Ontario’s labour market has been on an exceptional run. Over the last three years, the province has generated more jobs than in any comparable period in the past 25 years. In 2023 alone, Ontario added 183,200 net new jobs, reflecting a 2.4% increase, according to the provincial government’s 2024 Budget. This followed even stronger employment gains of 5.2% in 2021 and 4.6% in 2022, making the period since 2021 the strongest job-creation phase on record.
Economic and business programs alone brought in 118,805 newcomers in 2021, 93,350 in 2022, and 102,480 in 2023. As Ontario moves into 2026, hiring demand for high-paying jobs is becoming increasingly concentrated in specific occupations tied to healthcare system strain, large-scale infrastructure expansion, accelerated digital transformation, and sustained logistics growth.
Overview of the Top 10 High-Demand Jobs in Ontario
Registered Nurses
Avg monthly: $7,475 Avg annual: $89,700
About the job:
Registered nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor recovery, and deliver health education across hospitals, long-term care homes, and community healthcare settings in Ontario.
Why it’s in demand:
Ontario’s population is aging rapidly, which has led to seniors requiring more frequent and complex medical care, mainly for chronic illnesses and long-term conditions.
At the same time, retirements and post-pandemic burnout have significantly reduced the active nursing workforce.
Job outlook:
Between 2022 and 2031, there will be roughly 155,400 new nursing jobs in Canada, but only 143,700 people will be available to take them. This makes nursing a high-paying job in Ontario with great opportunities and long-term stability.
Ontario, as the country’s largest healthcare system, is expected to absorb a substantial share of this gap, keeping nursing demand elevated well beyond 2026.
Software Developers
Avg monthly: $7,145 Avg annual: $85,722
About the job:
Software developers design, code, test, and maintain applications and systems that support digital services across finance, healthcare, retail, logistics, and technology sectors.
Why it’s in demand:
Ontario is home to one of North America’s biggest tech hubs, centred around the Toronto–Waterloo corridor.
Companies across both tech and non-tech sectors are rapidly adopting digital solutions, which means software developers are in high demand well beyond just traditional tech firms.
Job outlook:
There are thousands of software developer jobs available, showing just how strong the demand is, with hiring supported by Ontario’s strong employment growth since 2021.
With companies depending more and more on digital systems, software development has become a key part of Ontario’s job market.
Industrial Electricians
Avg monthly: $7,900 Avg annual: $95,000
About the job:
Industrial electricians install and maintain electrical systems in factories, manufacturing plants, and large industrial facilities, ensuring operational safety and efficiency.
Why it’s in demand:
Ontario’s manufacturing industry is picking up again with new investments in electric vehicles, battery production, and automation.
These large projects need experienced electricians, but with many skilled workers retiring, demand is only growing.
Job outlook:
The shortage of skilled trades workers is expected to continue, as there aren’t enough apprentices finishing their training to replace retiring workers.
Demand is particularly strong during peak maintenance and production cycles, including fall 2025 and into 2026.
Cybersecurity Analysts
Avg monthly: $7,500 Avg annual: $90,000
About the job:
Cybersecurity analysts protect organisational networks and data by identifying vulnerabilities, responding to threats, and implementing security protocols across digital systems.
Why it’s in demand:
Ontario has experienced a sharp rise in cyber incidents, particularly affecting finance, healthcare, and public-sector organisations.
Increased remote work and cloud adoption have expanded attack surfaces, intensifying the need for specialised security professionals.
Job outlook:
Cybersecurity hiring is driven by risk mitigation rather than economic cycles, making demand resilient.
As digital activity expands across industries, security roles remain a priority well into the next decade.
Nurse Aides and Personal Support Workers (NOC 33102)
Avg monthly: $4,150 Avg annual: $49,781
About the job:
Personal support workers assist patients with daily living activities, mobility, hygiene, and emotional support in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home-care settings.
Why it’s in demand:
Ontario’s senior population growth has placed sustained pressure on long-term and home-care services.
Expanded government funding for community-based care has further increased hiring needs.
Job outlook:
Ontario is expected to require tens of thousands of PSWs by 2031, with immediate and ongoing demand extending through 2026, particularly in urban and high-density regions.
Construction Project Managers
Avg monthly: $8,750 Avg annual: $105,007
About the job:
Construction project managers oversee planning, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of infrastructure, residential, and commercial construction projects.
Why it’s in demand:
Ontario’s long-term infrastructure and housing commitments have triggered a surge in active construction projects.
At the same time, experienced managers are retiring, creating leadership gaps across the sector.
Job outlook:
With median earnings exceeding $105,000, demand for experienced project managers remains strong, particularly during peak construction seasons.
Population growth and housing shortages continue to reinforce long-term hiring needs.
Welders
Avg monthly: $4,200 Avg annual: $50,407
About the job:
Welders fabricate and assemble metal components used in manufacturing, infrastructure, transportation, and energy projects.
Why it’s in demand:
Ontario faces a shortage of certified welders due to retirements and declining youth participation in skilled trades.
Infrastructure expansion and manufacturing activity continue to generate steady demand for welding expertise.
Job outlook:
With thousands of openings projected nationally and strong industrial activity in Ontario, welding remains a stable trade with consistent employment opportunities through 2026 and beyond.
Data Analysts
Avg monthly: ~$7,500 Avg annual: ~$90,000
About the job:
Data analysts interpret complex datasets to support decision-making, forecasting, and operational efficiency across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and retail.
Why it’s in demand:
Organisations increasingly rely on data-driven insights to remain competitive.
The integration of AI and automation tools has expanded demand for analysts who can bridge raw data and strategic outcomes.
Job outlook:
As Ontario’s economy becomes more analytics-driven, demand for data professionals continues to rise, particularly in large enterprises and public-sector organisations.
AI and Machine Learning Specialists
Avg monthly: $7,900 Avg annual: $95,000
About the job:
AI specialists design intelligent systems used for automation, predictive modelling, and advanced analytics across multiple industries.
Why it’s in demand:
Ontario’s AI ecosystem attracts global investment, while businesses across logistics, healthcare, and finance rapidly adopt AI solutions to address labour shortages and efficiency gaps.
Job outlook:
AI roles are expanding beyond research labs into mainstream business functions, ensuring sustained demand through 2030 and beyond.
Transport Truck Drivers
Avg monthly: $4,480 Avg annual: $53,785
About the job:
Transport truck drivers move goods across regional and long-haul routes, supporting Ontario’s retail, manufacturing, and cross-border trade networks.
Why it’s in demand:
E-commerce growth and trade volumes continue to increase freight movement. An ageing driver workforce and licensing barriers have contributed to shortages.
Job outlook:
Logistics demand remains stable regardless of economic cycles, keeping driver hiring consistent through fall 2025 and into 2026.