Some days it feels like we are watching tech talent drop like flies. Several companies big and small—many with plans to expand their workforce—have been compelled to “trim the fat,” so to speak, due to shifting market realities in 2022.
Yet the momentum of tech growth in Canada is so strong that it seems these anecdotal tragedies are not enough to stall out the sector as a whole.
Net tech employment in Canada reached more than 1.2 million workers at the end of 2021, according to new research published by the Computing Technology Industry Association, an increase of 9% over 2020. And while we cannot expect such robust growth, CompTIA projects tech-related work will grow by 1.5% this year—the creation of more than 19,000 net new jobs.
“The impressive rebound in employment is a clear sign of how essential technology is to every business and industry,” said Gordon Pelosse, senior vice president for employer engagement at CompTIA.
Employer job postings, another layer of insight into the tech job market, bounced back in 2021 as many employers resuming hiring activity as the Canadian economy recovered. In 2021 employer job postings for technology positions jumped 59%, above the all-sector average, and firms in Canada hired a combined 100,000 workers in the field.
“Companies were quick to restaff and expand their technology teams as business conditions improved, adding talent in critical areas such as cybersecurity, data, technology services and tech support,” Pelosse noted.
Since 2016, net tech employment has increased by an estimated 213,432 net new jobs, with steady growth during this span, less a decline in the COVID-19 pandemic impacted year of 2020. Net tech employment accounted for approximately 6.3% of the total Canadian workforce in 2021, according to CompTIA’s “State of the Tech Workforce Canada” report.
“Employment options in technology are plentiful at all careers levels, from advanced positions for individuals with experience under their belts, to entry-level openings that offer good salaries and opportunities for advancement,” Pelosse said.
Canada’s tech community is concentrated in metropolitan areas, led by Toronto. At 10%, Toronto has the highest concentration of net tech employment as a percentage of its overall employment. Montreal (8%), Vancouver (7.8%) and Calgary (6.4%) all have a higher concentrations of technology workers than the national benchmark (6%).
Three metro markets dominate tech hiring projections for 2022. CompTIA estimates that 5,800 net new tech jobs will be created in Toronto this year; Vancouver 3,600; and Montreal 2,700.
Many companies are still actively hiring today. For year-round opportunities, stay glued to our free Job Board.
