Calgary’s energy employers have faced a year of shifting priorities as demographic growth and project pipelines reshape hiring. While some traditional extraction roles have contracted, wage increases and expansion in utilities, professional services and clean-energy subsectors have created a more balanced market. This analysis by our Calgary office traces recent hiring patterns, highlights key challenges and outlines what jobseekers need to thrive in this competitive environment.
Labour market overview
The Calgary Economic Region added roughly 52 700 jobs between January 2024 and January 2025, increasing employment by 5.4 percent. During that period, the labour force grew by 7.4 percent to 1 113 800 participants, driven by a net influx of 92 600 new residents. As supply outpaced demand, the unemployment rate edged up from 5.6 percent to 7.4 percent. These shifts have prompted companies to refine recruitment strategies, targeting candidates with the certifications and technical background needed to stand out in a larger applicant pool (Statistics Canada).
Extraction and service-sector dynamics
Employment in mining, quarrying and oil-and-gas extraction fell by about 2 000 positions to 44 600 over the same year, a sign that field operations are tightening. Yet average weekly earnings in that subsector rose by C$657 to C$2 833.80, as employers increased pay to retain crews skilled in heavy-equipment operation and safety compliance (Statistics Canada). At the same time, utilities providers boosted headcount by approximately 2 100, and professional, scientific and technical services firms—ranging from engineering consultancies to IT specialists—added about 3 700 roles. This contrast reflects a shift toward corporate and support functions alongside traditional field work.
Emerging clean-energy opportunities
As Canada accelerates its net-zero goals, Calgary firms are hiring for carbon capture, emissions monitoring and renewable-energy projects. Listings on the Careers in Energy portal show growing demand for data analysts, environmental engineers and automation technicians. Federal funding and corporate commitments to reduce greenhouse-gas output are creating specialist roles that did not exist five years ago, offering new career pathways beyond oil and gas.
Vacancy rates and skills gaps
Despite robust posting volumes, Calgary’s energy vacancy rate hovered at 3.1 percent through mid-2024, equivalent to about 26 100 unfilled positions. Employers report the hardest roles to fill are welders, electricians and heavy-equipment technicians—skills in short supply even as training programs expand. Industry groups are calling for increased apprenticeship intakes and partnerships with technical colleges to speed credentials and close the gap between project timelines and workforce readiness (Statistics Canada).
Compensation trends
Calgary’s energy pay packages remain among the highest in Canada. The Energy Fact Book 2024–2025 reports an average annual salary of C$121 435 in the sector—nearly double the national average across all industries. Weekly earnings for extraction crews in Calgary exceed C$2 800 and frequently include sign-on bonuses, performance incentives and relocation support. These premiums reflect the strategic importance of retaining experienced talent as projects ramp up.
Outlook and recommendations
Looking ahead, Calgary’s energy hiring will balance continued cuts in some field roles with growth in clean-energy, utilities and technical services. Jobseekers who combine operational experience with digital skills—such as data analytics or environmental compliance—will find the broadest opportunities. Essential credentials include H2S Alive, First Aid and WHMIS, while project-management tickets and network connections at events like the Global Petroleum Show remain valuable. Employers, meanwhile, must invest in training pipelines and diversity initiatives to ensure they can staff major hydrogen, petrochemical and carbon-capture projects on time and on budget.