Hot jobs for 2020: High demand across multiple sectors presents strong opportunities
Credit to Author: Guest Author| Date: Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:55:22 +0000
There is plenty of good news for Canadians hoping to start the year with a new job, as well as those preparing to enter the Canadian workforce. Randstad Canada has reviewed data from across the country to determine the most in-demand jobs for 2020. Key trends are holding year over year. Notably, it’s a job seekers market, which means many of the roles we see on the list are challenging for employers to fill. To put it simply, demand exceeds supply. As well, the demand for blue-collar jobs remains high in Canada. Also, the IT sector continues to struggle with finding the workers they need – a global reality not limited to Canada.
There is a growing need for blue-collar workers
This year’s top 10 list includes a range of sectors, however, the increasing need for blue-collar workers stands out. Four of the 10 roles on the list are blue-collar: truck driver, welder, general labourer and heavy-duty mechanic. Newcomers who lack the training or qualifications for these roles will find technical courses across the country that will help them achieve the necessary certifications and enter the Canadian workforce quickly.
Demand for professional positions and office & administrative roles remains high
Surprisingly, and for the second consecutive year, demand for retail roles remains high. While the retail industry has faced challenges from automation and online shopping, sales associates and merchandisers for consumer goods are still in demand. Other roles that make the list this year include roles in technology and engineering such as full stack developers and project managers; business development managers – across all sectors and industries; and receptionists – once again, across all sectors and industries.
Most in-demand jobs for 2020 and pay ranges
The following salary ranges should be considered a guide and may vary regionally. Randstad’s salary guide (available on the website) can provide more information. To create the list, Randstad Canada’s business analysts reviewed data from clients across the country and analyzed the roles posted in the previous 12 months to identify patterns and hiring trends.
| Truck driver | $36,650 – $48,600 annual salary |
| Welder | $19.60 – $28.50 per hour |
| General labourer | $15.20 – $19.30 per hour |
| Heavy duty mechanic | $25.20 – $35.70 per hour |
| Sales associate | $38,200 – $50,600 annual salary |
| Receptionist | $32,300 – $42,600 annual salary |
| Full stack developer | $60,600 – $125,200 annual salary |
| Business development manager | $93,500 – $164,400 annual salary |
| Project manager in engineering | $74,000- $134,000 annual salary |
| Merchandiser (consumer goods) | $57,300 – $97,100 annual salary |
Note: For blue-collar roles, as well as and office & administrative support roles (receptionist and sales associate), the salary ranges above correspond to 1st and 5th years of experience. For engineering, IT and sales and marketing roles (the remaining roles above), salary ranges represent entry level (1–3 years of experience) to senior levels (8–12 years).
Key takeaways
The wide range of sectors and skill levels on this year’s top ten list reflect Canada’s relatively strong economy. Many of these roles require relatively little formal training, while providing good compensation ranges. While a college or university education is necessary for the engineering, marketing and IT roles on the list, a degree isn’t the only path to good, steady employment in Canada. For immigrants who want to enter the Canadian workforce quickly, or without returning to or enrolling in college or university, sales associate and general labourer roles are worth considering.
By: Patrick Poulin, President, Staffing and InHouse, Randstad Canada, a leader in the HR services industry.