Alberta's Job Boom: How Calgary's 3% Growth Defies National Trends

Alberta's Job Growth Leads Canada

Despite a higher unemployment rate, Alberta continues to lead the nation in job growth, adding 11,000 workers in September alone. No other province came close, with most seeing minimal gains or significant losses.

Calgary's Impressive Performance

Calgary's job growth hit nearly 4% year-over-year, one of the highest rates among major Canadian cities. This growth comes alongside a 4.5% population increase, fueling demand in the housing market.

Key Economic Insights

• Alberta's unemployment rate rose to 7.8%, but this is due to the highest participation rate in Canada at over 69%.
• The province offers competitive wages, with an average hourly rate of $32, just behind British Columbia.
• In contrast, Canada overall lost 46,000 jobs in the third quarter of 2025, marking the first decline since the pandemic.

Impact on Housing

Job and population growth are major drivers of housing demand. With Calgary's population expected to exceed two million within a decade, the real estate market remains robust.