NOC 41201: Post-secondary teaching and research assistants

The employment outlook will be Moderate for post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Labour needs will stem primarily from positions vacated by teaching and research assistants at the post-secondary level who complete their studies and move on to other occupations. Job opportunities will be accessible essentially to students who have a bachelor's degree and who are enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in a relevant field of specialization. Candidates are selected based on their academic results and their communication skills. Recent budget cuts from Memorial University may worsen job opportunities.

Here are some key facts about post-secondary teaching and research assistants in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 950 people work in this occupation.

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Universities (NAICS 6113): 90%

Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (NAICS 6112): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 60% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 40% compared to 17% for all occupations

45% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants work all year, while 55% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 40% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 60% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 34% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 41% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants in Prince Edward Island remain in demand, with job openings largely driven by turnover as graduate or senior-level students complete their studies and move into other careers. Employment prospects are tied closely to student enrolment, government investments, and research funding, but recent federal policy changes capping international student permits have sharply reduced enrolment at local institutions. This has created financial strain which may be a limiting factor for assistant positions. Candidates are typically selected based on academic performance and communication skills, and positions often provide valuable experience for those pursuing academic or research careers. For new graduates or those seeking work while studying, this occupation offers flexible, short-term employment with strong experiential benefits, though future availability may depend on how institutions adapt to reduced international enrolment and funding pressures.

Here are some key facts about post-secondary teaching and research assistants in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 300 people work in this occupation.

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Universities (NAICS 6113): 88%

Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (NAICS 6112): 8%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 74% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 26% compared to 16% for all occupations

41% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants work all year, while 59% 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 37 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 42% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 57% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: 25% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 40% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 31% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) in New Brunswick 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Recent graduates from fields of study related to this occupation have found it easy to find work.

Teaching and research assistant positions are typically part-time, spanning a term or the academic year, and filled by students. Candidates are often chosen based on their academic performance and communication skills.

Employment in this occupation is dependent on government investments in education, as well as private and public funding for university research.

With the exception of smaller satellite campuses, all universities are located in the southern portion of the province and demand is expected to be highest within the province’s larger urban centres of Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John.

Here are some key facts about post-secondary teaching and research assistants in New Brunswick:

Approximately 1,250 people work in this occupation.

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Universities (NAICS 6113): 90%

Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (NAICS 6112): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 62% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 38% compared to 16% for all occupations

43% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants work all year, while 56% 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 35 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 40% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 60% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 22% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 40% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 30% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) in Quebec 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation depends on government investment in education, and public and private funding of university research, and the number of students in colleges and universities.

The increase in registrations is mainly due to the volume of students from the school system in Québec, as the contribution of international students is decreasing because of lower intake caps. In addition, the freeze on government investments is forcing post-secondary institutions to contend with limited financial resources.

Meanwhile, the growing demand for skilled labour and the automation of some university jobs through artificial intelligence could deter some young people from pursuing university studies and push them towards shorter vocational or technical training, which is better adapted to employer needs. In addition, the higher cost of living is forcing some people to enter the labour market before they receive their diploma, which could curb post-secondary registrations. However, this trend could be mitigated by economic uncertainty and rising youth unemployment, which encourage students to extend their studies.

Despite these challenges, satellite campuses are expanding rapidly, facilitating access to post-secondary education outside major centers. However, while distance teaching is strengthening its strategic role in integrating digital tools and teacher support, this occupation could be among the first to be affected by budget cuts.

Here are some key facts about post-secondary teaching and research assistants in Quebec:

Approximately 17,450 people work in this occupation.

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Universities (NAICS 6113): 80%

Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (NAICS 6112): 12%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 60% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 40% compared to 18% for all occupations

53% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants work all year, while 47% 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 40 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 44% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 56% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 14% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 28% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 52% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Restrictive immigration policy changes at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada are expected to reduce international student enrolments between 2025 and 2027. This decline is leading to revenue shortfalls, budget constraints, and job cuts including an estimated 12,000 job losses across Canada’s postsecondary education sector.

Increased university research funding including several large-scale, interdisciplinary research grants from provincial and federal funding agencies and industry partners will help soften the impact of the federal international student cap on employment in this occupation.

Workers in this occupation are concentrated in the Saskatoon region.

Here are some key facts about post-secondary teaching and research assistants in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 2,300 people work in this occupation.

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Universities (NAICS 6113): 84%

Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (NAICS 6112): 10%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 64% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 36% compared to 19% for all occupations

53% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 42% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 57% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 34% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 38% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is influenced by population growth, student enrollment, provincial government funding, and revenue from international student fees. Federal government reduction in immigration targets may impact population growth and student enrollment.

Changes to federal study permit targets may also reduce the number of available teaching positions and intensify competition for academic roles.

Here are some key facts about post-secondary teaching and research assistants in Alberta:

Approximately 11,550 people work in this occupation.

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Universities (NAICS 6113): 86%

Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (NAICS 6112): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 68% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 32% compared to 20% for all occupations

54% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants work all year, while 46% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 44% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 56% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 36% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 42% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about post-secondary teaching and research assistants in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 2,250 people work in this occupation.

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Universities (NAICS 6113): 92%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 60% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 40% compared to 18% for all occupations

42% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants work all year, while 57% 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 post-secondary teaching and research assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 39% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 61% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 17% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 43% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 33% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Here are some key facts about post-secondary teaching and research assistants in Manitoba:

Approximately 2,900 people work in this occupation.

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Universities (NAICS 6113): 84%

Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (NAICS 6112): 8%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 62% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 38% compared to 19% for all occupations

48% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 40% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 60% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 39% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 31% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few 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.

In 2024, the Government of Canada implemented caps on the number of international student applications that would be available nationally.

Many colleges and universities in the province have cut programs and laid off staff because of reduced revenue from international students.

Here are some key facts about post-secondary teaching and research assistants in British Columbia:

Approximately 12,250 people work in this occupation.

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Universities (NAICS 6113): 84%

Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (NAICS 6112): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 60% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 40% compared to 22% for all occupations

48% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of post-secondary teaching and research assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 42% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 57% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 16% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 39% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 38% compared to 12% for all occupations

An employment outlook for this occupation was not assessed in this region.

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.