October 14, 2025

Canada Journal

All About Canada News

Where Canada’s tech jobs are multiplying and what it means for you

Photo by Arturo Castaneyra on Unsplash

The numbers read like a warning. 

Canada shed 40,800 jobs in July, pushing the employment rate down to its lowest level in eight months at 60.7%, while unemployment held steady at a multi-year high of 6.9%, reported Reuters.

Yet behind the gloom, a steadier story is unfolding in tech. New research from CompTIA suggests the tech workforce is projected to grow again by an estimated 1.4% in 2025, adding to a steady climb over the past five years.

Gary Mofford, CompTIA’s account director for Canada, says the trend reflects how technology skills are now essential across the economy. 

“Hiring intent reflects the critical importance of technology, tech workers and digitally fluent employees for organisations of all sizes, in all industries and in every locale,” says Mofford.

For business leaders, the report is a roadmap for where competition for talent will be fiercest and where opportunities might be hiding.

The fastest-growing jobs aren’t where you might think

The State of the Tech Workforce Canada 2025 report projects tech roles will grow 1.77 times faster than overall Canadian employment over the next decade, led by:

  • Software engineers and designers (+163%)
  • Information systems managers (+153%)
  • Cybersecurity specialists (+131%)
  • Data scientists (+126%)
  • Data analysts and administrators (+116%)
  • Business systems specialists (+113%)

These percentages reflect how much faster each role is expected to grow compared to overall employment, and not the total increase in jobs.

For employers, this means workforce planning should start now. High-demand specialties are likely to face the sharpest competition, and training pipelines will need to keep pace.

Use the data to plan your next move

The data points to specific steps employers can take now to prepare for the decade ahead. Leaders can use it to:

  • Anticipate where hiring pressure will rise and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • Identify which roles will be critical for transformation efforts over the next decade.
  • Weigh the advantages of recruiting in emerging secondary markets.
  • Consider reskilling initiatives to build in-demand capabilities internally.

Treat it less like a snapshot and more like a map: one that shows where to invest in skills, where to look for talent, and where your competitors will be hiring next.

Toronto still leads, but other cities are gaining ground

Ontario added the most net tech jobs in 2024, with an estimated 17,837 new workers. Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Quebec also saw gains.

On the city level, Toronto has the largest tech workforce at 414,667 people, representing 10.7% of its overall workforce. Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary also exceed the national average of 6.8%.

For businesses, these hubs offer deep talent pools, but competition for skilled workers is fierce. Smaller markets such as Manitoba and Nova Scotia may present opportunities for recruitment with less competition.

Pay is strong, but money alone won’t keep people

Canada’s tech industry spans more than 83,000 business establishments and contributes an estimated $131.6 billion CAD in direct economic value, or 5.8% of GDP. The median annual wage for a technology worker is $97,197 CAD, which is 48% higher than the national median across all occupations.

For employees, that wage gap underscores the financial upside of tech careers. For employers, it highlights why retaining top performers requires more than salary, it means offering career development, flexibility, and meaningful work.

The full report, including detailed regional breakdowns and job trend data, is available at CompTIA’s website.

Final shots

  • The next wave of tech talent demand is already forming. Leaders who wait to act may find themselves priced out of key roles.
  • Wage competitiveness is important, but retention will hinge on growth opportunities and workplace culture.
  • Secondary markets could offer fresh recruitment options in a tightening national talent landscape.