Manitoba employers are facing labour shortages this year as the Prairie province’s economy is expected to expand with real GDP growth of 1.2 per cent, reports TD Economics.
“Manitoba’s job market is likely still in a state of excess demand, evidenced by job vacancies that were 50 per cent above pre-pandemic levels late last year – dwarfing the same measure for the country overall,” notes the economic research group.
“Worker shortages appear most pronounced in trucking, healthcare, construction, and accommodation/food services, and these pressures should keep hiring on the uptrend in these industries, capping the expected rise in Manitoba’s unemployment rate compared to other parts of the country.”
Higher commodity prices and lower household debt levels should put Manitobans in a good position to benefit from that economic growth this year.
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“Prices for key crops like canola and wheat remain elevated which is boosting incomes in the province,” notes TD Economics.
“In addition, household debt levels in the province are well below what they are for Canada overall, likely reducing the interest-rate sensitivity of Manitoba’s consumers. What’s more, recently released capital spending intentions point to relatively firm investment growth in Manitoba this year, supported by expenditures in manufacturing and the public sector.”
Through Canada’s two-tier immigration system, foreign nationals can gain their permanent residency through the federal Express Entry system’s Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) of the 10 Canadian provinces.
Through its Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), the province selects candidates for Manitoba immigration based on the province’s specific economic needs.
Those streams are:
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
- Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
- International Education Stream
- Business Investor Stream
The program’s aim is to be flexible to Manitoba’s labour market and broader economic priorities. Those priorities are communicated to candidates via a regularly updated list of In-Demand Occupations.
Top Occupations in Demand in Manitoba
1. Registered Nurses (NOC 31301)
Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses play a crucial role in providing direct patient care, offering health education, and consulting on nursing-related issues. There is a significant shortage of these professionals across Canada. According to Job Bank, between 2022 and 2031, there will be approximately 155,400 new job openings for registered nurses and psychiatric nurses due to both expansion and replacement demands. However, only around 143,700 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill these roles. As of early June, there were 1,380 job postings for nurses in Manitoba on Indeed.ca. Job Bank rates the job prospects for registered nurses in Manitoba as excellent, with a median annual salary of $81,900 based on a 37.5-hour work week.
2. Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300)
Truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods using straight trucks or tractor-trailers over various routes, including urban, provincial, and international. They typically work for transportation, manufacturing, distribution companies, and employment service agencies, though some are self-employed. Randstad notes that whether you are qualified to operate large commercial vehicles or manage local deliveries, there are plenty of job opportunities available. According to Job Bank, truck drivers in Manitoba earn a median annual wage of $43,894 based on a standard work week. In early June, there were 900 job listings for truck drivers in the province.
3. Retail Sales Managers (NOC 60020)
There is a growing need for retail sales managers in Canada, a trend expected to continue over the next several years. Job Bank projects 117,700 new job openings for retail and wholesale trade managers from 2022 to 2031, with 99,000 new job seekers expected to enter the field. In Manitoba, there were 1,288 job listings for sales managers on Indeed.ca in early June. The median annual earnings for these positions in Manitoba are $70,317 based on a standard work week, according to Job Bank.
4. Heavy Equipment Mechanics (NOC 72401)
Heavy equipment mechanics, who repair, troubleshoot, and maintain large mobile equipment used in industries such as construction, transportation, forestry, and mining, are in high demand. Job Bank anticipates an additional 2,200 job openings for these professionals across Canada by 2031. From 2022 to 2031, approximately 25,000 new job openings are expected for heavy-duty equipment mechanics, with 22,800 new job seekers anticipated to fill these roles. In Manitoba, the median annual income for heavy equipment mechanics is $58,500, based on a 37.5-hour work week. There were 903 job postings for this occupation in early June on Indeed.ca.
5. Heavy Equipment Operators (NOC 73400)
Heavy equipment operators, who handle machinery used in construction, road maintenance, and material handling, are in demand. Job Bank projects 31,200 new job openings for heavy equipment operators (excluding crane operators) between 2022 and 2031, with 30,300 new job seekers expected to enter the field. Indeed.ca listed 1,430 job postings for heavy equipment operators in Manitoba in early June, with a median annual income of $51,870 based on a standard work week, as per Job Bank data. These workers are typically employed by construction companies, public works departments, and various other sectors.
6. Software Developers (NOC 21232)
Software developers, who design, modify, and test software applications and systems, are in high demand. Randstad highlights that businesses of all sizes require developers for creating apps, maintaining in-house software, and implementing cloud technologies. The demand for software developers has surged as companies increasingly rely on technology for remote work and data management. In Manitoba, software developers earn a median annual wage of $74,977 based on a 37.5-hour work week, according to Job Bank. In early June, there were 83 job listings for software developers in the province on Indeed.ca.
7. Physicians – Family (NOC 31102) and Specialists (NOC 31101)
Family physicians and specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. The demand for these professionals is growing nationwide. Job Bank projects 48,900 new job openings for family physicians and general practitioners from 2022 to 2031, with 29,400 new job seekers expected to fill these roles. In Manitoba, family physicians earn a median annual salary of $258,906, while specialists, including surgeons, earn a median salary of $414,776. There were more than 100 job listings for these positions on Indeed.ca in early June.
8. Accountants (NOC 11100)
Accountants manage and oversee financial records for businesses, individuals, and governments. Job Bank estimates 88,000 new job openings for financial auditors and accountants from 2022 to 2031, with 79,800 new job seekers expected to enter the field. In Manitoba, accountants earn a median annual income of $67,509 based on a 37.5-hour work week, according to Job Bank. There were 148 job listings for accountants on Indeed.ca in early June.
9. Construction Trades Helpers (NOC 75110)
Construction trades helpers assist with various tasks at construction sites, quarries, and surface mines. Job Bank projects 19,600 new job openings for trades helpers and laborers from 2022 to 2031, with 17,900 new job seekers expected to fill these positions. In Manitoba, construction trades helpers earn a median annual income of $39,000 based on a standard work week, according to Job Bank. There were 1,334 job postings for construction helpers on Indeed.ca in early June.
10. Cooks (NOC 63200) and Food and Beverage Servers (NOC 65200)
The hospitality sector in Manitoba is experiencing a significant shortage of cooks and servers. As of early June, Indeed.ca listed 438 job postings for cooks and 349 for servers. According to Job Bank, the median annual income for cooks and servers in Manitoba, based on a 37.5-hour work week, is $29,835, excluding tips.
