The 10 most in-demand jobs in Ontario in 2026

To settle into life in Ontario, one of the most important tasks is finding a job. To help in your job hunt, we’ve put together this list of the 10 most in-demand jobs in Ontario in 2026.

The jobs market in Ontario is tight. According to the latest report, Ontario’s unemployment rate is 7.3 percent, which leaves lots of room for improvement. This means that more workers are seeking fewer jobs, making the job application process much more difficult.

In jobs markets like this one, it’s smart to look at which jobs are in-demand. If any of those jobs fit your experience and goals, consider applying for these jobs and you’ll stand a better chance at getting hired.

Please note: The most in-demand jobs may not be the highest paying jobs, and they may not qualify for all immigration programs. We’ve included details below on how to balance your job hunt with your immigration process.

The 10 Most In-Demand Jobs in Ontario in 2026

#1 – Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations

Home support workers and caregivers help seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals recovering from illness live safely and comfortably at home. The work usually involves personal care, companionship, and helping clients with everyday tasks so they can maintain independence.

These roles are typically based in a client’s home. Some caregivers live with the client, while others visit on scheduled shifts. In Ontario, home support workers may be employed by home care agencies, private households, or work independently as self-employed caregivers.

• NOC Code: 44101
• TEER Category: 4 (not eligible for Express Entry)
• # of Postings in 2024: 18,097
• Median Annual Income: $42,300
• Level of education required: Usually requires high school diploma and/or on-the-job training.
• See study programs in Ontario.

#2 – Food service supervisors

Food service supervisors keep kitchens and food service operations running smoothly. They oversee staff who prepare and serve food, help coordinate schedules, and make sure food quality and safety standards are being met.

You’ll find food service supervisors working in places like hospitals, cafeterias, catering companies, and restaurants. It’s a hands-on leadership role that combines customer service, organization, and team management.

• NOC Code: 62020
• TEER Category: 2 (eligible for Express Entry)
• # of Postings in 2024: 15,061
• Median Annual Income: $36,400
• Level of education required: Usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training.
• See study programs in Ontario.

#3 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

Registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) provide direct patient care, support health education, and help guide treatment plans as part of a broader healthcare team. Depending on the setting, they may care for patients recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or receiving mental health support.

These professionals work in many environments across Ontario, including hospitals, long-term care homes, rehabilitation centres, clinics, community agencies, and private care settings. Some also choose to work independently or in consulting roles.

• NOC Code: 31301
• TEER Category: 1 (eligible for Express Entry)
• # of Postings in 2024: 12,582
• Median Annual Income: $83,200
• Level of education required: Requires a university degree.
• See study programs in Ontario.

#4 – Restaurant and food service managers

Restaurant and food service managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of restaurants, cafés, bars, and other food service businesses. They oversee staff, manage budgets, handle customer service issues, and make sure the business runs efficiently.

In practice, this role combines leadership with problem-solving. Managers are often balancing staffing, inventory, customer experience, and financial performance all at once. Many work for established businesses, while others operate their own restaurants or food services.

• NOC Code: 60030
• TEER Category: 0 (eligible for Express Entry)
• # of Postings in 2024: 8,339
• Median Annual Income: $52,000
• Level of education required: Usually requires completion of a college program related to hospitality or food & beverage services.
• See study programs in Ontario.

#5 – Licensed practical nurses

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide hands-on nursing care as part of a healthcare team, usually working under the guidance of registered nurses or physicians. They help monitor patients, administer basic care, and support recovery and long-term treatment plans.

In Ontario, LPNs work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, rehabilitation centres, community health settings, and private homes. Some roles focus on general patient care, while others involve specialized settings such as operating rooms, where technicians assist medical teams before and during surgery.

• NOC Code: 32101
• TEER Category: 2 (eligible for Express Entry)
• # of Postings in 2024: 7,644
• Median Annual Income: $63,100
• Level of education required: Requires a college diploma.
• See study programs in Ontario.

#6 – Early childhood educators and assistants

Early childhood educators (ECEs) and assistants help young children learn, grow, and develop in a safe and supportive environment. Educators plan activities and learning programs for children from infancy up to about age 12, while assistants support daily care and help run those programs under the guidance of certified educators.

The work focuses on helping children develop intellectually, physically, and emotionally through play, routines, and structured activities. In Ontario, ECEs and assistants typically work in child-care centres, daycares, kindergartens, and programs supporting children with specialized needs. Some roles also involve supervising other staff within early learning programs.

• NOC Code: 42202
• TEER Category: 2 (eligible for Express Entry)
• # of Postings in 2024: 6,584
• Median Annual Income: $43,700
• Level of education required: Requires a college diploma.
• See study programs in Ontario.

#7 – Social and community service workers

Social and community service workers help people navigate challenges and connect with support systems. This can include helping clients access housing, social assistance, mental health services, addiction support, or community resources.

The role is very people-focused. You may work one-on-one with clients, help run programs, or coordinate services through agencies and community organizations. In Ontario, social and community service workers are employed by non-profits, government agencies, shelters, schools, mental health organizations, correctional facilities, and group homes.

• NOC Code: 42201
• TEER Category: 2 (eligible for Express Entry)
• # of Postings in 2024: 6,584
• Median Annual Income: $54,100
• Level of education required: Requires a college diploma.
• See study programs in Ontario.

#8 – Carpenters

Carpenters build and repair structures made from wood, steel, and other construction materials. Their work ranges from framing homes and installing floors to building staircases, finishing interiors, and completing renovation projects.

Carpenters in Ontario work for construction companies, contractors, and maintenance teams, or operate independently as self-employed tradespeople. The field also includes apprentices who are training while working toward certification.

• NOC Code: 72310
• TEER Category: 2 (eligible for Express Entry)
• # of Postings in 2024: 3,897
• Median Annual Income: $62,400
• Level of education required: Requires a college diploma or apprenticeship.
• See study programs in Ontario.

#9 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers

Automotive service technicians and mechanics diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles so they run safely and reliably. This includes mechanical repairs as well as electrical and electronic systems in cars, buses, and commercial trucks.

You’ll find these professionals working at dealerships, independent garages, fleet maintenance companies, transportation businesses, and specialty repair shops. Some mechanics focus on large commercial vehicles, while others work on passenger cars. Apprenticeships are a common pathway into the profession, and many roles involve learning on the job while building technical skills.

• NOC Code: 72410
• TEER Category: 2 (eligible for Express Entry)
• # of Postings in 2024: 3,532
• Median Annual Income: $62,400
• Level of education required: Requires a college diploma or apprenticeship.
• See study programs in Ontario.

#10 – Secondary school teachers

Secondary school teachers teach students in middle and high school settings, usually from grades 9 to 12. They prepare lesson plans, deliver instruction, assess student progress, and support academic and personal development.

Teachers may specialize in academic subjects like math or English, technical and vocational courses, or specialized areas depending on their training and certification. In Ontario, secondary school teachers work in both public and private schools, and some take on additional responsibilities such as department leadership roles.

• NOC Code: 41220
• TEER Category: 1 (eligible for Express Entry)
• # of Postings in 2024: 3,282
• Median Annual Income: $100,000
• Level of education required: Requires a university degree.
• See study programs in Ontario.

How do I apply for these jobs?

To find a job in Ontario, first you need to prepare a Canadian-style resume and cover letter. Once you have these materials ready, you can find open positions through online job websites (like LinkedIn and Indeed) or through listings made directly on company website. We also strongly recommend using any professional connections and attending networking events in order to connect with employers in-person.

For a step-by-step breakdown on how to find a job in Canada, check out our detailed guide.

Which jobs are eligible for Ontario immigration?

There are many different ways to immigrate to Ontario.

Certain skilled immigration streams, like Express Entry, require that you have work experience in an occupation at TEER Category 0, 1, 2, or 3. You can check the TEER category of your work experience by looking up your occupation in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.

If you have work experience in a lower skilled occupation, that’s alright! Ontario offers a few immigration streams for lower skilled workers, too, like the Ontario In-Demand Skills stream. For example, home support workers, the most in-demand job listed above, are eligible for the In-Demand Skills stream.

There are many different immigration pathways. For more details on your eligibility, try out our free immigration quiz to determine your options, or consider speaking to one of our recommended Canadian immigration consultants for a full breakdown of your options.

Can I apply for jobs in Ontario before I immigrate?

Technically, you can apply for jobs in Ontario before you immigrate. However, it is highly unlikely that a Canadian employer will hire you unless you already have confirmed legal authorization to work in Canada.

If you’ve already been approved for immigration but you haven’t moved, go ahead and apply, just make sure that you indicate to any employers that you’re allowed to work in Ontario. Follow the tips in this guide to find work before arriving.

If you haven’t yet been approved for immigration, it may be a better use of your time and resources to focus on your immigration first. The one exception to this is for individuals with work experience in highly specialized and in-demand fields. In these rare cases, a Canadian employer may consider hiring a foreign national and working with them to support their immigration.

Data for in-demand occupations in Ontario was sourced from this database maintained by the Ontario government.

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