These are the fastest-growing jobs in Canada for 2026
If you’re looking to level up your career or simply want a change of pace, there are a lot of new, promising jobs in Canada that you should know about.
LinkedIn released its annual “Jobs on the Rise” list on Wednesday, revealing the fastest-growing roles in Canada for the past three years.
According to the networking and job search site’s research, more than half of professionals around the world (52 per cent) plan to job-hunt this year, yet nearly 80 per cent don’t feel prepared.
The ranking shows how AI is reshaping the employment landscape, and if you’re trying to stay ahead, it’s a great starting point.
“This year’s list points to continued momentum in both technical and strategic AI roles, including AI engineers and AI consultants, alongside infrastructure-focused roles like commissioning managers,” reads the report. “The rise of founders also signals a shift toward self-employment as professionals navigate uncertainty.”
Here are the top five fastest-growing jobs in Canada, including insights on key skills, hiring hotspots, and more.
1. AI engineers
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Job description: Artificial intelligence engineers develop and implement AI models that perform complex tasks typically requiring human decision-making, like problem-solving and prediction.
Most common skills: LangChain, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Large Language Models (LLM)
Most common industries: Technology and Internet, IT Services and IT Consulting, Business Consulting and Services
Where the most jobs are: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver
Current gender distribution: 21 per cent female, 79 per cent male
Median years of prior experience: 2.8
Top roles transitioned from: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Full Stack Engineer
Flexible work availability: 29.1 per cent remote, 38.1 per cent hybrid
2. AI consultants and strategists
Job description: Artificial intelligence consultants and strategists help organizations plan and implement AI technologies to improve operations and reach their goals.
Most common skills: Large Language Models (LLM), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning
Most common industries: Technology and Internet, IT Services and IT Consulting, Business Consulting and Services
Where the most jobs are: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver
Current gender distribution: 28 per cent female, 72 per cent male
Median years of prior experience: 6.8
Top roles transitioned from: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Founder
Flex work availability: 21.4 per cent remote, 41.1 per cent hybrid
3. Power systems engineers
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Job description: Power systems engineers design and evaluate electrical systems to ensure power is delivered safely and reliably.
Most common skills: ETAP, Digsilent, PSCAD
Most common industries: Appliances and Electrical Manufacturing, Transportation Equipment Manufacturing, Electric Power Transmission
Where the most jobs are: Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary
Current gender distribution: 24 per cent female, 76 per cent male
Median years of prior experience: 3.9
Top roles transitioned from: Electrical Engineer, System Analyst, Construction Management Specialist
Flex work availability: 34.4 per cent hybrid
4. AI/ML researchers
Job description: Artificial intelligence/machine learning researchers design and test new models and algorithms, using the results to improve AI systems.
Most common skills: PyTorch, Deep Learning, Computer Vision
Most common industries: Technology and Internet, Higher Education, Research Services
Where the most jobs are: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver
Current gender distribution: 27 per cent female, 73 per cent male
Median years of prior experience: 2.4
Top roles transitioned from: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer
Flex work availability: 27.3 per cent remote, 54.6 per cent hybrid
5. Commissioning managers
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Job description: Commissioning managers lead the testing and validation of complex construction and engineering projects, ensuring systems are safe, fully functional and perform as intended.
Most common skills: Electrical Testing, Piping and Instrumentation Drawing, Project Engineering
Most common industries: Oil and Gas, Engineering Services, Business Consulting and Services
Where the most jobs are: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver
Current gender distribution: 12 per cent female, 88 per cent male
Median years of prior experience: 5.4
Top roles transitioned from: Project Manager, Electrical Technician, Maintenance Engineer
Flex work availability: 24.6 per cent hybrid
Here is the full list of 15 jobs on the rise in Canada this year:
- AI engineers
- AI consultants and strategists
- Power systems engineers
- AI/ML researchers
- Commissioning managers
- Chief product officers
- Clinical services managers
- Fraud investigators
- Construction managers
- Founders/Entrepreneurs
- Car sales managers
- Cardiologists
- IT support specialists
- Psychotherapists
- Database analysts
Read the full report for more details on these positions.
For more career inspiration, check out the 15 most in-demand jobs in Canada this year.