2022-11-03T16:21:50-04:00Jan 19, 2022|

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Most in-demand jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) for newcomers

Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province in Canada, made up of two areas: the larger mainland region of Labrador and the island region of Newfoundland. As the name ‘Newfoundland’ suggests, the region was the first landing point for many European and Viking explorers who were drawn to the land’s abundance of natural resources. 

Even today, many newcomers choose to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador and make it their permanent home. NL welcomes newcomers who can contribute to the economy of the province through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP).

This resource provides information on Newfoundland and Labrador’s job market, including industries that contribute to employment, in-demand occupations for newcomers, NOC codes, and median wage estimates, so you can arrive prepared to start your career in Canada.

In this article:

Note Icon  Note
As you plan your move to Canada, choosing a province to settle down in is a huge decision. While the job market is an important factor to keep in mind, be sure to also research the local culture, major cities in each province, spoken languages, and cost of living in the region. Arrive’s Newcomer Guide to Canada’s Provinces and Territories is a great starting point.

What are the top industries in Newfoundland and Labrador?

  • Manufacturing industry: The province has several manufacturing industries including pulp and paper, food processing, fabricated metal manufacturing, ship building, and wood products.
  • Services industry: Some of the key services industries in the province include retail and wholesale trade, construction, professional and technical services, transportation, health care, and finance and insurance.
  • Mining, oil and gas industry: The mines in Newfoundland and Labrador produce iron ore, nickel, copper, cobalt and gold. The province also produces nearly 25 per cent of Canada’s light crude oil and has a large refined petroleum processing industry.
  • Fisheries: The fishing, seafood, and seafood processing industry employs over 5,500 people in the province.

Which cities have the most job opportunities in NL?

  • St. John’s: The largest city and the capital of NL, St. John’s economy relies on its offshore oil and gas reserves and on its energy industry. The city also has a large retail, financial services, and business services sector. Be careful not to make the common mistake of confusing St. John’s, NL with Saint John, New Brunswick.
  • Conception Bay South: With a population of around 26,000 people, this city offers employment opportunities in agriculture and tourism sectors.

What jobs are in demand in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Tips IconWant to learn about the scope of your profession in Canada?
Find valuable information on career paths, required credentials, and the hiring process in your field in our Canadian Job Market Guide. 

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The in-demand jobs have been compiled based on in-demand and priority occupations identified in the latest Provincial Nominee Programs and NOCs selected in recent PNP draws. The occupations listed in the sections below are not exhaustive and are subject to change as the labour market needs evolve.You can also use the Government of Canada’s Job Bank portal to conduct a trend analysis of average wages, eligibility criteria, and job requirements for your occupation in a particular city or province.

Services sector jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Financial managers (NOC 10010, previously 0111), senior managers in financial, communications and other business services (NOC 00012, previously 0013): Managers in financial and business services earn a median hourly income of $46 CAD to $56 CAD, depending on seniority. To qualify for these roles, you’ll need a degree in finance or an MBA.
  • Restaurant, food, and accommodation service managers (NOC 60030, 60031, previously 0631, 0632): The food and accommodation sector pays relatively less, with managers making a median hourly wage of $21 CAD. 
  • University professors and lecturers, school teachers (NOC 41200, 41220, previously 4011, 4031): Teaching is a highly paid job in Newfoundland and Labrador, with university professors earning $49 CAD per hour and school teachers making around $43 CAD per hour.

Health care jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Managers in health care (NOC 30010, previously 0311): Managers in health care earn a median hourly wage of $49 CAD.
  • Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses, nurse practitioners and licensed practical nurses (NOC 31301, 31302, 32101, previously 3012, 3124, 3233): Senior nurses make between $27 CAD and $51.92 CAD per hour, but newcomers require a provincial nursing licence to work in NL. 
  • Physicians (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102, previously 3111, 3112): Physicians are highly paid in NL. If you’ve completed your degree in medicine outside of Canada, you’ll need to clear a qualifying exam and get a licence to work as a physician in the province.
  • Clinical psychologists (NOC 31200, previously 4151): Psychologists earn an average of $45 CAD per hour.

Technology jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Engineering managers, computer and information systems managers (NOC 20010, 20012, previously 0211, 0213): On average, engineering managers earn $57 CAD per hour. 
  • Biomedical engineers, electrical and mechanical engineers (NOC 21399, 21310, 21301, previously 2148, 2133, 2132): For engineering roles, you’ll need a degree in engineering and a provincial licence to practice. These in-demand jobs pay between $38 CAD and $43 CAD per hour.
  • UI/UX and web developers (NOC 21233, 21234, previously 2175): You’ll typically require a degree in computer science or design for these roles.
  • Technical specialists in security, cloud, bioinformatics, computer network support, and data analytics (NOC 21211, 21220, 21221, 21222, 21231, 21230, 21232, 21234, 21110, 22220, 21223, previously 2171, 2173, 2174, 2121, 2281, 2172): Senior IT roles pay between $36 CAD and $43 CAD per hour, while technician level roles pay around $24 CAD per hour.

Aquaculture jobs in NL 

  • Aquaculture captain, farming and feeding manager (NOC 80022, previously 0823): For aquaculture captain roles, applicants usually require a FM4 certification.

Trades jobs in NL

  • Plumbers (NOC 72300, previously 7251): The hourly wage for plumbers varies between $20 CAD and $36 CAD.

information icon  Ready to start applying to jobs in Canada?
Find tips and resources on creating a Canadian-style resume, searching for jobs, networking, and interview preparation in Arrive’s Newcomer’s Guide to Finding Your Career in Canada.

What is the minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador?

The minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador as of October 1, 2021 is $12.75 CAD per hour.

What is the unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador?

In November 2021, the unemployment rate in NL was ten per cent.

How can I move to Newfoundland and Labrador?

Newcomers planning to move to Newfoundland and Labrador can apply for permanent residence through the federal Express Entry program or the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP).

You can also apply for a work permit to work in NL temporarily, or acquire local professional experience to strengthen your permanent residence application.

Want to learn more about living in NL?

Check out our province-specific resource for more information:

 

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.