Introduction
The labor market in Canada is quite unique as certain jobs are higher in demand than others. As a new immigrant, one of the best ways to get a job that offers you competitive compensation is to tailor your skills toward an in-demand career.
In this article, I’ll share a list of top-paying white-collar and blue-collar jobs for newcomers to Canada. My aim is to help you tailor your job search for these opportunities. While this list is not exhaustive, it’s a good place to start:
Software Development
Software development involves the building of programs and apps based on users’ needs.
Statista estimates that there are approximately 3.04 million apps on the Google Store and approximately 2.09 million apps on the Apple App Store. While these numbers are staggering, it’s interesting to note that thousands more are being released on a monthly basis. As a result, the demand for software developers will not be slowing down anytime soon.
Software development professionals are in-demand globally and in Canada alone, new job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 64,200, while 75,800 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration, and mobility) are expected to be available to fill them from 2019-2028. According to Canada Job Bank, the median wage for this career is $38.46/hr.
Being a high-demand career, the process of obtaining the skills can be challenging. Our recommendation is to join a bootcamp that gives you great foundational knowledge and practical experience such that you graduate with an impressive portfolio. You do not need a computer science degree to transition into this career.
Cybersecurity
IBM defines cybersecurity as the practice of protecting critical systems and sensitive information from digital attacks.
In addition to the required hard skills, certain soft skills are particularly important in this career path and they include discretion, discipline and a focused attitude.
This job gives you access to the most private details of any organization and you must ensure all information is encrypted. As a cybersecurity professional, you can work in a variety of organizations, including universities, hospitals, laboratories, the military, and so on.
Healthcare
Healthcare professionals like registered nurses, dentists, medical doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, mental therapists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, paramedics, opticians, dermatologists, and all other health workers are in high-demand globally and especially in Canada because of aging and population growth.
Healthcare professionals in Canada must be licensed and certified by the health professional licensing board.
If you’re a healthcare professional that just migrated to Canada, the most important thing you can do right now is to find out the requirements for licensing and get started. If you plan to transition into a healthcare career, research colleges and universities in Canada to take a healthcare program.
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Data science
According to Oracle, data science encompasses preparing data for analysis, including cleansing, aggregating, and manipulating the data to perform advanced data analysis.
Data science is a promising and rewarding career path for Immigrants looking to earn big in Canada.
A data scientist is highly valuable in large organizations with voluminous databases.
As a data scientist, you must be able to decode and unravel complexities in both structured and unstructured data. You must also be skilled in designing data models, collecting data, processing and reprocessing data, analyzing and also interpreting data.
To begin a career in data science, you can start by taking courses online or joining a bootcamp.
Plumbing
Everyone requires the services of plumbers. Moreso, realtors, structural engineers, and builders collaborate with plumbers to complete housing projects.
According to Canada Job Bank, plumbers can earn between $18.00/hour and $42.00/hour. Also, over the period 2019-2028, new job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 9,300, while 9,200 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration, and mobility) are expected to be available to fill them.
To become a plumber, you need to learn through an apprenticeship program and apply to get your trade certification.
Project Management
APM.org defines project management as the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge, and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters.
Project management is in high-demand in Canada. Project managers work in practically all sectors as they are needed to drive the success of projects. They bring overall efficiency strategies and deliver results that improve an organization’s bottom line.
To get started in project management, take a course through an accredited institution and take the Project Management Institute (PMI) certification to set yourself up for success.
Human Resource Manager
Wikipedia gives a clear description of what Human Resource Management is. It defines it as the strategic approach to the effective and efficient management of people in a company or organization such that they help their business gain a competitive advantage.
A Human Resource (HR) Manager or specialist is experienced and skilled in managing all administrative functions of an organization. These administrative functions include overall strategic planning, execution, and coordination of an entire management body. They are also involved in the hiring and training of new employees. They also act as a go-between between the organization’s top management and its employees.
According to Canada Job Bank, Human resource professionals usually earn between $23.08/hour and $56.73/hour.
If you want to start a career in HR, speak to career coaches, counselors, or HR specialists for guidance. You can also take a course or program from an accredited college.
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Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is an aspect of marketing that involves the use of digital channels and systems to reach a target market.
Over the years, marketing jobs have experienced so much growth and in a developed country like Canada, demand continues to grow.
According to Canada Job Bank, entry level digital marketers can expect to earn between $17.79/hour and $51.92/hour. Also, over the period 2019-2028, new job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 46,400 while 44,100 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration, and mobility) are expected to be available to fill them.
If you’d like to build a career in digital marketing, you can start by taking free courses online then joining a bootcamp.
Financial Controllers/Analyst
A financial controller is the overall supervisor of all financial services and applications in an organization, primarily responsible for preparing financial reports, analyzing financial data, and comparing an organization’s financial reports and statements.
As a financial controller or analyst, you must be highly accurate, pay attention to details, and be skilled in using financial management tools. You must also have extensive knowledge and experience in finance-related projects, as you will be managing the organization’s finances hence the need for experts.
Financial controllers can expect to earn between $30.00/hour and $76.92/hour. Also, over the period 2019-2028, new job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 30,600 , while 33,300 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility) are expected to be available to fill them.
If you already have a degree and some experience in financial accounting, this is a good career path to continue with. If you want to start from scratch, you’ll need to enroll in a good program at a university or college.
Cook/Chef
Canada is home to thousands of immigrants hence a multicultural nation. If you can successfully position yourself and believe in your cooking and culinary skills, you will undoubtedly earn a lot of money in Canada.
Canada is also home to various professionals who hardly find the time to make elaborate home meals, instead they rely on fast food and cereals hence the increase in demand for home cooks or restaurant chefs.
Cooks need to acquire Cook’s trade certification to practice in Canada while Chef de cuisine certification, administered by the Canadian Culinary Institute of the Canadian Federation of Chefs and Cooks (CFCC), is available to qualified chefs.
Conclusion
As a newcomer to Canada, you should be open-minded and willing to explore. Don’t try to limit yourself or your capabilities, spread your tentacles and set ambitious goals for yourself. Canada is a country full of opportunities provided you are ready and willing to put in the effort.
If you have a career path in mind that isn’t listed here, endeavor to do your research and upskill as necessary. Always remember that hard work and consistency pay off in Canada.
