What to know
- LinkedIn and HR experts say jobs like AI engineers, AI consultants, and AI/ML researchers are among Canada’s fastest-growing as companies rush to adopt new technology.
- Many of the hottest roles sit at the intersection of tech and people, including product leaders, HR, customer experience, and operations managers.
- High-paying jobs in 2026 reward problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability — not just job titles — with employers willing to pay more for people who drive real results.
Is finding a job part of your 2026 resolutions? To help you kickstart your career game plan, some job boards and HR experts are revealing the most in-demand jobs for the new year.
Between job fairs with a record-breaking number of attendees and concerning unemployment rates across the country, finding a job was a challenge and priority for many Canadians in 2025.
Read More
As we welcome the new year, residents are continuing their hunt for the most on-demand and high-paying jobs ahead.
For Justin Bergeron, a consultant at Salopek HR, knowing what titles and skills are trending might help people make choices, chase skills, and advance in their career development, especially for those who are starting to build experience.
“It helps people stop chasing job titles and start building skills,” he told Now Toronto.
“When you understand where demand is heading, you can make smarter choices about what you learn and what experience you build. Especially early on, it takes the pressure off. You don’t need a perfect plan. You need to build momentum.”
TOP ROLES OF 2026
It’s no secret that AI was everywhere last year, with companies adopting AI tools to boost productivity and some even getting the tools to replace human employees entirely.
Read More
This AI momentum is reflected on the job boards, with Bergeron pointing out that companies are looking to not only adopt the tools but also hire people who are able to manage them.
“This year’s list points to continued momentum in both technical and strategic AI roles, including AI engineers and AI consultants, alongside infrastructure-focused roles like commissioning managers,” he said.
Earlier this week, LinkedIn released its list of the fastest-growing jobs in Canada in 2026, which also emphases roles related to technology and AI. These roles include:
- AI engineers
- AI consultants and strategists
- Power systems engineers
- AI/ML researchers
- Commissioning managers
- Chief product officers
- Clinical services managers
- Fraud investigators
- Construction managers
- Founders
- Car sales managers
- Cardiologists
- IT support specialists
- Psychotherapists
- Database analysts
With this new shift, the consultant points out that the fastest-growing roles also sit somewhere between technology and people skills.
“That shows up in data and insights roles, AI-related roles, operations, customer experience, and people-focused roles like HR and change management. These are the jobs where someone is connecting dots and helping things actually work,” he said.
Meanwhile, classic in-demand jobs such as health care, mental health-related, and skilled trades continue to take space on the list.
JOBS THAT MAKE BANK IN 2026
If your objective is to land your dream job with a high salary, you might have to boost your skills to be a top contender.
According to Bergeron, the best-paying jobs moving forward involve high stakes, complex skills, and leadership. Instead of looking for titles, companies seem to be willing to pay more for those employees who are able to solve problems.
“Senior tech roles are still paying well, especially in AI, security, and infrastructure. But we’re also seeing strong pay for leaders who can manage change, lead teams well, and keep things moving without burning everyone out,” he said.
“I’m seeing that titles matter less than impact now. If you can solve real problems and lead effectively, you’re in a good spot.”
TIPS FOR JOB SEEKERS
As job markets and expectations change, the definition of what a dream job is might have changed for many people. Bergeron says that better pay isn’t necessarily the goal now, with many also looking for respect, flexibility, and work-life balance as part of their dream-job package.
Meanwhile, for those who are on the lookout for a career upgrade, the consultant recommends staying updated within your field while being open to change.
“I think we put way too much pressure on the idea of a dream job. Most dream jobs aren’t found. They’re built over time,” he said.
“Pay attention to what gives you energy. That’s useful data. Talk to people doing work you’re curious about, and don’t underestimate small moves. A new skill, a project, or a single conversation can change more than people expect.”
