Saskatchewan Sector Profile: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
NAICS 54
- Workforce characteristics
- Main occupations
- Occupation of interest: Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 11100)
Highlights
- There were 28,800 workers employed in professional, scientific, and technical services (PSTS) in Saskatchewan in 2022, representing 5.0% of total employment in the province.
- Employment in PSTS increased by 2,600 jobs (+9.9%) from 2021 to 2022, mainly driven by job gains in computer systems design and related services which contributed 1,500 jobs or 59.0% of the job growth.
- Accelerated digitization, positive construction and capital investment outlook, and consistent demand for base services such as legal and accounting services, will drive employment opportunities in PSTS.
- Employment prospects in PSTS will be positive for the period 2022-2024, with moderate to strong job growth across industry groups within the sector.
About the Sector
Composition and importance of the sector
The professional, scientific, and technical services sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in activities in which human capital is the major input. These establishments sell expertise, often on an assignment basis. In 2022, there were 28,800 people employed in the PSTS sector in Saskatchewan, representing 5.0% of total annual provincial employment.
In 2022, the sector contributed to:
Source: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey; Statistics Canada Table: 36-10-0402-01 (GDP at basic prices, chained 2012 dollars); Statistics Canada Table: 36-10-0400-01 (GDP at basic prices, current dollars)
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The professional, scientific, and technical services sector is comprised of nine industry groups. However, in 2022, employment in the sector was concentrated in four industry groups – computer systems design and related services (21.8%), architectural, engineering, and related services (20.4%), accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (18.3%), and legal services (11.3%) – accounting for 71.8% of total PSTS employment. Scientific research and development services (6.4%), together with management, scientific and technical consulting services (7.8%) and other professional, scientific, and technical services (7.8%) accounted for 22.0% of the sector's annual employment. [1]
Geographical distribution of employment
Professional, scientific, and technical services jobs tend to be concentrated around the province's two largest population centres. In 2022, more than half (52.8%) of the sector's employment were in the Saskatoon – Biggar economic region, and 28.8% were in Regina – Moose Mountain. Prince Albert and Northern (9.7%), Swift Current - Moose Jaw (6.3%), and Yorkton – Melville (2.1%) accounted for only 18.1% of jobs in the sector. [2]
Workforce
Workforce characteristics
In 2022, more than eight in ten workers in the PSTS sector worked full-time (85.8%), and more so among males (91.1%) compared to females (79.2%). Of those employed in the sector, 18.4% were 55 years or older, less than the provincial average for all sectors (21.8%). Meanwhile, within the sector, management, scientific and technical consulting services (37.0%) and legal services (29.1%) had the highest shares of older workers aged 55 years and above. By contrast, architectural, engineering, and related services had the youngest workforce, with 19% of those employed aged 15 to 24 years. [3]
Of those employed in 2022:
Source: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, ESDC custom table
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In 2022, females were more represented in six of the nine industry groups in the PSTS sector. They were most represented in other professional, scientific, and technical services (84.1%), and in specialized design services (82.8%). Males on the other hand were most represented in architectural, engineering, and related services (78.0%), and in computer systems design and related services (71.9%); the two industry groups with the highest number of workers. Overall, males accounted for 55.0% of total employment in PSTS.
In Saskatchewan, workers in PSTS earned a median hourly wage of $32.69/hour in 2022. This was significantly below the national median wage for this sector ($36.08/hour) and ranked second lowest among the western provinces. [4]
Main occupations
At 7.6% of sector employment in 2022, financial auditors and accountants are the largest occupation group in the PSTS sector. Accounting technicians and bookkeepers make up the second largest occupation group (6.6%), followed by lawyers (5.2%), information systems specialists (4.9%), and professional occupations in business management consulting (3.5%). [5]
Occupation of interest: Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 11100)
Financial auditors examine and analyze the accounting and financial records of individuals and establishments to ensure compliance with accounting standards. Accountants plan, organize and administer accounting systems for individuals and establishments. Auditors and accountants are employed by private sector accounting and auditing firms or public sector accounting and auditing departments. They may also be self-employed.
Financial Auditor and Accountant Employment in Saskatchewan
Note: Figures shown are employment estimates
Source: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, ESDC custom table
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Year
Employment
2012
4,100
2013
4,800
2014
4,800
2015
5,200
2016
5,100
2017
5,700
2018
4,400
2019
4,500
2020
4,400
2021
4,700
2022
4,400
Financial auditors and accountants in Saskatchewan earn an hourly median wage of $40.87/hour, $2.41/hour more than the national median hourly wage for this occupation ($38.46/hour). Within the province, the median wage for this occupation is highest in the Regina-Moose Mountain region at $45.00/hour. To be employed in this occupation, a university degree and completion of a professional training program is required, while several years of on-the-job training is also desirable.
The employment outlook for the period 2022-2024 is very good for financial auditors and accountants in Saskatchewan. Additional occupational information can be found here.
Recent History
Many establishments in Saskatchewan's professional, scientific and technical services sector were able to transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sector still lost 1,100 jobs in 2020, albeit less than job losses in other sectors. The PSTS sector made a quick recovery from the pandemic, adding 100 jobs in 2021 and by 2022, it was among the best performing sectors in the province, with 2,600 jobs more compared to 2021. This was the largest year-over-year job growth in the sector since 2007.
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Employment
Note: Figures shown are employment estimates. Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Source: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, ESDC custom table
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Year
Employment (Total)
Full-time
Part-time
2012
24,600
21,000
3,700
2013
27,000
23,600
3,300
2014
27,900
24,100
3,800
2015
26,000
22,200
3,800
2016
27,600
23,200
4,400
2017
29,700
25,300
4,300
2018
26,800
22,000
4,800
2019
27,200
23,200
4,000
2020
26,100
22,400
3,800
2021
26,200
22,100
4,100
2022
28,800
24,700
4,000
The job gains in PSTS coincided with a very successful year for Saskatchewan's key commodities, including potash, uranium, and crops. Many Saskatchewan PSTS businesses provide expertise services for key sectors in the province including construction, mining, and oil and gas extraction which have been doing well recently. Hardly surprising, employment in PSTS was boosted by job growth in architectural, engineering, and related services; scientific research and development services; and other professional, scientific, and technical services. Businesses that provide base services such as accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services also recorded significant job growth.
Meanwhile, most of the PSTS job growth came from computer systems design and related services which contributed 59% or 1,500 jobs. Since the Saskatchewan government committed to tripling the growth of its technology sector by 2030, the province has introduced and enhanced several initiatives, including tax incentives for tech start-ups to encourage more capital investments into the IT sector. [6] , [7]
The province has become home to several tech companies and incubators that help grow small start-ups. Saskatchewan's first tech incubator, Co. Labs, created 690 jobs since it was founded in 2017. [8] Another tech incubator, Cultivator, helped 115 start-ups in just four years of operations and established the AgTech Accelerator program for agricultural technology start-ups across Canada. [9] There has also been an increase in the number of larger tech companies including Vendasta, which doubled its workforce to over 600 employees since receiving its first substantial capital investment in 2019. [10] Another software firm, 7shifts, expanded internationally and secured a major funding of $80M in 2022, which it will use to double its team. [11]
Top Subsectors by Employment
Note: Figures shown are employment estimates
Source: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, ESDC custom table
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Year
Accounting
Architectural
& engineeringComputer
systems design
2012
4,200
6,200
3,000
2013
4,400
8,000
3,400
2014
4,800
7,200
3,600
2015
4,200
7,200
3,600
2016
4,800
7,000
4,100
2017
4,700
7,900
3,800
2018
4,000
5,900
4,300
2019
5,000
5,300
5,400
2020
4,300
5,600
5,100
2021
4,900
5,700
4,700
2022
5,300
5,900
6,300
The province's PSTS sector has also benefited from strong research and development funding, ranking third in the country for R&D spendings in higher education in 2021. [12] With investments into multiple research initiatives, the University of Saskatchewan created a number of PSTS jobs for students and professionals in the Saskatoon area. One of the recent projects associated with the university was the opening of the VIDO Vaccine Development Centre in 2022. [13]
Notwithstanding, the PSTS sector faced recruiting challenges in 2022. More companies worldwide began hiring remotely since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the competition for already limited workforce. To mitigate labour shortages in the sector, the provincial government introduced a new immigration stream, The Tech Talent Pathway to attract foreign skilled technology professionals to the province. [14] In the private sector, PSTS businesses are offering competitive wages to attract workers. In 2022, PSTS had the largest boost in average hourly wage compared to all other sectors in the province, from $33.16/hour to $37.21/hour.
Other initiatives targeted attracting underrepresented groups in the PSTS workforce including Indigenous people. In 2019, a software testing firm PLATO expended into Saskatchewan. The company trains Indigenous students in IT and guarantees employment after completing the internship program. [15] More recently, a new Indigenous-owned technology partnership, All3Innovation LP was launched to grow and strengthen indigenous communities through training and employment. [16]
Employment Outlook
Employment prospects in professional, scientific, and technical services looks positive for the 2022-2024 period. The extent of job growth will however vary across industry groups within the PSTS sector due to differences in the expertise offered by each industry group and the outlook for the different sectors that patronise the expertise. Overall, the PSTS sector is expected to grow by an annual average of 2.7%, higher than the average growth rate for all industries in the province (2.2%). The expected sector growth should contribute 55% of the sector's 7,100 job openings forecasted for 2022 to 2026. The remaining 45% will come from replacements due to retirements. [17]
Job growth in computer systems design and related services should be strong between 2022 and 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a significant shift towards heightened demand for digital tools and services, as individuals, businesses, institutions, and governments resorted to virtual means of performing daily tasks, serving customers, working remotely, and staying connected. Consequently, output and employment in the digital economy reached new highs, a trend that is likely to continue. By 2025, employment in Canada's digital economy is forecasted to reach 2.26 million, triggering additional demand for 250,000 jobs. [18]
Job growth in computer systems design will also be supported by public sector investment. With the commitment to triple its IT sector by 2030, the Government of Saskatchewan, in its 2023-24 budget earmarked about $707 million for ICT-related projects including deploying fibre to rural customers, rolling out SaskTel's 5G wireless network, IT capital to support government services, and supporting the start up and operation of the new Saskatchewan Distance learning Corporation. [19] These investments will create procurement opportunities for IT businesses and create job opportunities in computer systems design and related services.
In architectural, engineering, and related services, employment growth will be driven by strong capital investment which is projected to increase 21.5% in 2023 following a 20% increase in 2022. [20] While high interest rates erode housing affordability and slow residential construction in 2023, housing starts in Saskatchewan are expected to pick up again in 2024 with strengthening international migration and economic growth. Residential construction employment is projected to increase by 8% over the medium term (2021 and 2027). [21]
Meanwhile, non-residential construction is expected to remain elevated over the medium term. This will be bolstered by strong public and private sector capital investment including BHP's Jansen's $7.5 billion potash mine project, a $2 billion renewable diesel and canola-crushing plant project in Regina, and government's $30 billion infrastructure budget over the next seven years. [22] , [23], [24] Non-residential construction employment is expected to be up 6% between 2022 and 2024. [25]
Base services such as legal services, and accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services should post moderate and below industry average job growth as these industry groups are tied to economic conditions within the province. Like many major economies and in line with concerns of a looming recession, Saskatchewan's economy is expected to slow down in 2023 growing by only 1.6%. However, it should pick up over the succeeding two years, but below the national average, growing by 2.0% in 2024 and 2.1% 2025. [26] , [27]
Endnotes
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Statistics Canada. ESDC custom data. ↑
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Ibid. ↑
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Ibid. ↑
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Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0064-01. Employee wages by industry, annual. Accessed March 28, 2023. ↑
-
Statistics Canada. ESDC custom data. ↑
-
Government of Saskatchewan. 30 Goals for 2030 – Saskatchewan's Growth Plan. ↑
-
Government of Saskatchewan (March 23, 2022). Growing A Strong Economy Through Innovation and Technology. ↑
-
Co. Labs. Saskatchewan's Tech Incubator. ↑
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Globe Newswire (February 16, 2023). Proving innovation thrives with support and encouragement. ↑
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CBC News (July 17, 2019). Saskatoon software company to hire 365 people after record-breaking $40M cash injection. ↑
-
Globe Newswire (February 10, 2022). 7shifts Raises $80 Million in Series C Funding Led by Softbank Vision Fund 2 to Strengthen Restaurant Operations. ↑
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Statistics Canada (December 9, 2022). The Daily — Spending on research and development in the higher education sector, 2020/2021. ↑
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Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (June 28, 2022). New VIDO Vaccine Development Centre supports vaccine innovation protecting Canadians, animals. ↑
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Government of Saskatchewan (March 7, 2022). Saskatchewan Launches New Pathway Under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. ↑
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CTV News (July 10, 2019). Indigenous-focused software testing training comes to Regina. ↑
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Global News (December 12, 2022). New Indigenous-owned technology partnership hopes to bring more jobs to Sask. youth. ↑
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Government of Saskatchewan. 2022 Saskatchewan Industry Labour Demand Outlook. ↑
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The Information and Communications Technology Council (August 27, 2021). Onwards and Upwards – Digital Talent Outlook 2025. ↑
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The Information and Communications Technology Council (March 28, 2023). What the 2023 Budget Means for Saskatchewan's Digital Economy. ↑
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Government of Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan's Dashboard – Capital Investment. Accessed April 6, 2023. ↑
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BuildForce Canada (March 2022). Construction & Maintenance Looking Forward – Saskatchewan Highlights 2022-2027. ↑
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CBC News (August 17, 2021). BHP approves plan to build Jansen potash mine near Saskatoon. ↑
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CBC News (January 17, 2022). $2B renewable diesel, canola-crushing plant to be built in Regina. ↑
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Government of Saskatchewan. Budget 2023-24 – Investing in Capital. Accessed April 6, 2023. ↑
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BuildForce Canada (March 2022). Construction & Maintenance Looking Forward – Saskatchewan Highlights 2022-2027. ↑
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Conference Board of Canada (February 28, 2023). Coming Out of the Fog: Provincial Three-Year Outlook. ↑
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PBS NewsHour (January 10, 2023). World Bank warns of looming global recession. ↑
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