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Labour market and employment

The City of Airdrie has a quickly evolving economy, with a fast-growing population including a young, skilled and educated workforce of 48,000 people.

With Airdrie's close proximity to Calgary, the majority of residents commute to south. However, as more quality employment opportunities become available in Airdrie, an increasing number of residents are taking advantage of working close to home.

 AIRDRIEALBERTAREGION BENCHMARK
Participation rate 81.6% 70.6% 74%
Employment rate 75% 63% 68%
Residents with post-secondary education 65% 64% 69%

Source: City of Airdrie Civic Census 2019

VIEW AIRDRIE'S WORKFORCE ADVANTAGE HANDOUT (PDF)

Resident education levels

Type of educationNumber of responders (age 15 & over)
Currently in High School 1,022
High School certificates / diploma 11,830
Registered Apprenticeship or trades certificate / diploma 4,469
College or other non-university certificate / diploma 11,128
University degree / certificate / diploma below bachelor level 3,301
Bachelor's degree 5,904
Master's degree 1,360
University degree in medicine / dentistry / veterinary / optometry 226
Earned Doctorate 287
No Response 5,955
Total 43,848

Source: City of Airdrie Civic Census 2019

Major employers within Airdrie

Airdrie is home to a variety of international, national and locally-grown firms  representing a range of industries. Major employers in Airdrie are a mix of large retail establishments and industrial businesses employing highly-skilled workers.

Airdrie employers over 100 employees (full-time, part-time/casual)Description (NAICS classification)number of Employees
Rocky View Schools* Elementary and secondary schools (includes board administration) 1,311 / 3,100**
Propak Systems* Mining and oil and gas field machinery manufacturing  933 / 1,000+**
City of Airdrie Municipal government 752
Fortis Alberta Power and communication line and related structures construction 346
Real Canadian Superstore Supermarkets and other grocery stores 304
McDonald's Limited service eating places 269
Costco Wholesale Warehouse clubs 263
Wal-Mart Canada Department stores 235
Techmation Electric & Control* Electrical contractors 214 / 1,164**
Safeway Supermarkets and other grocery stores 220
Tim Hortons Limited service eating places 198
Transcanada Turbines* Turbine and turbine generator set unit manufacturing 198 / 276**
Save On Foods Supermarkets and other grocery 186
XTL Transport General Freight trucking, local 182
Magic Mountain Child Development Centres Child day-care services 180
Condillo Foods (Division of Old Dutch) Snack food manufacturing 179
EATON Industries Power and communication line and related structures construction 170
Airdrie Care Community Community Care Facility for the elderly 164
Cam Clark Ford Sales* New car dealers 147
First Canada ULC Urban transit systems 123
Home Depot Home centres 127
Co-op Supermarkets and other grocery stores 115
United Safety Limited* Other scientific and technical consulting services 59 / 743**

*Headquarters located in Airdrie
**Number of employees company-wide (listed only for companies headquartered in Airdrie)
Source: Airdrie Economic Development February 2023 (all employment numbers are self reported by the business)

Wage and salary information

Wages in Airdrie are consistent with other Alberta communities. Employers looking to hire staff should research wages in their industry type. 

  • Minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour, as of April 1, 2022.
  • Alberta's average overall hourly wage is $32.96 (February 2021). 

Wages and salaries in Alberta

Local employment agencies

  • Career Leap employment services: Provides supports to individuals who are having difficulty entering the workforce and matches employers with skilled workers.
  • Prospect Human Services: Provides employment services to job seekers and to employers providing job posting, annual career fairs, hiring events and Employer Training Workshops at no cost.