Most in-demand jobs in Saskatchewan for newcomers

The province of Saskatchewan, also called the “Land of the Living Skies,” is located in central Canada. Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, Saskatchewan’s economy relies on the mining and oil and gas sector. While a significant portion of the province is rural and agrarian, the multicultural cities of Regina and Saskatoon are attractive destinations for newcomers.

To meet its evolving labour market requirements, Saskatchewan welcomes newcomers with in-demand skills and experience to work and settle in the province as Permanent Residents (PR) through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

This article provides information on the job market in Saskatchewan, including the top industries that contribute to its economy, in-demand occupations for newcomers in the region, and median wage estimates, so you can arrive prepared to start your career in Canada.

In this article:

What are the top industries in Saskatchewan?
Which cities have the most job opportunities in Saskatchewan?
Which jobs are in demand in Saskatchewan?
What is the minimum wage in Saskatchewan?
What is the unemployment rate in Saskatchewan?
How can I move to Saskatchewan?

Note
As you plan your move to Canada, choosing a province to settle down in is a huge decision. While the job market is an important factor to keep in mind, be sure to also research the local culture, major cities in each province, spoken languages, and cost of living in the region. Arrive’s Newcomer Guide to Canada’s Provinces and Territories is a great starting point.

What are the top industries in Saskatchewan?

Manufacturing industry: Key manufacturing industries in Saskatchewan include machinery, transportation, and industrial equipment, food and beverage processing, wood, steel, and plastic products, chemicals and biotechnology, life sciences, aerospace and defence, and electronics manufacturing.
Mining, oil and gas: Saskatchewan has the largest potash industry in the world and accounts for 13 per cent of the global uranium production. In addition, the province produces gold, diamonds, coal, non-metallic minerals and base metals. It is also the second-largest oil producing province in Canada.
Agriculture and forestry: The province of Saskatchewan accounts for nearly 40 per cent of Canada’s cultivated farmland and is the largest agri-foods exporter in the country.
Energy: The province produces all types of energy, including hydroelectric, geothermal, and nuclear, with significant employment opportunities in the sector.

Which cities have the most job opportunities in Saskatchewan?

Regina: Regina has a wide array of job opportunities in the manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, agri-food, financial services, and metal fabrication industries.
Saskatoon: Saskatoon is home to several prestigious oil and gas, uranium mining, and potash industries. In addition, the city also has a large manufacturing industry, with a focus on food processing, machinery, wood, steel, plastics, and chemical manufacturing.

Which jobs are in demand in Saskatchewan?

Want to learn about the scope of your profession in Canada?
Find valuable information on career paths, required credentials, and the hiring process in your field in our Canadian Job Market Guide.

Note
The in-demand jobs have been compiled based on in-demand and priority occupations identified in the latest Provincial Nominee Programs and NOCs selected in recent PNP draws. The occupations listed in the sections below are not exhaustive and are subject to change as the labour market needs evolve.You can also use the Government of Canada’s Job Bank portal to conduct a trend analysis of average wages, eligibility criteria, and job requirements for your occupation in a particular city or province.

Service sector jobs in Saskatchewan

Human resource professionals (NOC 10011, 11200, previously 0112): HR professionals earn a median income of $55 CAD per hour.
Financial managers (NOC 10010, previously 0111): In Saskatchewan, managerial positions in finance are highly paid with a median hourly salary of $56 CAD. You’ll require a graduate degree in finance or management to qualify.
Banking credit and other investment managers (NOC 10021, 10020, previously 0122, 0121): These in-demand finance jobs pay an average salary between $45 CAD and $50 CAD per hour.
Financial and administrative officers (NOC 11100, 11102, 11109, previously 1114, 1221): These jobs typically pay around $25 CAD per hour.
Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 12200, previously 1311): These positions come with an average salary of $25 CAD per hour.
Financial sales representatives (NOC 63102, previously 6235): As a sales representative in finance, you can make between $18 CAD and $40 CAD per hour, depending on the seniority of the position.
Senior managers in financial communications and other business services (NOC 00012, previously 0013): These senior management roles require a management degree and pay a median hourly wage of $49 CAD.
Advertising, marketing, and public relations managers (NOC 10022, previously 0124): Marketing managers earn around $46 CAD per hour.

Technology jobs in Saskatchewan

Information system analysts and consultants (NOC 21211, 21220, 21221, 21222, 21233, previously 2171): These in-demand IT sector jobs pay an average salary of $43 CAD per hour.
Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21211, 21223, previously 2172): Professionals in these roles make a median hourly wage of $36 CAD.
Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 21230, 21232, 21234, previously 2174): Programmers and developers earn a median wage of $37 CAD per hour.

Manufacturing jobs in Saskatchewan

Aircraft mechanics and inspectors (NOC 72404, previously 7315): These roles pay a median hourly wage of $36 CAD in Saskatchewan.

Health care jobs in Saskatchewan

Senior managers in healthcare, education and social community (NOC 00013, previously 0014): Managers in health care make upwards of $40 CAD per hour in Saskatchewan.
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102, previously 3413): These in-demand health care jobs pay a median hourly wage of $22 CAD.
Home support workers and related occupations (NOC 44101, previously 4412): Home support personnel earn between $13.96 CAD and $20 CAD per hour.

Agriculture jobs in Saskatchewan

Agriculture managers (NOC 80020, previously 0821): Managers in the agriculture sector earn a median hourly income of $25.64 CAD.

Ready to start applying to jobs in Canada?
Find tips and resources on creating a Canadian-style resume, searching for jobs, networking, and interview preparation in Arrive’s Newcomer’s Guide to Finding Your Career in Canada.

What is the minimum wage in Saskatchewan?

The minimum wage in Saskatchewan as of October 1, 2021 is $11.81 CAD per hour.

What is the unemployment rate in Saskatchewan?

In November 2021, the unemployment rate in Saskatchewan was 5.2 per cent.

How can I move to Saskatchewan?

If you’re planning to settle permanently in Saskatchewan, you can either apply for permanent residency (PR) through the federal government’s Express Entry program or directly to the province through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

The province also welcomes foreign workers with valid work permits to work temporarily in Saskatchewan. Some newcomers also choose to apply for a study permit in order to pursue a study program at a university in the province. Any eligible work experience or educational credentials you gain in Saskatchewan can improve your chances of qualifying for PR later.

Want to learn more about living in Saskatchewan?

Check out our province-specific resources for more information:

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This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.