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Average Salaries in Saskatchewan
What average salaries in Saskatchewan can you expect to earn in 2024? This extensive guide will break down current pay scales across industries, locations, roles, and experience levels.
We’ll benchmark Saskatchewan’s wages nationally, reveal the highest—and lowest-earning jobs and cities, and analyze the factors that impact salary potential—from education and gender to sector and bonus eligibility.
Whether you are exploring new career options or negotiating a wage raise, these data-driven insights help maximize your earnings in Saskatchewan’s job market this year and beyond.
Average Salary in Saskatchewan
As of July 2024, Saskatchewan’s overall average salary across all occupations is $47,761 per year or $22.96 per hour. This ranks the province #59 for salaries out of 63 provinces nationally.
Most annual wages range from $36,000 at the 25th percentile to $57,250 at the 75th percentile based on provincial job posting data. The median salary is $47,500, meaning half of Saskatchewan workers earn less than this benchmark, and half earn more.
Broken down further, the average monthly income earned in Saskatchewan is $3,980 and standard weekly earnings are $918 for full-time roles.
Overall, Saskatchewan falls on the lower end for salaries countrywide. However, wages can deviate significantly depending on which city and specific occupation you look at.
Hourly & Weekly Wages
The average hourly wage in Saskatchewan is $22.96. This translates to an average weekly earnings of $918 for full-time roles.
Monthly & Annual Salaries
The average monthly salary for workers in Saskatchewan is $3,980. This amounts to an average provincial earnings of $47,761 per year.
Salary Distribution
The distribution of salaries in Saskatchewan is:
- $36,000 per year at the 25th percentile
- $47,500 per year at the median (50th percentile)
- $57,250 per year at the 75th percentile
This indicates that the bottom 25% of earners make $36,000 or less, while the top 25% of high earners make over $57,250 annually. The middle 50% of professionals earn between $36,000 and $57,250 annually.
Understanding these salary distribution benchmarks helps contextualize where you or a potential hire may fall within the provincial workforce earnings spectrum.
National Comparison
Among all provinces in Canada, Saskatchewan ranks #59 out of 63 for average salaries.
Overall, wages trail national averages by 10-15% for most occupation types. However, certain cities and occupations within Saskatchewan tend to pay closer to or above national means.
Source: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/–in-Saskatchewan
Highest Paying Cities & Regions in Saskatchewan
Though Saskatchewan lags the national standard for salaries on average, certain cities and regions within the province offer far higher pay scales.
Below are the top 10 highest-paying cities and towns for salaries in Saskatchewan as of 2024. All maintain mean annual wages well above the $47,761 provincial figure:
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities in Saskatchewan
| City | Average Annual Salary |
| Eston | $61,080 |
| Hudson Bay | $59,025 |
| Esterhazy | $54,752 |
| Watrous | $53,715 |
| Lanigan | $52,441 |
| Regina | $52,128 |
| Shellbrook | $50,525 |
| Kelvington | $50,446 |
| Saskatoon | $49,643 |
| North Battleford | $48,999 |
These cities maintain average wages substantially above the $47,761 provincial figure. However, salaries diverge even more significantly based on specific occupations.
Top Paying Jobs with Highest Average Salaries in Saskatchewan
While location impacts salary, deviation across occupations is even more pronounced in the province. The top 10 highest-paying roles are:
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Saskatchewan
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary |
| Cardiac Anesthesiologist | $363,251 |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | $358,006 |
| Vascular Surgeon | $357,218 |
| Interventional Pain Physician | $345,464 |
| Interventional Cardiologist | $336,937 |
| Pain Management Physician | $333,589 |
| Pediatric Anesthesiologist | $332,330 |
| Anesthesiology Physician | $330,744 |
| Dermatologist | $326,101 |
| Oncologist | $324,467 |
These physician and surgeon specializations earn enormous salaries averaging over $320,000+ annually. However, many other in-demand occupations also pay above provincial means.
Most In-Demand Occupations in Saskatchewan
Beyond specialized medical roles, many in-demand occupations also pay above the $47,761 average annual salary for Saskatchewan professionals.
Currently, these are commonly posted “hot jobs” within the province. They offer competitive compensation and ample openings for qualified applicants.
The top highest-paying in-demand occupations are:
Top In-Demand Occupations in Saskatchewan
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary |
| Dental Assistant | $35,128 |
| Uber Driver | $35,100 |
| Registered Nurse | $76,313 |
| CCA | $65,867 |
| Truck Driver | $51,973 |
| Early Childhood Educator | $29,526 |
| First Year Teacher | $59,432 |
| Conservation Officer | $47,224 |
| Forensic Psychologist | $101,396 |
These in-demand occupations pay anywhere from 29% below to over 100% above the provincial mean salary. Seeking career opportunities in growing fields can lead to satisfying opportunities with competitive compensation.
Average Salaries in Saskatchewan Change Over Time
Beyond current salary levels, Saskatchewan professionals do see rising pay over time through raises, promotions, and moving between companies.
Over the past five years, from 2020 to 2024, the average salary for professionals in Saskatchewan has increased by approximately 13%.
While this lags the 15-20% national growth rate, salaries are trending upwards modestly above inflation across most occupations yearly.
If current economic forecasts hold, average salaries in Saskatchewan are projected to rise another 10-15% cumulatively through 2026.
For certain skilled occupations where talent shortages exist, higher-than-average annual salary growth of around 5%+ is expected over the next few years.
To maximize your salary growth over a career, pursue promotions aggressively and change companies strategically every 3-5 years. This leverages competitive hiring offers to increase pay faster than relying on standard annual raises.
Entry-Level Average Salaries in Saskatchewan for Recent Graduates
At the start of their careers, Saskatchewan professionals earn substantially lower salaries than those in mid- or late career roles. However, pay rises quickly in the first years on the job.
Recent graduates and professionals with only 0-2 years of experience earn a provincial average of approximately $86,300 annually across industries.
This reflects nearly an 80% pay jump just by transitioning from school to gaining even 1-2 years of initial work experience.
Further, professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree typically earn 20-30% more at the entry level than diploma or certificate holders in the same fields.
So, new graduates shouldn’t be discouraged by lower starting salaries—pay increases substantially in Saskatchewan once they gain any professional experience and credentials.
Source: https://worldsalaries.com/average-purchaser-salary-in-saskatchewan/canada/
Average Salaries in Saskatchewan by Experience Level
Beyond the entry-level phase, salaries rise steadily as professionals gain more experience and seniority in Saskatchewan.
Average Salary by Years Experience in Saskatchewan
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
| 0-2 years | $86,300 |
| 2-5 years | $114,300 |
| 5-10 years | $171,300 |
| 10-15 years | $210,600 |
| 15-20 years | $227,600 |
| 20+ years | $245,400 |
Salaries nearly triple from entry-level to the most experienced professionals. Boosting expertise pays, both through formal education and on-the-job progression.
Average Salaries in Saskatchewan by Education Level
Along with work experience, formal education credentials also substantially influence earning potential and income growth over a career.
Below is the average salary earned by professionals in Saskatchewan at each education level currently:
Average Salary by Education Level in Saskatchewan
| Education Level | Average Annual Salary |
| High School Diploma | $99,900 |
| College Certificate/Diploma | $153,700 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $262,300 |
| Master’s Degree | $288,500 |
The more education attained, the higher the salaries climb within the same roles—especially for those holding bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees in high-demand specializations like engineering, technology, healthcare, and accounting.
Education opens the door to specialized, lucrative occupations that help maximize your long-term income potential in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
Master’s Degree Salary ROI
Pursuing an advanced post-graduate degree like a Master’s requires substantial upfront time and tuition costs. However, the long-term salary benefits typically outweigh the initial investments.
The average Master’s degree in Saskatchewan costs between $49,800 – $149,000 and takes 1-2 years to complete full-time.
Upon entering the workforce, new graduates with a Master’s degree can expect around 10% higher starting salaries than colleagues with only a bachelor’s degree.
Over a 30-year career, this Master’s salary premium can exceed $500,000 in extra lifetime earnings, which quickly offsets the costs of tuition.
Pursuing specialized technology, engineering, or business Master’s programs tends to provide the highest return on investment through salary gains.
For many professionals, this educational investment in a Master’s degree pays dividends through significantly higher incomes over the course of their working lives.
Source: https://worldsalaries.com/average-purchaser-salary-in-saskatchewan/canada/
Gender Wage Gap in Saskatchewan
Ideally, gender would not impact salaries for the same roles. However, a gap persists between the incomes of men and women in Saskatchewan:
- Male professionals: $169,700 average salary
- Female professionals: $161,300 average salary
This means that women earn approximately 5% less on average than men in equivalent occupational positions and experience levels.
While the gap has narrowed, lingering inequality remains in certain occupations.
Both employees and employers must be cognizant of subconscious biases that can perpetuate pay gaps between equally qualified professionals based solely on gender.
Eliminating these lingering gaps will benefit individuals, businesses and the Saskatchewan economy by appropriately rewarding contributions.
Source: https://worldsalaries.com/average-purchaser-salary-in-saskatchewan/canada/
Public vs Private Sector Pay in Saskatchewan
Average salaries also diverge between public and private sector occupations within the province.
Public vs Private Sector Pay in Saskatchewan
| Sector | Average Annual Salary |
| Public Sector | $123,000 |
| Private Sector | $115,600 |
| Gap | 6% higher in public |
Government and public sector roles pay approximately 6% more than similar private sector positions. While a divide exists, Saskatchewan’s gap is smaller than some provinces.
Average Salaries in Saskatchewan by Industry
Beyond the sector, average salaries can vary substantially between industries. Below are the current average salaries for top industries in Saskatchewan:
Average Salary by Industry in Saskatchewan
| Industry | Average Annual Salary |
| Technology | $132,500 |
| Oil & Gas | $128,400 |
| Finance | $119,700 |
| Healthcare | $118,600 |
| Trades | $112,500 |
| Education | $99,200 |
| Retail | $45,000 |
| Hospitality | $41,300 |
Highly skilled sectors like technology, engineering, finance and healthcare boast the highest industry salaries – often over 2-3 times higher than consumer services fields.
Average Salaries in Saskatchewan by Major City
Average salaries can deviate widely even within the same province. Below are the current average salaries for major cities:
Average Salaries for Major Cities in Saskatchewan
| City | Average Annual Salary |
| Saskatoon | $67,500 |
| Regina | $65,400 |
| Prince Albert | $62,300 |
| Moose Jaw | $59,700 |
| Swift Current | $56,800 |
Metropolitan regions with more corporate headquarters and specialized industries generally offer the highest location-based salaries.
Average Salaries in Saskatchewan by Seniority & Job Category
Within the same occupations, salaries also differ substantially between entry-level, intermediate and senior positions.
For example, in accounting fields:
- Entry Level Accountant – $52,000
- intermediate Accountant – $79,500
- Senior Accountant – $122,000
Reviewing salary ranges by job category provides helpful benchmarks when negotiating pay based on your current career stage and expertise.
Bonuses & Incentives in Saskatchewan
Beyond base pay, bonus incentives comprise a portion of total compensation depending on your occupation, performance, and company success.
In Saskatchewan currently:
- 61% of professionals receive some form of bonuses
- Reported bonuses range from 2% to 7% on average
- 39% do not obtain any bonuses
Factors impacting bonus eligibility and payout amounts include:
- Individual or team performance metrics
- Company profitability and budgets
- Achieving key business goals and milestones
- Holiday or year-end gifts
- Retention incentives
Read more: Statutory Holidays in Saskatchewan
Sales, consulting, engineering, finance, and executive roles tend to offer the highest bonuses, which are tied directly to profits or performance.
Maximizing bonus pay requires selecting fields with ample incentives and delivering outstanding results.
Key Takeaways
- While lagging nationally, ample high-paying roles in Saskatchewan require the right expertise.
- Salaries rise steadily over your career – pursue education and experience to maximize earnings.
- Leverage competitive job offers and salary data when negotiating pay.
- Research salaries carefully when making career and compensation decisions.
Conclusion
Salaries in Saskatchewan vary widely, but ample potential exists to earn a prosperous living in the right occupations. For optimal pay, pursue specialized roles in high-demand fields. Keep growing your skills and education throughout your career to maximize earnings in the long term.
When negotiating salary offers, benchmark pay carefully against your specific credentials and value proposition. With diligent navigation of the province’s job market, professionals can achieve satisfying and financially rewarding careers in Saskatchewan.
Average Salaries in Canada vary widely between provinces and territories due to factors like cost of living, labor supply, and economic strength. To help you understand pay scales across Canada, we’ve compiled this series on average salaries by region:
FAQs on average salaries in Saskatchewan
Where are the highest paying jobs in Saskatchewan located?
The highest salaries are concentrated in major cities like Regina and Saskatoon, which have more corporate headquarters and specialized industries.
Why do salaries increase with experience?
Salaries rise with experience as employees gain more expertise, take on higher level roles, and have greater workplace negotiating power. In Saskatchewan, salaries nearly triple from entry level to 20+ years experience.
Do education levels impact salary?
Yes, higher education leads to dramatically increased salaries in Saskatchewan. Workers with master's degrees earn nearly 3 times more than those with just a high school diploma.
Can negotiating a higher salary be successful?
Yes, leveraging competitive offers and benchmark salary data can often result in negotiating higher pay during the hiring process and when seeking raises.
Is there still a gender wage gap in Saskatchewan?
Unfortunately yes - men earn approximately 5% more than women in the province on average, indicating lingering inequality.
What are the bonus eligibility rates in Saskatchewan?
61% of professionals in Saskatchewan receive bonuses, while 39% do not obtain any bonuses currently.
Do public or private sector jobs pay more?
Public sector roles pay approximately 6% more than similar private sector jobs. Factors like job stability help offset nominally higher private salaries.
Where are the highest paying engineering jobs located?
The cities of Regina and Saskatoon tend to have the highest salaries for engineers, as they are hubs for oil/gas, mining, technology, and other engineering-focused industries.
Why do some industries pay higher than others?
Industries like technology, engineering, and finance require more skilled labor and education, resulting in higher salaries. Lower paying industries like retail have lower barriers to entry.
When do oil and gas salaries fluctuate?
Oil and gas salaries in Saskatchewan fluctuate based on market prices and production levels. Major booms/busts or pipeline approvals impact industry salaries substantially.