Canada's tech workforce set to top 1.5 million in 2026
Fri, 26th Jun 2026 (Today)
Canada's technology workforce is projected to exceed 1.5 million workers in 2026, according to new research from CompTIA. The report forecasts nearly 28,000 additional tech jobs this year.
The figures point to another year of expansion after tech employment grew 1.9% in 2025, adding more than 28,000 roles. Net tech employment is expected to rise 1.8% in 2026, bringing the total workforce to about 1.54 million.
That would extend a growth streak that has added more than 300,000 jobs since 2020. Tech roles now account for 7.1% of Canada's workforce, underlining the sector's growing importance across the wider economy.
The research also found that tech employment is set to grow at more than twice the pace of overall job growth over the next five years. That gap is increasing pressure on employers to recruit workers with digital skills and train existing staff.
Wages are one reason competition remains intense. The median annual wage for tech occupations is CAD $103,104, about 49% above the national median across all jobs.
Regional split
Growth remains concentrated in a limited number of provinces and cities. Ontario accounts for 48.8% of projected net tech employment nationwide, making it the dominant market for employers and job seekers alike.
In 2025, Ontario added an estimated 21,595 tech workers, more than all other provinces combined. The figures suggest demand for skilled labour is clustering around established technology centres, even as other parts of the country continue to build their own talent pools.
Toronto remains the largest hub, with a tech workforce of 440,551 and talent concentration equal to 11% of total employment. Other cities also rank above the national average, including Vancouver at 9%, Montreal at 8.6% and Calgary at 8.5%.
The report suggests this multi-city pattern gives Canada a broader base of technology talent than a single-centre market. At the same time, the concentration of jobs in a handful of urban areas is likely to sharpen competition for experienced workers.
Business formation is also adding to demand. Canada added about 3,600 tech businesses in 2025, bringing the total number of technology companies to nearly 87,000.
Skills pressure
CompTIA defines net tech employment as technology professionals working in technical roles across all sectors of the economy, together with business professionals employed by technology companies. By that measure, the sector's growth is no longer confined to specialist employers, reflecting the spread of digital tools and systems across industries.
Seth Robinson, Vice President, Industry Research, CompTIA, said the figures showed how central technology had become to business activity across the country. "Technology has become central to how every industry grows and innovates," Robinson said.
He added: "The pace of tech hiring in Canada makes one thing clear-workers who invest in in-demand digital skills will be best positioned to compete, while employers that don't build those capabilities risk slowing their growth."
Faster growth in technology employment compared with the wider labour market is exposing strain in Canada's skills pipeline. Employers are facing a tighter market for workers as demand rises in both technology companies and non-technology sectors that need technical staff.
Gary Mofford, Canada Account Director, CompTIA, said the country risked falling behind if workforce training did not keep up with employer needs. "Technology is fueling economic growth, but Canada's talent pipeline isn't keeping pace. If we don't accelerate workforce training, we risk slowing innovation and weakening our competitiveness," Mofford said.
He added: "Sustaining this momentum depends on how quickly we equip workers with the digital skills employers need."