Toronto’s job market is booming. Whether you’re eyeing top tech roles, healthcare, trade work, digital marketing, or project management, knowing which skills are in high demand is critical.
In 2025, local employers are looking for professionals with real-world experience in areas like cloud computing, AI, data engineering, nursing, welding, social media marketing, and agile project oversight. They want hybrid skills, not just one-off certifications. That means cross-domain expertise, for example, cloud security for healthcare or data analytics for marketing.
Tech: Cloud, AI & Data
What’s Trending
From startups to enterprise giants, Toronto is hungry for tech pros, especially those fluent in cloud infrastructure, AI systems, and big data pipelines. A Robert Half report names roles like AI/ML engineers, data engineers, DevOps, and cloud and network/security engineers among the top 15% most in-demand jobs.
Toronto has over 314,100 tech workers, a 44% increase in five years. It’s ranked 4th in North America for tech talent.
Salary Ranges
Based on 2025 Ontario data:
- Cloud Engineers: C$90K–C$115K (mid-level); up to C$175K+
- AI Engineers: avg. C$156,138/yr (~C$75/hr)
- Data Engineers: typically C$110K–C$160K
Learning Resources
- Cloud: AWS Arch Associate, Azure Fundamentals, Google Cloud Architect
- Free: AWS Skill Builder, Microsoft Learn
- Paid: A Cloud Guru, Coursera
- AI/ML:
- Free: Google ML Crash Course, DeepLearning.AI’s introduction
- Paid: Coursera AI for Everyone, Udacity AI Nanodegree
- Data:
- Free: Data Engineering Zoomcamp, Mode SQL Tutorial
- Paid: Coursera Data Engineering Specialisation
Build demo cloud scripts or mini-ML projects to showcase on GitHub. Use these in profiles or proposals for credibility.
Healthcare
Trending Roles
With demographic growth and recovery from COVID-19 pressures, registered nurses (RNs) and lab technicians remain highly sought after.
Salary Ranges
- Registered Nurses: ~$37.50/hr (C$78K/year)
- Lab Techs and Other Roles: Typically C$50K–C$70K annually
Where to Learn
- Basic Programs: George Brown College, Humber College
- Certification: Ontario College of Nurses, Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
- Upskill Option: Add health informatics so you can bridge into Tech + Healthcare roles
Trades
Roles such as electricians, plumbers, welders, and HVAC techs are vital for Toronto’s construction and infrastructure boom.
Salary Ranges
- Electrician: ~C$40/hr (~C$80K/year)
- Other Trades: C$50K–C$90K/year depending on certification and specialisation
Where to Learn
- Apprenticeships via Skills Canada, local unions, and community colleges
- Certification through the Ontario College of Trades
- Upskill Programs: Advanced electrical systems, green retrofit training
Digital Marketing
Trending Roles
As businesses double down on digital presence, roles like SEO specialist, social media manager, and PPC analyst are booming.
Salary Ranges
- Marketing Specialist: ~$34/hr (~C$70K/year)
- Senior Digital Marketers: C$80K–C$120K
Where to Learn
- Free: Google Digital Garage (Fundamentals), HubSpot Academy
- Paid: Coursera Digital Marketing Specialisation, BrainStation
- Marketplace: Twitter, LinkedIn courses from Canadian marketing associations
Project Management
Trending Roles
From IT rollouts to construction and trades, PMs are essential across sectors.
Salary Ranges
- PMs: ~$44/hr (~C$90K/year)
- IT Project Managers: C$90K–C$130K+
Where to Learn
- Foundation: PMP, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Prince2
- Skills Upgrade: PMI, Coursera, edX courses in Agile & Waterfall
Emerging Insights & Skill-Based Signals
- Skill-based hiring is on the rise in Toronto. Employers increasingly reward demonstrable skills over traditional degrees, especially in AI and green tech positions.
- Compensation premiums in AI/ML (+35%) or cybersecurity (+28%) are real.
- Tech jobs like software development and data analysis continue to dominate job creation, with 95,900 added over 5 years in Toronto.
How to Build These Skills Effectively
- Pick Your Core + T-shape Skill
- Example: Cloud + healthcare informatics → opens hybrid roles
- Get Certified & Build Projects
- Use AWS/GCP/Azure certs and create a portfolio.
- Showcase & Network
- Add skills to LinkedIn, build case studies
- Volunteer in community groups or projects to gain cross-sector visibility
- Continuous Learning
- Toronto-based meetups: TechToronto, HealthTechTO, TradeShows
- Online events hosted by Toronto’s coworking spaces
Conclusion
In 2025, Toronto rewards professionals with diverse, hybrid skills, especially those who can blend cloud + AI + industry knowledge. Healthcare, trades, marketing, and PM roles are equally in demand and well compensated.
- Identify your target skill area
- Choose the right learning path
- Build real, demonstrable projects
- Showcase your skills across your resume, LinkedIn, and portfolios
