Employment Outlook

The employment outlook will be Moderate for restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030) 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
• High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

This is a relatively large occupational group in P.E.I. Continued growth in the province’s overall economy will be a driving factor for new employment opportunities. Traditionally, there is considerable movement in this occupation, resulting in some new employment opportunities for restaurant and food service managers. The number of persons employed tends to be higher during the tourist season. Consequently, job openings may be seasonal or for part of the year. Those interested in establishing their own business may wish to explore investment opportunities.

The vast majority of restaurant and food service managers work in full-service and limited-service restaurants and in special food services such as catering companies. Job prospects for restaurant and food service managers are sensitive to consumer spending which is dependent on economic conditions.

The majority of job openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave their jobs due to turnover. Job prospects will be more favourable for individuals with managerial experience working in high volume restaurant operations and who are willing to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays. Generally, employment opportunities within this occupation are less favourable in the winter months.

The demand for workers in this occupation is influenced by economic conditions and business activity. Prince Edward Island’s economy is projected to expand at a modest pace over the forecast horizon, constrained by slower population growth and ongoing trade uncertainties. Growth will be supported by strong export performance—particularly in processed foods and seafood, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals—alongside sustained construction activity and a resilient tourism sector. Declining interest rates are expected to further support domestic spending and housing demand. However, the federal reduction in immigration targets has led to a marked decline in international arrivals, a slowdown that is anticipated to moderate consumer demand and labour force growth. Over the longer term, reduced immigration presents a key risk to the province’s economic outlook. 

Here are some key facts about Restaurant and food service managers in Prince Edward Island:

• Approximately 350 people work in this occupation.
• Restaurant and food service managers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 92%
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 6%
• 46% of restaurant and food service managers work all year, while 54% 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 39 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
• 35% of restaurant and food service managers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 47% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • Women: 53% compared to 49% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 35% compared to 28% 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: 21% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • bachelor’s degree: 21% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 9% compared to 8% for all occupations

Source: Job Bank

Prevailing Wages