Toronto Region

Tips on searching for Toronto's labour market information

Good Sources of labour market information

Aside from TWIG's Quarterly labour market insights report, the following are good sources:

Job Post Trends Chart Description

The data shows a sharp decline in hiring activity from mid-2024 to early 2025, with companies hiring dropping from a peak of 16,615 in May-24 to 6,030 by Jan-25. Active job posts fell 74% from their June-24 high of 63,324 to 16,473 in Jan-25, reflecting reduced labor market demand. This trend suggests a cooling job market, particularly evident in the steep drop-off after August-24. 

Demand by Occupation

The job market data highlights healthcare and retail roles as dominant sectors, with Registered Nurses (6,152) and Retail Salespersons (6,514) leading in demand. 

Key Job Requirements

Value still remains in knowing Microsoft Office and other certificates like First Aid and food safety. Criminal record check  and regular access to a vehicle is also required in many jobs.

 Top In-Demand Skills

Skills like organization, relationships, interpersonal abilities, and leadership are also valued by employers, underscoring the need for candidates who can effectively communicate, manage teams, and foster strong working relationships. Even skill such as Operations are sought after. 

Experience Insights Chart 

The data highlights mid-career roles as the most in-demand, with 5+ years of experience leading at 26,658 job postings, followed closely by 3+ years (24,374). This underscores employers’ preference for seasoned professionals, though entry-level opportunities (1+ years: 19,796) remain available. The sharp decline at 10+ years (8,665) suggests senior roles are less common despite the broader emphasis on experience.  

Education Insights Chart 

The data shows university degrees dominate education requirements, with 25,920 job postings demanding this credential—far exceeding other categories. High school diplomas (11,146) and college certificates (7,589) follow, while trades (6,406) and post-graduate certificates (193) trail significantly. Notably, no formal education roles are rare (92), emphasizing employers’ strong preference for formal qualifications.  

Top Hiring Sectors:

The data reveals Finance and Insurance (35,870) and Healthcare (31,385) as Toronto’s largest employment sectors, reflecting sustained demand for financial services and care economy roles. Professional/Scientific/Technical Services (32,134) and Retail Trade (26,560) follow, driven by tech innovation and consumer-facing needs.

Top Hiring Companies:

Toronto’s hiring landscape in early 2025 is dominated by financial institutions, healthcare providers, and educational organizations, with notable activity in IT and public sectors.

Job Post Trends Chart Description

The mixed bar and line chart shows the number of new job posts, active job posts, and companies hiring over the last 12 months for the selected period.

The data suggests a cooling job market from mid-2023 onward, with fewer companies hiring and declining active job posts. However, the Jan 2024 rebound in new job posts hints at seasonal recovery or strategic hiring by companies despite reduced participation. 

Demand by Occupation

Roles like Registered Nurses, Administrative Assistants, and Retail Salespersons show both high posting counts and alignment with long-term labor market needs. Skilled trades (e.g., electricians, welders) and tech roles (e.g., software developers) are also prioritized in immigration pathways, indicating sustained demand. 

Key trends include: Persistent shortages in nursing, trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers), and construction roles due to infrastructure projects and aging populations. Software developers, financial analysts, and business analysts are highlighted as critical for innovation and economic stability 

Key Job Requirements

Value still remains in knowing Microsoft Office and other certificates like First Aid and Smart Serve.

Education Insights Chart 

A university degree unlocks the most opportunities, but college/trade certifications and high school diplomas still provide pathways into specific sectors. 

Top In-Demand Skills

• "Soft Skills" are Critical: Notice that the top skills are largely "soft skills." This suggests employers aren't just looking for technical expertise, but also individuals who can communicate effectively, lead teams, and manage relationships.

• Management is a Major Focus: The strong demand for management skills indicates Toronto’s economic activities require organized leadership.

Skills like organization, relationships, interpersonal abilities, and leadership are also valued by employers, underscoring the need for candidates who can effectively communicate, manage teams, and foster strong working relationships. Even skill such as Operations are sought after. 

Top Hiring Sectors:

Toronto's job market, with 361,587 active postings, is heavily concentrated in professional, scientific, and technical services (51,494 postings), finance and insurance (42,894 postings), and retail trade (41,294 postings), reflecting a strong demand for knowledge-based roles and consumer-facing positions. While industries such as agriculture and mining have limited opportunities, healthcare (39,184 postings), administration (41,167 postings), and accommodation and food services (21,619 postings) also feature prominently, highlighting the diverse needs of Toronto's economy.

Top Hiring Companies:

BMO Harris Bank (5,926 postings), TD Bank Group (5,359 postings), and the University Health Network (5,033 postings) are the top employers in Toronto, signaling strong activity in finance/banking and healthcare. University of Toronto (4,879 postings), Scotiabank (4,635 postings), and major consulting firms like Deloitte (3,926 postings), and RBC (3,857 postings) also actively hiring.