Saskatchewan, June 2026 - Job market snapshot

Get a snapshot of key facts about the state of Saskatchewan's labour market in the past month.

Employment in Saskatchewan was up 0.5% (+2,900) month over month in June. Most of the new jobs were in full-time employment, up 0.5% (+2,300), while part-time employment also increased 0.5% (+500). The unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage point over the same period to 6.1%, the third lowest in Canada and below the national average of 6.5%. Employment increased for both women (+0.2% or +700) and men (+0.6% or +2,100) compared to May.

Saskatchewan's job market by the numbers

Working population

616,700

Up 0.5% since May

Unemployment rate

6.1%

Down -0.1 pts since May

Source: Statistics Canada - Table 14-10-0287-01 - Labour force characteristics, monthly, seasonally adjusted and trend-cycle, last 5 months

Industries in focus

Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas

Number of jobs decreased -0.8%

May23,700

June23,500

Employment in this sector declined by 0.8% (-200) in June compared to May. However, compared to June 2025, employment was up 2.2% (+500). Saskatchewan’s uranium and potash production is set to grow as mining companies started new projects in June. K+S began a $4 billion expansion of its Bethune potash mine. Denison Mines broke ground on the Wheeler River project, Canada’s first new large-scale uranium mine in 20 years, which is expected to create over 300 construction jobs and 150 permanent positions.

Health care and social assistance

Number of jobs increased 1.6%

May104,200

June105,900

Employment in healthcare and social assistance was up 1.6% (+1,700) in June. The Government of Saskatchewan approved a $5.59 billion operating budget, an increase of 5.1%, and $596.7 million in capital spending. The increases will support hiring and investment across hospitals, diagnostic services, mental health programs, and health infrastructure.

Accommodation and food services

Number of jobs increased 8.0%

May31,300

June33,800

The highest employment growth compared to the previous month was in the accommodation and food services sector, up 8.0% (+2,500). The Government of Saskatchewan will increase the provincial minimum wage by $0.35 to $15.70 per hour effective October 1, 2026. Despite the increase, Saskatchewan will continue to have the second-lowest minimum wage in Canada. The increase will have the greatest impact on the accommodation and food services sector, which employs the highest proportion of minimum-wage workers in the province.

Source: Statistics Canada - Table 14-10-0355-02 - Employment by industry, monthly, seasonally adjusted (x 1,000)

Unemployment rate by region

Prince Albert and Northern
7.4%
Regina–Moose Mountain
5.4%
Saskatoon–Biggar
6.1%
Swift Current–Moose Jaw
6.3%
Yorkton–Melville
5.1%

The unemployment rate was lowest in Yorkton–Melville and highest in Prince Albert and Northern.

Source: Labour Market Indicators: By province, territory and economic region, unadjusted for seasonality

A closer look at some regions

Regina–Moose Mountain

198,300 people employed

Up 1.0% since June 2025

Major investment in mining, renewable energy, health care, and public infrastructure continues to support employment in the region. Highlights include K+S's $4 billion potash mine expansion near Bethune, construction of the Turning Sun Solar Project near Estevan, school expansions, health care initiatives, and municipal infrastructure projects.

Saskatoon–Biggar

232,300 people employed

Up 0.7% since June 2025

New educational facilities and training partnerships are expanding opportunities for students and helping address the future workforce needs in rural and remote communities in the province. For example, the Northern Lights School Division is partnering with the University of Saskatchewan to deliver a new Bachelor of Education program in Pinehouse from September 2026 to August 2030. Upon completion, students will obtain a degree with a specialization in Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Languages.

Prince Albert and Northern

102,000 people employed

Down -2.3% since June 2025

Production was briefly suspended at Cameco’s mine due to flooding. Operations resumed in June, although heavy rain and inclement weather continued through the end of the month. Local economies are bracing for the possibility of more disruptions as forecasted heat waves could be accompanied by wildfires. Amid these events, the City of North Battleford proposed a $94 million arena project that would add to the existing infrastructure projects that are generating employment opportunities.

Last data refresh: 2026-07-16

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