Calgary's job market closed out 2025 on steadier ground, with unemployment falling to 6.8 per cent in December—the largest month-over-month drop among major Canadian cities, according to data from Calgary Economic Development. The city also continues to lead the nation with the highest labour force participation rate at 69.4 per cent.

Full-time employment decreased by 4,100 jobs in December while part-time positions increased by 6,300, and fewer people were actively looking for work as 4,200 individuals left the labour force entirely. Afiba Nyamekye, director of economic intelligence at Calgary Economic Development, said that with fewer people looking for work and more gains in part-time roles, it's too early to call this a turning point.

The city added approximately 30,000 jobs between December 2024 and December 2025, marking three per cent employment growth year-over-year—the second-highest job growth in Alberta behind Edmonton. Public administration saw the largest gains with 14,400 new positions, followed by professional, scientific and technical services at 12,800 jobs. Construction experienced the steepest decline, shedding 13,000 positions over the year.

Calgary Economic Development noted the organization will monitor how ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty affect business confidence and investment heading into 2026.