The best Canadian cities for job seekers are Quebec City and Hamilton , according to a recent assessment. The report “Where Ambition Lands,” produced by Western Union, ranked Canada’s 15 largest cities by average salary, job vacancies per 10,000 residents, and unemployment rate, highlighting where workers have the greatest access to employment and earning potential.
Quebec City took the number one spot, with an average salary of $66,336, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and 1,664 job vacancies per 10,000 residents.
Key data sources included:
- Average salary
- Unemployment rate, from the Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, December 2024
- Job listings
These sources were used to come up with the top ten cities,
Top 10 cities for job opportunities in Canada
- Quebec City
- Hamilton
- Laval
- Winnipeg
- Ottawa
- Surrey
- Okanagan
- Edmonton
- Calgary
- Vancouver
As indicated in the rankings, Quebec City was named the number one city for job opportunities, scoring consistently well across all three measures. The city, which is twelfth-largest city and the seventh-largest metropolitan area in Canada, boasts an average salary of $66,336, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and 1664 job vacancies per 10,000 residents. This combination of high pay and strong job availability secures its position at the top of the list.
Hamilton followed closely in second place, with an average salary of $75,649, an unemployment rate of 6.3%, and 256 job vacancies per 10,000 residents. Traditionally, the local economy has been led by the steel and heavy manufacturing industries. During the 2010s, a shift toward the service sector occurred, such as health and sciences.
Laval (the thirteenth largest city in Canada) ranked third, offering $69,056 in average earnings, an unemployment rate of 7.0%, and an impressive 1,282 vacancies per 10,000 residents. This is followed by Winnipeg (largest city of the Canadian province of Manitoba).
Ottawa, the nation’s capital, ranks fifth. It offers an average salary of $73,617, an unemployment rate of 5.9%, and 154 job vacancies per 10,000 residents. The city’s balance of solid earnings and employment opportunities makes it an attractive destination for job seekers.
Surrey ranks sixth, with a competitive average salary of $63,761, a strong job vacancy rate of 1,019 per 10,000 residents, and a relatively low unemployment rate of 5.1%.
Ranjit Sarai, VP Digital and Ecosystem, at Western Union has told Digital Journal: “This research highlights the crucial role that location plays in helping individuals build financial security and pursue their goals. Whether it’s finding meaningful work, advancing in a chosen profession, or moving to support loved ones, the cities in this report offer the environment people need to thrive.”
