In-Demand Jobs in Alberta: A Comprehensive Overview
Last Updated On 11 May 2025, 10:12 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Alberta continues to boast a robust economic landscape fueled by its diverse sectors—energy, healthcare, technology, and construction. With a wealth of opportunities for skilled professionals, many jobs in the province now offer wages exceeding $35 per hour.
In this article, we dive into 20 high-demand jobs in Alberta, presenting each role with relevant details such as average wages, annual salaries, and reasons for their growing prominence in the labor market.
1. Contractors and Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Services
- NOC Code: 82021
- Average Wage: $54.60/hour
- Average Salary: $102,787/year
- Employed in Alberta: 13,600
- Job Market Outlook: Hot
Job Description: These supervisors manage drilling operations and ensure compliance with safety and efficiency standards.
Why It’s In-Demand: The ongoing projects within Alberta’s oil sands and natural gas sectors continue to bolster demand for experienced supervisors.
2. Professional Occupations in Business Management Consulting
- NOC Code: 11201
- Average Wage: $51.25/hour
- Average Salary: $99,558/year
- Employed in Alberta: 18,300
- Job Market Outlook: Warm
Job Description: Management consultants guide organizations in improving operations and implementing technology solutions.
Why It’s In-Demand: With Alberta’s businesses diversifying beyond oil and gas, expert consultants are crucial for navigating changes.
3. Banking, Credit, and Other Investment Managers
- NOC Code: 10021
- Average Wage: $50.41/hour
- Average Salary: $102,925/year
- Employed in Alberta: 6,200
- Job Market Outlook: Balanced
Job Description: Managers oversee financial operations and guide investment strategies for various institutions.
Why It’s In-Demand: Alberta’s financial sector is flourishing, particularly in Calgary, which drives the need for skilled financial managers.
4. Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses
- NOC Code: 31301
- Average Wage: $46.21/hour
- Average Salary: $72,818/year
- Employed in Alberta: 47,300
- Job Market Outlook: Hot
Job Description: Nurses provide essential patient care and treatments, while educating communities on health matters.
Why It’s In-Demand: The aging population and expanding healthcare infrastructure in Alberta necessitate more nursing professionals.
5. Information Systems Specialists
- NOC Code: 21222
- Average Wage: $45.60/hour
- Average Salary: $90,533/year
- Employed in Alberta: 25,200
- Job Market Outlook: Warm
Job Description: Specialists design and maintain IT systems, ensuring their functionality and security.
Why It’s In-Demand: Alberta’s tech sector is booming, with companies in Calgary and Edmonton seeking IT expertise.
6. Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics
- NOC Code: 72400
- Average Wage: $42.93/hour
- Average Salary: $83,433/year
- Employed in Alberta: 15,100
- Job Market Outlook: Balanced
Job Description: Mechanics install, maintain, and repair machinery in industrial settings.
Why It’s In-Demand: Alberta’s industrial sector relies on skilled mechanics for smooth operations, especially as infrastructure projects expand.
7. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- NOC Code: 22232
- Average Wage: $42.25/hour
- Average Salary: $82,969/year
- Employed in Alberta: 8,300
- Job Market Outlook: Warm
Job Description: Specialists develop and implement safety programs to protect workers.
Why It’s In-Demand: Alberta’s industries are increasingly prioritizing workplace safety, leading to a higher demand for safety specialists.
8. Social Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers
- NOC Code: 41403
- Average Wage: $41.66/hour
- Average Salary: $81,494/year
- Employed in Alberta: 6,600
- Job Market Outlook: Balanced
Job Description: These professionals analyze social issues and develop relevant policies.
Why It’s In-Demand: The focus on social services in Alberta drives the need for expertise in community development.
9. Software Developers and Programmers
- NOC Code: 21232
- Average Wage: $41.29/hour
- Average Salary: $84,128/year
- Employed in Alberta: 20,800
- Job Market Outlook: Hot
Job Description: Developers design and maintain applications while troubleshooting issues.
Why It’s In-Demand: Alberta’s expanding tech industry requires talented developers to create innovative solutions.
10. Financial Auditors and Accountants
- NOC Code: 11100
- Average Wage: $41.04/hour
- Average Salary: $79,752/year
- Employed in Alberta: 31,500
- Job Market Outlook: Balanced
Job Description: Accountants prepare financial statements and audit records.
Why It’s In-Demand: The financial hub in Calgary creates steady demand for accountants in various sectors.
11. Financial Advisors
- NOC Code: 11102
- Average Wage: $39.04/hour
- Average Salary: $75,982/year
- Employed in Alberta: 10,600
- Job Market Outlook: Warm
Job Description: Advisors assist clients with financial planning and investment strategies.
Why It’s In-Demand: Rising wealth and investment pursuits in Alberta boost the need for knowledgeable financial advisors.
12. Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Equipment Operator Crews
- NOC Code: 72021
- Average Wage: $38.93/hour
- Average Salary: $77,355/year
- Employed in Alberta: 9,700
- Job Market Outlook: Balanced
Job Description: These supervisors manage crews operating heavy machinery for construction projects.
Why It’s In-Demand: Increased infrastructure development in Alberta ensures a steady demand for skilled supervisors.
13. Electricians
- NOC Code: 72200
- Average Wage: $38.34/hour
- Average Salary: $80,275/year
- Employed in Alberta: 19,000
- Job Market Outlook: Warm
Job Description: Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in various settings.
Why It’s In-Demand: Alberta’s construction and energy sectors create continuous demand for skilled electricians.
14. Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics
- NOC Code: 72402
- Average Wage: $38.22/hour
- Average Salary: $80,126/year
- Employed in Alberta: 7,300
- Job Market Outlook: Balanced
Job Description: Mechanics maintain HVAC systems, ensuring efficiency and functionality.
Why It’s In-Demand: Continuous commercial and residential development fuels the need for skilled HVAC mechanics.
15. Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
- NOC Code: 72401
- Average Wage: $38.15/hour
- Average Salary: $80,789/year
- Employed in Alberta: 20,800
- Job Market Outlook: Warm
Job Description: Mechanics repair and maintain heavy machinery used in various industries.
Why It’s In-Demand: The agricultural and energy sectors contribute to a steady need for mechanically skilled professionals.
16. Welders
- NOC Code: 72106
- Average Wage: $37.56/hour
- Average Salary: $78,071/year
- Employed in Alberta: 21,400
- Job Market Outlook: Balanced
Job Description: Welders join metal parts across several sectors.
Why It’s In-Demand: Alberta’s ongoing industrial projects necessitate enough skilled welders to meet construction demands.
17. Sales and Account Representatives – Wholesale Trade (Non-Technical)
- NOC Code: 64101
- Average Wage: $36.79/hour
- Average Salary: $74,113/year
- Employed in Alberta: 30,700
- Job Market Outlook: Warm
Job Description: Representatives manage client accounts and negotiate contracts for non-technical goods.
Why It’s In-Demand: Alberta’s diverse economy requires skilled sales professionals to aid revenue generation.
18. Plumbers
- NOC Code: 72300
- Average Wage: $36.28/hour
- Average Salary: $74,282/year
- Employed in Alberta: 13,300
- Job Market Outlook: Balanced
Job Description: Plumbers install and repair piping systems in various settings.
Why It’s In-Demand: Ongoing construction and real estate growth in Alberta bolster the need for skilled plumbers.
19. Professional Occupations in Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations
- NOC Code: 11202
- Average Wage: $35.94/hour
- Average Salary: $68,595/year
- Employed in Alberta: 21,500
- Job Market Outlook: Warm
Job Description: These professionals oversee marketing campaigns and public relations efforts.
Why It’s In-Demand: Alberta businesses need marketing specialists, especially in tech and energy sectors.
20. Human Resources Professionals
- NOC Code: 11200
- Average Wage: $35.91/hour
- Average Salary: $69,906/year
- Employed in Alberta: 13,400
- Job Market Outlook: Balanced
Job Description: HR professionals manage recruitment, training, and employee relations.
Why It’s In-Demand: The growing workforce across industries drives the need for HR experts to ensure compliance and talent management.
How to Land One of These High-Paying Jobs in Alberta
- Upskill and Certify: Obtain necessary certifications or degrees relevant to your field.
- Leverage Networking: Connect with industry professionals through platforms like LinkedIn.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight relevant skills that meet Alberta’s industry needs.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on labor market trends to recognize emerging job opportunities.
Employing these strategies can enhance your chances of securing a fulfilling and lucrative position in Alberta’s thriving economy. Explore these high-paying opportunities and take your career to the next level.
