7%, the highest since 2016, and modest overall employment growth. Despite these challenges, certain industries are experiencing strong demand, driven by innovation, demographic shifts, and government priorities. Understanding the top 10 industries in demand in Canada is crucial for career planning and immigration, as working in these sectors can improve job prospects and facilitate pathways to permanent residency910. This guide highlights the fastest-growing industries shaping Canada’s economy and workforce opportunities in 2025.

Working in Canada: A Pathway for Immigration

Working in high-demand industries in Canada is one of the most effective ways to secure immigration status and build a successful career. The Canadian government actively seeks skilled workers to fill labor shortages in key sectors, creating streamlined immigration pathways for professionals in these fields. Understanding how these industries connect to immigration programs can help you strategically plan your move to Canada.

How High-Demand Industries Facilitate Immigration

Canada’s immigration system is designed to respond dynamically to the country’s labor market needs. When you work in an industry experiencing strong demand such as healthcare, technology, skilled trades, or manufacturing, you increase your chances of qualifying for permanent residency. This is because immigration programs prioritize applicants who possess skills and experience that address critical workforce gaps.

For example, healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and skilled tradespeople are regularly invited to apply for permanent residency through targeted draws in the Express Entry system. Similarly, sectors like clean energy, biotechnology, and digital health are growing rapidly, and workers in these fields benefit from provincial nomination programs tailored to local economic priorities.

Key Canadian Work Permits and Immigration Programs Linked to Industry Demand

1. Express Entry System

Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers. It uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score candidates based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. In 2025, Express Entry continues to conduct category-specific draws that focus on high-demand occupations, including:

Healthcare workers (nurses, medical technologists)
Information technology professionals (software engineers, AI specialists)
Skilled trades (electricians, welders)
Transportation workers (truck drivers)

Candidates with experience in these sectors receive additional points or are invited through targeted draws, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

2. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

An LMIA is a document that Canadian employers obtain to prove that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market. Many temporary foreign workers require an LMIA-backed work permit to legally work in Canada. This permit often serves as a stepping stone to permanent residency, especially when combined with Canadian work experience in an in-demand industry.

Employers in fast-growing sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology frequently apply for LMIAs to attract skilled foreign talent, helping workers gain Canadian experience and improve their immigration prospects.

3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each Canadian province and territory operates its own PNP to address specific local labor shortages. Many PNP streams prioritize candidates with skills in high-demand industries, such as:

Technology and innovation (Ontario Tech Stream, British Columbia Tech Pilot)
Healthcare and social services
Skilled trades and construction
Agriculture and agri-food

PNPs allow provinces to nominate candidates for permanent residency, often with faster processing times. This is especially beneficial for workers whose occupations may not be prioritized at the federal level but are critical to regional economies.

Additional Pathways and Considerations

Atlantic Immigration Program: Targets skilled workers and international graduates in Atlantic provinces, focusing on industries like healthcare, technology, and hospitality.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: Supports immigration to smaller communities with labor shortages in various sectors including manufacturing, retail, and transportation.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For temporary foreign workers and international students who have gained Canadian work experience in high-demand occupations, providing a direct route to permanent residency.

Why Aligning Your Career with In-Demand Industries Matters

Choosing to work in one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most in-demand industries not only improves your job security but also enhances your immigration prospects. These sectors often offer competitive salaries, opportunities for advancement, and access to employer-supported immigration pathways. Moreover, working in a high-demand occupation can help you accumulate valuable Canadian work experience, a key factor in many immigration programs.

By strategically targeting these industries, you can maximize your chances of a smooth immigration process and a prosperous career in Canada. Whether you are a recent graduate, a skilled professional, or a tradesperson, understanding the link between industry demand and immigration pathways is essential for planning your future in Canada.

Top 10 Industries in Demand in Canada in 2025

1. Glasses and Contact Lens Manufacturing

Projected Revenue Growth: 15.3%
Industry Overview: Produces eyeglasses, contact lenses, frames, and protective eyewear. Stable demand driven by aging population and increasing screen time.
Common Positions & Salaries:
- Optical Lens Technician: $40,000 – $55,000 CAD/year
- Dispensing Optician: $45,000 – $60,000 CAD/year
- Lab Production Supervisor: $60,000 – $75,000 CAD/year
- Optical Engineer: $90,000 – $130,000 CAD/year
Locations: Major hubs include Ontario (Toronto), Quebec (Montreal), and British Columbia (Vancouver). Companies like CooperVision and KITS dominate the market.
Job Outlook: Opportunities in manufacturing, quality control, sales, and retail optical stores. The industry is competitive but growing, with over 110 businesses nationally.

2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Industry Overview: Canada is a global AI leader with strong research hubs. Growth driven by AI development, ethical governance, and integration across sectors.
Key Positions & Salaries:
- AI Research Scientist: $90,000 – $150,000 CAD/year
- Machine Learning Engineer: $85,000 – $140,000 CAD/year
- Data Scientist: $75,000 – $130,000 CAD/year
- AI Ethics Specialist: $70,000 – $110,000 CAD/year
Locations: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Waterloo are major AI hubs with vibrant startup ecosystems.
Skills Needed: Programming (Python, R), data analysis, machine learning frameworks, AI policy knowledge.

3. Biotechnology and Health Innovation

Industry Overview: Rapid growth in genomics, pharmaceuticals, and telemedicine post-pandemic. Valued at $12 billion with over 88,000 specialists.
Positions & Salaries:
- Biomedical Scientist: $60,000 – $90,000 CAD/year
- Clinical Research Coordinator: $55,000 – $80,000 CAD/year
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: $50,000 – $85,000 CAD/year
- Telemedicine Software Developer: $75,000 – $120,000 CAD/year
Locations: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa host major biotech firms and research centers.
Job Outlook: Strong demand in research, clinical trials, health IT, and innovation.

4. Clean Energy and Sustainability

Industry Overview: Government’s carbon neutrality goals fuel solar, wind, and EV sectors.
Positions & Salaries:
- Renewable Energy Engineer: $70,000 – $110,000 CAD/year
- Project Manager (Green Construction): $80,000 – $120,000 CAD/year
- Environmental Consultant: $60,000 – $90,000 CAD/year
Locations: Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, and British Columbia lead clean energy projects.
Job Outlook: Growing roles in engineering, project management, and sustainability consulting.

5. Telemedicine and Digital Health

Industry Overview: Surge in virtual care drives growth in telehealth platforms and health informatics.
Positions & Salaries:
- Health Informatics Specialist: $65,000 – $95,000 CAD/year
- Telemedicine Software Developer: $75,000 – $120,000 CAD/year
- Digital Health Project Coordinator: $55,000 – $85,000 CAD/year
Locations: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are key centers for digital health innovation.
Job Outlook: Expanding opportunities in software development and healthcare delivery.

6. Fintech and Financial Services Innovation

Industry Overview: Startups like Wealthsimple and Koho are disrupting banking with digital payment and financial products.
Positions & Salaries:
- Fintech Software Engineer: $80,000 – $130,000 CAD/year
- Product Manager: $85,000 – $140,000 CAD/year
- Cybersecurity Analyst: $70,000 – $110,000 CAD/year
Locations: Toronto is Canada’s financial hub, followed by Vancouver and Montreal.
Job Outlook: Rapid growth in digital banking, payment processing, and financial technology.

7. Auto Parts and Electric Vehicle Manufacturing

Industry Overview: Post-pandemic recovery with focus on EV production and infrastructure.
Positions & Salaries:
- EV Manufacturing Technician: $50,000 – $75,000 CAD/year
- Battery Engineer: $80,000 – $120,000 CAD/year
- Supply Chain Manager: $70,000 – $110,000 CAD/year
Locations: Ontario (especially Windsor and Oshawa), Quebec, and British Columbia.
Job Outlook: Emerging roles in EV tech and green automotive manufacturing.

8. Nursery and Garden Stores / Home Improvement

Industry Overview: Pandemic-driven lifestyle changes boost demand for gardening and home improvement products.
Positions & Salaries:
- Retail Manager: $45,000 – $65,000 CAD/year
- Horticulturist: $40,000 – $60,000 CAD/year
- Supply Chain Coordinator: $50,000 – $70,000 CAD/year
Locations: Nationwide, with strong markets in suburban and rural areas.
Job Outlook: Steady growth in retail and supply chain roles.

9. Technology Startups and Software Development

Industry Overview: Toronto and Vancouver host thousands of startups driving software innovation.
Positions & Salaries:
- Software Engineer: $75,000 – $130,000 CAD/year
- DevOps Engineer: $80,000 – $125,000 CAD/year
- UX/UI Designer: $65,000 – $100,000 CAD/year
Locations: Toronto, Vancouver, Waterloo, Montreal.
Job Outlook: High demand for skilled developers and tech innovators.

10. Medical Cannabis Industry

Industry Overview: Market valued at $2 billion, expanding with legalization and research.
Positions & Salaries:
- Cultivation Technician: $40,000 – $60,000 CAD/year
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist: $60,000 – $90,000 CAD/year
- Cannabis Research Scientist: $70,000 – $110,000 CAD/year
Locations: Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec.
Job Outlook: Growing roles in cultivation, research, compliance, and patient services.

How to Prepare for Careers in These Industries

Recommended Skills and Education Pathways

Preparing for a career in Canada’s fastest-growing industries requires a strategic approach to education and skill development. Depending on the industry, different educational backgrounds and skill sets are prioritized:

Technology and Artificial Intelligence: A degree in computer science, software engineering, data science, or a related field is highly beneficial. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, and R, alongside expertise in machine learning frameworks, data analytics, and AI ethics, is increasingly sought after. Participating in coding bootcamps, online courses, and AI research projects can further enhance your profile.
Healthcare and Biotechnology: Degrees in nursing, biomedical sciences, pharmacy, or health informatics are essential. Specialized training in telemedicine, clinical research, and biotechnology techniques is also valuable. Practical experience through internships or clinical placements strengthens your candidacy.
Clean Energy and Sustainability: Engineering degrees with a focus on renewable energy, environmental science, or sustainable development are key. Courses in project management, environmental policy, and green technologies complement technical skills. Hands-on experience through co-op programs or internships in solar, wind, or EV projects is advantageous.
Skilled Trades and Manufacturing: Vocational training, apprenticeships, and certifications in trades such as welding, electrical work, HVAC, and automotive manufacturing remain in high demand. Practical skills combined with safety certifications and familiarity with modern manufacturing technologies increase employability.
Finance and Fintech: Degrees in finance, economics, or business administration are foundational. Supplementing with certifications in financial planning, cybersecurity, or blockchain technology can open doors in fintech innovation.

Importance of Certifications and Continuous Learning

In today’s fast-moving job market, certifications are critical for demonstrating expertise and commitment to professional growth. They provide a competitive edge and often are prerequisites for advanced roles. Some important certifications include:

Project Management Certifications: PMP (Project Management Professional), Agile, and Scrum certifications are valuable across industries, especially in technology, clean energy, and construction, where managing complex projects efficiently is crucial.
Technology Certifications: Cloud computing certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, cybersecurity credentials like CISSP or CompTIA Security+, and AI-focused certificates from recognized institutions validate your skills and keep you current with industry standards.
Healthcare Certifications: Licensing as a Registered Nurse (RN), certifications in clinical research, telehealth technologies, and specialized medical training ensure compliance with Canadian healthcare standards and improve job prospects.
Trades Certifications: Red Seal endorsements and provincial trade certifications authenticate your skills and facilitate work mobility across Canada.

Continuous learning is essential to stay relevant. Engaging in workshops, webinars, online courses, and industry conferences helps professionals keep pace with technological advancements and regulatory changes.

Additional Tips for Career Preparation and Immigration Success

Research Occupation Demand: Regularly check Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) lists and provincial demand lists to align your skills with current labor market needs.
Language Proficiency: Strong English and/or French language skills are critical. Investing in language training and certification (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF) can significantly improve your immigration score and employability.
Networking: Build professional networks through industry associations, Canadian job fairs, and online platforms like LinkedIn. Connections can lead to job opportunities and employer sponsorships.
Canadian Work Experience: If possible, gain Canadian work experience through internships, co-op programs, or temporary work permits. This experience is highly valued by employers and immigration authorities.
Stay Updated: Immigration policies and labor market demands evolve. Stay informed through official government websites, immigration consultants, and professional organizations.

Conclusion

Canada’s evolving job market in 2025 presents both challenges and unique opportunities. By aligning your skills with high-demand industries such as AI, clean energy, healthcare, and skilled trades you not only improve your career prospects but also increase your chances of qualifying for immigration. Strategic career planning today can pave the way for a stable, rewarding future in Canada.

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