Are you thinking about a job change amid the ongoing cost crisis? A career in customer service might be an easy swap, according to recruitment companies.

Randstad Canada, a human resources and recruitment company, released a list this week of what it believes will be the top 15 most in-demand jobs in Canada this year, according to its data.

The list ranges from sales jobs to professions like welding, compiled using recruitment market feedback and internal statistics based on what Randstad’s clients are looking for in the most employee roles, according to a spokesperson who did not provide details on that feedback or statistics.

Randstad recruiters said they expect 2024 to bring more diverse job opportunities, including in fields where a university education is not required.

Brent Dole, Executive Vice President at Randstad Canada, said in a press release: “Today’s market offers an impressive variety of exciting opportunities, from which any job seeker can find something they love.” “It’s the right time to think about your aspirations and look for the role that fits your career goals, regardless of how many certificates you have obtained.”

While hiring rates have been relatively steady in Canada over the past few months, unemployment has been trending upward compared to last year.

The unemployment rate was 5.8 percent in December, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada. A total of 1.2 million people were unemployed in December, an increase of 19 percent from the previous month.

In 2023, population growth outpaced labor growth, meaning employment rates for Canadians aged 25 to 54, considered the "prime working age" group, declined.

Here is the list of the most in-demand jobs for 2024, according to Randstad Canada:

Administrative Assistant – average salary between $37,000 to $99,000

Sales Assistant - $46,000-$84,000

Planner – $46,000-$84,000

HR Business Partner - $75,000-$156,000

Logistics Coordinator – $62,000-$122,000

Customer Service Representative – $43,000-$74,000

Marketing Manager – $62,000-$122,000

Mechanical Engineer – $66,000-$131,000

Financial Analyst – $62,000-$142,000

Pharmacy Assistant - $40,000-$60,000

Accounting Technician - $39,000-$114,000

Software Developer – $68,000-$137,000

Electrician - $55,000-$77,000

Development and Operations Engineer (DevOps) - $66,000-$131,000

Welder – $40,000-$74,000.

Customer-focused roles are among the most in-demand jobs as the new year begins, according to the recruitment company, with the salary ranges provided depending on the role, such as whether it is an entry-level or managerial position.

Many of the most in-demand jobs are also those that can be done remotely, overlapping with Randstad Canada’s top 10 remote jobs that have become popular in 2024, which was released on January 3. Overlapping jobs include administrative assistant, customer service representative, sales assistant, financial analyst, and software developer.

“We know that workers in 2024 are increasingly looking for flexibility, and jobs that require face-to-face presence can pose challenges in this regard,” Dole said. “Employers looking to fill these positions will need to be creative to attract job seekers.”