Notice of release
Québec, March 23, 2023. – In the fourth quarter of 2022, there were approximately 208,000 job vacancies in Québec, a decline of nearly 30,000 (-12%) from the same quarter of 2021. As a result, the job vacancy rate decreased from 6.0% to 5.1%. The drop was particularly marked in accommodation and food services, as the job vacancy rate declined from 12.4% to 8.4% in this industry.
Job vacancy decreases were essentially observed in:
- Jobs requiring a high school diploma or less (-28,500)
- Full-time (-20,400) and permanent (-23,600) jobs
- Jobs requiring no experience (-15,000) or 1 to 2 years’ experience
(-12,000) - Manual labour jobs (-17,000)
In terms of industries, the sharpest drops were in:
- Accommodation and food services (-10,500)
- Manufacturing (-5,200)
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (-5,000)
- Retail trade (-4,100)
Offered wage for vacant positions up
The average offered hourly wage for vacant positions rose by 10% between the fourth quarter of 2022 and 2021 to $24.00. In comparison, the average offered hourly wage for all paid jobs increased by 6.3% to $31.71.
Three administrative regions stood out with increases of 15% or more in average offered hourly wages for vacant positions: Outaouais and Lanaudière (+19%) as well as Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (+15%). In these three regions, average hourly wages offered for vacant positions rose by at least $3 per hour.
Educational requirements for vacant positions and education level of unemployed individuals
It is estimated that about 110,000 vacant positions required a high school diploma or less in the fourth quarter of 2022. In comparison, there were approximately 68,000 unemployed individuals who had this education level during that quarter.
At the same time, there were about 32,000 vacant positions requiring a university education and 35,000 unemployed individuals with this level of education.
Visualize the job vacancy situation through charts (in French only).
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.