Cooks in Mauricie

The employment outlook will be Limited for cooks (NOC 63200) in the Mauricie region for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
• Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation is closely linked to the trends that affect the food services sector. This industry is characterized by a highly competitive business environment and low profit margins, leading to significant business turnover. However, some positions are found in more stable environments, such as cafeterias in hospitals, schools or corporate institutions, as well as catering services.

The recent population growth, driven by immigration, and an improved tourism outlook are contributing to expanding the clientele in the food services industry. However, in the context of the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, consumers tend to reduce non-essential spending and favour more affordable options, such as take-out meals or limited-service counters. This trend may foster employment in fast-food restaurants at the expense of full-service restaurants.

Additionally, to remain profitable, various restaurants are simplifying their menus, reducing their workforce, and adopting automated solutions, which change labour requirements and could restrict hiring.

Here are some key facts about cooks in the Mauricie region:

• Approximately 1,920 people work in this occupation.
• Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 78%
  • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 9%
  • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 7%