Employment Outlook

The employment outlook will be good for Restaurant and food service managers (60030) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to several 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.

Following a strong post-pandemic recovery in 2022, the Island’s tourism sector experienced another solid season in 2023 with considerable gains in tourist traffic (particularly by way of the Confederation Bridge and air). Furthermore, the Island welcomed a record number of cruise ships in 2023 which generated significant economic spin-offs in the sector. Tourism activity is expected to be favourable over the forecast period, however, risk factors such as elevated prices and high interest rates may temper growth. 

Job opportunities may also come from vacancies as a result of former workers having changed jobs as many were laid off or had their hours significantly reduced due to the pandemic. 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 in this occupation.

Risk factors that could soften employment demand in this occupation include elevated prices and high interest rates which could reduce consumer spending on non-essential goods and services. 

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.

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