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. While the average salary in Canada provides a helpful national benchmark, this guide will focus specifically on the average salary in Saskatchewan. We’ll explore how salaries in Saskatchewan compare 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 data on employee wages by industry in March 2025, the average weekly wage in Saskatchewan is $1,229.83, compared to $1,309.86 CAD in Canada overall. The table below provides a month-by-month breakdown of both average weekly wage rates and median weekly wage rates for employees in Saskatchewan from June 2024 to March 2025:
Month | Average Weekly Wage Rate (CAD) | Median Weekly Wage Rate (CAD) |
---|---|---|
June 2024 | 1,212.83 | 1,069.92 |
July 2024 | 1,206.26 | 1,040.00 |
August 2024 | 1,213.10 | 1,080.00 |
September 2024 | 1,222.46 | 1,104.00 |
October 2024 | 1,236.55 | 1,125.00 |
November 2024 | 1,215.51 | 1,106.33 |
December 2024 | 1,241.58 | 1,116.40 |
January 2025 | 1,236.41 | 1,120.00 |
February 2025 | 1,224.76 | 1,080.00 |
March 2025 | 1,229.83 | 1,095.90 |
Average Salary in Saskatchewan: Breakdown by Industry
Analyzing Saskatchewan’s average weekly wages across major industries reveals significant variances according to Statistics Canada Table 14-10-0063-01, the 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 in March 2025 at $2,294.40. 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 the expansion of existing sites.
Finance and Insurance
Saskatchewan’s finance and insurance sector delivered an average salary of $1,413.59 per week in March 2025. The presence of major national players like RBC, BMO, and Scotiabank provides stability, while the 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 $1,425.15 (March 2025). 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 an average weekly pay of $1,329.57 (March 2025). 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 in March 2025 is $1,095.58. 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 at national levels.
Accommodation and Food
Not surprisingly, accommodation and food services in Saskatchewan offer the lowest average weekly wage at just $530.64 (March 2025). 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 $1,596.45 (February 2025). 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 $1,273.99. 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 $1,905.55. Saskatchewan has among Canada’s lowest electricity rates, maintaining competitiveness. Major utilities like SaskPower invest in renewable energy assets while 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 are 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 point to continued wage growth ahead.
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.
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0063-01 Employee wages by industry, monthly, unadjusted for seasonality
What are the Salary Growth Trends in Saskatchewan?
Analyzing the trajectory of Saskatchewan’s 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 $1,216.29 in 2024, for an overall growth of 107%.
Five 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.
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0417-01 Employee wages by occupation, annual
What are the 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.
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
Registered nurses are urgently required in Saskatchewan. The province’s rapidly growing population and aging demographics are fueling demand. 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. Major projects in resources and manufacturing are creating an increased need for reliable drivers.
Retail Sales Managers
Retail sales managers are highly sought after in Saskatchewan. Retail’s prominence in the economy makes management skills valuable. Sales managers’ main responsibilities are overseeing store operations and staff and achieving sales targets.
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
Mechanics are in high demand in SK and are responsible for maintaining and repairing heavy machinery used in construction, mining, and other major industries. With major projects underway, heavy equipment expertise is indispensable.
General practitioners and family physicians
With job listings for surgeons and family physicians in the dozens, Saskatchewan has acute demand for medical practitioners. Saskatchewan’s remote regions need physicians, while urban centres also seek talent.
Financial auditors and accountants
Their financial skills enable businesses and organizations to operate effectively. Accountants can earn high salaries in Saskatchewan for budgeting, reporting, auditing and advising. Demand stems from economic growth across sectors.
Source: Saskatchewan High-in-Demand Occupation – nationwidevisas.com
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 – $353,590 to $396,700 per hour
- Dentists – Around $110,000 per hour
- Insurance Lawyer – $60,008 to $180,003 per hour
- University Professors – $47,840 to $176,675 per hour
- Mining Engineers – Around $125,000 per hour
- Managers in natural resources production and fishing – $94,993 to $230,006 per hour
- Computer and information systems managers – $78,000 to $165,006 per hour
Bottom Lowest Paying Occupations
- Early Childhood Educators – $15.00 to $25.00 per hour
- Food Counter Attendants and Kitchen Helpers – $15.00 to $20.00 per hour
- Home Support Workers – $15.00 to $24.50 per hour
- Food and Beverage Servers – $15.00 per hour to $21.81 per hour
- Light Duty Cleaners – $15.00 to $21.00 per hour
- Cashiers – $15.00 per hour
- Hotel front desk clerks – $15.00 per hour
Source: Wages in Saskatchewan, Government of Canada
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.
What factors affect salary in Saskatchewan?
When evaluating average wages and growth trends in Saskatchewan, three factors come into play:
Unemployment Rate
Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate stands at 4.9% in March 2025 and below the national average of 6.7%. The tight labour market creates upward pressure on wages as employers compete for talent.
Minimum Wage
Saskatchewan currently has the lowest minimum wage in Canada at $15 per hour. 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.
For a comprehensive national perspective, check out our detailed overview of average salary 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 Ontario
FAQs related to the Average salary in Saskatchewan
Where are the highest paying jobs in Saskatchewan?
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.
Why are wages increasing in Saskatchewan?
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.
When did Saskatchewan wages cross $1,000 per week?
Saskatchewan's average weekly wages first surpassed the $1,000 threshold in 2016, according to Statistics Canada data.
Can you negotiate a higher salary in Saskatchewan?
Yes, salary negotiation is possible, especially for skilled roles where talent is in short supply. Research average pay for your occupation before negotiations.
Do government employees make more in Saskatchewan?
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.
Is Saskatchewan's economy growing?
Yes, Saskatchewan has seen strong and steady GDP and wage growth since the early 2000s despite some temporary downturns.
What Saskatchewan industry has the highest salaries?
The mining, quarrying, and oil/gas extraction industry has the highest average weekly earnings at around $2,122.25.
When are wages lowest in Saskatchewan?
Wage growth tends to lag during recessions. The 2008-2009 global financial crisis caused Saskatchewan's wage growth to pull back before recovering.
Do nurses make more in Saskatchewan or Alberta?
Right now, nurses make slightly more on average in Alberta versus Saskatchewan. But, salaries are rising rapidly for nurses in both provinces.
How does Saskatchewan compare to other provinces in terms of wages?
Saskatchewan has the 5th highest average weekly earnings among provinces, behind AB, BC, ON and NL.
Can you afford to live comfortably earning the SK average wage?
Saskatchewan's average wage is among the highest in Canada, enabling a comfortable standard of living for most earners.
Is wage growth in SK keeping pace with inflation?
Over the long run, Saskatchewan wage growth has outpaced inflation. But inflation spikes can temporarily erode purchasing power.
The Bottom Line
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.
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.