If you’re considering relocating to Canada’s eastern coast, you may be wondering: are there jobs in New Brunswick?
The answer is yes!
While this province may not have the same bustling economy as larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver, it offers a diverse range of job opportunities across various industries.
Let’s take a closer look at the job market in New Brunswick and explore some of the best employment options available.
- Related: Jobs in Moncton
Overview of the New Brunswick Job Market
While the province has faced economic challenges in the past, New Brunswick been making strides in recent years to attract new businesses and industries.
Today, the province’s main economic sectors include manufacturing, information technology, forestry, and agriculture.
The unemployment rate in New Brunswick hovers around 8%, which is slightly higher than the national average.
However, there are still many job opportunities available for both locals and newcomers.
Some of the province’s largest employers include Irving Oil, McCain Foods, and the government of New Brunswick.
Best Jobs in New Brunswick
Healthcare
One of the fastest-growing industries in New Brunswick is healthcare.
The province has a growing population of seniors who require medical care, and there is a high demand for healthcare professionals.
Some of the most in-demand healthcare jobs in New Brunswick include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and home care workers.
Information Technology
As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled IT professionals is on the rise.
New Brunswick is home to a growing tech sector, with companies like IBM and Salesforce establishing a presence in the province.
Some of the most in-demand IT jobs in New Brunswick include software developers, data analysts, and network administrators.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is one of the largest sectors in New Brunswick, with companies like McCain Foods and Cooke Aquaculture operating in the province.
There is a high demand for skilled workers in the manufacturing industry, including machine operators, production supervisors, and quality control specialists.
- Related: Investing in Moncton
Forestry
New Brunswick has a long history of forestry, and the industry continues to thrive today.
Some of the largest forestry companies in the province include J.D. Irving and AV Group.
Forestry jobs in New Brunswick include roles such as forestry technician, sawmill worker, and log truck driver.
Tourism and Hospitality
Tourism is a significant industry in New Brunswick, with visitors coming from all over the world to enjoy the province’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
There is a high demand for workers in the tourism and hospitality industry, including hotel managers, chefs, and tour guides.
How to Find Jobs in New Brunswick
If you’re interested in finding a job in New Brunswick, there are several resources available to help you.
One of the best places to start is the Government of New Brunswick’s job board, which lists job openings across the province.
You can also use popular job search websites like Indeed or LinkedIn to find job postings in your field.
Networking is also an essential part of finding a job in New Brunswick.
Attend local events and join industry associations to meet people in your field and learn about job openings.
You can also consider reaching out to a staffing agency, which can help connect you with employers who are hiring.
New Brunswick Job Stats
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in New Brunswick is currently 8.4% as of February 2023, which is slightly higher than the national average of 7.5%.
While this may seem high, it’s important to note that New Brunswick has a relatively small population, and its economy is not as large or diversified as other provinces.
However, the province has been making efforts to attract new businesses and industries to create more job opportunities for its residents.
Employment by Industry
According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the top industries in New Brunswick are healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.
In 2021, healthcare and social assistance employed 47,200 people, retail trade employed 37,100 people, and manufacturing employed 35,500 people.
These industries are crucial to the province’s economy, and they offer a range of employment opportunities for people with different skill sets and education levels.
Average Hourly Wages
The average hourly wage in New Brunswick is $22.31 as of February 2023, which is slightly lower than the national average of $25.23.
However, it’s important to note that the cost of living in New Brunswick is generally lower than in other provinces, and the province offers a high quality of life.
Additionally, some industries in New Brunswick offer higher wages than others.
For example, healthcare and social assistance workers earn an average of $29.25 per hour, while those in accommodation and food services earn an average of $14.97 per hour.
Employment by Occupation
The most common occupations in New Brunswick are retail salespersons, food counter attendants, and registered nurses.
In 2021, there were 15,300 retail salespersons, 9,100 food counter attendants, and 8,200 registered nurses employed in the province.
While some of these occupations may not require higher education, many of them offer opportunities for advancement and career growth.
Employment by Region
According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the highest employment rate in New Brunswick is in the Fredericton–Oromocto area, with a rate of 65.7%.
This is followed by Moncton–Richibucto at 63.2% and Saint John–St. Stephen at 62.4%. The lowest employment rate is in the Campbellton–Miramichi area, at 55.4%.
These regional differences highlight the importance of considering job opportunities and industries in different parts of the province.
These job stats provide a snapshot of the employment situation in New Brunswick. While the province may face some economic challenges, it offers a range of job opportunities across various industries and regions. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, there are employment options available for you in this beautiful province.
Finding a Job in New Brunswick
While New Brunswick may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of job opportunities in Canada, there are plenty of employment options available in the province.
Whether you’re interested in healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, forestry, or tourism, there are jobs in New Brunswick that are waiting for you. With a little research and networking, you can find the right job and enjoy all that this beautiful province has to offer.
From its stunning natural landscapes to its friendly communities, New Brunswick is a great place to live and work.
