Quebec's Most In-Demand Jobs for 2026: Labour Market Gaps and Sectoral Trends

New figures from the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) indicate that in the first quarter of 2026, approximately 28,600 job positions remain unfilled across the ten most in-demand occupations in Quebec. These ten occupations collectively represent about 26% of all vacant positions in the province, highlighting concentrated demand in several key sectors.

The health and social services domain accounts for a significant share of these vacancies, with about 13,800 openings—roughly 13% of all roles awaiting candidates. Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses top the list with 4,922 vacancies, followed by food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support staff with 4,909 open positions. Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates are also in high demand, with 4,261 vacancies reported.

Retail salespersons and early childhood educators and assistants round out the top five, with 2,763 and 2,743 openings, respectively. Transport truck drivers are next, with 2,211 positions available, followed by social and community service workers (1,882), administrative assistants (1,722), store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers (1,635), and cooks (1,553).

The data suggest that many of these roles do not require university degrees or, in some cases, significant formal education. This is particularly true for positions in retail and food services, which are among those with the highest numbers of vacancies. As a result, the opportunities for individuals seeking employment without advanced credentials remain substantial.

Regarding compensation, the ISQ reports that the average hourly wage offered for these positions is $29.15. This figure stands below the province-wide average hourly wage of $36.49. The difference is partially attributed to the fact that job postings generally reflect entry-level rates, while the overall average includes workers with greater tenure and experience.

Regional wage variations are also notable. Montreal, for instance, offers average wages above the provincial average for many of these in-demand roles, underscoring the importance of geographic location in wage outcomes.

The ISQ also analyzed the susceptibility of these occupations to automation by artificial intelligence (AI). More than half of the top ten jobs are considered minimally exposed to AI-related changes. These include nurse aides, truck drivers, shelf stockers, and cooks—positions characterized by hands-on tasks that are less amenable to automation.

Other roles, such as registered nurses and early childhood educators, are identified as having significant potential for AI to alter how work is performed rather than eliminating positions altogether. In these cases, technology is anticipated to serve as an aid, streamlining processes or augmenting existing duties without directly displacing workers.

Conversely, certain jobs are identified as being directly exposed to AI-driven change, including retail salespersons, social and community service workers, and administrative assistants. For these occupations, technological advancements could have a more direct impact on the number of available roles or the nature of the work required.

The persistent gap between job openings and available workers reflects ongoing labour market pressures in Quebec. These shortages are evident both in sectors requiring formal training, such as healthcare, and in fields where entry is possible with minimal educational prerequisites, such as retail and food service.

The ISQ figures suggest that employers across Quebec continue to face recruitment challenges, particularly in positions that are less susceptible to automation and require physical presence or interpersonal interaction. This trend aligns with broader demographic and economic factors, including an aging population and evolving workplace technologies.

The findings also have implications for workforce development strategies. For example, the high demand for healthcare and social service professionals may prompt further investment in training and education in these fields, while the ongoing need for service and support staff highlights the continued relevance of entry-level and non-degree positions.

The role of AI in reshaping job requirements and workflows is likely to grow in significance. However, the ISQ data indicate that, at least in the near term, many of the jobs most needed in Quebec are those that cannot be easily automated, suggesting that human skills will remain critical in several key sectors.

In summary, the current labour market in Quebec is characterized by sector-specific shortages, regional wage differences, and differentiated exposure to technological change. The ISQ's latest data provide a detailed snapshot of where demand is highest and how the evolving economic landscape may affect workers and employers in the years ahead.