Top 10 In-Demand Skilled Worker Jobs in Canada [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The most in-demand skilled worker jobs in Canada for 2025-2026 are primarily in healthcare, tech, and skilled trades, identified by their National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes. These jobs offer strong pathways to permanent residency through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). To see if your experience matches an in-demand NOC, use Evola AI's free tools to calculate your CRS score and predict your immigration success before exploring the detailed list below.

Navigating Canada's skilled worker immigration system starts with one key question: is my job in demand? The Canadian government uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to categorize every occupation. Jobs in high demand are targeted through Express Entry category-based draws and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), making them your fastest ticket to permanent residency. This guide cuts through the noise to list the top 10 in-demand jobs for 2025-2026, complete with official NOC codes, typical salary ranges, and the specific immigration programs that want you.

What Are the Most In-Demand Skilled Worker Jobs in Canada?

The most in-demand skilled worker jobs in Canada are in healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and skilled trades. According to IRCC's official Express Entry page on category-based selection, these sectors are prioritized for their critical labour shortages. The government holds dedicated draws for candidates with experience in these professions, often with significantly lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirements.

• Official Source: The list is based on IRCC's category-based selection categories and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) data.
• NOC System: Every job has a 5-digit NOC code (e.g., 21231 for Software Engineers). You must find your correct code.
• TEER Levels: Jobs are classified by Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER 0-5). Most targeted jobs are in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Dynamic List: Demand can shift by province. Always check provincial nominee program websites for their specific needs.

To instantly see how your job experience translates into CRS points, use the free CRS Calculator. Evola AI's tool is updated with the latest draw data, giving you a more accurate picture than static online calculators.

1. Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)

Registered Nurses are consistently the top in-demand healthcare profession across Canada. You need a bachelor's degree in nursing and must be licensed in the province where you plan to work. This occupation is targeted in federal Express Entry draws and nearly every Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

• Typical Salary Range: $80,000 - $110,000 CAD per year.
• Key Pathways: Express Entry (Healthcare category), Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream, BC PNP Healthcare Professional Stream.
• Licensing Body: You must contact the nursing college in your destination province (e.g., College of Nurses of Ontario).
• Actionable Step: Start the licensing process early, as it can take time. According to the Government of Canada's job bank, the outlook for this occupation is very strong nationwide.

2. Software Engineers and Designers (NOC 21231)

Software engineers and designers are in high demand, especially in tech hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. This category includes developers, engineers, and system architects. A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field is typically required, though significant work experience can sometimes substitute.

• Typical Salary Range: $85,000 - $140,000+ CAD per year.
• Key Pathways: Express Entry (STEM category), BC PNP Tech Pilot, Ontario Tech Draws.
• In-Demand Skills: Proficiency in languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Actionable Step: Build a strong portfolio (e.g., GitHub) to complement your resume. The demand is confirmed by frequent tech-specific PNP draws.

3. Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310)

Electrical engineers are crucial for Canada's infrastructure and green energy projects. They work in power generation, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Licensing with a provincial engineering association is required to approve drawings and reports as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).

• Typical Salary Range: $75,000 - $120,000 CAD per year.
• Key Pathways: Express Entry (STEM category), Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway, Saskatchewan's In-Demand Occupation Stream.
• Licensing: You must apply to Engineers Canada for an academic assessment, then to a provincial association.
• Actionable Step: Begin the credential recognition process through Engineers Canada immediately upon considering immigration.

4. Welders and Related Machine Operators (NOC 72106)

Skilled trades like welding are experiencing a massive shortage due to an aging workforce. Welders work in construction, manufacturing, and pipeline projects. Certification (e.g., Canadian Welding Bureau certification) is highly valued and often required.

• Typical Salary Range: $50,000 - $85,000 CAD per year.
• Key Pathways: Express Entry (Trade occupations category), Federal Skilled Trades Program, Alberta's Dedicated Skilled Trades Stream.
• Red Seal Program: The Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement allows you to work anywhere in Canada—a major advantage.
• Actionable Step: Research if your current qualifications can be aligned with Red Seal standards. According to Ontario's official immigration website, skilled trades are a top priority for the province.

5. Industrial Electricians (NOC 72200)

Industrial electricians install, maintain, and repair complex electrical systems in factories and plants. This is a regulated trade in Canada, requiring a provincial certificate of qualification or a Red Seal endorsement.

• Typical Salary Range: $60,000 - $95,000 CAD per year.
• Key Pathways: Federal Skilled Trades Program, BC PNP Skills Immigration (Skilled Trades), Ontario's Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream.
• Apprenticeship: Typically involves a 4-5 year apprenticeship combining work and technical training.
• Actionable Step: Contact the apprenticeship authority in your target province to understand how your experience translates.

6. Web Developers and Programmers (NOC 21234)

Web developers and programmers focus on building and maintaining websites and applications. Demand is driven by the growth of e-commerce and digital services. Formal education is common, but a strong portfolio demonstrating skills in frameworks like React or Angular can be equally important.

• Typical Salary Range: $65,000 - $110,000 CAD per year.
• Key Pathways: Express Entry (STEM category), BC PNP Tech, Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities Stream (which often targets IT roles).
• Freelance Experience: Ensure you can document freelance or contract work thoroughly for immigration purposes.
• Actionable Step: Use Evola AI's Immigration Success Predictor to model different scenarios, like getting a job offer versus improving your language score.

7. Financial Auditors and Accountants (NOC 11100)

Financial auditors and accountants are needed in every industry and city. A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is required. Pursuing a Canadian designation like CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) significantly boosts employability and earning potential.

• Typical Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000+ CAD per year.
• Key Pathways: Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program), Ontario's Human Capital Priorities Stream, Quebec's Regular Skilled Worker Program.
• Credential Assessment: Your foreign credentials must be assessed by a designated organization like WES.
• Actionable Step: Research the CPA reciprocity agreements to see if your existing accounting designation can be partially recognized.

8. Data Scientists (NOC 21211)

Data scientists analyze complex data to guide business decisions, a skill increasingly valuable across all sectors. They typically need a master's or doctoral degree in statistics, computer science, or a related field. Expertise in machine learning, data visualization, and tools like SQL and R is essential.

• Typical Salary Range: $90,000 - $140,000+ CAD per year.
• Key Pathways: Express Entry (STEM category), Global Talent Stream (for fast-track work permits), Alberta's Dedicated Tech Pathway.
• Proving Your Skills: Be prepared to demonstrate your skills through case studies or a portfolio of projects.
• Actionable Step: Target companies in sectors like finance, tech, and healthcare, which have the highest demand for data science talent.

9. Construction Managers (NOC 70010)

Construction managers plan, organize, and oversee building projects from start to finish. Several years of experience in the construction industry are required, often supplemented by a college diploma or university degree in construction technology or management.

• Typical Salary Range: $80,000 - $130,000 CAD per year.
• Key Pathways: Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program), BC PNP (Skilled Worker), Ontario's Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream.
• Soft Skills: Leadership, budgeting, and project management skills are as critical as technical knowledge.
• Actionable Step: Networking within specific construction associations in Canada can be a direct path to job opportunities.

10. Pharmacists (NOC 31120)

Pharmacists are in high demand, particularly in communities outside major urban centers. You must have a bachelor's degree in pharmacy and be licensed by the provincial pharmacy regulatory authority. This involves passing the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exams and completing practical training.

• Typical Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 CAD per year.
• Key Pathways: Express Entry (Healthcare category), Provincial Nominee Programs often have specific streams for healthcare professionals.
• Licensing Process: The PEBC process is rigorous and lengthy; start it as soon as possible.
• Actionable Step: Consult the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) website for detailed licensure requirements for internationally trained pharmacists.

How Do I Use This Job List for Canadian Immigration?

To use this list, you must match your work experience to the correct NOC code and ensure it meets the eligibility requirements for your chosen immigration program. First, find your NOC on the official Government of Canada website. Then, assess your eligibility for programs like Express Entry, which requires at least one year of continuous skilled work experience (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).

• Step 1: Find Your NOC Code. Use the official Government of Canada NOC search tool. Match your job duties, not just the title.
• Step 2: Check Program Eligibility. For Express Entry, ensure your job is skilled (TEER 0-3), you have the required language scores (CLB 7 for NOC 0 or 1, CLB 5 for NOC 2 or 3), and your education is assessed.
• Step 3: Calculate Your CRS Score. Your job is a factor, but your age, education, language ability, and a job offer contribute to your score. Use a precise tool like Evola AI's CRS Calculator for a current estimate.
• Step 4: Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Many provinces have "in-demand occupations lists." If your job is on a province's list, you may be invited directly by that province, which adds 600 points to your CRS score.

A critical part of this process is converting your language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF) into the correct Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Use the free CLB Converter to get an accurate, instant conversion, as even a half-point CLB difference can impact your score dramatically.

What If My Job Isn't on This List?

If your job isn't on this list, you may still be eligible for immigration through other streams or by securing a valid job offer. The Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program accepts over 300 eligible NOC codes. Furthermore, a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-supported job offer gives you 50 or 200 additional CRS points, making almost any skilled job a viable pathway.

• General Express Entry Draws: While category-based draws target specific jobs, general draws consider all eligible skilled occupations. A high CRS score from strong language, education, and youth can secure an invitation.
• Provincial Specific Demand: A job not in demand nationally might be critical in a specific province. Always check individual PNP websites.
• The Power of a Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer is one of the most powerful factors in your application, regardless of the occupation's "in-demand" status.
• Consult an Expert: Immigration rules are complex. For personalized advice, consulting with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or using an AI mentor like Evola AI, which is trained on the latest IRCC policy documents, can help you identify the best pathway for your unique profile.

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Your profession is the foundation of your Canadian immigration journey. While being on an in-demand list is a significant advantage, it's not the only path. Success lies in accurately presenting your skills, maximizing your CRS score, and strategically targeting the right programs. The process is detailed, but with the right information and tools, it's entirely achievable.

Ready to turn your skilled work experience into a Canadian future? Let Evola AI be your 24/7 guide. From calculating your exact CRS score with live data to predicting your chances in the next draw, our AI-powered platform is designed to simplify your journey. Start your free assessment at EvolaAI.com today.