Q2 2025 Labour Force Analysis
The Saskatoon Region’s labour market remains one of the strongest in the country, outperforming major centres in employment growth and labour force activity. SREDA’s latest Labour Force Analysis offers a data-driven snapshot of key trends shaping our local economy, highlighting both the opportunities and pressures influencing the workforce today.
In analyzing the Q2 2025 data, several key takeaways are seen:
- Labour Market Continues to Tighten: The Saskatoon Region’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.7% indicating a strong demand for labour. Participation rates are continuing to decline, indicating notable exits from the workforce, further tightening the market.
- Key Sectors Driving Employment Growth: Employment growth has remained steady at 3.8%. Goods-producing sectors, aside from manufacturing, are seeing significant year-over-year growth, beyond expected seasonal shifts. Some service-producing sectors have also seen notable employment growth; however, sharp declines in others could be hindering overall growth.
- Wages Show Early Signs of Softening: While year-over-year wage rates are still increasing alongside inflationary pressures, the second quarter saw sharp declines in average hourly wage rates across almost all occupation types for the first time in 5 years.
The Saskatoon Region continues to show remarkable resilience and adaptability in a complex labour market environment. As participation shifts and wage trends evolve, understanding these dynamics is essential for businesses navigating hiring, retention, and growth strategies.
