Ben Nguyen 
Saskatchewan is well-known as the breadbasket of Canada thanks to its rich agricultural lands and booming agriculture industry. But there is more to Saskatchewan’s economy than just farming. The prairie province has a diverse industrial base spanning sectors like finance, manufacturing, mining, energy and more.
This guide will explore the average salary in Saskatchewan and how it compares to the rest of Canada, which sectors offer the highest earning potential and what the average salary is in Saskatchewan’s major cities.
What is The Average Salary in Saskatchewan?
According to Statistics Canada’s latest data on employee wages by industry in 2023, the average weekly wage in Saskatchewan was $1,181.67 CAD, or $61,446.84 per year (presuming 52 weeks). This places Saskatchewan in 5th place among all provinces, behind Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia and Newfoundland & Labrador.
It is notable that Saskatchewan’s average weekly wage of $1,181.67 is slightly below the national average of $1,232.22. However, it is significantly higher than neighbouring provinces like Manitoba ($1,026.37).
When comparing Saskatchewan’s average wage to the median wage, which controls for extremes, the median sits at $1,044.38 versus the average of $1,181.67. This indicates there are some high wage earners skewing the average upwards.
For a comprehensive national perspective, check out our detailed overview of Average Salary in Canada, along with breakdowns for each province:
- Average Salary in British Columbia
- Average Salary in Alberta
- Average Salary in Quebec
- Average Salary in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Average Salary in Manitoba
- Average Salary in New Brunswick
- Average Salary in Nova Scotia
- Average Salary in Prince Edward Island
- Average Salary in Ontario
Average Salary in Saskatchewan: Breakdown by Industry
Analyzing Saskatchewan’s average weekly wages across major industries reveals significant variances according to Statistics Canada’s latest data:
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
The mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry boasts the highest average weekly wage in Saskatchewan at $2,122.25. This industry has benefited from strong global demand and high commodity prices in recent years. Key resources extracted in Saskatchewan include potash, uranium, oil, and natural gas. With the world’s largest reserves of potash and uranium, Saskatchewan has become a major hub for mining activity. Salaries reflect the highly skilled nature of the work and investments flowing into new projects and expansion of existing sites.
Finance and Insurance
Saskatchewan’s finance and insurance sector delivers an average salary of $1,350.41 per week. The presence of major national players like RBC, BMO, and Scotiabank provides stability, while growth of local credit unions and wealth management firms contributes to new job creation. Saskatchewan’s business-friendly policies and diversified economy necessitate a range of financial services to support economic growth across sectors.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is a key employer in Saskatchewan that offers average weekly earnings of $1,288.00. Major manufacturing industries include agricultural equipment, metal fabrication, transportation equipment, food processing, and oil and gas processing machinery. Manufacturing activity is dispersed across the province with clusters in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, and Prince Albert. Competitive salaries are needed to attract skilled workers and technicians to keep pace with production demand.
Construction
With urban centres growing rapidly and investments in major resource projects, Saskatchewan’s construction industry provides average weekly pay of $1,345.01. Home building and civic infrastructure projects in cities alongside mining, energy, and agriculture developments in rural regions ensure consistent construction work. Seasonal variability in the sector means peak periods require high wages to draw temporary workers.
Agriculture
As Canada’s breadbasket, agriculture is a mainstay of Saskatchewan’s economy. The average weekly wage in the agriculture industry is $1,056.41. This accounts for both corporate farming operations and family farms. While automation has reduced manual labour needs, demand remains strong for experienced farm managers, equipment technicians, agronomists, and researchers to maximize yields through advanced techniques. Agricultural wages in Saskatchewan fare well regionally but lag national levels.
Accommodation and Food
Not surprisingly, accommodation and food services in Saskatchewan offer the lowest average weekly wage at just $480.92. Tourism is not a major industry in the province, leaving this sector underdeveloped compared to other provinces. However, continued business attraction efforts to Saskatchewan’s cities could drive future growth in hospitality jobs and wages.
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Saskatchewan’s professional, scientific and technical services sector provides attractive weekly earnings of $1,507.36. This covers areas like engineering, computer systems design, consulting, and research services. Major investments in Saskatchewan’s core industries drive demand for technical expertise and consulting to support large projects. The province also supports innovation through initiatives like the Regina and Saskatoon research parks.
Educational Services
Education is a cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s economy, with the sector delivering average weekly wages of $1,285.52. Demand stems from the province’s young and rapidly growing population. The University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina anchor the post-secondary system. Publicly funded elementary and secondary schools continue to expand to new neighbourhoods. Education level directly correlates to earnings, so investments in skills have positive impacts.
Utilities
Keeping Saskatchewan’s homes, businesses and industries powered up, the utilities sector provides weekly earnings of $1,789.54. Saskatchewan has among Canada’s lowest electricity rates, maintaining competitiveness. Major utilities like SaskPower are investing in renewable energy assets while also developing traditional sources like natural gas. Highly trained power engineers and technicians earn strong wages to deliver essential services.
Saskatchewan’s average salary landscape reflects the province’s diverse economic composition. The high-paying mining and oil & gas sectors lead the pack, boosted by strong commodity markets. However, well-paying opportunities exist across industries, as highlighted in the summary table below. With unemployment low and demand for skills high, Saskatchewan workers earn attractive salaries. Ongoing investments and development across sectors points to continued wage growth ahead.
Summary of Average Weekly Wages by Industry in Saskatchewan
This breakdown highlights the strength of Saskatchewan’s natural resources sector, with mining and related industries topping the wage list. However, even lower paying sectors still offer weekly wages comparable to other provinces.
Salary Growth Trends in Saskatchewan
Analyzing the trajectory of Saskatchewan average salary over the past 20 years provides context on the province’s economic direction. According to data from Statistics Canada, the average weekly wage for all employees in Saskatchewan has increased steadily from $586.00 in 2002 to $1,181.67 in 2023, for an overall growth of 102%.
Some key points:
- Wages crossed the $1,000 per week threshold in 2016
- The highest growth rate occurred in 2008, with a growth rate of approximately 8.54% (compared to the previous year).
- The 2008-2009 recession during the global financial crisis caused wage growth to decline from 8.54% in 2008 to 3.84% in 2009
- Recent growth between 2021 and 2022 reached 3.18%, showing continued momentum
- Overall, Saskatchewan has seen 102% wage growth since 2002, reflective of its strengthening and increasingly diverse economy.
Saskatchewan’s sustained wage growth reflects a resilient and diversifying economy. The province has successfully attracted high value industries to complement its traditional agricultural base.
Regional Variances: Saskatoon vs. Regina
While speaking about provincial averages provides helpful insight, examining Saskatchewan’s two major cities uncovers some interesting regional wage differences. According to the Saskatchewan government’s labour market update, here is how Saskatoon and Regina compare:
- Saskatoon: 3.9% year-over-year job growth and $7,900 employment increase (compared to July 2023)
- Regina: 1.8% year-over-year job growth and $2,700 employment increase (compared to July 2023)
This indicates Saskatoon is currently seeing stronger economic momentum than the provincial capital. The average salary in Saskatoon is generally around CAD 63,000 to CAD 68,000 per year, while in Regina, it tends to be slightly lower, around CAD 60,000 to CAD 65,000. These figures can vary based on the industry and specific job roles.
What Factors Affect Salary in Saskatchewan?
When evaluating average wages and growth trends in Saskatchewan, several factors come into play:
Unemployment Rate
Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate sits at 5.4% in August 2024 and below the national average of 6.6%. The tight labour market creates upward pressure on wages as employers compete for talent.
(source: https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/business-economy/employment-labour-market/unemployment-rate).
Minimum Wage
Saskatchewan currently has the lowest minimum wage in Canada at $15 per hour, increased from 2021’s minimum wage of $11.81. The low minimum wage may constrain overall wage growth.
Industry Strength
Key sectors like agriculture, mining, and energy directly impact wages in Saskatchewan. For example, high potash and uranium prices buoy wages in related industries.
High Demand Jobs and Salaries in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s thriving economy has created high demand across numerous occupations. Here is a closer look at some of the top in-demand jobs in Saskatchewan and their earning potential:
Registered Nurses
With over 100 job listings in early June 2024, registered nurses are urgently required in Saskatchewan. The province’s rapidly growing population and aging demographics are fueling demand. Registered nurses earn a median salary of $89,700 annually based on a 37.5-hour work week. Nurses benefit from schedule flexibility and career advancement opportunities within healthcare.
Transport Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are essential for transporting goods across Saskatchewan’s vast geography. Nearly 1,000 job ads were posted for truckers in the province in June 2024. Drivers can earn around $49,237 annually depending on routes and experience. Major projects in resources and manufacturing are creating increased need for reliable drivers.
Retail Sales Managers
With over 1,500 job postings in June, retail sales managers are highly sought after in Saskatchewan. Retail’s prominence in the economy makes management skills valuable. Sales managers earn approximately $78,741 annually for overseeing store operations and staff and achieving sales targets.
Heavy Equipment Mechanics
These tradespeople see over 1,200 job ads in Saskatchewan currently. Mechanics earn around $68,250 annually for maintaining and repairing heavy machinery used in construction, mining, and other major industries. With major projects underway, heavy equipment expertise is indispensable.
Heavy Equipment Operators
Operators of excavators, bulldozers, and loaders are needed for Saskatchewan’s construction and resource expansion, reflected in over 1,700 job postings. Operators earn median wages of $58,500 annually for their precision equipment handling skills. A strong safety record is also essential.
Physicians
With job listings for surgeons and family physicians in the dozens, Saskatchewan has acute demand for medical practitioners. General practitioners can earn $233,726 annually, while specialists like surgeons earn around $379,319. Saskatchewan’s remote regions need physicians, while urban centres also seek talent.
Accountants
Over 100 job ads for accountants appeared in June 2024. Their financial skills enable businesses and organizations to operate effectively. Accountants earn approximately $80,008 annually in Saskatchewan for budgeting, reporting, auditing and advising. Demand stems from economic growth across sectors.
Construction Trades Helpers
With nearly 1,800 job ads, construction helpers are urgently required for Saskatchewan’s building boom. They earn median wages of $42,900 annually for assisting skilled trades like electricians, bricklayers, and plumbers. No formal education required, making helpers widely employable.
(source: https://immigration.ca/top-10-most-in-demand-jobs-in-canadian-province-of-saskatchewan/)
What are the Highest and Lowest Paying Occupations in Saskatchewan?
The Job Bank wage data for Saskatchewan provides insight into which occupations offer the highest and lowest earning potential.
Top Highest Paying Occupations
- Judges – $340,021 to $383,700 per year
- Dentists – Around $110,000 per year
- Insurance Lawyer – $52,000 to $175,000 per year
- University Professors – $45,000 to $177,000 per year
- Mining Engineers – Around $125,000 per year
- Managers in natural resources production and fishing – $102,000 to $191,300 per year
- Computer and information systems managers – $90,000 to $190,000 per year
Bottom Lowest Paying Occupations
- Early Childhood Educators – $14 to $22.11 per hour, or around $29,000 to $46,000 per year
- Food Counter Attendants and Kitchen Helpers – $14 per hour, or $29,000 per year
- Home Support Workers – $14 to $24.50 per hour, or $29,000 to $51,000 per year
- Food and Beverage Servers – $14 per hour, or $29,000 per year
- Light Duty Cleaners – $14 to $22 per hour, or $29,000 to $46,000 per year
- Cashiers – $14.00 per hour, or $29,000 per year
- Hotel front desk clerks – $14.5 per hour, or around $30,000 per year
(Source: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/location/sk)
The wage spectrum in Saskatchewan is very wide, with top fields like law and medicine earning over 5 times more than entry-level service jobs. However, even lower paying roles offer liveable wages.
Key Takeaways
- Saskatchewan has Canada’s 5th highest average weekly wage at $1,181.67 (in 2023)
- Wages increased over 102% between 2002 and 2023
- Mining and energy industries boast the highest pay
- Saskatoon wages growing faster than Regina’s recently
- Low unemployment and competitive industries support wage growth
- High demand jobs pay attractive salaries
Saskatchewan may lag slightly behind Canadian averages for wages, but it excels at quality of life. With an abundance of jobs available in thriving industries, reasonable taxes, and affordable housing, Saskatchewan offers an attractive total compensation package.
Conclusion
While statistics provide helpful directional insight, evaluating career potential in a new location also requires careful consideration of individual factors. For those willing to endure Saskatchewan’s chilly winters, the economic and lifestyle opportunities are immense. The resource-rich province will continue relying on skilled immigrants to drive prosperity in communities large and small.
Saskatchewan salaries may not lead Canada, but its unwavering optimism and welcoming spirit are second to none. There is no better place for hard-working people to build careers and lives bursting with promise. The Saskatchewan advantage means your financial future is bright, and you will enjoy security, comfort and belonging along the way.
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FAQs related to average salary in Saskatchewan
Q: What is the average wage for jobs in Saskatchewan?
A: The overall average weekly wage across all occupations in Saskatchewan was around $1,181.67 in 2023. But this ranges from over $340,000 for judges to $14,000 for some entry-level service roles.
Q: Where are the highest paying jobs in Saskatchewan?
A: The highest paying occupations are typically in fields like law, medicine, engineering, management, and skilled trades. Major cities like Saskatoon and Regina offer more high paying roles.
Q: Why are wages increasing in Saskatchewan?
A: Wage growth is being driven by economic expansion in resources, manufacturing, construction and services. A tight labour market is also forcing employers to offer higher compensation.
Q: When did Saskatchewan wages cross $1,000 per week?
A: Saskatchewan's average weekly wages first surpassed the $1,000 threshold in 2016, according to Statistics Canada data.
Q: Can you negotiate a higher salary in Saskatchewan?
A: Yes, salary negotiation is possible, especially for skilled roles where talent is in short supply. Research average pay for your occupation before negotiations.
Q: Do government employees make more in Saskatchewan?
A: On average, government wages are higher than private sector wages in Saskatchewan. Median government wages were around $28 per hour vs $22 per hour in the private sector.
Q: Is Saskatchewan's economy growing?
A: Yes, Saskatchewan has seen strong and steady GDP and wage growth since the early 2000s despite some temporary downturns.
Q: What Saskatchewan industry has the highest salaries?
A: The mining, quarrying, and oil/gas extraction industry has the highest average weekly earnings at around $2,122.25.
Q: When are wages lowest in Saskatchewan?
A: Wage growth tends to lag during recessions. The 2008-2009 global financial crisis caused Saskatchewan's wage growth to pull back before recovering.
Q: Do nurses make more in Saskatchewan or Alberta?
A: Right now, nurses make slightly more on average in Alberta versus Saskatchewan. But, salaries are rising rapidly for nurses in both provinces.
Q: Which city has the highest wages in Saskatchewan?
A: Wages tend to be highest in Saskatoon, followed by Regina. These major urban centres offer more high-paying knowledge economy jobs.
Q: How does Saskatchewan compare to other provinces in terms of wages?
A: Saskatchewan has the 5th highest average weekly earnings among provinces, behind AB, BC, ON and NL.
Q: Can you afford to live comfortably earning the average wage?
A: Saskatchewan's average wage is among the highest in Canada, enabling a comfortable standard of living for most earners.
Q: Is wage growth keeping pace with inflation?
A: Over the long run, Saskatchewan wage growth has outpaced inflation. But inflation spikes can temporarily erode purchasing power.
Q: How do I find the latest wage data by occupation?
A: Job Bank Canada has a searchable wage tool that provides median wages by occupation based on recent government data.
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