The State of Tech in Newfoundland and Labrador

From the Springboard Content Lab

The State of Tech in Newfoundland and Labrador report, jointly produced by techNL and The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University, illuminates a decade of growth and economic momentum in the province’s tech sectors.

Once anchored in fishing and energy, the province is diversifying into a future-forward tech economy. The report finds that the tech sector’s GDP contribution has jumped from roughly CAD 1.55 billion in 2012 to CAD 1.8 billion in 2023—a compelling 24% rise.

With nearly 10,000 people now employed in tech—both in technical roles and behind-the-scenes support—annual wages average just over $85,000, underlining both growth and opportunity.

By 2050, techNL projects that the tech sector will become the leading contributor to Newfoundland and Labradorʼs economy, surpassing all other industries. That means generating $2.5 billion of economic value annually by 2030.

Talent Snapshot: Roles, Diversity and Pay

Out of those 10,000 tech workers:

• Approximately 5,570 hold defined tech occupations:
  • About 2,780 are working directly within tech companies
  • About 2,790 occupy technical roles outside the sector

Leading roles in the province include Information Systems Specialists, Network/Web Technicians, and Mechanical Engineers—underscoring the blend of traditional and digital tech needs.

Yet, balance remains an issue as:

• Only 18.9% of tech roles are held by women, lagging behind the national average of 22.4%, with a gender pay gap of almost $26,000 annually.
• Visible minority representation stands at 8.8% of tech workers, markedly below the national mark of 40%.
• Non-citizens make up 13% of tech workers—versus nearly 50% nationally—while Indigenous Peoples account for 4.4%, notably above the national rate.

These figures make clear that while economic growth is strong, a more equitable and inclusive workforce remains an urgent initiative.

Geographic and Job Market Dynamics

Tech job postings surged from 490 in 2021 to 1,247 in 2022, before softening to 771 in 2023, mirroring GDP recovery trends post-pandemic.

In 2022 alone, new tools like techNL’s dedicated job board helped fuel that uptick.

Regionally, most tech postings remain concentrated around the Avalon Peninsula, where roles typically offer wages around $37.77/hour—higher than many other areas of the province.

Projections through 2028 suggest demand for software and systems engineers and technical managers will continue to outpace supply—signalling sustained hiring momentum.

Embracing New Trends: Remote Work & Generative AI

The rise of remote work, catalyzed by the pandemic, presents a compelling opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador to attract and retain tech talent regardless of geography—leveraging the province’s quality of life, affordability, and time-zone advantages.

Generative AI is another intriguing frontier. While just 5% of Canadian businesses were using it as of early 2024—and its broader economic effects remain uncertain—the report flags the imperative to monitor adoption trends thoughtfully.

Key takeaways

This first-of-its-kind report provides a solid evidence base for shaping the province’s tech future. Key takeaways include:

• Sustained economic and employment growth in the tech sector
• A critical need for targeted strategies to close diversity and pay gaps
• The promise of remote work to decentralize and diversify participation
• A cautious optimism around emerging tech like AI

As techNL and community partners roll out focused initiatives—from training programs to AI-skill workshops—this data becomes fuel for informed strategy and meaningful change.

This growth did not happen by chance. It reflects the power of collaboration — companies, institutions, governments, and individuals coming together to drive momentum that none could achieve alone. From training programs to job boards, from research collaborations to new export opportunities, each initiative adds momentum to this growth journey.