Last Updated On 21 November 2025, 9:42 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Canada’s population is aging with rapid technological change, rising healthcare demand, climate adaptation, supply chain restructuring, and widespread digitalization.
All these factors are reshaping the types of jobs that will dominate the next decade as industries evolve; however, the pace of employment growth will not be evenly distributed across all sectors.
Certain occupations will expand at far higher rates than others, creating new opportunities for workers while challenging employers to recruit and retain the talent they need.
According to national labour market projections and insights drawn from the newly released Leaky Bucket 2025 report, many of the occupations expected to see the strongest growth also face notable risks linked to talent shortages and onward migration.
Canada is seeing increased mobility among highly skilled immigrants, especially in STEM, healthcare, and managerial fields.
These are the same occupations driving Canada’s future economic stability, which makes understanding their growth trajectory more important than ever.
This detailed analysis highlights the top 20 occupations projected to see the highest employment growth in Canada through 2035 due to onward migration as well as an aging population.
These occupations span technology, healthcare, logistics, engineering, data science, public service, cultural sectors, and specialized professional roles.
They are arranged according to national growth forecasting models and decade-long employment trajectory indicators.
Whether you are a job seeker, young student, policymaker, newcomer, or employer, this comprehensive breakdown provides a clear picture of the roles that will shape Canada’s economy in the years ahead to help you make an informed decision.
1. Data Scientists, Mathematicians, Statisticians and Actuaries
The fastest-growing occupation group in Canada through 2035 is the cluster of data scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries.
According to the report, this is a high onward migration occupation, with about 7% leaving within 5 years, 17–19% within 15 years, and 19–21% within 25 years.
These professionals support predictive analytics, machine learning systems, climate models, risk assessments, insurance forecasting, banking algorithms, and data-driven public policy.
Every major Canadian sector is increasing investment in quantitative analysis.
Retailers rely on demand forecasting; hospitals use predictive modelling to manage patient loads; banks design risk algorithms.
The governments need data to guide housing, climate, and immigration planning; and technology firms depend on analytics to develop artificial intelligence tools.
As cyber threats intensify and companies digitize at a faster pace, the need for data experts will continue rising.
Their work has become a permanent foundation of Canada’s digital economy, making this the top long-term growth occupation nationwide.
2. Healthcare Managers
Healthcare managers oversee operations in hospitals, long-term care homes, clinics, rehabilitation centres, public health agencies, and specialized facilities.
Healthcare managers show onward-migration rates, with small shares leaving the country across all time periods.
As Canada’s population ages and chronic disease rates rise, these managerial roles are becoming increasingly vital.
The healthcare system is under pressure from worker shortages, expanded patient needs, and modernization initiatives such as virtual care and electronic health systems.
Healthcare managers coordinate staffing, budgets, care delivery strategies, and quality standards, ensuring that facilities can meet growing demand.
Demand will continue to rise steadily as provinces expand long-term care capacity and integrate new digital and clinical programs.
Nearly all regions of Canada will require significantly more healthcare managers through 2035.
3. Software Engineers, Programmers and Web Developers
Canada’s technology sector continues to expand rapidly, driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, remote work tools, robotics, autonomous systems, and digital services.
This is another high-churn field, with 7% leaving in 5 years, 17–19% within 15 years, and about 19–21% within 25 years.
Software engineers design, build, and maintain the tools powering public infrastructure, financial systems, transportation networks, e-commerce platforms, and everyday applications.
This occupation will not be limited to traditional tech companies.
Banks, hospitals, universities, logistics firms, and government agencies all require software developers.
AI integration alone will create massive new demand for engineers specializing in machine learning, natural language processing, and neural-network development.
As Canada competes globally for technical talent, software engineering will remain one of the strongest and most resilient career fields through 2035.
4. Natural Healing Practitioners
The natural healing sector continues to expand as Canadians adopt holistic approaches to managing stress, chronic pain, mobility issues, digestive disorders, and mental health needs.
Natural healing practitioners may include naturopaths, herbal practitioners, homeopathic providers, acupuncture specialists, and wellness consultants.
Demand is rising due to increased interest in preventive care, expanded cultural awareness, greater use of integrative medicine, and a growing senior population seeking non-pharmaceutical treatment options.
Wellness centres, health spas, fitness organizations, corporate health programs, and tele-wellness services are all adding natural therapeutic roles to meet consumer demand.
The latest report shows moderate onward-migration levels for natural healing practitioners.
5. Transportation and Production Logistics Coordinators
Modern supply chains rely heavily on transportation coordinators, warehouse logistics supervisors, customs compliance specialists, and production-flow planners.
These professionals ensure that goods move efficiently between manufacturers, warehouses, retail centres, and consumers.
Disruptions in global supply chains have created permanent shifts in how companies operate.
Canadian businesses now focus more on resilience, regional distribution, inventory forecasting, and real-time visibility.
Growth in online shopping, increased manufacturing activity, port expansion, and major infrastructure projects will continue pushing demand for logistics professionals.
This occupation shows comparatively low onward migration, but still they might decide to move out of Canada due to one reason or another.
6. Delivery Service Drivers and Personal Delivery Workers
Delivery roles are expanding at a pace unmatched in previous decades.
With Canadians shopping online more than ever, demand for parcel delivery, grocery delivery, pharmacy delivery, and same-day courier services is at an all-time high.
Both urban and rural communities increasingly rely on door-to-door services. Seniors depend on medication delivery, remote workers prefer convenience, and major retail chains are expanding fleets to support faster fulfillment times.
The shift toward electric delivery vehicles, automated routing systems, and on-demand delivery apps will boost employment in this sector through 2035.
7. Support Professionals in Personal Services
Support professionals in personal service sectors include roles such as pet groomers, astrologers, fitness coaches, wellness assistants, and other specialized service providers.
Consumer interest in lifestyle, wellness, and personal development continues to rise, and the demand for personalized services is projected to grow rapidly.
This catch-all category includes niche occupations that benefit from online platforms, remote delivery, subscription services, and specialized communities.
As Canadians invest more in self-care and personal improvement, these roles will continue expanding.
This group faces moderate onward migration, reflecting mobility among niche service providers.
8. Policy and Program Researchers, Consultants and Officers
Public-sector expansion, population change, and complex national challenges have increased the need for policy researchers and government consultants.
These roles analyze data, evaluate public programs, draft policy frameworks, and monitor social and economic trends.
Policy professionals play a central role in shaping housing initiatives, immigration reforms, climate programs, economic development strategies, healthcare modernization, and education funding.
Public agencies at all levels are investing in stronger analytical capacity, which will drive growth through 2035.
Policy and program analysts show moderate onward migration, which reflects their global mobility and demand abroad.
9. Computer and Information Systems Professionals
Another tech occupation with high mobility, showing 7% leaving in 5 years, 17–19% in 15 years, and 19–21% in 25 years.
IT professionals are responsible for maintaining secure digital networks, upgrading cloud systems, preventing cyberattacks, overseeing database security, and designing enterprise-level infrastructure.
With cyber threats increasing worldwide, cybersecurity analysts, network architects, and systems administrators are experiencing some of the strongest long-term growth projections.
As Canadian industries integrate more automation, remote work platforms, artificial intelligence systems, and digital collaboration tools, the demand for advanced IT oversight will continue accelerating.
This is one of the most future-proof occupations in the country.
10. Managers in Engineering, Architecture, Science and Information Systems
Large-scale housing development, infrastructure expansion, transit modernization, climate resilience projects, and renewable-energy investments require experienced engineering and architectural managers.
These workers face elevated onward migration, with 6–7% leaving in 5 years, 12–15% in 15 years, and around 15% in 25 years.
These roles coordinate technical teams, oversee complex project schedules, ensure regulatory compliance, and direct multi-million-dollar developments.
Canada is planning major construction and environmental programs for the coming decade, making technical management roles essential.
Industries from utilities to transportation to municipal planning are facing leadership shortages, reinforcing strong upward demand through 2035.
| Rank | Occupation | 5-Year Onward Migration Rate | 15-Year Onward Migration Rate | 25-Year Onward Migration Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathematicians, statisticians, actuaries, and data scientists | ~7% | ~17–19% | ~19–21% |
| 2 | Healthcare managers | Very low | Very low | Very low |
| 3 | Computer, software, and web designers and developers | ~7% | ~17–19% | ~19–21% |
| 4 | Natural healing practitioners | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| 5 | Transportation and production logistics coordinators and customs brokers | Low | Low | Low |
| 6 | Taxi, personal service, and delivery service drivers | Low | Low | Low |
| 7 | Support professionals in personal services | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| 8 | Policy and program researchers, consultants, and officers | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| 9 | Computer and information systems professionals | ~7% | ~17–19% | ~19–21% |
| 10 | Managers in engineering, architecture, science, and information systems | ~6–7% | ~12–15% | ~15% |
| 11 | Therapy and assessment professionals | 8% | 14% | 16% |
| 12 | Managers in financial and business services | 10% | 24% | 32% |
| 13 | Human resources and business service professionals | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| 14 | Dentists, optometrists, and audiologists | 4–6% | 4–6% | 4–6% |
| 15 | Technical therapy and assessment professionals | Low | Low | Low |
| 16 | Manufacturing and processing engineers | ~6–7% | ~12–15% | ~15% |
| 17 | Athletes, coaches, referees | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| 18 | Support occupations in art and culture | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| 19 | Museum and art gallery professionals | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| 20 | Technical computer and information systems professionals | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
11. Therapy and Assessment Professionals
This group has the highest short-term onward migration: 8% at 5 years, 14% at 15 years, and 16% at 25 years.
Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and developmental therapists are becoming increasingly essential across the healthcare system.
As more Canadians face chronic illness, mobility challenges, cognitive impairments, and developmental needs, specialized therapy services remain in high demand.
Growth is also driven by the rising number of children requiring speech and developmental support, as well as seniors needing rehabilitation.
Hospitals, schools, community health clinics, and private therapy centres all require more assessment specialists.
12. Managers in Financial and Business Services
Business services managers oversee major portfolios across finance, insurance, banking, consulting, and corporate operations.
This occupation has the highest overall onward-migration risk, with 10% leaving in 5 years, 24% at 10 years, and 32% by 25 years.
As regulatory frameworks evolve, financial technology expands, and companies adapt to digital transformation, the need for business and financial leadership grows.
These roles coordinate risk management, compliance operations, client portfolios, innovation strategies, and corporate restructuring.
With many executives retiring over the next decade, demand for new leaders in business services is expected to rise significantly.
13. Human Resources and Business Service Professionals
Human resources professionals are critical to managing talent shortages, workplace retention, diversity initiatives, labour relations, remote-work transitions, and digital HR platforms.
As companies invest more in recruitment technology, employee engagement systems, and workforce planning, human resource roles will continue expanding.
Immigration growth, hybrid work adoption, and the need to prevent employee burnout also contribute to sustained HR hiring across sectors.
These roles show moderate onward migration, reflecting career mobility into global markets.
14. Dentists, Optometrists and Audiologists
Canada faces increasing healthcare needs among seniors, children, and working-age adults.
Dentists, optometrists, and audiologists provide essential services ranging from preventive dental care to vision support and hearing maintenance.
Surprisingly, these clinical roles see only 4–6% onward migration across all periods, showing strong retention.
Population aging increases the need for specialized clinical services, particularly in rural and northern communities.
Advances in dental technology, expanded insurance coverage, and growing awareness of preventive vision and hearing care will further boost long-term demand.
15. Technical Therapy and Assessment Professionals
This category includes licensed practical nurses, opticians, therapy assistants, medical technicians, and specialized support occupations.
These professionals support frontline clinicians, assist with assessments, manage patient records, prepare medical equipment, and help implement treatment plans.
As healthcare facilities expand capacity, technical support roles will grow significantly.
These positions are essential to reducing wait times, supporting rehabilitation, and addressing personal-care needs across the healthcare system.
16. Manufacturing and Processing Engineers
Canada’s push toward advanced manufacturing, robotics integration, electric-vehicle production, aerospace renewal, precision agriculture, and green industrial development is increasing demand for manufacturing and processing engineers.
These engineers show elevated migration risk, with 6–7% leaving within 5 years, 12–15% within 15 years, and 15% within 25 years.
These professionals design production systems, improve manufacturing efficiency, implement automation, and oversee quality control.
Investments in domestic manufacturing capacity and reshoring of supply chains will sustain strong growth in this field through 2035.
17. Athletes, Coaches, Referees and Sports Professionals
Canada’s expanding sports culture and investment in recreational infrastructure are increasing demand for sports professionals.
Growth in youth sports, high-performance athletics, community fitness programs, and rehabilitation services all contribute to expansion.
This category shows moderate onward migration, reflecting global sports mobility.
Coaches, trainers, sports therapists, referees, and program coordinators are needed across community centres, schools, universities, private gyms, and competitive leagues.
Increased awareness of physical health and mental well-being will drive additional hiring.
18. Support Occupations in Art, Culture and Recreation
Creative and cultural occupations are seeing rising demand as digital streaming, online content creation, museum programming, cultural festivals, and tourism-linked arts initiatives expand.
Art and culture support roles face moderate onward migration, often driven by global creative markets.
Graphic designers, set decorators, cultural event coordinators, and arts-support professionals all fall into this category.
Cities investing in tourism, cultural revitalization, and live performance spaces are strengthening the long-term outlook for arts-support roles.
Digital media platforms also create continuous demand for visual content, design work, and creative production.
19. Museums, Art Gallery and Cultural Heritage Professionals
Museums and heritage institutions are gaining renewed national interest as governments and private donors invest in cultural preservation, Indigenous reconciliation programs, public awareness campaigns, and digitization of historical archives.
Curators, conservators, collection managers, and museum educators will see strong demand through 2035.
These professionals show moderate onward migration, reflecting international opportunities in the heritage sector.
Digital exhibitions, immersive museum experiences, and cultural tourism growth support expansion across the cultural heritage sector.
20. Technical Computer and Information Systems Specialists
Technical specialists in IT — including system support technicians, computer equipment inspectors, hardware specialists, and IT operations assistants — provide essential assistance for maintaining stable digital environments.
As organizations deploy more complex hardware, integrate automated systems, and support remote workforces, demand for technical IT roles will continue rising.
This field offers steady growth, high job security, and strong opportunities across all provinces.
These jobs show moderate onward migration, consistent with global tech mobility.
The top twenty occupations projected to experience the highest growth in Canada through 2035 reflect the country’s most urgent needs: stronger healthcare capacity, resilient supply chains, more advanced digital ecosystems, upgraded infrastructure, and modernized government services.
These roles demonstrate where employers will be hiring aggressively, where new graduates will find the strongest opportunities, and where immigrants will have the highest chances of long-term career success.
Many of these occupations also show high mobility and talent shortages, meaning retention strategies will play a major role in the country’s economic future.
What are the top 20 occupations in Canada with projected highest growth until 2035?
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