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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 78% 70% 72%
Employment rate 73% 66% 67%
Residents with post-secondary education 57% 56% 61%

Source: Manifold SuperDemographics 2023 (residents 15 years and older)

VIEW AIRDRIE'S WORKFORCE ADVANTAGE HANDOUT (PDF)

Resident education levels

Type of educationNumber of responders (age 15 & over)
High School certificates / diploma 18,952
Registered Apprenticeship or trades certificate / diploma 6,456
College or other non-university certificate / diploma 14,175
University degree / certificate / diploma below bachelor level 2,049
Bachelor's degree 9,454
Master's degree 1,868
University degree in medicine / dentistry / veterinary / optometry 255
Earned Doctorate 231

Source: Manifold SuperDemographics 2023 (residents 15 years and older)

Employee education, occupations, and industries

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) 2,608 / 3,100**
Propak Systems* Mining and oil and gas field machinery manufacturing  1,187 / 1,187+**
City of Airdrie Municipal government 777
Fortis Alberta Power and communication line and related structures construction 337
Real Canadian Superstore Supermarkets and other grocery stores 304
Costco Wholesale Wholesale distribution 289
McDonald's Limited service eating places 269
Alberta Health Services (AHS) Health care and social assistance 239
XLT Transport General freight trucking, local 230
Safeway Supermarkets and other grocery stores 220
Techmation Electric & Control* Electrical contractors 214 / 1,164**
Super Pufft Snack Corp. Snack food manufacturing 200
Transcanada Turbines* Turbine and turbine generator set unit manufacturing 198 / 276**
Condillo Foods (Division of Old Dutch) Snack food manufacturing 180
Magic Mountain Child Development Centres Child day-care services 180
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 123
Canadian Tire Department store 122
Co-op Supermarkets and other grocery stores 115
Save on Foods Supermarkets and other grocery stores 106
Sobeys Supermarkets and other grocery stores 103
United Safety Limited* Other scientific and technical consulting services 59 / 743**

*Headquarters located in Airdrie
**Number of employees company-wide, Feb. 2023 (listed only for companies headquartered in Airdrie)
Source: Airdrie Economic Development May 2024 (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, and $13.00 per hours for students under 18 years of age (June 2019).
  • Alberta's average overall hourly wage is $35.67 (December 2023). 

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.