Job outlooks for Cooks
Discover the employment prospects for your dream job across Canada, or compare different occupations.
Occupation
cook (63200)
Location
All regions across Canada
Did you know? You can visit the Open Government Portal to search through and download our Employment Outlooks data all in one place. There, you will find current and previous versions of our 3-Year Employment Outlooks reports for the periods of 2013-2015 to 2025-2027. View the dataset on the Open Government Portal.
These outlooks were updated on December 10, 2025.
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Newfoundland and LabradorModerate
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Growth in this occupation will depend on an employment recovery in the food services industry, which has not returned to pre-pandemic employment levels. Job prospects will be better for candidates with substantial cooking experience. Although this is mostly an entry-level position and skilled trade certification is voluntary, individuals who have completed an apprenticeship or other culinary-related program may fare better in the job market, particularly in nursing care facilities. Individuals with several years' experience preparing specific ethnic dishes will also have good job prospects given the growing cultural diversity in the province. Job openings for cooks can be seasonal with opportunities better in the summer months, particularly in rural areas where restaurant activity can be more reliant on tourism. Cooks may be required to work various shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays; therefore, flexibility is an asset in securing employment.
Here are some key facts about cooks in Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Approximately 2,650 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 59%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 8%
- Hospitals (NAICS 622): 8%
- Accommodation services (NAICS 721): 6%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 76% compared to 83% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 24% compared to 17% for all occupations
- 40% of cooks work all year, while 60% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
- Less than 5% of cooks are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 48% compared to 51% for all occupations
- Women: 52% compared to 49% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 16% compared to 11% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 37% compared to 27% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 22% compared to 17% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 23% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 14% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
Regional outlooks
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The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Avalon Peninsula region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Avalon Peninsula region:
- Approximately 1,730 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 67%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 6%
- Accommodation services (NAICS 721): 6%
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The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the South Coast - Burin Peninsula and Notre Dame - Central Bonavista Bay regions for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the South Coast - Burin Peninsula and Notre Dame - Central Bonavista Bay regions:
- Approximately 530 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 38%
- Hospitals (NAICS 622): 19%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 19%
- Accommodation services (NAICS 721): 6%
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The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the South Coast - Burin Peninsula and Notre Dame - Central Bonavista Bay regions for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the South Coast - Burin Peninsula and Notre Dame - Central Bonavista Bay regions:
- Approximately 530 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 38%
- Hospitals (NAICS 622): 19%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 19%
- Accommodation services (NAICS 721): 6%
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The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the West Coast - Northern Peninsula - Labrador region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the West Coast - Northern Peninsula - Labrador region:
- Approximately 590 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 70%
- Hospitals (NAICS 622): 9%
- Accommodation services (NAICS 721): 7%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 6%
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Prince Edward IslandVery good
The employment outlook will be Very good for cooks (NOC 63200) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.
The prospect for employment in this occupation is good as there continues to be a shortage of workers and unfilled vacancies in the province. Demand for workers is expected to increase over the forecast period. Employers rely on the Temporary Foreign Worker program to fill temporary jobs/vacancies in this occupation when qualified Canadian labour is not available. The majority of cooks are employed in food services, mainly in full-service restaurants, and to a lesser extent in limited-service restaurants. Other key employers include nursing care facilities and traveler accommodations such as hotels and resorts.
Job prospects will therefore be better for candidates with substantial cooking experience. Although this is mostly an entry-level position and skilled trade certification is voluntary, individuals who have completed an apprenticeship or other culinary-related program may fare better in the job market, particularly in nursing care facilities. Individuals with several years' experience preparing specific ethnic dishes will also have good job prospects given the growing cultural diversity in the province. Job openings for cooks can be seasonal with opportunities better in the summer months. Some cooks change jobs frequently, creating additional employment opportunities in this occupation.
This trend is particularly evident in some rural areas where resorts and tourist facilities may only open for part of the year. Cooks may be required to work various shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays, therefore flexibility is an asset in securing employment. The aging of the population, the increasing number of single households and the rising participation of women in the labour force will continue to benefit the food services industry.
Here are some key facts about cooks in Prince Edward Island:
- Approximately 1,100 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 67%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 9%
- Hospitals (NAICS 622): 9%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 80% compared to 84% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 20% compared to 16% for all occupations
- 52% of cooks work all year, while 48% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
- Less than 5% of cooks are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 50% compared to 51% for all occupations
- Women: 50% compared to 49% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 17% compared to 11% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 40% compared to 28% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 11% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 25% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
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Nova ScotiaGood
The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
A severe shortage of cooks that emerged in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic containment measures continues to affect the food services industry throughout the province. The large number of unfilled positions may represent favourable hiring conditions for jobseekers in this occupation. While experience is an asset, the limited supply of cooks has driven employers to accept applicants with little-to-no experience in this field. Jobseekers may also find a wide range of wages being offered for cook positions, as some employers compete for a limited number of candidates. Some recruitment in this occupation occurs through personal networks, so jobseekers may benefit from enquiring with employers directly about opportunities in some cases.
Here are some key facts about cooks in Nova Scotia:
- Approximately 5,800 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 72%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 8%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 72% compared to 82% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 28% compared to 18% for all occupations
- 36% of cooks work all year, while 64% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
- Less than 5% of cooks are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 59% compared to 51% for all occupations
- Women: 41% compared to 49% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 17% compared to 10% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 37% compared to 27% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 12% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 21% compared to 22% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 20% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
Regional outlooks
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The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Annapolis Valley region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Several positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Annapolis Valley region:
- Approximately 630 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 72%
- Nursing and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 8%
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The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Cape Breton region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Several positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Cape Breton region:
- Approximately 810 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 68%
- Nursing and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 13%
- Hospitals (NAICS 622): 6%
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The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Halifax region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Halifax region:
- Approximately 2,770 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 73%
- Nursing and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 10%
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The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in the North Shore region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Several positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the North Shore region:
- Approximately 1,010 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 75%
- Nursing and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 14%
- Hospitals (NAICS 622): 5%
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The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Southern region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Several positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Southern region:
- Approximately 580 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 59%
- Nursing and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 19%
- Accommodation services (NAICS 721): 9%
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New BrunswickGood
The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
- This occupation is characterized by a high degree of turnover, so opportunities are typically plentiful. This is particularly the case for those with some experience.
- The employment prospects for cooks may vary substantially by community. Employment levels may be more seasonal in rural areas where restaurant activity can be more reliant on tourism.
- Red Seal certification may enhance job prospects.
- Candidates are generally required to complete a food safety course.
Here are some key facts about cooks in New Brunswick:
- Approximately 4,100 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 69%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 11%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 70% compared to 84% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 30% compared to 16% for all occupations
- 41% of cooks work all year, while 59% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
- Less than 5% of cooks are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 46% compared to 52% for all occupations
- Women: 54% compared to 48% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 24% compared to 11% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 43% compared to 30% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 12% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% compared to 23% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
Regional outlooks
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The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Campbellton - Miramichi region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Campbellton - Miramichi region:
- Approximately 760 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 68%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 16%
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The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Edmundston - Woodstock region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Edmundston - Woodstock region:
- Approximately 460 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 65%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 13%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 8%
- Educational services (NAICS 61): 6%
- Social assistance (NAICS 624): 6%
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The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Fredericton - Oromocto region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Fredericton - Oromocto region:
- Approximately 830 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 70%
- Accommodation services (NAICS 721): 8%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 8%
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The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Moncton - Richibucto region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Moncton - Richibucto region:
- Approximately 1,240 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 71%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 11%
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The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Saint John - St. Stephen region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Additional information is available at the provincial level.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Saint John - St. Stephen region:
- Approximately 790 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 68%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 11%
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QuebecLimited
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in Quebec:
- Approximately 47,100 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 72%
- Social assistance (NAICS 624): 7%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 63% compared to 82% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 37% compared to 18% for all occupations
- 41% of cooks work all year, while 59% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
- Less than 5% of cooks are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 56% compared to 52% for all occupations
- Women: 43% compared to 48% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 31% compared to 12% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 19% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 23% compared to 19% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
Regional outlooks
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Abitibi - Témiscamingue region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Abitibi - Témiscamingue region:
- Approximately 1,060 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 61%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 16%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 11%
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The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region:
- Approximately 1,490 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 56%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 21%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 13%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Capitale-Nationale region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Capitale-Nationale region:
- Approximately 4,570 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 71%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 12%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Centre-du-Québec region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Centre-du-Québec region:
- Approximately 1,880 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 82%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 7%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 6%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Chaudière - Appalaches region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Chaudière - Appalaches region:
- Approximately 2,460 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 67%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 19%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 8%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions:
- Approximately 1,120 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 56%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 19%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 11%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Estrie region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Estrie region:
- Approximately 2,180 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 68%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 10%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 5%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Gaspésie - Îles-de-la-Madeleine region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Gaspésie - Îles-de-la-Madeleine region:
- Approximately 760 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 54%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 19%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 12%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Lanaudière region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Lanaudière region:
- Approximately 3,840 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 69%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 14%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 6%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Laurentides region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Laurentides region:
- Approximately 4,300 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 83%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 6%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region, for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region,:
- Approximately 23,650 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Mauricie region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Mauricie region:
- Approximately 1,920 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 78%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 9%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 7%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the census metropolitan area of Montréal:
- Approximately 23,650 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Montérégie region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Montérégie region:
- Approximately 7,620 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 70%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 13%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 6%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions:
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 56%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 19%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 11%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Outaouais region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Outaouais region:
- Approximately 1,840 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 67%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 17%
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.
The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.
Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region:
- Approximately 1,710 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 69%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 11%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 9%
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OntarioLimited
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
- Full-service restaurants and limited service eating places
- Nursing and residential care facilities
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
- The high number of restaurants in the province will support opportunities for cooks
- However, consumer spending in restaurants is expected to be constrained due to economic uncertainty
- There could also be a fair amount of competition for jobs given the relatively low entry requirements for some roles, and weaker hiring activities by employers
- Investments in new nursing and long-term care facilities in Ontario could create some opportunities
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
- There are three voluntary skilled trades associated with this occupation in Ontario, namely, Cook, Assistant Cook, and Institutional Cook
- Skill requirements can vary by place of work:
- Limited-service restaurants may not require formal training or much experience
- Full-service restaurants, catering companies, hotels, and nursing and long-term care facilities may require formal training and related experience depending on the duties.
Here are some key facts about cooks in Ontario:
- Approximately 54,700 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 78%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 7%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 56% compared to 81% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 44% compared to 19% for all occupations
- 34% of cooks work all year, while 66% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 34 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
- 6% of cooks are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 62% compared to 52% for all occupations
- Women: 38% compared to 48% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 23% compared to 9% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 41% compared to 25% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 8% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 22% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 24% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
Regional outlooks
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The employment outlook will be Very limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region:
- Approximately 6,670 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 81%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 8%
-
The employment outlook will be Very limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Kingston - Pembroke region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Kingston - Pembroke region:
- Approximately 2,480 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 68%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 15%
- Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%
-
The employment outlook will be Very limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region:
- Approximately 5,420 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 78%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 13%
-
The employment outlook will be Very limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the London region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the London region:
- Approximately 3,170 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 84%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 7%
-
The employment outlook will be Very limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Muskoka - Kawarthas region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Muskoka - Kawarthas region:
- Approximately 1,580 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 61%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 25%
-
The employment outlook will be Very limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Northeast region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Northeast region:
- Approximately 2,150 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 73%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 13%
-
The employment outlook will be Very limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Northwest region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Northwest region:
- Approximately 1,230 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 69%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 15%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Ottawa region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Ottawa region:
- Approximately 6,290 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 82%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 9%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Stratford - Bruce Peninsula region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Stratford - Bruce Peninsula region:
- Approximately 1,790 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 70%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 23%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Toronto region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Toronto region:
- Approximately 21,170 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 80%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 7%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Windsor - Sarnia region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Windsor - Sarnia region:
- Approximately 3,880 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 77%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 12%
-
ManitobaModerate
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Demand for this occupation is driven by growth in the overall food service industry, which in turn relies on food establishments, expansion of services (takeout and delivery), and institutional and event catering.
- Consumer spending and behavior influence establishments and services. Institutions, like hospitals, care homes, and school and business cafeterias provide a more stable demand.
- The food services industry is characterized by entry-level positions and high employee turnover. This may account for high job vacancy rates for food services and drinking places.
- Key trends in this occupation include sustainability and waste reduction (upcycling), plant-based innovation, local sourcing, and the use of social media to drive food trends.
- Jobs are concentrated in the Parklands, North, Southwest and Winnipeg regions.
Here are some key facts about cooks in Manitoba:
- Approximately 7,350 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 70%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 8%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 60% compared to 81% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 40% compared to 19% for all occupations
- 42% of cooks work all year, while 57% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
- Less than 5% of cooks are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 55% compared to 53% for all occupations
- Women: 45% compared to 47% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 23% compared to 12% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 40% compared to 31% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 12% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% compared to 17% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 20% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
Regional outlooks
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The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Interlake region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Interlake region:
- Approximately 420 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 56%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 10%
- Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 9%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 8%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 6%
-
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the North Central region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Several positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the North Central region:
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 44%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 43%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 7%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 5%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the North region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the North region:
- Approximately 590 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 72%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 10%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 10%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Parklands region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Parklands region:
- Approximately 590 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 72%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 10%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 10%
-
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the South Central region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Several positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the South Central region:
- Approximately 490 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 44%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 43%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 7%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 5%
-
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Southeast region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Several positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Southeast region:
- Approximately 510 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 61%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 21%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 5%
-
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Southwest region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Southwest region:
- Approximately 750 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 67%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 15%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 10%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Winnipeg region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Winnipeg region:
- Approximately 4,670 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 79%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 10%
-
SaskatchewanModerate
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- Labour shortages and above average turnover rates may improve job opportunities for this occupation in the near term.
- With many restaurants typically sourcing 30 to 35 per cent of their products from the States, tariffs may impact already thin profit margins of restaurant operators and limit hiring opportunities for this occupation.
- Ongoing trade uncertainty is weakening consumer and business confidence and slowing hiring as firms delay investment. Combined with subdued consumer sentiment, slower population growth, and weaker income gains are expected to dampen consumer spending.
Here are some key facts about cooks in Saskatchewan:
- Approximately 6,050 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 63%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 11%
- Hospitals (NAICS 622): 7%
- Social assistance (NAICS 624): 5%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 67% compared to 81% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 33% compared to 19% for all occupations
- 44% of cooks work all year, while 56% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
- Less than 5% of cooks are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 54% compared to 53% for all occupations
- Women: 46% compared to 47% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 19% compared to 11% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 42% compared to 33% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 15% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 14% compared to 17% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: 9% compared to 18% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
Regional outlooks
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Northern region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Northern region:
- Approximately 1,010 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 54%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 19%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 7%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 5%
- Educational services (NAICS 61): 5%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Prince Albert region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Prince Albert region:
- Approximately 1,010 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 54%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 19%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 7%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 5%
- Educational services (NAICS 61): 5%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Regina - Moose Mountain region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Regina - Moose Mountain region:
- Approximately 2,010 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 72%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 16%
-
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Saskatoon - Biggar region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Saskatoon - Biggar region:
- Approximately 2,100 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 70%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 15%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 6%
-
The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Swift Current - Moose Jaw region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Swift Current - Moose Jaw region:
- Approximately 520 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 64%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 20%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 7%
-
The employment outlook will be Good for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Yorkton - Melville region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Yorkton - Melville region:
- Approximately 510 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 55%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 26%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 8%
-
AlbertaLimited
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- The accommodation and food services industry had the highest job vacancy rate among industries in the province over the first half of 2025, indicating that there are employment opportunities going unfilled.
- Population growth should improve the demand for this occupation. However, restaurants remain sensitive to the discretionary spending of consumers, which is dependent on economic conditions.
- Food service employers are having an increasingly difficult time recruiting and retaining employees at all levels, meaning that hiring requirements may be more flexible, at least over the near-term.
Here are some key facts about cooks in Alberta:
- Approximately 18,750 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 77%
- Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 6%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 66% compared to 80% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 34% compared to 20% for all occupations
- 36% of cooks work all year, while 64% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
- Less than 5% of cooks are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 61% compared to 53% for all occupations
- Women: 39% compared to 47% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 23% compared to 10% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 42% compared to 28% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 13% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 14% compared to 19% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: 9% compared to 21% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
Regional outlooks
-
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Athabasca - Grande Prairie - Peace River region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- The accommodation and food services industry had the highest job vacancy rate among industries in the province over the first half of 2025, indicating that there are employment opportunities going unfilled.
- Population growth should improve the demand for this occupation. However, restaurants remain sensitive to the discretionary spending of consumers, which is dependent on economic conditions.
- Food service employers are having an increasingly difficult time recruiting and retaining employees at all levels, meaning that hiring requirements may be more flexible, at least over the near-term.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Athabasca - Grande Prairie - Peace River region:
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 74%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 7%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 6%
-
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- The accommodation and food services industry had the highest job vacancy rate among industries in the province over the first half of 2025, indicating that there are employment opportunities going unfilled.
- Population growth should improve the demand for this occupation. However, restaurants remain sensitive to the discretionary spending of consumers, which is dependent on economic conditions.
- Food service employers are having an increasingly difficult time recruiting and retaining employees at all levels, meaning that hiring requirements may be more flexible, at least over the near-term.
- The Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House economic region is heavily reliant on tourism.
- The region is likely to continue to be a top tourist destination, driving up the need to fill related occupations.
- Moreover, the region had the highest job vacancy rate among economic regions in the province over the first half of 2025, indicating that there are job postings that are going unfilled.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House region:
- Approximately 1,910 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 74%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 7%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 6%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Calgary region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- The accommodation and food services industry had the highest job vacancy rate among industries in the province over the first half of 2025, indicating that there are employment opportunities going unfilled.
- Population growth should improve the demand for this occupation. However, restaurants remain sensitive to the discretionary spending of consumers, which is dependent on economic conditions.
- Food service employers are having an increasingly difficult time recruiting and retaining employees at all levels, meaning that hiring requirements may be more flexible, at least over the near-term.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Calgary region:
- Approximately 6,410 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 81%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 8%
-
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Camrose - Drumheller region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Several positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- The accommodation and food services industry had the highest job vacancy rate among industries in the province over the first half of 2025, indicating that there are employment opportunities going unfilled.
- Population growth should improve the demand for this occupation. However, restaurants remain sensitive to the discretionary spending of consumers, which is dependent on economic conditions.
- Food service employers are having an increasingly difficult time recruiting and retaining employees at all levels, meaning that hiring requirements may be more flexible, at least over the near-term.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Camrose - Drumheller region:
- Approximately 980 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 70%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 15%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Edmonton region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- The accommodation and food services industry had the highest job vacancy rate among industries in the province over the first half of 2025, indicating that there are employment opportunities going unfilled.
- Population growth should improve the demand for this occupation. However, restaurants remain sensitive to the discretionary spending of consumers, which is dependent on economic conditions.
- Food service employers are having an increasingly difficult time recruiting and retaining employees at all levels, meaning that hiring requirements may be more flexible, at least over the near-term.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Edmonton region:
- Approximately 6,450 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 86%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 6%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- The accommodation and food services industry had the highest job vacancy rate among industries in the province over the first half of 2025, indicating that there are employment opportunities going unfilled.
- Population growth should improve the demand for this occupation. However, restaurants remain sensitive to the discretionary spending of consumers, which is dependent on economic conditions.
- Food service employers are having an increasingly difficult time recruiting and retaining employees at all levels, meaning that hiring requirements may be more flexible, at least over the near-term.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region:
- Approximately 1,430 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 76%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 14%
-
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Red Deer region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- The accommodation and food services industry had the highest job vacancy rate among industries in the province over the first half of 2025, indicating that there are employment opportunities going unfilled.
- Population growth should improve the demand for this occupation. However, restaurants remain sensitive to the discretionary spending of consumers, which is dependent on economic conditions.
- Food service employers are having an increasingly difficult time recruiting and retaining employees at all levels, meaning that hiring requirements may be more flexible, at least over the near-term.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Red Deer region:
- Approximately 1,110 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 77%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 12%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- The accommodation and food services industry had the highest job vacancy rate among industries in the province over the first half of 2025, indicating that there are employment opportunities going unfilled.
- Population growth should improve the demand for this occupation. However, restaurants remain sensitive to the discretionary spending of consumers, which is dependent on economic conditions.
- Food service employers are having an increasingly difficult time recruiting and retaining employees at all levels, meaning that hiring requirements may be more flexible, at least over the near-term.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region:
- Approximately 640 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 71%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 9%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 8%
-
British ColumbiaModerate
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Consumer spending and behavior influence establishments and services.
Institutions, like hospitals, care homes, and school and business cafeterias provide a more stable demand.
The food services industry is characterized by entry-level positions and high employee turnover.
Key trends for this occupation include contactless ordering and payment, artificial intelligence (AI) used to analyze data for and inventory management and waste reduction, kitchen automation for repetitive tasks, and delivery-centred ghost kitchens.
Here are some key facts about cooks in British Columbia:
- Approximately 27,900 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 79%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 64% compared to 78% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 36% compared to 22% for all occupations
- 36% of cooks work all year, while 64% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
- Less than 5% of cooks are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 57% compared to 52% for all occupations
- Women: 42% compared to 48% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 21% compared to 8% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 41% compared to 28% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 13% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 22% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
Regional outlooks
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Cariboo region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Cariboo region:
- Approximately 800 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 72%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 12%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 7%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Kootenay region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Kootenay region:
- Approximately 1,050 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 73%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 13%
- Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 7%
-
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region:
- Approximately 16,260 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 83%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 6%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Nechako region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Nechako region:
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 51%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 10%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 9%
- Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 7%
- Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 5%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the North Coast region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the North Coast region:
- Approximately 510 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 51%
- Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 10%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 9%
- Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 7%
- Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 5%
-
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Northeast region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Northeast region:
- Approximately 370 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 79%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 21%
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The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Thompson - Okanagan region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Thompson - Okanagan region:
- Approximately 3,740 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 81%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 8%
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The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Vancouver Island and Coast region for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about cooks in the Vancouver Island and Coast region:
- Approximately 5,290 people work in this occupation.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 74%
- Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 10%
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Yukon TerritoryModerate
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in Yukon for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Cooks are a designated trade in the Yukon.
- In the Yukon, this occupation can be employed to support the workforce in industrial settings, such as at mining camps.
- Local training is available. Yukon University offers a one-year culinary arts certificate program to meet the need for qualified cooks in the hospitality industry.
- The Government of Yukon expects 18 additional vacancies for cooks, butchers, and bakers in 2025 or 2026 (Government of Yukon, 2025).
Here are some key facts about cooks in Yukon:
- Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Tourism & Culture (NAICS 51, 71-72): 47%
- Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 16%
- Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 15%
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 7%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 85% compared to 84% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 15% compared to 16% for all occupations
- 42% of cooks work all year, while 57% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
- Less than 5% of cooks are self-employed compared to an average of 14% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 48% compared to 49% for all occupations
- Women: 52% compared to 51% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 18% compared to 11% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 38% compared to 25% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 13% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 20% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
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Northwest TerritoriesModerate
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cooks (NOC 63200) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- Cooks are one of 43 designated trades in the Northwest Territories.
- Apprentices usually go to school in Alberta as local training is not available. An apprenticeship takes about three years to complete, including three on the job periods and three technical training periods.
- In the Northwest Territories, this occupation can be employed to support the workforce in industrial settings, such as at mining camps.
- From 2021-2040, 181 job openings are forecast for cooks in the Northwest Territories (Government of Northwest Territories, 2023).
Here are some key facts about cooks in Northwest Territories:
- Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Tourism & Culture (NAICS 51, 71-72): 47%
- Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 16%
- Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 15%
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 7%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 72% compared to 88% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 28% compared to 12% for all occupations
- 49% of cooks work all year, while 51% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 52% compared to 52% for all occupations
- Women: 48% compared to 48% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 37% compared to 17% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 27% compared to 26% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 12% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 14% compared to 18% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: n/a
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
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NunavutLimited
The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
- High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
- In Nunavut, this occupation can be employed to support the workforce in industrial settings, such as at mining camps.
- Local training is available. Nunavut Arctic College offers a two-year culinary arts diploma program.
Here are some key facts about cooks in Nunavut:
- Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
- Tourism & Culture (NAICS 51, 71-72): 47%
- Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 16%
- Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 15%
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 7%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 76% compared to 87% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 24% compared to 13% for all occupations
- 52% of cooks work all year, while 48% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 28% compared to 51% for all occupations
- Women: 72% compared to 49% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 46% compared to 37% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 22% compared to 22% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 22% compared to 11% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 5% compared to 15% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Related links
Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) - Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
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