Montréal, April 30, 2025. – In 2024, the number of jobs in Québec reached 4,566,000, up by 43,200 (+1.0%) on average from 2023. Employment grew for the fourth consecutive year, but this latest increase was the lowest of the past three years. The number of jobs was up among university graduates (+6.2%), men (+1.3%), people aged 25 to 54 (+1.6%), and salaried employees (+1.1%).
Employment up in some industries, down in others
The number of jobs increased in certain industries, including public administration (+3.1%), educational services (+4.5%), and health care and social assistance (+3.2%). It decreased in trade (-1.2%) and administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (-3.4%).
Job vacancies down for the second year in a row
The number of job vacancies declined to 133,000 in 2024, down by about 48,700 (-27%) from 2023 to a level comparable to the pre-pandemic number of 2019 (about 130,800). The job vacancy rate decreased to 3.3% in 2024 (-1.2 points).
Number of job vacancies, Québec, 2015 to 2024
Average wages increased more than the consumer price index
In 2024, the average hourly wages of employees stood at $33.84. This was an increase of 4.5%, similar to that recorded in 2023 (+4.6%). The rise in average hourly wages therefore exceeded consumer price index (CPI) growth, which was 2.3% in 2024.
Comparisons with Canada
The number of jobs was up by 1.9% (395,700) in Canada in 2024 compared to 1.0% in Québec. Three provinces posted increases above 3%: Alberta, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Annual change in employment in Canada and the provinces, 2023–2024
L’Institut de la statistique du Québec produit, analyse et diffuse des informations statistiques officielles, objectives et de qualité sur différents aspects de la société québécoise. Il est le responsable de la réalisation de toutes les enquêtes statistiques d’intérêt général. La pertinence de ses travaux en fait un allié stratégique pour la prise de décision et une source d’information incontournable pour toutes les personnes qui désirent en connaître davantage sur le Québec.