Canada’s tech sector remains locked in a hiring freeze, and the impact is falling hardest on newcomers to the industry.
According to new data from Indeed Hiring Lab, job postings for junior and standard tech roles are down 25 percent compared to early 2020, making it increasingly difficult for recent graduates and early-career professionals to break into the field.
In contrast, postings for senior and manager-level positions are five percent above pre-pandemic levels, underscoring a widening gap between opportunity and experience.
The freeze follows an unprecedented boom in early 2022, when tech job postings soared, only to crash as interest rates rose and employers pulled back. Since then, hiring has stagnated, leaving thousands of qualified candidates competing for fewer entry-level roles.
“Employers are more risk-averse in uncertain markets,” said Indeed economist Brendon Bernard. “They’re leaning on experienced hires who can deliver immediately, which leaves fewer opportunities for those just starting out.”
There are bright spots. Roles tied to artificial intelligence and data infrastructure—such as machine learning engineers and data center technicians—remain in demand, hinting at where job seekers might focus their efforts.
Career experts recommend that early-career candidates double down on upskilling, particularly in AI, data, and cloud computing, while also tapping into internships, networking opportunities, and non-traditional entry points like contract work or startups.
For Canada’s next generation of tech workers, the road ahead looks steeper than in years past. But as the sector adapts to new technologies and global competition, those with the right skills and persistence may find that opportunity hasn’t disappeared—it’s just shifting.