In-Demand Occupations and Jobs in Saskatchewan (2024)

Are you considering a career move or looking for promising job opportunities in Saskatchewan? As of 2024, the province continues to showcase a thriving job market with numerous in-demand occupations across various industries. These opportunities are not just jobs but the stepping stones to a promising career in Saskatchewan. Start your journey today and embrace the potential that awaits you in this vibrant province.

From the bustling urban centers of Saskatoon and Regina to the vibrant rural communities, Saskatchewan offers diverse career paths suited to different skill sets and interests. What's more, these communities are known for their warm and welcoming nature, making it easier for newcomers to settle in. Whether you're passionate about agriculture, mining, healthcare, technology, or education, ample opportunities await exploring.

Get to know the key occupations driving Saskatchewan's economy forward in 2024, offering insights into where you can find promising opportunities in the province's dynamic labor market.

Why Saskatchewan Needs You

Saskatchewan's economic engine thrives on industries like agriculture, healthcare, and skilled trades. However, an aging population and increasing industry demands have created significant skill gaps. This translates to many in-demand jobs in Saskatchewan for newcomers with expertise in these areas. These jobs offer opportunities, stability, and security, ensuring a promising future for you and your career. Do you have a business idea brewing? Saskatchewan is a haven for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The provincial government recognizes the importance of small businesses and offers many programs and resources to help you turn your vision into reality. This includes the:

• SK Startup Institute,
• AgriInvest,
• Prairies Economic Development Canada, and
• Youth Employment and Skills Program.

Small businesses (less than 50 employees) account for 98.8% of the 147,000 operating businesses in Saskatchewan, according to the province's small business report. Saskatchewan has abundant natural resources, including potash, uranium, oil, and agricultural products.

Skilled workers are the backbone of Saskatchewan's economy, playing a crucial role in extracting, processing, and managing the province's abundant natural resources. Their efficient and sustainable management ensures continued prosperity for the province and the nation. This is why Saskatchewan values and prioritizes skilled workers, offering numerous opportunities for those with the right expertise.

The Top Sectors in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan, nicknamed the "Breadbasket of Canada" for its agricultural prowess, boasts a diverse and growing economy. Let's dive into the top sectors driving Saskatchewan's economic success.

Agriculture

Agriculture forms the bedrock of Saskatchewan's economy, contributing significantly to the national GDP. According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan is Canada's largest agricultural producer, with almost half of the nation's total field crop area. The province is a global leader in producing wheat, pulses (lentils, peas, chickpeas), and oilseeds like canola, based on information from the Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan.

Mining and Resources

Saskatchewan has abundant natural resources such as:

• Potash,
• Uranium,
• Base metals, and
• Oil & gas reserves.

These resources contribute significantly to the provincial economy through extraction and processing activities. The mining and resources sector requires a skilled workforce, including geologists, engineers, and technicians.

Energy

Saskatchewan prioritizes renewable energy development, with wind power experiencing significant growth. This creates opportunities in wind turbine manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. The province is a carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology leader. CCUS aims to capture carbon emissions from industrial processes and store them permanently, mitigating environmental impact.

Manufacturing

Saskatchewan forms part of Canada's main manufacturing centers. The province focuses on value-added production, transforming raw materials from key sectors like agriculture and resources into finished goods. Examples include food processing plants, fertilizer manufacturing facilities, and metal fabrication plants. Advanced manufacturing demands skilled tradespeople like machinists, welders, and industrial electricians.

Healthcare and Social Services

Saskatchewan's healthcare and social services sector is expanding to meet the needs of an aging population and a growing province. The sector offers various career paths for healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, therapists), social workers, and support staff. This sector can offer a good work-life balance, attracting professionals seeking a fulfilling career with societal impact.

The Top 10 In-demand Jobs in Saskatchewan in 2024

Curious to know which jobs are the most in-demand in Saskatchewan? Here's a comprehensive analysis of the top 10 most in-demand jobs in Saskatchewan for 2024, categorized by their respective sectors and with National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and average annual salaries according to Canada's Job Bank. This detailed information will give you a clear picture of the job market and help you make informed career decisions.

Skilled Trades

Heavy Equipment Mechanics (NOC 72401)

Heavy Equipment Mechanics keep the wheels of construction, mining, and agriculture turning by maintaining and repairing heavy machinery. The service infrastructure projects like road construction and bridge repairs are fueled by residential and commercial development and ongoing mining and resource extraction operations.

Annual Average salary in Saskatchewan: 93,003.93 CAD

Heavy Equipment Operators (NOC 73400)

Operating heavy machinery like excavators, bulldozers, and graders is crucial for construction, resource development, and infrastructure projects. Heavy equipment operators are skilled workers who operate heavy equipment used in engineering and construction projects and are essential to Saskatchewan's heavy industries.

Annual Average salary in Saskatchewan: 79,722.92 CAD

Electricians (NOC 72200)

Electricians are needed for various construction, maintenance, and industrial projects. They install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems, ensuring safety and functionality. Electricians undergo training at different levels: Apprentice, Journeyperson, and Master Electrician, with varying responsibilities and expertise.

Annual Average salary in Saskatchewan: 85,044.02 CAD

Plumbers (NOC 72300)

Plumbers are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair plumbing and gas systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Plumbers require years of training and experience and may need to be licensed in some jurisdictions.

Annual Average salary in Saskatchewan: 85,044.02 CAD

Healthcare

Saskatchewan's growing and aging population puts immense strain on the healthcare system, driving the demand for healthcare professionals across various settings.

Registered Nurses (NOC 31301)

Registered nurses (RNs) provide comprehensive patient care in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They assess patients, administer medications, educate patients and families, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Annual Average salary in Saskatchewan: 122,206.83 CAD

Doctors/Physicians (31102)

Family physicians, pediatricians, surgeons, and specialists across various medical disciplines are in high demand. Physicians work to maintain, promote, and restore health by studying, diagnosing, and treating injuries and diseases. They generally have six core skills:

• Patient care,
• Medical knowledge,
• Practice-based learning and improvement,
• Interpersonal and communication skills, and
• Professionalism and systems-based practice.

Annual Average salary in Saskatchewan: Information not available

Agriculture & Agri-Food Processing

General Farm Worker/Laborer (NOC 85100)

General farm workers include roles like agricultural engineers, crop scientists, food safety inspectors, and animal health technicians. The specific duties and responsibilities of a farm worker or laborer may vary depending on the size and type of farm. Still, they typically include tasks such as planting and harvesting crops, tending to animals, building and repairing fences, operating farm machinery, and performing general maintenance tasks.

Annual Average salary in Saskatchewan: 63,803.38 CAD

Energy & Resources

Geologists & Geophysicists (NOC 21102)

These professionals use scientific methods to locate and assess mineral and energy resources. Geologists work on projects related to mineral extraction, groundwater, and environmental issues, while geophysicists are involved in detecting seismic activity, monitoring natural phenomena, and forecasting events like earthquakes and tsunamis.

Annual Average salary in Saskatchewan: 106,345.20 CAD

Petroleum Engineers (NOC 21332)

Petroleum engineers design, develop, and implement oil and natural gas extraction methods. They are crucial in evaluating oil and gas reservoirs in Saskatchewan, overseeing drilling activities, designing recovery schemes, and managing drilling operations. Petroleum engineers use their expertise in various disciplines like geophysics, geology, drilling, and reservoir engineering to maximize the economic recovery of hydrocarbons from subsurface reservoirs.

Annual Average salary in Saskatchewan: 107,765.84 CAD

Information Technology & Telecommunications

Software & Web Developers (NOC 21234)

These professionals design, develop, and maintain software applications and websites. Web and software developers write code and design applications. Still, they are mainly concerned with websites and web applications on internet browsers, while software developers focus on computer programs for desktop and mobile devices.

Find out which are the best provinces for software developer jobs in Canada.

Annual Average salary in Saskatchewan: 98,173.90 CAD

Benefits of Working in Saskatchewan

There are many benefits that come with choosing Saskatchewan as the place to make your occupational dreams come true. Here's a breakdown of the key benefits that make Saskatchewan an attractive place to work:

Low Unemployment Rate in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan consistently enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. At 5%, according to Saskatchewan's Dashboard, Saskatchewan's low unemployment rate translates to a strong job market, giving you a higher chance of securing full-time, permanent employment quickly.

According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate in Saskatchewan is lower than the national unemployment rate of 6.1%. This low provincial unemployment rate in Saskatchewan compared to the national statistic is another primary driver for many prospective immigrant workers in Saskatchewan.

Affordable Cost of Living in Saskatchewan

Housing, transportation, and everyday expenses are generally more affordable in Saskatchewan compared to major Canadian cities such as Vancouver and Calgary. The low cost of living in Saskatchewan lets you prioritize your well-being, invest in your savings, or own a home sooner. This is outlined in the table below with figures from Numbeo.

Strong Community Spirit in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is known for its friendly and welcoming communities. You'll likely find strong social connections, a sense of belonging, and opportunities to build lasting relationships.

Learn more about the best places to live in Saskatchewan.

Healthcare in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan boasts a well-funded healthcare system, providing access to quality medical care across the province. If you're going to work in one of Canada's in-demand occupations for at least a year, you'll be eligible to receive Saskatchewan health benefits. This includes, as administered and provided by eHealth Saskatchewan, the following healthcare services:

• Ambulance services,
• Dental care,
• Eye care,
• Glaucoma treatment,
• Drug care,
• Oxygen care, and
• Mobility and visual aids.

Government Support in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's provincial government actively supports newcomers and skilled workers through various immigration pathways and programs. These programs can assist with finding employment, settling into the province, and integrating into Canadian society.

Find out how Canada boosts immigration services and supports newcomers.

FAQs

Is Remote or Flexible Work an Option For Jobs in Saskatchewan?

Yes, remote or flexible work options are increasingly available for jobs in Saskatchewan, particularly in fields such as information technology, customer service, and administrative roles, allowing workers to balance their professional and personal lives more effectively.

How Can I Stay Updated on The Latest Job Openings and Opportunities in Saskatchewan?

To stay updated on the latest job openings and opportunities in Saskatchewan, individuals can utilize online job boards, career websites, and social media platforms while also networking, attending job fairs, and connecting with local employment agencies or organizations to access a wide range of employment leads and stay informed about industry trends.

Are There Specific Skills or Qualifications in High Demand For Saskatchewan Jobs?

Absolutely, certain skills and qualifications are highly sought after in Saskatchewan, including technical expertise in healthcare, engineering, and information technology. You must also have soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, with specific certifications or licenses often required for certain occupations, reflecting the evolving demands of the province's job market.