If making a difference is your passion, you will find it here. You’re selfless and committed to improving the lives of others. You’re probably too humble to admit this out loud, so we said it for you. We hope you don’t mind. Now let’s talk about how we can support your career goals.
Salary Expectations
| Job Title | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Case Manager | $24.25 - $71.79 |
| Early Childhood Educator | $17.20 - $28.00 |
| Educational Assistant | $17.20 - $30.55 |
| Social Service Worker | $18.00 - $37.91 |
Early Childhood Educator
The Ontario government announced that the starting wage for Registered Early Childhood Educations (RECE) within the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system would be raised in January 2024 by 19.3%. The hourly wage would increase to $23.86/hour to support the shortage of workers in this occupation and provide a competitive salary. To support wage progression for RECE program staff and supervisors, those making less than certain hourly wages will be eligible for $1/hour annual increases, with eligibility expanding annually through 2026. These changes are part of the Child Care Workforce Strategy.
Labour Market Conditions
Case Manager
The balance between labour supply and demand seen in recent years is expected to continue through the period 2022-2031.
Job prospects in Ontario are very good with employment growth leading to several new positions and several positions due to retirements. 13,500 people work in this occupation, with the majority working in the social assistance sector.
The number of job postings in Ontario in 2023 has increased by 80% since 2021. The media employment income for this occupation group is $81,000 as of the 2021 Census.*
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
In Canada for 2022-2031, new job openings are expected to total 108,800, while 91,500 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them.
Job prospects in Ontario from 2023-2025 will be good, with employment growth leading to a moderate number of new positions and a moderate number of positions from retirements. There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation. The majority in this group are employed in child daycare services with some also in elementary schools. Employment growth will be due to public sector investments in the childcare system to create more daycare spaces and boost the early childhood educator workforce. Opportunities will be steady with more parents participating in the workforce and infant and toddler population growth.
Due to a shortage of Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE), the Ontario government has announced the Child Care Workforce Strategy which includes a 19.3% wage increase in January 2024, along with annual increases to support wage progression.
Educational Assistant (EA)
In Canada from 2022-2031, 35,300 new job openings are expected while 31,600 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them. The balance between labour supply and demand seen in recent years is expected to continue.
Ontario’s employment outlook will be good, with employment growth leading to a moderate number of new positions and several positions from retirements. There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation. Demand is strongly influenced by population size and student registration. Enrolment in elementary schools is projected to stabilize despite recent modest decline, and in secondary schools there will be an increase. Changes to annual funding amounts can affect employment prospects in school boards. Investments made in support of students with special needs may lead to job openings for teaching assistants with this specialization. Nearly all in this group are employed in elementary and secondary schools.
Social Service Worker
Over the period 2022-2031, new job openings are expected to total 59,100 in Canada, while 51,300 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them.
In Ontario, job prospects for 2023-2025 will be good, with employment growth leading 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. The majority are employed in health care and social assistance services, specifically in family services and nursing and residential care facilities. Investments in youth and community outreach programs, expansions to shelter spaces, public sector spending for mental health and addiction services, and funding commitments to support individuals with developmental disabilities will allow for employment growth.
*Ontario Labour Market