Job prospects Assistant Cook in the Banff–Jasper–Rocky Mountain House Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), the labour market was balanced for Cooks in the Banff–Jasper–Rocky Mountain House Region. The number of job openings was about the same as the number of workers available in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Methodology

The employment outlook will be moderate for Cooks (NOC 63200) in the Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House region for the 2024-2026 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 several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
• High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

• Population growth should improve the demand for this occupation. However, restaurants remain sensitive to the discretionary spending of consumers, which is dependent on economic conditions.
• Food service employers are having an increasingly difficult time recruiting and retaining employees at all levels, meaning that hiring requirements may be more flexible, at least over the near-term.
• Many parts of the province are recovering from the 2024 wildfires, including the Town of Jasper, where 30% of the town was destroyed. Rebuilding the town may impact this occupation in the near-term.
• The Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House economic region is heavily reliant on tourism. 
• The region is likely to continue to be a top tourist destination, driving up the need to fill related occupations. 
• Moreover, the region had the highest job vacancy rate among economic regions in the province over the first half of 2024, indicating that there are job postings that are going unfilled.

Here are some key facts about Cooks in the Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House region:

• Approximately 1,750 people work in this occupation.
• Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 76%
  • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 6%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology