Canada’s Most In-Demand Jobs For 2026, According To New Hiring Data

Last Updated On 9 January 2026, 10:27 AM EST (Toronto Time)

Canada’s labour market enters 2026 with a clear pattern: hiring is expected to expand in roles that keep businesses running day to day, roles that move goods efficiently, roles that protect financial accuracy, and roles that deliver essential care.

At the same time, the “baseline” expectation for digital skills is rising across nearly every job family, even when the role is not labelled as tech.

Randstad’s latest snapshot of in-demand hiring points to a practical takeaway for job seekers: employers are prioritizing people who can combine strong human skills with operational competence.

The result is a list that spans frontline retail positions through regulated healthcare roles, with multiple entry points depending on your education, certifications, and experience.

Below is Randstad’s new list of the 15 most in-demand jobs in Canada for 2026, plus the sectors driving demand and a detailed guide on how to prepare and compete for these roles.

What’s driving hiring demand in Canada in 2026

Several forces are converging in 2026 and shaping the jobs employers are trying to fill quickly.

Operations still matter, even in a digital economy
- Companies continue to invest in digital tools, but they still require dependable people to answer customers, process orders, keep schedules organized, handle invoices, and manage store teams.
- This is why administrative, customer service, retail, and accounting support roles remain consistently in-demand.
Logistics and fulfillment keep expanding
- Warehousing, distribution, and last-mile delivery have become core infrastructure for how Canadians buy essentials and discretionary goods.
- Forklift operators and logistics support roles are critical because the physical movement of inventory still creates bottlenecks when teams are understaffed.
Retail is transforming, not shrinking
- Retail is increasingly “omnichannel,” blending in-store experience with online ordering, returns, and loyalty programs.
- That evolution increases the need for sales advisors, shop assistants, and store managers who can handle both the customer experience and operational execution.
Healthcare staffing remains structurally tight
- Pharmacy assistants, dental assistants, LPNs, and RNs remain in-demand because healthcare demand is ongoing, while training and licensing pipelines take time.
- Employers are also looking for reliable support roles that improve patient flow and service quality.
Digital skills are becoming a baseline requirement
- In 2026, “digital” is less about coding and more about workplace fluency: scheduling systems, email and collaboration tools, point-of-sale platforms, accounting software, electronic medical records, and data organization. Candidates who learn these tools fast tend to rise quickly.

Full List Of 15 Most In-Demand Jobs in Canada for 2026

1) Sales advisor

Average annual salary As Per Randstad: $71,792

Sales advisors are often the first point of contact in the customer journey.

The core job is to understand what the customer needs, recommend products or services, and help close the sale while keeping the shopping experience positive and professional.

The best sales advisors also identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities by suggesting complementary items and explaining promotions clearly.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Greeting customers, asking discovery questions, and recommending solutions
Processing transactions using point-of-sale systems
Maintaining product knowledge, current promotions, and new arrivals
Supporting the team with feedback, targets, and store presentation standards

Typical education: high school diploma; additional certifications or a degree can improve earnings and progression

Career growth:

Account manager, sales manager, or other leadership roles in customer management and sales budgeting
Mentorship and team leadership pathways for high performers
Retail and service businesses need strong revenue drivers who can deliver a high-quality customer experience across changing product cycles and promotions.

2) Administrative assistant

Average annual salary as per Randstad: $55,496

Administrative assistants remain a durable in-demand role because they are operational multipliers.

The job is no longer limited to photocopying and basic scheduling. In many workplaces, administrative assistants also support day-to-day accounting tasks, basic marketing activities, file management, travel booking, and coordination during unexpected operational issues.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Managing schedules, calendar conflicts, email, and communications
Organizing data, files, and records in digital systems
Booking travel and coordinating meetings
Supporting accounting processes and occasional marketing/admin projects

Typical education: varies; a diploma or specialized training can improve competitiveness

Career growth:

Progression into HR coordination, project coordination, billing, accounting analysis, or marketing support roles
Specialization can move you from general admin to higher-paying operational tracks
Organizations are trying to run lean while staying responsive. Strong admin support reduces delays and improves internal productivity.

3) Customer service representative

Average annual salary as per Randstad: $54,080

Customer service representatives are central to customer retention.

They handle questions, complaints, and concerns, and they often shape whether a customer stays loyal or leaves.

Employers frequently provide training, but candidates with prior experience and strong problem-solving skills tend to advance faster.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Responding to customer inquiries via phone, chat, email, or in person
Handling complaints and de-escalating issues professionally
Troubleshooting, documenting cases, and following resolution workflows
Collaborating with teams to fix recurring issues

Career growth:

Team lead, supervisor, or customer success and operations roles
Specialized certifications can open pathways to adjacent fields
As competition increases, customer experience becomes a differentiator. Companies are investing in reliable frontline support.

4) Accounting technician

Average annual salary as per Randstad: $52,583

Accounting technicians (or clerks) keep the financial engine running by processing transactions, entering financial data, handling invoices, and reconciling accounts.

They also prepare basic reports and support audits by organizing and validating data.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Processing daily transactions and maintaining accurate records
Reconciling accounts and investigating discrepancies
Preparing basic financial reports and supporting audits
Managing invoices and maintaining financial databases

Typical education: comfort with accounting terminology and accounting software is important

Career growth:

Bookkeeper, accounts payable (AP) or accounts receivable (AR) specialist, public accountant pathways
Additional training in auditing, taxation, or financial analysis can lead to accounting manager or controller roles
Financial accuracy and compliance pressures are rising, and organizations need dependable support to keep records clean and audit-ready.

5) Receptionist

Average annual salary as per Randstad: $48,838

Receptionists anchor the front office by greeting visitors, managing phone lines, and supporting administrative tasks.

Modern reception roles often include appointment scheduling, record maintenance, correspondence, and coordination across teams.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Greeting visitors and handling inbound calls professionally
Managing schedules and appointments
Handling correspondence, records, and routine admin tasks
Supporting a consistent, positive client experience

Typical education: high school diploma; business administration training is an asset

Career growth:

Office coordinator, executive assistant track, or broader admin operations roles
Client-facing organizations need strong first-contact professionals who can manage communication volume and keep operations organized.

6) Accountant

Average annual salary as per Randstad: $58,543

Accountants manage daily financial records and support payroll, payables/receivables, reporting, and compliance.

Strong communication and accounting software competence are essential, along with comfort handling sensitive information.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Recording transactions, managing AP/AR, and payroll support
Producing basic financial reports and reconciling accounts
Supporting audit processes and ensuring compliance
Communicating clearly across finance and non-finance teams

Career growth:

Senior accountant, accounting manager, financial controller pathways
Companies need steady finance professionals to maintain operational clarity, especially during growth, cost pressure, and changing compliance requirements.

7) Shop assistant

Average annual salary as per Randstad: $38,231

Shop assistants focus on welcoming customers, helping them choose products, processing transactions, and maintaining store standards.

Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail matter, and retail experience often leads to fast internal promotion.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Customer support and product guidance
Processing purchases and handling returns
Maintaining cleanliness, merchandising, and inventory accuracy
Staying current on promotions, loyalty programs, and new arrivals

Career growth:

Senior sales associate, assistant manager, store manager tracks
Expansion into customer service, operations, retail development, or corporate retail roles
Retail hiring stays high due to turnover, growth, and omnichannel complexity. Reliable staff are consistently needed.

8) Store manager

Average annual salary: $73,166

Store managers run the full retail operation: staff leadership, inventory, customer service, compliance, store presentation, and financial oversight.

Employers value communication, time management, decision-making, and comfort managing budgets.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Recruiting, training, scheduling, and coaching staff
Managing inventory, shrink prevention, and store standards
Ensuring excellent customer service and complaint resolution
Overseeing budgets, sales targets, and operational performance

Career growth:

Regional leadership roles, retail consultant pathways, or franchise ownership routes
Strong operations and marketing skills expand longer-term progression
Strong store leadership improves sales, reduces losses, and stabilizes teams in a high-turnover environment.

9) Pharmacy assistant

Average annual salary as per Randstad: $47,386

Pharmacy assistants support pharmacy operations under a licensed pharmacist.

They help manage inventory, monitor expiry dates, and support prescription workflows.

The role is a common entry point into broader healthcare careers.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Organizing inventory and checking medication expiry dates
Supporting prescription processing and administrative workflows
Maintaining safe, efficient pharmacy operations and customer service

Career growth:

Pharmacy technician, supervisor roles, or further education toward pharmacist pathways
Pharmacies are high-volume healthcare touchpoints. Operational support improves safety, speed, and patient experience.

10) Licensed practical nurse

Average annual salary as per Randstad: approximately $46,449

Licensed practical nurses provide basic patient care under supervision, support daily medication administration, maintain records, assist with daily activities, and contribute to diagnostic procedures.

They also provide patient education and emotional support.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Administering medications and supporting basic clinical care
Maintaining patient records accurately and securely
Assisting with patient mobility, hygiene, and daily needs
Supporting basic diagnostic procedures and patient education

Typical requirements (as described): accredited nursing program, required exam, and provincial licensing

Career growth:

Leadership roles, specialized clinical tracks, research or administration pathways
Healthcare staffing needs remain elevated, and LPNs are essential to patient flow and continuity of care.

11) Dental assistant

Average annual salary (Randstad): $53,639

Dental assistants combine clinical and administrative responsibilities.

They help create a smooth patient experience, support infection control, assist chairside, maintain patient records, and support basic lab tasks depending on the practice.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Preparing patients and supporting a comfortable visit experience
Maintaining accurate patient records and vital signs tracking where applicable
Infection control, sterilization, and equipment readiness
Chairside assistance, instrument handling, and suction support

Typical advantage: certification from a recognized dental assistant program in your province

Career growth:

Specialization, management roles, or progression with training to EFDA or dental hygienist pathways
Dental care demand remains steady, and efficient clinical support increases clinic capacity and patient throughput.

12) Registered nurse

Average annual salary (Randstad): around $92,566

Registered Nurses (RNs) deliver direct patient care, administer medications, monitor health status, and support follow-up.

They educate patients and families and act as advocates to ensure patient needs are met.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Direct patient care, medication administration, and ongoing monitoring
Clinical documentation and care coordination
Patient and family education and support
Advocacy and communication across multidisciplinary teams

Career growth:

Certifications in emergency, ICU, and other specialties can accelerate career progression and earning potential
RN staffing remains a foundational healthcare priority. Demand is sustained, and specialization pathways remain strong.

13) Licensed practical nurse

Average annual salary (Randstad): $68,320

Randstad’s list includes another nursing entry with a different salary figure and expanded examples of clinical tasks, reflecting that job scope and pay can vary by employer, region, and specialization.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Monitoring patient health, administering medications, and recording clinical data
Performing basic tests such as ECGs and routine blood draws (where permitted and trained)

Career growth:

Specialized certifications (pediatrics, wound care) and leadership pathways
Similar drivers as above: staffing needs, patient volume, and the essential support LPNs provide in multiple care settings.

14) Office administrator

Average annual salary (Randstad): $53,463

Office administrators oversee office operations, coordinate schedules, manage files, support staff, and often assist with reports and presentations.

The role blends routine execution with coordination and problem-solving.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Scheduling, correspondence management, and office operations support
Ordering supplies and maintaining operational continuity
Supporting reports, presentations, and basic analysis depending on the organization
Keeping systems organized so teams can work efficiently

Career growth:

Executive assistant, office manager, senior administrator, or broader operations leadership tracks
As organizations optimize staffing, office administrators who can handle multiple operational tasks remain highly valued.

15) Forklift operator

Average hourly wage (Randstad): $24.10

Forklift operators are critical to logistics and warehouse performance.

Employers typically want prior experience on different types of forklifts and, depending on equipment and workplace policy, a valid certification.

Key responsibilities typically include:

Loading and unloading delivery trucks
Moving pallets and inventory within the warehouse
Operating equipment safely and efficiently in tight timelines
Supporting inventory flow and warehouse productivity

Career growth:

Warehouse supervisor, logistics manager, inventory control roles
Related pathways into forklift mechanics, equipment specialization, or training roles
Logistics networks cannot function without skilled equipment operators. Productivity and safety depend on qualified staff.

Growing sectors in Canada in 2026

Based on the roles above, the demand clusters into several high-hiring sectors:

Administration and office operations
- Administrative assistant, receptionist, office administrator
Retail and customer-facing roles
- Sales advisor, shop assistant, store manager, customer service representative
Finance and accounting support
- Accounting technician, accountant
Healthcare and patient support
- Pharmacy assistant, dental assistant, LPN, RN
Logistics and warehousing
- Forklift operator

For job seekers, these clusters are useful because they show you where skills transfer well.

For example, a customer service representative who learns scheduling tools and basic invoicing can pivot into administrative assistant roles.

A shop assistant who develops leadership, metrics, and inventory discipline can move toward assistant manager and store manager positions.

An accounting technician who deepens audit, tax, or analysis skills can progress into higher finance roles.

Randstad’s 2026 in-demand list shows a labour market that rewards practical capability: strong service skills, dependable execution, and the ability to use modern workplace systems confidently.

Whether you are entering the workforce, switching industries, or planning a step up in pay and stability, the fastest route is to choose a role from these high-hiring clusters, build the relevant tool familiarity, and position yourself as the low-risk hire who can contribute immediately.

Frequently asked questions about in-demand jobs in Canada for 2026

Which in-demand jobs have the quickest entry path?

Retail roles, customer service roles, receptionist, and some administrative assistant positions often have faster entry because they may not require long credential pipelines. Strong communication, reliability, and basic software competence matter most.

Which jobs on the list typically pay the most?

Registered Nurse appears as one of the highest-paid roles on the list, and store manager and sales advisor also show strong salary levels in Randstad’s snapshot.

Do you need a university degree for most of these roles?

No, several roles are accessible with a high school diploma plus strong workplace skills, while healthcare roles typically require accredited programs and licensing rather than a traditional university degree.

What single skill increases employability across the entire list?

Clear communication combined with consistent reliability is a strong differentiator. When paired with baseline digital fluency, it reduces onboarding risk for employers.

How do you move from entry-level retail into management faster?

Focus on measurable performance, reliability, and leadership behaviours: training new staff, improving inventory accuracy, handling customer escalations, and understanding store metrics and budgeting basics.

How should job seekers think about “digital skills” if they are not in tech?

Digital skills in 2026 mostly mean workplace tools and process fluency: scheduling systems, POS platforms, accounting software, file organization, and accurate documentation in the systems the employer uses.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.