One of Canada’s wealthiest provinces, Alberta has a diverse economy and a wide range of career opportunities. The province is well-known for its strong energy industry, but it also offers a wide variety of other high-demand occupations. If you’re looking for a new job in Alberta, these are the top 10 fields of study.
- Nurse: There aren’t enough registered nurses in Alberta, but the population is getting older and more people are getting sick. Registered nurses take care of patients directly under the supervision of doctors and other medical professionals. Based on a 37.5-hour workweek, the median annual compensation for this field in Alberta is $87,750, according to JobBank data.
- Software Developer: With investment flooding in and software companies clamoring for talent, Calgary’s tech scene is thriving. Software developers are in high demand since they are the ones who write, alter, integrate, and test computer code for software applications, data processing applications, operating system-level software, and communications software. According to Job Bank statistics, a software developer in Alberta can expect to make a median annual salary of $62,400. This assumes a full-time commitment of 37.5 hours per week.
- Truck Driver: As Alberta’s transportation sector grows, so does the need for qualified truck drivers. They are in charge of transporting goods and commodities around the province and beyond. Most truck drivers work for companies that handle shipping, warehousing, distribution, and moving, but some work on their own. According to the government’s Job Bank website, the typical annual salary for truck drivers in Alberta is $54,600, based on a normal workweek.
- Electrician: Due to Alberta’s thriving construction industry, electricians are always in high demand. They are in charge of installing and maintaining the electrical systems in homes, businesses, and other structures. To become an electrician, you will first need to complete your apprenticeship. Once you become an electrician, you can either start your own company or work for someone else for a handsome amount of money.
- Heavy Equipment Operator: The construction industry also needs heavy equipment operators to run and repair tools like bulldozers, backhoes, and excavators. They are frequently hired by construction firms, heavy equipment contractors, government agencies, pipeline, logging, cargo handling, and other businesses. Based on a typical work week in Alberta, the Job Bank estimates that these employees make a median annual salary of $62,400.
- Welder: Welders are in high demand in Alberta’s energy sector, particularly in the oil and gas production and processing sectors. To join metal parts, they must use welding techniques. The construction industry also requires welders in large quantities. After your apprenticeship, you can earn significant money based on the quality of work you can provide.
- Mechanical Engineers: The manufacturing industry in the province needs mechanical engineers to design, develop, and test machines, products, and systems that use moving parts. Mechanical engineers can also get jobs in the automotive industry, where they have to deal with the design and maintenance of mechanical systems in light and heavy vehicles.
- Accountant: Alberta’s business sector is doing well, and accountants are needed to give financial advice, make tax reports, and keep track of financial records. According to Job Bank data for a regular 37.5-hour work week, there were 865 job advertisements for accountants in Alberta as of late November, with a median yearly compensation of $86,151.
- Sales Representatives: Sales representatives are needed in a wide variety of businesses, from IT to retail to manufacturing. They are in charge of marketing and sales to potential customers. Companies heavily rely on sales representatives to close deals and bring in money, especially in this slow economy, so it is a hot profession currently.
- Cooks: While the hospitality industry experiences an unprecedented labor shortage, restaurants in Alberta are suffering greatly from a lack of qualified chefs and wait-for staff. Based on a 37.5-hour workweek, the median annual salary for a cook or waiter in Alberta is $31,200.
In conclusion, Alberta is home to a wide range of businesses, each of which has a growing need for skilled labor. Albertans looking to switch careers may want to consider focusing on one of these in-demand areas. Those currently employed in these fields who are interested in expanding their career options and earning potential should seriously consider making the move to Alberta.
Reach out to Cosmos Immigration if you’re in these fields and want to make a new life for yourself in Canada. If you are looking for assistance with your immigration process, look no further than Cosmos Immigration, the industry’s premier immigration consulting firm. All of our efforts are focused on making our clients’ immigration goals a reality.