The unemployment rate in Calgary was 6.3% as of September 2026, based on seasonally adjusted three-month moving average data. This figure represents a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from the previous month and is 9.2% below the peak observed in June 2020. Calgary's unemployment rate typically sits close to or slightly above the national and provincial averages, reflecting the city's dynamic labour market and high population growth. Understanding this rate is crucial for job seekers, policymakers, and businesses as it signals economic health and labour market conditions in one of Canada's major urban centres.
Recent Unemployment Rate Trends and Comparisons
The Calgary unemployment rate demonstrates notable monthly and annual fluctuations. In September 2026, the rate was reported at 6.3%, which was down from 6.7% in August 2026 according to a regional snapshot. This rate is below the long-run historical average for the city. For context, the national unemployment rate in Canada was 6.5% in September 2026, while the provincial rate for Alberta was 6.4% in the same month. Calgary's rate often positions it among the higher rates for major Canadian cities, though it has shown improvement from earlier in the decade. In July 2026, Calgary's unemployment rate was 6.8%, which was higher than the national rate of 6.4% at that time but lower than Edmonton's rate of 6.9%.
Calgary's unemployment rate stood 9.2% below its peak from June 2020, indicating a significant recovery from the economic challenges of that period. The data for Calgary is typically presented as a seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average, which helps smooth out normal seasonal fluctuations in employment. The city's employment rate, which measures the proportion of the working-age population that is employed, was 66.8% in July 2026. This high participation rate signals a strong labour force engagement even when the unemployment rate is high. Month-to-month changes can be influenced by statistical sampling variations, which Statistics Canada cautions can cause figures to fluctuate widely.
Monthly Job Market Changes and Employment Data
The Calgary labour market experienced positive job growth in September 2026, adding a net total of 6,200 jobs compared to the previous month. This growth was driven by a substantial gain of 7,800 full-time positions, which offset a loss of 1,600 part-time jobs. Full-time employment in Calgary has recovered since reaching a low point in May 2025 and, as of September 2026, stood at a record high. On an annual basis, the City of Calgary's labour market review for July 2026 showed significant growth, with 56,900 new jobs added year-over-year. This robust annual growth highlights the underlying strength and expansion of the local economy despite monthly variations in the unemployment rate.
In July 2026, Calgary also saw strong full-time job growth with 16,600 new positions added in that month alone. The increase in full-time employment is often viewed by economic leaders as a signal of business confidence in the longer-term economic outlook. The labour force survey results are subject to revision and sampling error, which is why trend analysis over several months provides a clearer picture. The employment changes are tracked across various industries, with some sectors adding jobs while others contract. The net job creation contributes to the overall health of the economy and influences the unemployment rate calculation, which is the percentage of the labour force that is actively seeking work but unable to find it.
- Net job growth in September 2026 was 6,200 positions.
- Full-time employment increased by 7,800 jobs in September 2026.
- Part-time employment decreased by 1,600 jobs in September 2026.
- Annual job growth as of July 2026 was 56,900 new jobs.
- Full-time job growth in July 2026 was 16,600 new positions.
- Full-time employment reached a record high in September 2026.
Sector-Specific Employment Growth and Contractions
Job growth in Calgary is not uniform across all industries, with certain sectors driving expansion while others see declines. According to the city's labour market review for July 2026, the health care and social assistance sector led growth in Calgary, adding 22,800 new jobs year-over-year. A large portion of these new jobs were in ambulatory health care services, which includes offices of physicians and dentists, outpatient care centres, diagnostic laboratories, and home health care. The construction sector was another major driver, adding 13,300 jobs, while public administration contributed 11,200 new positions. This sectoral growth reflects broader demographic trends, including Alberta's growing population, which increases demand for health services and infrastructure.
Conversely, some sectors experienced job losses. The professional, scientific and technical services sector saw an 8.7% contraction, which was noted as a concern given the industry's size and its above-average wages. At the provincial level in September 2026, employment in forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas fell by 3.7%, representing a loss of 5,100 jobs from the previous month. Despite this monthly decline, investment in the energy sector continues, as evidenced by projects like Wolf Midstream's $500 million Phase 3 Natural Gas Liquids expansion. Meanwhile, employment in Alberta's professional, scientific and technical services sector increased by 6.9% provincially in September 2026, adding 16,400 jobs, supported by investments like Fortinet's new $30 million innovation hub in downtown Calgary.
- The health care and social assistance sector added 22,800 jobs year-over-year as of July 2026.
- The construction sector added 13,300 jobs year-over-year as of July 2026.
- The public administration sector added 11,200 jobs year-over-year as of July 2026.
- Professional, scientific and technical services contracted by 8.7% as of July 2026.
- Provincial oil and gas sector employment fell by 5,100 jobs in September 2026.
- Provincial professional services employment grew by 16,400 jobs in September 2026.
Economic and Demographic Factors Influencing Calgary's Rate
Several key factors contribute to Calgary's unemployment rate dynamics, including provincial economic performance and demographic shifts. Alberta's growing population, fueled by strong interprovincial and international migration, is frequently cited as a reason Calgary's unemployment rate can be above the national average. A larger influx of people seeking work can temporarily increase the labour force faster than job creation, putting upward pressure on the unemployment rate. High oil prices have historically been a driver of optimism and investment in Calgary's economy, influencing hiring decisions in energy and related sectors. The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the provincial and federal governments was also viewed as a positive indicator for future investment. Calgary's high labour force participation rate of 66.8% indicates a large share of the population is either employed or actively looking for work, which is a sign of economic opportunity and optimism. The city's economic momentum is often linked to the energy sector, but growth is increasingly coming from diverse industries such as technology, healthcare, and construction. Economic experts note that companies adding full-time staff is a signal of confidence in the longer-term economic outlook, as these positions represent sustained commitments rather than temporary adjustments.
Regional Comparisons Within Alberta and Canada
Calgary's unemployment rate is consistently compared to other regions within Alberta and across Canada. Within Alberta, unemployment rates vary significantly by economic region. For August 2026, the unemployment rate in the Banff, Jasper, Rocky Mountain House and Athabasca, Grande Prairie, Peace River region was 6.3%, while the Camrose, Drumheller region had the highest rate in the province. In July 2026, among four major Alberta cities highlighted, Red Deer had the highest unemployment rate at 7.6%, followed by Edmonton at 6.9%, Calgary at 6.8%, and Lethbridge at 5.6%. These comparisons help contextualize Calgary's position within the provincial labour market, showing it is typically in the middle range among Alberta's urban centres.
On a national scale, Calgary's unemployment rate often ranks among the higher rates for major Canadian cities. In December 2023, Calgary's unemployment rate was the fourth highest among major Canadian municipalities, even after decreasing month-over-month to 5.8%. By July 2026, Calgary's rate of 6.8% was higher than the national rate of 6.4%, and the city's unemployment rate remained the second highest among major cities in Canada, behind only Edmonton. These rankings are influenced by each city's industrial composition, economic cycles, and population growth rates. The national unemployment rate of 6.5% in September 2026 provides a benchmark against which regional performance is measured.
- Red Deer's unemployment rate was 7.6% in July 2026.
- Edmonton's unemployment rate was 6.9% in July 2026.
- Lethbridge's unemployment rate was 5.6% in July 2026.
- Calgary's unemployment rate was the fourth highest among major cities in December 2023.
- Calgary's unemployment rate was the second highest among major cities in July 2026.
- The national unemployment rate was 6.4% in July 2026.
Employment Insurance Implications for the Calgary Region
The unemployment rate in Calgary has direct implications for the Employment Insurance (EI) program, as it determines the eligibility requirements for residents. For the EI economic region of Calgary, the unemployment rate is used to calculate the number of insured hours required to qualify for regular benefits and the duration of those benefits. As of the latest data, the unemployment rate for the Calgary EI region is 6.5%. Based on this rate, the minimum number of insured hours required to qualify for regular EI benefits in Calgary is 665 hours. This threshold is important for workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and are seeking income support while they search for new employment.
The EI program parameters also include the minimum and maximum number of weeks for which benefits are payable. For the Calgary region, the minimum number of weeks payable for regular benefits is 15 weeks. These rules are designed to provide longer support in regions with higher unemployment. The Calgary EI region's data is updated monthly by Statistics Canada and is a critical component of the federal income support system, directly linking local labour market conditions to individual benefit entitlements.
Historical Context and Recovery from Economic Shocks
Calgary's unemployment rate has undergone significant changes over recent years, particularly following major economic disruptions. As of September 2026, the unemployment rate stood 9.2% below that peak, indicating a substantial recovery. The path to recovery has not been linear, with periods of improvement followed by plateaus or slight increases. Full-time employment, a key indicator of economic strength, reached a bottom in May 2025 before beginning its recovery to the record high observed in September 2026. This recovery trajectory highlights the resilience of the Calgary economy and its labour market.
The long-run average unemployment rate for Calgary serves as a benchmark for assessing whether current conditions are tight or loose. The September 2026 rate of 6.3% was noted as being below this long-run average. Economic shocks, such as fluctuations in global oil prices, have historically had an outsized impact on Calgary's job market due to the city's traditional reliance on the energy sector. However, the growth in sectors like healthcare, construction, and technology has helped diversify the economic base and may contribute to more stability in the future. Analysts monitor these trends to gauge whether the economy is building a more diversified and resilient employment structure that can withstand sector-specific downturns.
Frequently asked questions
What was Calgary's unemployment rate in September 2026?
The unemployment rate in Calgary was 6.3% in September 2026, based on seasonally adjusted three-month moving average data. This represented a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from the previous month. The rate was 9.2% below the peak unemployment rate recorded in June 2020. Calgary's rate was slightly lower than the national average of 6.5% and the Alberta provincial average of 6.4% for the same month.
How does Calgary's unemployment rate compare to Edmonton's?
Calgary's unemployment rate is typically lower than Edmonton's but higher than several other Alberta cities. In July 2026, Calgary's rate was 6.8%, while Edmonton's was 6.9%. In the same month, Red Deer had a higher rate of 7.6%, and Lethbridge had a lower rate of 5.6%. Among major Canadian cities, Calgary often has one of the higher unemployment rates, frequently ranking second highest behind Edmonton according to comparative data from 2026.
Which sectors are adding the most jobs in Calgary?
The health care and social assistance sector led job growth in Calgary, adding 22,800 jobs year-over-year as of July 2026. Construction and public administration were also major drivers, adding 13,300 and 11,200 jobs respectively. Growth in health care is largely in ambulatory services like physician offices, outpatient care, and home health care. These sectors are expanding due to Alberta's growing population, which increases demand for services and infrastructure.
Why is Calgary's unemployment rate often higher than the national average?
Calgary's unemployment rate is often higher than the national average due to a combination of strong population growth and economic transition. High levels of interprovincial and international migration to Alberta increase the labour force, which can temporarily outpace job creation. Additionally, the city's economy, while diversifying, has historically been tied to the cyclical energy sector. The city also has a very high labour force participation rate, which means a larger share of people are actively in the job market, affecting the rate calculation.
How many hours do I need to qualify for EI in Calgary?
To qualify for regular Employment Insurance benefits in the Calgary economic region, you need a minimum of 665 insured hours of work. This requirement is based on the regional unemployment rate of 6.5% for the EI program. The number of hours required can change if the regional unemployment rate changes significantly. The minimum number of weeks payable for regular benefits in Calgary is 15 weeks, with the maximum determined by your insurable hours and the regional rate.
Has full-time employment in Calgary recovered?
Yes, full-time employment in Calgary has recovered and reached a record high as of September 2026. Full-time employment had previously reached a bottom in May 2025 before beginning its recovery. In September 2026 alone, Calgary gained 7,800 full-time jobs month-over-month. The increase in full-time positions is viewed by economic leaders as a sign of business confidence in the longer-term economic outlook for the city and region.
Sources and further reading
- Calgary Employment Trends | CREA Statistics stats.crea.ca
- Calgary unemployment rate dropped in July, but remains ... cbc.ca
- Calgary Business Resources | Reports, Data & Insights | CED calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com
- Alberta, August 2026 - Job market snapshot jobbank.gc.ca
- Calgary unemployment drops, but higher than national rate calgary.citynews.ca
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