The oil and gas industry remains a cornerstone of Canada’s economy, particularly in regions such as Alberta and British Columbia. Despite global shifts towards renewable energy, the sector continues to thrive, driving demand for skilled professionals. Canada’s oil and gas sector faces significant skill shortages, particularly in high-demand roles such as petroleum engineers, geologists, and project managers.
These skill-shortage trades and job positions offer lucrative salaries, excellent lifestyle opportunities, and access to fast-track immigration programs like the Global Talent Stream and Provincial Nominee Programs. These initiatives are designed to attract top talent from around the globe, ensuring a robust workforce to support the industry’s growth and innovation.
This article provides a detailed overview of the Canadian oil and gas sector, focusing on job opportunities, worker shortages, salaries, qualifications, top employers, and the work visa options available for skilled workers looking to build their careers in Canada.
Industry Size and Worker Shortage
Industry Size and Economic Impact: As of 2024, the Canadian oil and gas sector is one of the largest industries in the country, contributing significantly to the national GDP. Major projects like the Trans Mountain Expansion and the Coastal GasLink are key drivers of growth, bolstering both upstream (exploration and production) and midstream (transportation and storage) activities.
Workforce and Labor Shortage: The sector employs hundreds of thousands of workers across various disciplines, from engineering to operations. However, the industry is grappling with a significant labor shortage due to an aging workforce, retirements, and competition for talent from other burgeoning sectors. Reports from organizations like the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC) predict a continued increase in demand for skilled workers through 2024, highlighting the critical need for qualified professionals.
Top 10 Skill Shortage Jobs in the Canadian Oil and Gas Sector in 2024
Petroleum Engineers
- Average Salary: CAD $100,000 – $180,000
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering; some roles may require a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation.
Geologists
- Average Salary: CAD $80,000 – $160,000
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geology.
Mechanical Engineers
- Average Salary: CAD $75,000 – $140,000
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation preferred.
Electrical Technicians
- Average Salary: CAD $60,000 – $110,000
- Qualifications: Technical diploma or certificate in Electrical Technology.
Welders
- Average Salary: CAD $50,000 – $95,000
- Qualifications: Apprenticeship training or technical diploma in Welding.
Drilling Rig Operators
- Average Salary: CAD $70,000 – $120,000
- Qualifications: High school diploma; specific training programs or certifications may be required.
Project Managers
- Average Salary: CAD $100,000 – $200,000
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business; Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
Safety Advisors
- Average Salary: CAD $70,000 – $130,000
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety; Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) certification often required.
IT Specialists with Oil and Gas Experience
- Average Salary: CAD $80,000 – $150,000
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.
Heavy Equipment Operators
- Average Salary: CAD $60,000 – $100,000
- Qualifications: High school diploma; relevant certifications for operating heavy machinery.
Top 10 Biggest Oil and Gas Companies to Look for Jobs in Canada
- Suncor Energy: Canada’s largest integrated energy company, involved in oil sands development, refining, and marketing.
- Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL): One of the largest independent crude oil and natural gas producers in the world.
- Cenovus Energy: Major integrated oil company focused on oil sands development and upgrading.
- Imperial Oil: Subsidiary of ExxonMobil, involved in all aspects of the oil and gas industry.
- Enbridge: North America’s largest energy infrastructure company, specializing in transportation and distribution.
- TC Energy: Major energy infrastructure company operating pipelines and power generation facilities.
- Pembina Pipeline Corporation: Leading transportation and midstream service provider.
- Tourmaline Oil Corp: Major Canadian natural gas producer.
- Whitecap Resources: Intermediate-sized oil and gas producer with operations in Western Canada.
- ARC Resources: Focused on responsible energy development in Western Canada.
Jobs in the Canadian Oil and Gas Sector with Easy and Fast-Track Immigration Programs
Canada’s booming oil and gas sector not only offers high salaries and excellent lifestyle opportunities but also provides a range of fast-track immigration programs to attract top talent from around the world. Here’s how you can move to Canada and join this dynamic industry effortlessly with five types of work visas for qualified workers in the oil and gas sector in 2024:
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
- Part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the Global Talent Stream (GTS) is designed to expedite the hiring process for skilled workers. If you’re a petroleum engineer or geoscientist, you fall under Category B of GTS, which boasts a swift processing time of typically two weeks for work permit applications.
- Learn more about GTS
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Each Canadian province has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) tailored to attract skilled workers. Programs like the Alberta Express Entry Stream and the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program not only address labor shortages but also offer a direct pathway to permanent residency.
- Learn more about PNPs
Express Entry
- The Express Entry system manages applications for skilled worker immigration through programs like the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Your eligibility for permanent residency invitations is determined by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, making it a streamlined process for qualified professionals.
- Learn more about Express Entry
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
- Targeted at skilled workers, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire from abroad. This program is particularly beneficial for those looking to work in the oil and gas sector in this region.
- Learn more about AIPP
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
- For employees of multinational corporations, the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program allows senior managers and specialized knowledge workers to transfer to Canadian operations seamlessly, fostering international mobility within the industry.
The Canadian oil and gas sector offers a wealth of opportunities for skilled professionals in 2024. With attractive salaries, a high standard of living, and a range of fast-track immigration programs, Canada is a prime destination for global talent. By understanding the qualifications, salary expectations, and visa options, you can embark on a rewarding career path and contribute to one of Canada’s most vital industries.
