Top 20+ Trending Jobs in Alberta Canada Right Now

In today’s job market, knowing which career path to take can be challenging. With so many options available, narrowing the field is challenging. So if you are looking for a new job in Alberta, Canada, here are 20 of the most popular trending jobs. From entry-level positions to management roles, there is something for everyone. 

From occupations that are high in demand to regular career fields, there are many jobs in Alberta, Canada, for qualified applicants. Top cities in Alberta, such as Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurry, Swiftcurrent, etc., have abundant jobs in the government sector, oil and gas industry, Agriculture, IT, and health. So take a look and see if one of these positions is right for you.

Location of Alberta

Alberta is located west of Canada and has a boundary with the United States of America. Therefore, Alberta is a very conducive place to live and work in Canada for both old and new settlers in Canada. Families enjoy good living and a high family income when they work in Alberta, Canada.

Adding to the attractions of the province of Alberta are many beautiful parks, such as the world-famous Banff National Park, which allow the province’s residents a perfect getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This generally improves work-life balance for Alberta employees.

What kind of jobs are in Alberta?

There are many trending jobs for young professionals and immigrants in Alberta’s major industries, such as service, forestry education, finance, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, particularly gas and oil.

People who reside in Alberta are among the youngest in the country, especially in the major metropolitan city of Calgary. Immigrants are also welcome to live and work in Canada through the Alberta Immigration Nomination Program (AINP).

Conditions and rules for working in Alberta

When you get jobs in Alberta, you must abide by the rules governing workers in Alberta. The following conditions apply to jobs in Alberta:

1. Employers must pay at least the minimum wage.
2. The current minimum wage applies to all employees except students under 18.
3. A new job creation student wage was implemented on June 26, 2019. Restrictions apply.
4. Wages do not include tips or expense money.
5. There are different weekly and monthly minimum wages for some salespersons and domestic employees.
6. Employees must be paid at least 3 hours at the minimum wage each time they go to work.
7. Maximum deductions below minimum wage for provided meals and lodging are $3.35 per consumed meal and $4.41 per day’s lodging.

Alberta Occupations in Demand

While most occupations are eligible under the AINP, some occupations are in higher demand in the province of Alberta. As a result, workers with the needed skills and qualifications in these occupations will have a significant opportunity to settle and work in Alberta, Canada.

Eligible jobs for Alberta Opportunity Stream include:

• Business, finance, and administration occupations.
• Natural and applied sciences and related occupations.
• Trades, transport and equipment operators, and related occupations.

High-demand occupations in Alberta are the following:

• Managerial occupations.
•  Business, finance, and administration occupations.
•  Natural and Applied Sciences and Related Occupations.
•  Health Occupations.
•  Occupation in Social Science, Education, Government Service, and Religion.
•  Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation, and Sport.
•  Sales and Service Occupations.
•  Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators, and Related Occupations.
•  Occupations Unique to Processing, Manufacturing, and Utilities.

Occupation in demand in Alberta for immigrants 

A Canadian government study highlights some of the occupations that increased in demand due to the pandemic in Alberta. These are some trending jobs in Alberta.

Occupations are listed in order of their National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. For more specific job prospects, the federal government also offers a trend analysis tool where job seekers can view the trends in their occupations of interest.

#1. Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213)

These tech professionals oversee and evaluate the activities of organizations that administer digital software and other information systems. After the pandemic was declared in March 2020, Alberta’s employment in this occupation was not affected.

Despite the pandemic, employment levels trended up in 2020 compared to 2019.

#2. Employment insurance, immigration, border services, and revenue officers (NOC 1228)

The onset of the pandemic resulted in an influx of applications for government programs, such as Employment Insurance, and the newly-created Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), among others.

The government employs these agents. They are tasked to enforce laws and regulations related to immigration, customs, border crossing, taxes, employment insurance, and other benefits.

Employment for these occupations was higher throughout 2020 compared year-over-year to 2019

#3. Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171)

Employment was not affected for these tech professionals. Analysts and consultants test systems requirements and advise on information systems issues. They may be employed in tech consulting firms, or they may be self-employed.

In April 2020, employment for this occupation was 47 percent higher compared to April 2019. The average employment levels trended higher throughout the year.

#4. Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 2172)

Typically employed in IT consulting firms, database analysts develop data management solutions while administrators implement data administration policies, standards, and models.

Employment for database analysts and administrators was not affected by the pandemic in Alberta. Year over year, employment levels trended up throughout 2020.

The shift to increase technology and data usage among organizations has increased demand for this occupation. As the importance of information and databases increases, so will data analysts and administrators demand.

#5. Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173)

Software engineers and designers integrate and maintain a variety of different software. They are often employed in IT consulting and research and development firms. They may also be self-employed.

The tech industry in Alberta has grown in recent years. There are more than 400 tech companies in Calgary, which could account for some 2,000 job vacancies, including positions for software engineers and designers.

#6. Construction inspectors (NOC 2264)

Construction inspectors inspect new and existing infrastructure to ensure buildings are up to code. They are employed by governments, construction companies, as well as architectural and civil engineering consulting firms. They may also be self-employed.

Employment in this occupation was not affected by the pandemic in April 2020. In fact, it was 24 percent higher compared to 2019. Employment also trended up year-over-year in the months following.

Throughout the pandemic, the construction industry was considered “essential” and allowed to continue operation even during the height of coronavirus-related restrictions.

Although overall construction activity was muted in 2020, the residential sector remained resilient. Nursing coordinators and supervisors (NOC 3011)

Nursing supervisors oversee the activities of registered nurses in health care institutions. Average employment levels in 2020 trended up throughout the year and also available in 2021

Mount Royal University is expanding its Bridge to Canadian Nursing program to train more international nurses. The 10 to 14-month-long programs will allow guide international immigrants on the path to begin practicing in Alberta.

#7. Pharmacists (NOC 3131)

Pharmacists dispense prescriptions to patience and provide consultative services to healthcare providers. They may be employed in retail pharmacies, or they may be self-employed. Industrial pharmacists are in the research and development branch and are employed by pharmaceutical companies, government departments, and agencies.

In April 2020, employment for this occupation was 14 percent higher compared to the year before.

In recent years, community pharmacists in Alberta have taken on more responsibilities in the health sector. For example, they can now administer vaccines, modify prescriptions, and manage a patient’s diabetes or smoking addiction.

#8. Family, marriage, and other related counselors (NOC 4153)

Family, marriage, and other related counselors help people overcome personal problems and achieve their goals. They work in counseling centers and government agencies, or they may work in private practice.

#9. Health policy researchers, consultants, and program officers (NOC 4165)

Health policy researchers produce reports and administer healthcare policies. They are often employed by the government, consulting establishments, universities, hospitals, and non-governmental and international and community organizations.

#10. Social Service workers (NOC 4212)

Social and community service workers implement programming that helps clients deal with personal and social problems. They work for government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, and other establishments.

The recession caused by the pandemic disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations. People battling addictions, homelessness and victims of domestic abuse are among the hardest hit.

The result has been an increase in demand for social workers to help individuals and families seek help and access community services.

#11. Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, and servicers (NOC 7205)

These skilled trades professionals supervise the activities of various tradespersons, including masonry and plastering trades. A wide range of establishments employs them, or they may operate their own business.

The construction industry was deemed essential and operated throughout the pandemic. A large source of employment for construction came from the residential sector.

Moving to Alberta for work

For International skilled personnel to work in Alberta, you will need to immigrate to the province using one of her provincial nominee programs, such as the opportunity stream, Alberta PNP, Express Entry, Occupation in Demand category, and so on. Each of these programs is as detailed below.

Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)

Foreigners can live and work in Canada through the AOS. Alberta welcomes skilled and unskilled individuals, but they must have a valid work permit and be given the opportunities for full-time job offers, which qualifies them to apply to the AOS to settle in the province permanently.

Immigration programs for Jobs in Alberta

Although you do not necessarily need a job offer to apply for Canadian immigration, skilled work experience goes a long way toward an immigration application. For the long term, work experience in Canada, specifically, is likely to improve your earning potential, according to a 2021 Statistics Canada study.

All of these occupations fall into the “skilled work” category. This means they may count toward eligibility for one of the three Federal High Skilled programs managed by the Express Entry system. Express Entry itself is not a “program.” It is an application management system for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Eligible candidates (those with permits and a minimum age for working in the province) get a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Points are awarded for skilled work experience, education, age, and official language ability, among other factors. The highest-scoring candidates get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian immigration. If the federal government approves them, they become Canadian permanent residents.

Express Entry is the most popular immigration pathway. According to the federal government’s 2021 immigration targets, Express Entry-managed programs are expected to account for 108,500 new permanent residents this year alone.

The Express Entry system is the first step into the Alberta Express Entry Stream. As well, candidates who have a CRS score of at least 300 may be eligible for a provincial nomination from the Alberta government’s immigration branch called the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).

The Alberta Express Entry Stream is an example of a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Although the federal government has the final say in all immigration applications, a provincial nomination can ensure a “Yes!” from Canada. They may take longer and cost more money, but they can be an option for people who couldn’t otherwise qualify for a federal immigration program.

Another Alberta PNP is the Alberta Opportunity Stream. This one is specifically for skilled workers working in an eligible occupation in Alberta. None of the 12 occupations listed above are currently on the ineligible list; however, occupation eligibility is subject to other factors. For example, you can only be nominated under this stream if you meet the minimum work-experience requirement of 30 hours per week for six months.

Non-Alberta Opportunity Stream Jobs

The following jobs in Alberta are not under the Alberta Opportunity Stream:

Managerial Occupations:

• NOC Code Ineligible Occupations
• 0011 Legislators
• 0422 School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education
• 0423 Managers in social, community, and correctional services
• 0432 Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers
• 0651* Escort agency managers, massage parlor managers
• 1227 Court officers and justices of the peace

Health Occupations:

• NOC Code Ineligible Occupations
• 3223* Dental laboratory assistants/bench workers
• Occupation in Social Science, Education, Government Service, and Religion
• NOC Code Ineligible Occupations
• 4031 Secondary school teachers
• 4032 Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
• 4154 Professional occupations in religion
• 4214* Early childhood educators who do not have certification through Alberta Children’s Services – Child Care Staff Certification Office or who have been certified as child development assistants (formerly Level 1)
• 4216 Other instructors
• 4217 Other religious occupations
• 4411 Home childcare providers
• 4412 Home support workers, housekeepers, and related occupations
• 4413 Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation, and Sport:

NOC Code Ineligible Occupations

• 5121 Authors and writers
• 5133 Musicians and singers
• 5135 Actors and comedians
• 5136 Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists
• 5232 Other performers, not elsewhere classified
• 5244 Artisans and craftspersons
• 5251 Athletes
• Sales and Service Occupations:
• NOC Code Ineligible Occupations
• 6232 Real estate agents and salespersons
• 6533 Casino occupations
• 6564 Other personal service occupations
• 6623 Other sales-related occupations
• 6722 Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation, and sport
• 6742 Other service support occupations, not elsewhere classified

Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupation:

NOC Code Ineligible Occupations

• 7513 Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs

Occupations Unique to Primary Industry:

NOC Code Ineligible Occupations

• 8442 Trappers and hunters
• 8611 Harvesting laborers
• 8612 Landscaping and grounds maintenance laborers
• 8613 Aquaculture and marine harvest laborers
• 8614 Mine laborers

Alberta Express Entry Stream

Express Entry candidates who receive a Notification of Interest letter from Alberta can apply to the Alberta Express Entry Stream to live and work in Canada permanently. Alberta nominates a limited number of qualified candidates from the Express Entry pool. The candidate who typically receives a letter of interest from the province is the one who can show strong ties to Alberta, such as relevant work experience or a full-time job offer from an employer in the province.

Other top jobs in Alberta for old and new settlers 

The following Jobs in Alberta are always available for both old and new residents in Alberta:

1. Food Service Supervisor (NOC 6311).
2. Judicial Clerk.
3. Library Assistant.
4. Warehouse Team Lead.
5. Software Engineer.
6. Insulator Journeyperson.
7. Field Service Engineer.
8. Immigration Consultant.
9. Food Service Supervisor.
10. Assembler.
11. Forklift Driver – Pipe yard.
12. In-Service Inspector.

Highest paying jobs in Alberta

Many professionals in Alberta earn moderately high incomes compared to their counterparts in other Canadian provinces. In addition, jobs in Alberta tend to pay higher, probably due to the presence of oil and gas industries with above-average salaries.

List of highest paying jobs in Alberta.

• Surgeons / Doctors
  • Salary Range: from 225,000 CAD to 756,000 CAD
•  Judges
  • Salary Range: from 189,000 CAD to 635,000 CAD
•  Lawyers
  • Salary Range: from 153,000 CAD to 514,000 CAD
•  Bank Managers
  • Salary Range: from 144,000 CAD to 484,000 CAD
•  Chief Executive Officers
  • Salary Range: from 135,000 CAD to 453,000 CAD
• Chief Financial Officers
  • Salary Range: from 126,000 CAD to 423,000 CAD
•  Orthodontists
  • Salary Range: from 121,000 CAD to 408,000 CAD
•  College Professors
  • Salary Range: from 108,000 CAD to 363,000 CAD
•  Pilots
  • Salary Range: from 89,900 CAD to 302,000 CAD
•  Marketing Directors
  • Salary Range: from 80,900 CAD to 272,000 CAD

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are the top 20 trending jobs in Alberta, Canada. These are worth considering if you are looking for a new career or even a change of pace. One of them may be the perfect fit for you. So why not take a chance and see what they have to offer?