Job vacancies in Canada dropped by 18,900 in the second quarter of 2025 to a total of 505,900 – the lowest level since Q1 2018. This marks the second consecutive quarterly decline, following a 20,000 drop in Q1. Compared with Q2 2024, total vacancies fell by 72,900 or 12.6 percent, reflecting softening labour demand across many sectors.
On This Page You Will Find
- National overview of job vacancy trends
- Job vacancy rates by education level
- Sector-specific vacancy breakdowns
- Changes in hourly wage offers
- Regional and provincial trends
- FAQ about Canada’s job vacancy data
National Labour Market Trends
Job vacancies dropped to 505,900 in Q2 2025, a 3.6% decrease from Q1 and a 12.6% decline year-over-year. This is the lowest recorded figure in over seven years. The fall was driven mainly by full-time positions (down 5.1%) and affected both permanent and temporary roles.
Total labour demand also fell by 54,800 due to the combined impact of reduced vacancies and a drop of 36,000 in payroll employment. The job vacancy rate declined slightly to 2.8%, down 0.1 percentage points from Q1 and 0.4 points year-over-year.
Job Vacancy Ratios and Educational Requirements
Canada’s unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio rose to 2.9 in Q2 2025, up from 2.2 a year earlier. This means nearly three unemployed persons are competing for each job vacancy, on average.
By education level:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: Ratio climbed to 4.9 – the highest across all categories
- Non-university certificates or diplomas: 2.7 unemployed persons per vacancy
- High school diploma or less: 2.5
- Trade certificates/diplomas: Lowest ratio at 1.8
This suggests the job market remains relatively strong for trades, while university graduates are facing more competition.
Sector-Specific Trends
Largest Declines by Sector
Job vacancies fell in six out of ten broad occupational groups in Q2 2025:
- Trades, transport, and equipment: -5,900 (-6.1%)
- Health occupations: -5,600 (-7.5%)
- Business, finance and administration: -3,300 (-4.7%)
- Education, law, community services: -2,000 (-4.0%)
- Manufacturing and utilities: -1,500 (-8.4%)
- Senior management roles: -300 (-23.3%)
The only group that recorded growth was arts, culture, recreation, and sport, with a 9.5% increase (+900 vacancies).
Year-over-Year Sectoral Declines
Compared to Q2 2024:
- Health occupations: -18,100 (-20.8%)
- Sales and service: -16,100 (-9.7%)
- Trades and transport: -15,700 (-14.7%)
Arts and culture occupations saw little change year-over-year.
Health Care Job Vacancies in Focus
Despite long-standing shortages, health care vacancies continued to decline:
- Q2 2025 vacancies: 68,900, down 7.5% from Q1
- Compared to Q2 2024: Down 20.7%, but still well above pre-pandemic levels
- Largest drops:
- Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses: -8,200
- Nurse aides and orderlies: -3,900
- Licensed practical nurses: -3,600
These three roles made up over 61% of all healthcare vacancies.
Trades and Transport Vacancies Decline
This group saw a 6.1% drop in Q2, with total vacancies falling to 90,700. The decline was driven by full-time positions. Year-over-year, vacancies dropped by nearly 14%. Key declines:
- Construction trades helpers: -3,800
- Transport truck drivers: -2,700
Business, Finance, and Administration
Vacancies in this sector fell by 4.7% in Q2 2025 and were down by 11.1% year-over-year. Notable declines:
- Administrative officers: -2,000
- Shippers and receivers: -1,800
- Accountants and auditors: -1,000
Wage Trends
Average offered hourly wages for vacant positions rose by 4.5% to $28.00 in Q2 2025. However, this was a slowdown from the 6.1% growth recorded in Q1.
Wage growth breakdown:
- Vacancies requiring bachelor’s or higher: $43.60/hr
- Vacancies requiring high school diploma or less: $21.65/hr
When adjusted for occupational composition, wage growth slowed to 4.1%, reflecting a trend toward fewer higher-wage job openings.
Regional and Provincial Highlights
Job vacancies declined in five provinces:
- Quebec: -7,600 to 113,300
- Ontario: -7,300 to 179,000
- Manitoba: -1,000 to 18,700
- Newfoundland and Labrador: -800 to 4,600
- Prince Edward Island: -500 to 2,000
Economic Regions with Largest Vacancy Rate Drops:
- Northwest Territories: -2.4 pts to 3.3%
- Parklands and North (MB): -2.1 pts to 4.3%
- South Coast–Burin Peninsula (NL): -1.5 pts to 1.9%
Regions With Highest Vacancy Rates:
- Northwest, Ontario: 4.8%
- North Coast & Nechako, BC: 4.8%
- Estrie, Quebec: 4.5%
Regions With Lowest Vacancy Rates:
- South Coast–Burin Peninsula, NL: 1.9%
- South Central and North Central, MB: 2.0%
- Windsor–Sarnia, ON: 2.1%
Long-Term Vacancies Down
Long-term vacancies (positions unfilled for 90+ days) dropped to 27.5% of all vacancies in Q2 2025, down from 30.1% a year earlier. Major improvements occurred in:
- Arts and culture: -8.7 points
- Business and finance: -4.6 points
- Trades and transport: -4.0 points
- Sales and service: -1.8 points
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total number of job vacancies in Canada in Q2 2025?
There were 505,900 job vacancies, the lowest level since early 2018. This marks a 3.6% quarterly decline and a 12.6% drop compared to Q2 2024.
Which sector experienced the sharpest year-over-year drop in job vacancies?
Health occupations had the largest drop, with 18,100 fewer vacancies compared to Q2 2024. Registered nurses and nurse aides were especially affected.
Which education level saw the most competition for job openings?
Positions requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher had the highest competition, with 4.9 unemployed persons for every vacancy.
How much did average offered wages increase in Q2 2025?
Offered wages rose by 4.5% year-over-year to $28.00/hour. This is lower than the 6.1% increase recorded in Q1 2025.
Which provinces saw job vacancies decline the most?
Quebec and Ontario led provincial declines, losing 7,600 and 7,300 vacancies respectively. PEI, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador also saw drops.
