Most likely, one of the first things on your mind when you arrive in Ottawa is finding work. It isn’t always easy to find a job. As a newcomer, you may face language barriers and have difficulty getting your skills and qualifications recognized in the Canadian labour market. There are, however opportunities available and services in place to help you.

Ottawa’s economy is strong and there are a variety of job opportunities available for people with different backgrounds and interests. Ottawa has the highest-educated workforce in the country and the second-highest average salary per person. The city’s unemployment rate is stable and is usually below the national average.

Searching for a job
Opportunities for Immigrants
Salaries

Searching for a job

• The Government of Canada offers the Working in Canada Tool. The tool is a great place to learn about Canada's labour market; find information on job titles; and research employment facts by occupation and city, town or region.
• If you are interested in working temporarily in Canada, you will have to meet specific requirements. Visit Working Temporarily in Canada to learn more.

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Opportunities for Immigrants

• Newcomers to Ottawa are filling a growing need for new talent in the city.
• More than 80 per cent of Ottawa’s labour force growth comes from immigration.
• In the next five to 10 years, immigrants are expected to account for all of the city’s labour force growth.

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Salaries

• Ottawa workers earn a good living.
• In 2001, the average full-time worker in Ottawa earned $53,250.
• The minimum wage in Ottawa is $8.00 per hour.
• Recent immigrants to Ottawa earn higher salaries than in any other Canadian city.
• In 2000, the average salary of a recent immigrant male aged 25 to 54 was $42,344. By contrast, the average salary of a Canadian-born male in the same age group was $52,550.

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