Success in Rural Canada: 13 Careers to Consider for Job Seekers

Contrary to popular belief that you should seek big cities to fulfill big dreams, there are plenty of opportunities in rural areas, and this is especially true in the case of Canada. 

With the inflation of accommodation prices, more folk are turning to affordable housing and lucrative jobs in the Canadian countryside. Here we have some great career options to consider that will make you want to migrate to rural Canada.

Source:macleans.ca
  • Medicine

Despite the fact that the growth of doctors is adequate to serve the population, they are not equally distributed throughout the country, especially in the rural side. 

Most doctors choose to work in the cities, thus leaving vacant positions in rural areas. There is a critical shortage of physicians in rural Canada, as evidenced by the fact that about 20% of the population live in rural areas but are served by only 8% of the physicians. 

The shortage also lies in other medical fields, such as research assistants, pharmacy assistants, and physician assistants. Hence, it is a great opportunity to try out for jobs in rural communities for a memorable experience and a lucrative income source.

Source:sorc.crrf.ca
  • Law

A very similar picture to the medical sector, the law sector in rural Canada is in dire need of improvement and manpower. As most law students prefer to work in big cities, there are more lawyers than jobs in cities like Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver, but the situation is quite the opposite in rural areas.

Because of this inequity, a large amount of the population is being deprived of access to proper legal aid. However, if you are someone with an interest in making a career as a general law practitioner, rural Canada is a likely option to look into.

  • Nursing

One of the most important foundations for providing good healthcare is good nursing care. According to the Canadian Nursing Association, there will be a shortage of about 60,000 nurses by 2024. 

Whether it’s a general hospital, elderly care, or public health, nurses are in short supply in almost all aspects of rural health care. 

Nurses are the medical professionals who spend the most time with patients, so they are a crucial part of providing well-rounded health care. With the rise of an aging population and the influx of immigrants, the need for nurses and registered practical nurses will be on the rise in the upcoming years.

  • Web Design and Development

The perfect career for rural areas is work-from-home jobs. That way you can perform your responsibilities remotely. Even if you are living in a rural area, you will have the opportunity to work for high-profile clients. 

You may have to make trips to meet your clients occasionally, but the respite from a daily commute is an added bonus.

Working in web design and development requires high-speed internet with a reliable connection, so if you are worried about that, we have got you covered. 

WaveDirect is a trusted and experienced company providing high-speed internet connections to rural areas via fixed wireless internet. So, you can rest assured that your work and entertainment will not be hampered during your stay in rural areas. 

  • Funeral Services

With the aging population and the migration of younger generations to the large cities, there will be a fairly high demand for professional funeral services in rural areas. 

More families these days prefer a traditional funeral but may not have access to them because of a lack of funeral homes and funeral directors in rural countrysides. A funeral director is a valuable member of a community, and their importance cannot be stressed enough. 

  • Mining Industry

Source:miningandenergy.ca

The Canadian mining industry is the largest in the world, employing over 500,000 people directly and indirectly across the country. The mining industry pays the highest wages of any industrial sector in Canada. 

The average income is around $115,000 annually compared to forestry, construction, finance, and manufacturing, where workers earn between $32,000 and $43,000. 

Mineral extraction, smelting, fabrication, and manufacturing make up most of the mining jobs available. However, if you are planning to work in this sector in the rural area, inquire which mining opportunity your area has to offer. 

For example, oil is a huge industry in the prairies of Alberta. 

Source:reuters.com
  • Farming and Agriculture

While Canada is the fifth largest agricultural producer and exporter in the world, there is a huge shortage of workers in the production and processing facilities. 

With a contribution of $110 billion to the annual GDP of Canada, there are many job options available in the farmable rural side of Canada, like Alberta and Saskatchewan.  

  • Fishing Industry

Source:psmag.com

Canada is home to four of the 10 largest lakes in the world. So, fishing is a way of life for the coastal communities of Canada. The fishing industry provides a source of income to about 120,000 people all over the country, and with an annual turnover of $5 billion, it is one of the most valuable industries in the world.

Look up the Government of Canada website, the Workopolis website, and the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters website for career opportunities in the fishing industry.

  • Forest Industry

Source:pulpandpapercanada.com

It goes without saying that the country of the maple leaf has a deep connection with the forest, one of cultural significance and respect for nature that has been there since the first settlers of the country.

Solid wood product manufacturing, pulp and paper product manufacturing, and forestry and logging are the three main industries providing sustenance to the 230,000 workers in this industry. Check out the Canadian Forests website and Find a Forestry Job website to find a suitable job in this industry. 

  • Contracting and Property Maintenance

A field that will be in high demand in the near future because of the retiring population is contracting and property maintenance. 

As more retirees settle into cottages and commuters from rural areas increase, the demand for contractors and maintenance workers has sky-rocketed. 

It has been predicted that more than 19% of contractors and 20% of maintenance workers will be retiring in the next 10 years, so this will open up new opportunities. 

  • Support for Aging Populations

Geriatric care requires a multi-skilled team approach. 

Personal support workers, retirement home workers, diabetes educators, social workers, and personal assistants and retirement home managers are a fraction of the vacancies that will be in increasing demand as a growing number of the aging population retire to the countryside.

  • Teaching

Though major cities have more than enough elementary and high school teachers, you will find many successful opportunities if you agree to work further afield. You can check many positions among First Nation Schools. 

  • Tourism

Source:infrastructure.gc.ca

Tourism is a growing industry in rural Canada. There is an influx of visitors from within Canada and all over the world who come annually during the holiday season to enjoy the scenic countryside and lush mountains Canada’s nature has to offer. 

This calls for an increase in demand for jobs in the tourism sector. Hotel staff, tour guides, and even accountants are some of the jobs that are popular right now.

Conclusion

Canada is a huge and incredible country full of profitable job opportunities if you know where to look. The lack of manpower in the rural areas opens up many jobs if you are willing to stay there and work. 

The rural side of the country provides a scenic background without the hustle and bustle of the city centers. It is also a great place to raise your family; letting your kids grow up against the backdrop of the great outdoors will be a great influence on them. 

Moreover, you can work with a clear mind and full pocket, so what is not to like? 

The rural experience will also be a memorable part of your career, so if you are up for the challenge, prepare your resume and go job hunting. Good luck!