Cooks

Prince Edward Island

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 occupationsPart-time workers: 20% compared to 16% for all occupations52% 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

Nova Scotia

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 occupationsPart-time workers: 28% compared to 18% for all occupations36% 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

New Brunswick

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 occupationsPart-time workers: 30% compared to 16% for all occupations41% 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