Calgary's economy is undergoing a significant transformation. As the city continues to lead job creation among Canada's major cities, a surge of new residents is putting pressure on the labor market. While the unemployment rate has climbed to 7.7% in July 2025, Calgary is projected to continue to outperform provincial and national economic growth.
The city's economic strengths are in its ability to leverage its traditional energy sector while also leading in new, high-growth industries.
- A leading economic engine: While Canada's economy is facing headwinds, Alberta's real GDP is forecast to accelerate in 2026. This growth is being driven by Calgary's leading sectors, including retail and wholesale trade, healthcare, and construction.
- Bridging tradition and innovation: Calgary is a leader in the global energy transition, and the city's energy sector is expanding its workforce to develop new low-carbon sources and deploy emissions-reduction technologies. This integration of new and traditional sectors is creating a dynamic job market with new career paths.
what’s inside the 2026 salary guide?
- national averages for hundreds of job titles with regional variances
- salaries defined for entry, intermediate, and senior experience levels
- key trends impacting industries in 2026
- top roles employers will hire for in 2026 in multiple core sectors
Our 2026 Calgary salary guide is the essential resource for understanding the city's unique job market, providing the data and strategies you need to build a resilient and effective team.
what you'll uncover in our 2026 calgary salary guide
Our comprehensive guide compiles data from a wide range of in-demand sectors to give you a detailed view of the city's evolving labor market. Inside, you will find:
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in-demand job market data
Get a granular look at salary averages for the most sought-after roles and sectors in Calgary, including:
- registered nurse
- transport truck driver
- information systems specialist
- construction manager
- industrial electrician
- marketing professional
- software engineer
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analysis and trends for the year ahead
Beyond the numbers, our guide provides strategic insights into the factors that will drive hiring and retention in 2026.
- Managing high population growth: With Calgary's population expected to grow significantly in 2026, the guide explores how to accommodate a surge of job seekers while addressing talent shortages in key sectors. It provides insights on how to screen for candidates effectively in a competitive environment.
- Higher wages and affordability: The guide explores why Calgary's average yearly salary of approximately $64,600 is 18.6% higher than the Canadian average. It also provides insights on how to leverage the city's lower tax rates and affordable housing to attract and retain top talent from other major cities.
- The new energy workforce: The guide explores how the energy industry is becoming increasingly integrated, with foundational technology and skills being expanded to develop low-carbon energy sources. It provides insights on how to attract professionals with transferable skills from established energy sectors and new expertise in green technology.
Our guide features contributions from industry experts, offering a comprehensive view of the current and future landscape of compensation in the Calgary area. By understanding these trends, you can position your organization for long-term success.
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