2022-11-03T16:28:41-04:00Feb 7, 2022|

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Most in-demand jobs in Prince Edward Island (PEI) for newcomers

The maritime province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the smallest province in Canada with the largest potential for growth. Many newcomers are attracted to PEI, thanks to its scenic beaches and the promise of a small-town lifestyle, coupled with the low cost of living and ample career opportunities.

Over the past years, many strategic industries have emerged in PEI and, to meet its growing labour market needs, the province invites newcomers with relevant skills and experience to work and permanently settle in Prince Edward Island through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP).

This article provides information on Prince Edward Island’s job market, including industries that generate jobs, in-demand occupations for newcomers in the province, NOC codes, and median wage estimates, so you can arrive prepared to start your career in Canada.

In this article:

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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 Prince Edward Island (PEI)?

  • Services industry: Financial and business services, information and communication technology (ICT), and tourism are the key service industries in PEI.
  • Manufacturing industry: PEI’s key manufacturing industries include aerospace and defence, biosciences, renewable energy, packaging material, live-bottom trailers, wood products, and ship building.
  • Agriculture and aquaculture: PEI is known for its food processing and seafood industries.

Which cities have the most jobs in PEI?

  • Charlottetown: Charlottetown is Prince Edward Island’s capital and most populated city. In addition to jobs in administration, the city also offers opportunities in education, healthcare, financial services, IT, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries. Other strategic industries gaining momentum in the city include aerospace, bioscience, and renewable energy.
  • Summerside: The second most populous city in PEI, Summerside is home to just under 15,000 people. The city offers jobs in administration, finance, transportation, and the aerospace sector.

Which jobs are in demand in PEI?

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.

Service sector jobs in PEI

  • University professors (NOC 41200, previously 4011): In PEI, university professors make a median hourly income of $44 CAD, although newcomers applying for teaching roles require a provincial teaching credential.
  • Social workers (NOC 41300, previously 4152): Social workers earn an average of $34.10 CAD per hour.
  • Sales executives (NOC 62100, 64101, previously 6411): Sales jobs in PEI pay a median hourly wage of $20 CAD.
  • Food and beverage servers (NOC 65200, previously 6513): Servers in the hospitality sector make a median income of $13.85 CAD per hour.
  • Cleaning staff (NOC 65310, previously 6731): In-demand cleaning jobs pay a median wage of $15.60 CAD per hour.
  • Contact centre agents (NOC 64409, previously 6552): Contact centre agents are in-demand in PEI, and these jobs pay an average hourly wage of $13.50 CAD.

Manufacturing jobs in PEI

  • Chemical technicians (NOC 22100, previously 2211): In the manufacturing sector, technicians in the chemical industry make a median income of $21.59 CAD per hour.
  • Long haul truck drivers (NOC 73300, previously 7511): Truck drivers earn an average of $19.23 CAD per hour.
  • Welders and mechanics (NOC 72106, 72401, previously 7237, 7312): These in-demand jobs pay between $21.75 CAD and $23 CAD per hour in PEI.
  • Material handlers (NOC 75101, previously 7452): As a material handler, you can earn a median income of $14.25 CAD per hour.

Health care jobs in PEI

  • Specialists physicians, General practitioners, and family physicians (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102, previously 3111, 3112): Physicians, depending on their speciality, make between $229,690 CAD and $309,006 CAD per year in Prince Edward Island. As a newcomer, you’ll need a provincial licence to practice medicine in PEI.
  • Registered nurses and licensed nursing assistants (NOC 31301, 33102, previously 3012, 3413): Senior nurses earn a median wage of $40 CAD per hour, while nursing assistants make around $21 CAD per hour. 
  • Home support workers (NOC 44101, previously 4412): Support workers in health care jobs earn a median income of $18 CAD per hour.

Agriculture jobs in PEI

  • General farm workers (NOC 84120, 85100, previously 8431): In PEI’s agriculture sector, farm workers make an average of $15 CAD per hour.
  • Fruit pickers (NOC 85101, previously 8611): Seasonal jobs, like fruit picking, pay a median hourly wage of $14 CAD.
  • Fish and seafood plant workers (NOC 94142, previously 9463): These jobs pay around $14 CAD per hour.

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 PEI?

The current minimum hourly wage in PEI is $13 CAD. However, it is scheduled to increase to $13.70 CAD per hour starting April 1, 2022.

What is the unemployment rate in PEI?

In November 2021, the unemployment rate in Prince Edward Island was eight per cent.

How do I move to PEI?

There are several immigration pathways available for newcomers who wish to move to PEI. In addition to the federal Express Entry program, the provincial government also offers a Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), which allows foreign entrepreneurs and newcomers qualified to work in areas with identified skills shortages to settle in the province permanently. 

Starting March 6, 2022, the province will also resume accepting permanent residence nominations under the Atlantic Immigration Program.

The province also welcomes temporary residents, including skilled individuals who wish to work in the province on a work permit. If you choose to apply for permanent residence later on, your PEI work experience may give you extra points and make it easier to qualify for immigration.

Want to learn more about living in PEI?

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.