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Top In-Demand Jobs in Alberta

October 24, 2023

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  • Sinethemba Phongolo

Alberta, Canada is known for its thriving job market and numerous employment opportunities. If you're considering a move to Alberta or simply looking for a new career path, staying informed about the top in-demand jobs in the province is essential.

Claim your place in Alberta by learning how to find and work in the top in-demand jobs in the Canadian prairie province!

Top 10 In-demand jobs in Alberta

Here are the top in-demand jobs in Alberta. All statistical information was obtained from Canada’s Job Bank.

Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses

NOC Code: 31301

With Alberta's growing population and aging demographic, the need for Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses is consistently in high demand in the province.

RNs and RPNs play a crucial role in providing quality healthcare and support to patients in:

  • Hospitals,
  • Clinics,
  • Nursing homes, and
  • Long-term care facilities (.eg rehabilitation centers, dialysis centers, hospice, etc.).

The qualifications required to work as a nurse in Alberta are as follows:

Type of Nursing Program Qualifications Required
Registered Nurse A Bachelor of Nursing (BN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) 
Registered Psychiatric Nurse A minimum 2.5 years diploma for entry to practice
Licensed Practical Nurse A two-year diploma for entry to practice
Nurse Practitioner An additional clinical and masters-level education and training

Annual average salary: 120,403.97 CAD

Number of available job vacancies: 20

Learn how to apply for a work visa in Canada as a nurse.

Transport Truck Drivers

NOC Code: 73300

Alberta’s transportation industry is booming, making transport truck drivers a highly sought-after occupation. With an extensive network of highways and a thriving economy, truck drivers are constantly needed to transport goods across the province and beyond.

To become a truck driver in Alberta, you must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and meet the required qualifications set by the province.

To work as a truck driver in Canada, you must:

  • A secondary/high school diploma,
  • On-the-job-training,
  • Complete an accredited three-month driver training program from a vocational school or community college,
  • A Class D OR 3 license (for straight-body trucks),
  • A Class A or 1 license (for long combination vehicles), and
  • Air brake endorsement (Z) for vehicles equipped with air brakes.

Annual average salary: 74,922.39 CAD

Number of available job vacancies: 921

Find out how to become a Truck Driver in Canada in 5 steps.

Retail Sales Supervisors

NOC Code: 64100

With a growing retail sector, the demand for skilled retail sales supervisors is rising in Alberta. Retail Supervisors oversee the day-to-day operations of retail establishments, manage staff, and ensure excellent customer service.

If you intend to work retail as a Retail Sales Supervisors in Alberta, you must have:

  • Completed secondary school
  • Previous retail experience as a
    • Retail salesperson,
    • Sales clerk,
    • Cashier,
    • Telemarketer,
    • Door-to-door salesperson, and
    • Rental agent.

Annual average salary: 58,550.55 CAD

Number of available job vacancies: 1503

Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics

NOC Code: 72401

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics are vital to Alberta’s construction and resource industries. As a Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic in Alberta, you will maintain and repair large machinery, such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators.

Heavy-duty mechanics in Alberta are required to have a:

  • Certificate from the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training,
  • On-the-job training (1,500 to 1,800 hrs) and eight weeks of classroom instruction,
  • Minimum of 54 months and 6,750 hours of work experience, and
  • An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).

Annual average salary: 105,610.35 CAD

Number of available job vacancies: 125

Accountant

NOC Code: 14200

Accounting and related clerks are essential in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and government. Accountants handle financial transactions, maintain records, and support financial managers.

To register and practice as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Alberta, you must:

  • A bachelor’s degree (in a relevant accounting discipline),
  • Completion of a professional training program approved by the Institute of Chartered Accountants,
  • 30 months of on-the-job training and membership in the provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants once you have completed the Uniform Evaluation (UE), and
  • Complete the Common Final Examination.

Annual average salary: 118,216.83

Number of available job vacancies: 54

Find out about the top provinces to find jobs in Canada for accountants.

Restaurant and Food Service Managers

NOC Code: 60030 CAD

Alberta's vibrant culinary scene is always in need of talented restaurant and food service managers. As a restaurant and food service manager, you’ll oversee the daily operations of restaurants, ensuring excellent customer service, and managing staff.

If you’re a foreign restaurant and food service manager looking to work in Alberta, make sure to have:

  • Completed a college diploma related to hospitality or food and beverage service management,
  • A responsible beverage service certification if you manage an establishment serving alcoholic beverages,
  • A government of Alberta Food Sanitation and Hygiene Certification,
  • Several years of supervisory work experience in the food service sector.

Annual average salary: 63,687.98 CAD

Number of available job vacancies: 376

Administrative Officers

NOC Code: 13100

Administrative officers are the backbone of any organization, providing support and ensuring smooth operations. In Alberta, administrative officers are in high demand across various industries, including healthcare, education, and government administration.

Administrative officers in Alberta must have:

  • Completed a secondary school education,
  • A university degree or college diploma in business or public administration,
  • Work experience in an executive secretarial or senior clerical position related to office administration, and
  • A Project management certification.

Annual average salary: 77,476.54 CAD

Number of available job vacancies: 965

Store/Retail Shelf Stockers

NOC Code: 65102

With a thriving retail sector, there is a continuous need for store shelf stockers in Alberta. Store or Retail Shelf Stockers are crucial in stocking shelves, assisting customers, and processing orders.

The general requirements to work as a shelf stocker in Canada include:

  • Relevant on-the-job training,
  • Some secondary education, (some employers prefer graduates),
  • Forklift training may be required

Annual average salary: 42,819.66 CAD

To move to Alberta as a shelf stocker, learn to immigrate to Canada as an unskilled worker.

Number of available job vacancies: 81

Shippers and Receivers

NOC Code: 14400

Shippers and receivers ensure goods’ efficient movement within the supply chain. Generally working in warehouses and distribution centers, shippers and receivers ensure that products are received, sorted, and shipped accurately and efficiently.

Working in the trade of Shipper-Receiver in Canada requires you to have:

  • Completed a secondary school education,
  • Work experience as a warehouse worker or related clerical occupation,
  • A forklift certificate, and
  • The relevant driver's license.

Annual average salary: 51,060.58 CAD

Number of available job vacancies: 74

Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics

NOC Code: 11100

Alberta’s thriving construction industry is thriving, creating a high demand for construction millwrights and industrial mechanics. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing machinery and equipment used in various industries.

In Alberta, to work as an Industrial Mechanic and Millwright, you can:

  • Complete secondary school and mechanical millwright or training course or vocational program,
  • Have a certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training,
  • Registered as an apprenticeship,
  • Hold a recognized trade certificate, and
  • Work for an employer who may vouch for your skills and knowledge as equivalent to that of a certified trade journeyperson.

Annual average salary: 107,071.38 CAD

Number of available job vacancies: 34

How You Can Find a Job in Alberta?

Finding a job in Alberta requires a strategic approach and knowing where to look. In general, finding a job in Alberta involves the following four steps.

  • Explore Canada’s online job portals and resources
  • Choose a province or territory where your skills are most in demand
  • Craft a Canadian-style CV/resume, and
  • Submit supporting documents and apply as directed by your prospective employer

Learn more about the 4-step process to finding a job in Canada.

How Can I Work in Alberta?

Working in Alberta typically requires obtaining a work permit or becoming a permanent resident (PR). Should you be ineligible to apply for a Canada PR immigration program, learn how to get a Canadian work permit.
 



FAQs

Can I Immigrate to Alberta Without a Job Offer?

Yes, it is possible to immigrate to Alberta without a job offer. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers various streams for individuals who wish to live and work in Alberta permanently. These streams include the

  • Alberta Express Entry Stream,
  • Graduate Entrepreneur Stream,
  • Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, and
  • Farmer Stream.

Find out more about how to immigrate to Canada without a job offer.

Is it Easy to Land a Job Offer in Alberta?

While Alberta's job market offers numerous opportunities, landing a job offer can still be a competitive process. To make this process easier, we recommend networking, researching thriving industries in Alberta, and tailoring your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experiences.

Find out more about how to land a job offer in Canada.