Jobs and the economy in London, Ontario

Last reviewed October 30, 2026

"Will I find work?" is the question that decides most relocations. London's economy is more diverse than people from the GTA often assume. It isn't a one-industry town, and it's anchored by large public institutions that don't move away. But it's also not Toronto, and some careers translate better than others. Here's a realistic overview.

The big sectors

Healthcare and life sciences

Healthcare is one of London's largest employers. London Health Sciences Centre (University Hospital, Victoria Hospital and the Children's Hospital) and St. Joseph's Health Care London together employ thousands of people in clinical, research, technical and administrative roles. Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and associated research institutes add to that. If you work in healthcare, London is one of the easiest moves in Ontario to make.

Education

Western University and Fanshawe College are both major employers. So are the Thames Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic School Board, two of the larger school boards in the province. Teachers moving from GTA boards should contact the local boards early about hiring timelines.

Insurance and financial services

London has a long history in insurance. London Life was founded here, and it's now part of Canada Life, which maintains a significant presence in the city. Other financial services, credit unions and back-office operations round out the sector.

Manufacturing and defence

General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada builds armoured vehicles in London. The city also has food processing, including well-known brands such as Labatt's London brewery and Dr. Oetker, plus advanced manufacturing and auto-parts suppliers serving plants across Southwestern Ontario.

Logistics and distribution

With direct access to Highways 401 and 402 and a short drive to the U.S. border crossings at Sarnia and Windsor/Detroit, London has grown as a logistics and warehousing hub, including large fulfillment operations on the city's edges.

Tech and digital

London has a smaller but real tech scene. Digital Extremes, the studio behind Warframe, is based here, along with a mix of software, digital media and IT services companies, and internet provider Start.ca. Many tech workers in London combine a local base with remote roles for companies elsewhere.

The wider region

Many Londoners work within a 30–60 minute drive of the city. Major regional employers include:

• St. Thomas, just south of London, where Volkswagen's PowerCo battery cell plant is under construction; PowerCo has said cell production will now start in 2029 (CTV News London). It's one of the largest industrial projects in the region and may bring supplier and service jobs, though timing has shifted.
• Woodstock, about 40 minutes east, home to a Toyota vehicle assembly plant.
• Kitchener–Waterloo, about 75–90 minutes east, with its large tech and insurance sectors. Hybrid workers sometimes split their week between London and K-W.

The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) publishes updates on new investments and employers in the area if you want the latest picture.

Keeping a Toronto job from London

A large share of GTA movers keep their existing job, either fully remote or hybrid. Before you rely on that, be specific with your employer:

• Get it in writing. Remote arrangements can change with a new manager or a return-to-office policy. Know what happens to your role if the policy changes.
• Test the commute. Driving the 401 at rush hour is very different from a Sunday afternoon drive. Rail is an option, but schedules are limited. See getting around.
• Count the office days honestly. One day a week is very manageable. Three days a week from London is a significant commitment, and some people end up renting a room in the GTA midweek.
• Check your internet. Most of the city has good wired options, but confirm service at a specific address before you buy, especially on the rural fringe.

How to job-hunt in London

• Search the careers pages of the big institutions directly: LHSC, St. Joseph's, Western, Fanshawe, the City of London and the school boards. Many public-sector jobs are posted there first.
• Use LinkedIn and Indeed with "London, Ontario" (or "London, ON") rather than "London". Otherwise you'll be wading through U.K. postings.
• Connect with local professional associations and alumni networks. London is a city where introductions still matter a great deal.
• If you have a spouse or partner who'll be job-hunting after the move, start their search before you list your GTA home, not after.

Choosing where to live based on where you work

London is compact, but cross-town drives at rush hour still add up. A few rules of thumb:

• Working at Western or University Hospital: the north end (Masonville, Stoneybrook, Sunningdale, Old North) keeps commutes short.
• Working at Victoria Hospital, in the south or the industrial parks near the 401: the south and southwest (Westminster, White Oaks, Lambeth, Summerside) are convenient.
• Commuting to the GTA, Woodstock or K-W: the south and east sides are closest to the 401.
• Working downtown: Wortley Village, Old North, Woodfield and Old East Village can make a walk or bike commute realistic.