Future-Proof Careers in Quebec: Sectors Hiring Through 2030

Quebec's job market is transforming at an unprecedented pace. Artificial intelligence, the energy transition, an aging population, and business digitization are redrawing the employment map. The Quebec government's diagnostic of 516 professions and Emploi-Quebec projections clearly identify the sectors that will dominate the job market through 2030.

Megatrends Shaping Employment in Quebec

1. Artificial Intelligence and Automation

The Institut du Quebec estimates that 810,000 workers (18% of the workforce) are vulnerable to automation. But this transformation creates as many jobs as it threatens. In 2026, companies are hiring massively to integrate AI, train teams, and manage digital transformation (source: Institut du Quebec, 2025).

2. Aging Population

Quebec will have 2.3 million people aged 65 and over by 2030, representing 25% of the population. This demographic reality creates massive demand in healthcare, social services, and medical technologies.

3. Energy Transition

Quebec's Green Economy Plan targets a 37.5% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030. This goal generates massive investments and workforce needs in renewable energy, transportation electrification, and energy efficiency.

4. Structural Labour Shortage

Despite cyclical fluctuations, Quebec faces a structural worker shortage. The job vacancy rate remains high in many sectors, and retirements are accelerating.

Top 10 Future-Proof Careers in Quebec

1. Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Montreal is the world's third-largest AI ecosystem. AI engineers master Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, designing machine learning models for practical applications. Salary: $95,000 to $150,000 CAD. See our AI recruitment guide.

2. Cybersecurity Specialist

The rise in cyberattacks and new regulations (Law 25 in Quebec) are driving demand. CISSP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+ certifications are essential. Salary: $90,000 to $140,000 CAD. Our cybersecurity guide details the outlook.

3. Digital Health Professional

The intersection of technology and healthcare creates new roles: medical application developer, health data analyst, telemedicine specialist. Quebec's digital health records project accelerates this demand.

4. Renewable Energy Technician

Investments in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power create thousands of technical positions. Wind turbine maintenance technicians, solar panel installers, and energy storage specialists are in high demand.

5. Full-Stack Developer

The full-stack developer remains the most sought-after tech profile in Quebec. Proficiency in React, Node.js, and cloud technologies is expected. Salary: $85,000 to $120,000 CAD. Discover our guide to recruiting full-stack developers in Montreal.

6. DevOps / Cloud Engineer

Migration to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud generates constant demand. Terraform, Kubernetes, and infrastructure as code are key skills. Salary: $90,000 to $135,000 CAD.

7. Data Engineer

Leveraging enterprise data requires engineers capable of building robust pipelines with Spark, Airflow, and data lake architectures. Salary: $90,000 to $140,000 CAD.

8. Technology Project Manager

PMP-certified project managers with Agile/Scrum expertise are essential for on-time delivery. The combination of technical skills and management is particularly valued. Salary: $80,000 to $120,000 CAD.

9. Transportation Electrification Specialist

Quebec aims for 100% of new vehicles sold to be electric by 2035. This creates needs for electrical engineers, charging station technicians, and battery specialists.

10. Prompt Engineer / Generative AI Specialist

The emergence of ChatGPT and Claude has created a new profession. Specialists in prompt engineering and language model fine-tuning are increasingly sought after. Salary: $80,000 to $130,000 CAD.

Most Sought-After Transferable Skills

Beyond technical skills, certain transferable skills will be essential by 2030:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving: The ability to analyze complex situations and make informed decisions
• Adaptability: In a constantly evolving market, the ability to learn quickly is crucial
• Communication: Knowing how to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Bilingualism: In Quebec, proficiency in both French and English is a considerable asset
• Digital literacy: Even in non-tech roles, the ability to use digital tools has become essential

How to Position Yourself for Future Careers

Whether you're starting your career or considering a change, here's how to prepare:

• Train continuously: Short programs (certifications, AECs, bootcamps) allow you to develop new skills quickly
• Stay informed: Follow publications from Emploi-Quebec, CQRHT, and TECHNOCompetences to identify trends
• Build your network: Opportunities in emerging sectors are often found through word-of-mouth
• Consider a career change: Our tech career change guide details possible pathways

At VALO, we recruit for future-proof technology careers in Quebec. Browse our current openings and position yourself in growing sectors.

To assess your skills and identify future careers that match your profile, Steppia analyzes your background and recommends the best opportunities in the Quebec market.

Read also: The 10 most in-demand tech jobs in Quebec in 2026 | Tech salary guide | AI and employment: resilient and emerging careers