The demand for skilled talent remains high in 2024 as Canada's tech industry is facing a persistent talent shortage.The intense competition for skilled IT professionals has forced many companies to adapt their hiring strategies.To secure top talent, organizations are increasingly focused on offering competitive compensation, flexible work arrangements, and robust employee value propositions.And as the demand for tech expertise continues to soar, companies are exploring innovative approaches to building their teams. This includes investing in talent development programs, leveraging contract workers to fill critical roles, and creating inclusive work environments that attract and retain a diverse pool of candidates.Robert Half’s e-book, Building Future-Forward Tech Teams, offers aditional insight on how companies can assemble technology teams that are ready to tackle today and tomorrow’s challenges. Access it today.
Roles in AI and machine learning, cloud architecture and operation, security and compliance, database engineering and database administration are particularly difficult to fill in Canada this year.While competitive salaries are essential, retaining skilled employees has emerged as a key concern amongst Canadian employers.To foster retention, companies are increasingly focusing on enhanced benefits packages, expanded vacation time, and robust professional development programs to support employee growth and advancement.Visit the latest Robert Half Canada Salary Guide for more Tech hiring trends
Cyber-security, cloud computing, and AI are leading the charge when it comes to in-demand skills commanding premium salaries. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud-based systems and grapple with evolving cyber threats, professionals with expertise in these areas are highly sought after. Beyond specific skills, certain tech roles are consistently in high demand. According to an analysis of thousands of job postings and Robert Half placements, the following are among the most sought-after in the Canada IT job market.Business Systems AnalystHelp Desk Tier 1IT DirectorNetwork/Cloud ArchitectProject Manager - TechnologySenior ConsultantSoftware DeveloperSoftware EngineerAs companies continue to embrace digital transformation, the need for IT professionals skilled in cloud technologies will only grow. This presents a significant opportunity for individuals to build successful careers in Canada's thriving tech ecosystem.
While the country’s tech industry is undergoing a period of significant growth, marked by a robust hiring landscape and a fervent focus on innovation, this expansion is being tempered by a persistent challenge: the scarcity of skilled talent in Canada’s IT job market. A recent survey by Robert Half revealed that an overwhelming 94% of Canadian technology leaders are struggling to find qualified candidates to fill open positions. Despite this, the demand for tech professionals remains strong, with 55% of companies actively recruiting for new permanent roles and 39% seeking to fill vacated positions.As organizations navigate this talent-driven market, their focus is primarily on building teams with expertise in critical areas. Technology leaders across Canada have identified the following strategic priorities for 2024:Cyber-security: Safeguarding sensitive data and systems is paramount as cyber-threats continue to evolve.AI, machine learning, and automation: Leveraging these technologies to drive efficiency and innovation is a top agenda item.Cloud initiatives: Migrating to the cloud and optimizing cloud-based solutions are key to staying competitive.Digital transformation: Embracing digital technologies to enhance business operations and customer experiences.Hybrid work technologies: Supporting remote and hybrid work models is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.To address the skills gap and maintain operational flexibility, Canadian companies are increasingly turning to contract professionals. A significant 62% of technology managers plan to expand their use of contract talent in the second half of 2024. This trend is particularly evident in high-demand areas such as AI and machine learning, cloud architecture, and software development.Contract workers offer a valuable solution by providing specialized expertise on a project-based basis, allowing organizations to scale their workforce up or down as needed. This approach also helps mitigate risks associated with hiring permanent employees in rapidly evolving technological landscapes.Robert Half has top tech candidates available for contract, permanent and remote positions. Browse candidates or contact us about your needs today.
How does the IT job market in Canada compare to other countries?The US has a larger IT job market with more tech giants and startups. Generally, IT professionals in the US command higher salaries than their Canadian counterparts, especially in major tech hubs like Silicon Valley. Contrasting against Europe, Canada is often perceived to offer a better work-life balance compared to some European countries, particularly in the Nordic nations. Canada also consistently ranks high in quality-of-life indices, which can be a draw for IT professionals. Comparing to Asia, salaries in Canada are generally higher than in many Asian countries, but the cost of living also varies significantly. While Canada has a strong presence in AI and cyber-security, Asian countries often excel in specific areas like software development and IT outsourcing.What are the emerging IT trends in Canada?AI and machine learning are at the forefront of Canada's tech scene. With strong research institutions and a focus on talent development, the country is a leader in these fields. Demand for cyber-security professionals is increasing as organizations seek to protect sensitive data. And cloud adoption continues to accelerate as businesses in Canada seek flexibility, scalability, and cost savings.What are the average salaries for IT professionals in Canada?For the latest salaries of IT roles across Canada, consult the Robert Half Salary Guide for more information. You can also read this article on the 15 hightest paying IT jobs in Canada in 2024.
The Demand for Skilled Talent report by Robert Half is an authoritative source providing essential insights into 2024's employment trends. This report has offered a deep dive into Canada’s hiring landscape for over a decade, spotlighting challenges and strategies to attract and retain talent in today’s job market. It explores what employees seek in their careers, identifies common recruitment errors and suggests solutions. The report spans sectors like finance, technology, marketing, legal and human resources, proving crucial for business leaders and managers.Data methodologyThis report's in-demand role data is collated from Robert Half placements, Statistics Canada information, and job postings TalentNeuron. It encompasses over one hundred thousand new positions from hundreds of independent job boards and company websites, including over 8,000 placements from Robert Half Canada. Positions are categorized to over 350 job titles within Robert Half Canada’s 2024 Salary Guide using a proprietary mapping methodology that employs state-of-the-art large language models. This dataset includes roles across the administrative and customer support, finance and accounting, human resources, legal, marketing and creative, and technology professions.
