NOC 2021 · 41403 · TEER 1
NOC 41403: Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, develop policy and implement or administer programs in areas such as consumer affairs, employment, home economics, immigration, law enforcement, corrections, human rights, housing, labour, family services, foreign aid and international development. They are employed by government departments and agencies, hospitals, educational institutions, consulting establishments, professional associations, research institutes, non-government organizations and international organizations or they may be self-employed.
TEER
TEER 1
Usually needs a university degree
Median wage (Canada)
$42.56 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 3
+20 CRS for Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
None
General and program draws only
Express Entry
How NOC 41403 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: not eligibleNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 41403 is in tier 3 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +20 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 50 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
NOC 41403 is not on any of IRCC's 2026 occupation categories. You can still be invited through general, program-specific or French-language draws.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Social policy researchers
- Develop social programs and policies, social legislation, or proposals based on demographic, social and economic research, analysis and the evaluation of pilot projects.
- Home economists
- Advise and assist consumers on the selection and proper use of food products, textiles and other consumer goods and teach household management skills. They may also provide consultative services in the areas of development and promotion of new food products, retail buying, social program administration and small business endeavours.
- Housing policy analysts
- Identify and assess economic, demographic, and social developments and report on their implications for housing policy.
- Immigration and citizenship consultants
- Conduct research, advise clients and prepare immigration, citizenship and visas applications. They may also represent clients at tribunals and before administrative bodies.
- International aid and development project officers
- Plan, organize and administer foreign aid and international development policies and programs.
- Social survey researchers
- Develop questionnaires, coordinate and conduct surveys, analyse data, and compile and interpret statistics on social issues and policy areas.
- Social services planners
- Conduct research, develop social programs, assess, coordinate and develop awareness of existing social services, and ensure that duplication of services is avoided. They may also work with land use planners to determine the impact of major land use plans for transportation, housing and recreational facilities projects.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- Aboriginal issues lobbyist
- child welfare policy analyst
- community policing program consultant
- community social development officer
- consumer advisor
- employment equity policy consultant
- home economist
- housing policy analyst
- human rights officer
- immigration and citizenship consultant
- immigration policy analyst
- Indigenous affairs officer
- international aid and development project officer
- labour policy analyst
- social policy researcher
- social services planner
- social survey researcher (except statistician)
All 119 job titles in NOC 41403
- Aboriginal affairs development officer
- Aboriginal affairs officer
- Aboriginal employment policy officer
- Aboriginal employment program officer
- Aboriginal issues lobbyist
- adoption project officer
- adviser for the integration of persons with disabilities
- affirmative action advisor
- child care licensing officer
- child welfare policy analyst
- child-care programs planning officer
- child-care services liaison officer
- citizenship officer
- community organizer
- community policing program consultant
- community social development officer
- consumer advisor
- correctional service policy consultant
- employment equity adviser - social policy
- employment equity consultant
- employment equity policy analyst
- employment equity policy consultant
- employment initiatives coordinator
- employment insurance policy analyst
- employment insurance services adviser
- employment standards specialist
- experimental home economist
- extension home economist
- family violence prevention program adviser
- field representative - housing
- food consultant - home economics
- home economics consultant
- home economist
- home economist - consumer association
- housing policy analyst
- Human Rights Commission officer
- Human Rights Commission officers supervisor
- human rights officer
- human rights officer - government services
- human rights specialist
- immigrant settlement liaison officer
- immigration and citizenship consultant
- immigration and demographic analysis officer
- immigration consultant
- immigration policy advisor
- immigration policy analyst
- immigration policy consultant - non-government
- immigration settlement practitioner
- income maintenance program officer
- Indigenous affairs officer
- international aid and development project officer
- international aid and development researcher
- international relations specialist
- job creation and employment services evaluation officer
- labour affairs officer - labour policy
- labour market analyst
- labour market information officer
- labour market policy officer
- labour mobility policy consultant
- labour policy analyst
- labour policy officer
- labour standards analyst
- multiculturalism project officer
- Native affairs officer
- Native employment program officer
- Native issues lobbyist
- occupational supply analyst
- peace activist
- peace researcher
- political organizer
- pollster
- poverty researcher
- psychology assistant (except university)
- public assistance adviser
- public housing officer
- public housing policy analyst
- public opinion survey researcher
- public rights coordinator
- race relations officer
- refugee affairs program officer
- research home economist
- settlement counsellor
- settlement liaison officer
- settlement practitioner
- social and community care licensing officer
- social assistance advisor
- social assistance policy analyst
- social development officer
- social issues researcher
- social policy advisor
- social policy analyst
- social policy consultant
- social policy planning consultant
- social policy researcher
- social program officer
- social researcher
- social science researcher
- social service program officer
- social services consultant
- social services planner
- social services planning consultant
- social services program officers supervisor
- social services program planner
- social survey researcher (except statistician)
- social survey researchers supervisor
- social welfare advisor
- social welfare research officer
- socio-economic research and planning officer
- status of women's directorate policy analyst
- textile and clothing consultant - home economics
- visible minorities policy officer
- welfare policy analysts supervisor
- women's employment policy consultant
- women's issues lobbyist
- women's program coordinator
- women's shelter program coordinator
- women's status policy consultant
- workers' compensation officer
- workers' compensation policy analyst
Also includes: Aboriginal affairs development officer, Aboriginal employment program officer, affirmative action advisor.
Requirements
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree or college diploma in a social science or related discipline, or in business administration is usually required.
- A master's degree in a social science or related discipline or in business administration may be required.
- Home economists require a bachelor's degree in home economics, home economics education, human ecology, nutrition and food sciences or family and consumer studies.
- Registration is available, but voluntary, for home economists but the use of the designation "Professional Home Economist" is regulated in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, and "Registered Professional Home Economist" in British Columbia.
- Registration with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council is required for regulated Canadian immigration consultants.
Additional information
- Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 41403 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $26.67 | $42.56 | $60.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $24.73 | $36.06 | $53.33 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Prince Edward Island | $28.00 | $37.95 | $50.26 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $26.00 | $39.56 | $50.48 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $26.57 | $40.00 | $51.37 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $26.00 | $40.00 | $57.44 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $26.92 | $44.62 | $64.10 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $25.33 | $38.00 | $54.87 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $28.85 | $39.49 | $54.05 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $26.00 | $41.34 | $60.07 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $27.47 | $41.83 | $57.69 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nunavut | $38.10 | $55.90 | $71.79 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank's 3-year employment outlook for this occupation, by province and territory.
ModerateNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Moderate for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) 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.
Here are some key facts about social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 950 people work in this occupation.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 47%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 19%
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 12%
Real Estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 53): 8%
Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 6%
85% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 15% 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 48 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 31% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 69% 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: 10% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 49% compared to 14% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 20% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModeratePrince Edward Island
The employment outlook will be Moderate for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) 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.
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.
The majority of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are employed in public administration. They are also employed in smaller numbers in the professional, scientific and technical industry and in healthcare and social assistance.
Here are some key facts about social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in Prince Edward Island:
Approximately 650 people work in this occupation.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 39%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 24%
Legal services (NAICS 5411): 14%
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 12%
Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 9%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 92% compared to 84% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 8% compared to 16% for all occupations
76% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 24% 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 46 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
6% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 24% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 76% 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: 6% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 25% compared to 25% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 45% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 25% compared to 8% for all occupations
ModerateNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) 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.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 2,000 people work in this occupation.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 27%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 25%
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 11%
Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 11%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 89% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 11% compared to 18% for all occupations
77% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 23% 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 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
7% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 31% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 69% 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: 7% 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: 16% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 38% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 36% compared to 10% for all occupations
ModerateNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Moderate for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) 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.
Here are some key facts about social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in New Brunswick:
Approximately 1,400 people work in this occupation.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 43%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 20%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 8%
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 8%
Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 5%
80% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 20% 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 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
5% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 25% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 75% 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: 12% 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: 15% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 45% compared to 16% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 25% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModerateOntario
The employment outlook will be Moderate for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) in Ontario 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.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
The largest number work in public administration, mainly in the federal government
Professional, scientific and technical services companies, such as legal and immigration consultancy firms
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Demand for research to support decision making
However, moderation in hiring in the public sector is expected to affect job prospects
Need for settlement and immigration-related services
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
Employment requirements may vary based on specialization
What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?
Certain job titles in this occupational group are subject to federal or provincial regulation.
Here are some key facts about social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in Ontario:
Approximately 36,800 people work in this occupation.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 46%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 12%
Legal services (NAICS 5411): 11%
Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 6%
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 92% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations
79% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
10% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 34% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 66% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 39% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 43% compared to 13% for all occupations
ModerateManitoba
The employment outlook will be Moderate for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) in Manitoba 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in Manitoba:
Approximately 2,700 people work in this occupation.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 31%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 20%
Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 10%
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 9%
Legal services (NAICS 5411): 9%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 92% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations
79% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 21% 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 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
7% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 31% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 69% 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: 11% 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: 16% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 39% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 32% compared to 8% for all occupations
ModerateSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Moderate for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new 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 social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 2,100 people work in this occupation.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 32%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 19%
Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 10%
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 10%
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 8%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 92% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations
81% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 19% 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 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
6% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 31% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 69% 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: 11% 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: 14% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 39% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 31% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModerateAlberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new 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.
Here are some key facts about social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in Alberta:
Approximately 7,600 people work in this occupation.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 28%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 18%
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 13%
Legal services (NAICS 5411): 10%
Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 8%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 90% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 10% compared to 20% for all occupations
76% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 24% 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 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
14% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 31% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 69% 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: 8% 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: 18% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 39% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 32% compared to 9% for all occupations
ModerateBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) in British Columbia 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.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in British Columbia:
Approximately 9,800 people work in this occupation.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Legal services (NAICS 5411): 21%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 21%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 14%
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 11%
Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 87% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 13% compared to 22% for all occupations
72% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 28% 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 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
20% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 32% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 68% 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: 6% 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: 14% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 40% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 36% compared to 12% for all occupations
ModerateNorthwest Territories
The employment outlook will be Moderate for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Most workers in this occupation are employed within the public administration sector.
Demand for this occupation is closely tied to government expenditures in the public administration sector.
Here are some key facts about social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in Northwest Territories:
Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 83%
Other Commercial Services (NAICS 54-56, 81): 6%
82% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 18% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
5% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are self-employed compared to an average of 7% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 41% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 59% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 12% compared to 26% 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: 24% compared to 18% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 21% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 38% compared to 9% for all occupations
LimitedQuebec
The employment outlook will be Limited for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) in Quebec 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in Quebec:
Approximately 15,450 people work in this occupation.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 36%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 20%
Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 7%
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 91% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 9% compared to 18% for all occupations
78% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 22% 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 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
7% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 37% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 63% 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: 6% 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: 16% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 34% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 40% compared to 11% for all occupations
LimitedNunavut
The employment outlook will be Limited for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41403) in Nunavut 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 several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Most workers in this occupation are employed within the public administration sector.
Demand for this occupation is closely tied to government expenditures in the public administration sector.
Here are some key facts about social policy researchers, consultants and program officers in Nunavut:
Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers mainly work in the following sectors:
Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 83%
Other Commercial Services (NAICS 54-56, 81): 6%
83% of social policy researchers, consultants and program officers work all year, while 17% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 33% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 67% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 37% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 23% compared to 22% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 11% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 15% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 23% compared to 10% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 15% compared to 6% for all occupations
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 41403 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
- 41402 Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
- 41401 Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts
- 40010 Government managers - health and social policy development and program administration
- 41404 Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- 41220 Secondary school teachers
- 40030 Managers in social, community and correctional services
- 42201 Social and community service workers
- 41300 Social workers
Same occupation group
Policy and program researchers, consultants and officers
- 41400 Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- 41401 Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts
- 41402 Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
- 41404 Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- 41405 Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- 41406 Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- 41407 Program officers unique to government
- 41409 Other professional occupations in social science
Questions
NOC 41403: common questions
What is the NOC code for social policy researchers, consultants and program officers?
What TEER category is NOC 41403?
Is NOC 41403 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 41403 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 41403 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 41403 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 4Occupations in education, law and social, community and government servicesBroad Category
- 41Professional occupations in law, education, social, community and government servicesMajor Group
- 414Professional occupations in government servicesSub-major Group
- 4140Policy and program researchers, consultants and officersMinor Group
- 41403Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
Enquiry
Is NOC 41403 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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