Randstad Canada has released its annual ranking of the country’s 15 most in-demand jobs for 2026, with sales associates, administrative assistants and customer service representatives leading the list.
The report shows employers are prioritizing roles that combine technological skills with relationship-building abilities, according to Patrick Poulin, president and CEO of Randstad Canada.
“This ranking confirms an underlying trend: technology does not replace humans, it enhances relational and strategic roles,” Poulin said. “Whether in healthcare, administration, or retail, employers are primarily looking for talent capable of navigating both technological efficiency and emotional intelligence.”
Healthcare roles remain critical
Five healthcare positions made the top 15 list: registered practical nurses, pharmacy assistants, dental assistants, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Randstad attributes the demand to population aging and ongoing pressures from the post-pandemic period. The company said these roles are evolving toward more specialized care and expanded scopes of practice.
Retail and sales positions shift focus
Store managers, sales associates and sales representatives are increasingly acting as brand ambassadors responsible for customer engagement and relationship building, according to the report.
The company said customer experience has become a key growth factor in a competitive environment, moving these roles beyond purely transactional work.
Administrative work becomes strategic
Administrative assistants, office administrators and receptionists are now valued for problem-solving and digital fluency rather than routine tasks, according to Randstad.
The company said these positions serve as pillars of human coordination and organizational culture, particularly in healthcare and educational institutions.
Financial and operational roles in demand
Bookkeepers and accounting clerks remain essential for regulatory compliance and cash flow management. Randstad said businesses are seeking professionals who combine accounting expertise with proficiency in cloud-based tools and data analysis.
Forklift operators also made the list due to their role in keeping supply chains moving efficiently in an economy driven by e-commerce.
Complete top 15 list
The full ranking of most in-demand jobs for 2026:
- Sales associate/sales representative
- Administrative assistant
- Customer service representative
- Accounting clerk and technician
- Receptionist
- Bookkeeper
- Retail sales associate
- Store manager
- Pharmacy assistant
- Registered practical nurse
- Dental assistant
- Registered nurse
- Licensed practical nurse
- Office administrator/clerk
- Forklift operator
Randstad is a global staffing and human resources company with 46,000 employees worldwide.
