Alberta’s Labour Market: What Job Seekers Need to Know This Fall
Alberta’s labour market is showing signs of renewed momentum after a slower summer. September brought a noticeable increase in hiring across multiple sectors. While the unemployment rate remains elevated, recent gains in full-time employment and sector-specific growth suggest a more optimistic outlook heading into the final months of the year.
A Look Back: Summer Slowdown
Throughout July and August, many employers paused recruitment. This was due to seasonal factors such as vacations for HR and management staff, as well as broader economic uncertainty. Concerns about trade relations with the United States also contributed to hesitation in hiring, particularly in manufacturing. During this period, Alberta’s unemployment rate rose to 8.4 percent, the highest among Canadian provinces.
Despite these challenges, some sectors continued to hire. Grocery retail, warehousing, construction, and health care remained active throughout the summer. These industries showed resilience and steady demand, offering opportunities even during the slowdown.
September Rebound: Hiring Picks Up
In September, Alberta added 43,000 jobs, bringing the total employment level to over 2.6 million. The unemployment rate dropped to 7.8 percent, and full-time employment increased nationally by more than 100,000 positions. This rebound is being felt across Alberta, with employers preparing for seasonal demand and long-term growth.
Retail, food service, and hospitality sectors are actively recruiting in anticipation of the holiday season. Grocery retailers continue to expand, with Canadian-owned chains reporting increased customer activity. Construction and trades remain strong, with companies hiring consistently. Health care and security roles also continue to show steady demand.
Regional Highlights
In Calgary, employers such as Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Rocky Mountain Soap are hiring across retail and manufacturing. Seasonal employers like Boston Pizza and American Eagle are preparing for holiday staffing. Professional services and graduate-level roles are also available at organizations such as Suncor, Siemens, KPMG, and BDO Canada.
In Edmonton, hiring is active across retail, health care, and warehousing. Employers such as Boston Pizza, Lush, Bath and Body Works, and Walmart are recruiting for both front-line and management roles. Health care providers like Nurse Next Door are seeking aides and support staff. Champion Petfoods and The Brick are hiring for corporate, warehouse, and retail positions. Value Village and Champion Staffing are also recruiting steadily.
In Rocky View, hiring is active in Airdrie and Cochrane, especially in grocery retail and seasonal retail at Cross Iron Mills. McDonald’s and Travelodge are hiring in Strathmore, and agriculture-related roles are expected to expand with feedlot operations in the region.
Challenges and Considerations
While hiring is increasing, competition remains high. Population growth in Alberta’s major centres continues to outpace job creation, making it harder for job seekers to secure roles. Youth unemployment is particularly elevated, and many young job seekers are competing with more experienced candidates.
Another emerging challenge is the use of artificial intelligence in recruitment. Automated systems are scheduling interviews with very short notice, sometimes before candidates receive formal invitations. Job seekers need to be highly responsive and prepared to act quickly when opportunities arise.
What This Means for You
If you are looking for work this fall, there are opportunities across multiple sectors. Grocery retail, construction, seasonal hospitality, and customer service roles are all showing strong demand. Staying informed, applying early, and being responsive to recruiters will help you stand out in a competitive market.
Prospect continues to monitor labour market trends and employer activity across Alberta. We are here to support your job search with up-to-date information and resources that help you connect to the workforce.
