The Current State of Employment in the Electrical Trade in Saskatchewan

The electrical trade has long been a backbone of growth and infrastructure in Saskatchewan. With ongoing residential and commercial development, infrastructure investments, and a renewed focus on sustainable and smart‑energy projects, the demand for skilled electricians remains strong — especially in Regina, one of the province’s fastest-growing urban centers. In this post, we explore how things currently stand for electricians and apprentices across Saskatchewan, what’s happening in Regina, and what the near future may hold.

Labor Market Snapshot — Saskatchewan & Regina

• According to the official labor‑market data for electricians (excluding industrial and power‑system specialists) in Saskatchewan (NOC 72200), the median wage is around $37.50/hour. Job Bank

• The outlook for 2024–2026 in Saskatchewan is labelled “moderate” — meaning there will be new positions opening, largely due to growth in construction, but not necessarily huge turnover through retirements. Job Bank

• As of late 2025, multiple job listings for both apprentices and qualified electricians remain active in Regina, suggesting ongoing demand in the city. Indeed

• For apprentice electricians in Regina, hourly wages are often cited around $24.97/hour (with variation depending on experience and employer). Indeed Canada

What’s Driving Demand — Key Factors

Several trends are fueling demand for electrical trade workers in Regina and Saskatchewan more broadly:

• Construction and housing rebound: After a recent slowdown, housing starts and residential construction are expected to increase through 2028. That’s good news for electricians, whose services are often tied to new builds, renovations, and wiring for residential/commercial properties. Job Bank

• Government investment in training: The province has recently committed significant resources to training and workforce development. In 2025, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and Career Training announced a major investment — part of its “Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy” strategy — to support training and meet demand for skilled workers. Electrical Industry Newsweek

• Retirement wave in skilled trades: Across Canada, many tradespeople are nearing retirement age. For electricians, this creates openings at the journeyperson level and increasing opportunities for apprentices to step up. Statistics Canada

• Growth in electrical infrastructure & new technologies: With rising interest in energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy, and modern infrastructure upgrades — e.g. smart‑building wiring, expanded commercial & industrial electrical systems — electricians with up-to-date skills are increasingly needed. Canadian Electrician

Challenges Facing the Trade

It’s not all smooth sailing. A few headwinds and structural issues affect the trade:

• The outlook is only “moderate,” not “strong” — meaning demand exists but may fluctuate, especially if economic or construction cycles slow. Job Bank

• For apprentices, pay is considerably lower than for journeypersons; many need to balance learning and income expectations. Indeed Canada

• Training and certification bottlenecks remain — despite investments, access to trade schools, apprenticeship slots, and scheduling certification exams can be challenging. Some contractors note difficulty getting apprentices into the required schooling and exam scheduling as a pain‑point. Electrical Industry Newsweek

What It Means for Aspiring Electricians — Especially in Regina

For someone in or near Regina considering a career in the electrical trade — or for current apprentices thinking ahead — the outlook has many upsides:

• Job opportunities remain solid: There are active job postings for apprentices and journeyperson‑level electricians, from residential to commercial to industrial roles. Indeed Canada

• Stair‑step career growth: Starting wages as an apprentice in Regina (~ $25/hr) can lead to journeyperson earnings over $35–$40/hr (depending on experience and specialization), which is competitive. Indeed Canada

• Multiple paths to specialize: Beyond general residential/commercial wiring, electricians can aim for sectors like renewable energy, industrial automation, maintenance, or electrical design — offering broader career flexibility. Canadian Electrician

• Support for training is growing: With recent governmental investments and support for apprenticeship programs — including union‑led training initiatives — it’s a good time to enter the trade. Government of Saskatchewan

What’s on the Horizon — 2025 and Beyond

Looking ahead over the next few years, several trends suggest the electrical trade in Regina and Saskatchewan will remain resilient — and possibly grow stronger:

• Continued infrastructure investment: As housing, commercial development, and energy‑system upgrades proceed, electricians will be essential.

• Shift toward electrification and green energy: As sustainable energy, energy‑efficient buildings, and smart‑home/commercial infrastructure expand, demand will likely increase for tradespeople with relevant skills.

• Aging workforce: As more journeypersons retire, there will be openings for committed apprentices — especially those who seek certification and additional credentials early.

• Enhanced training pipelines: With government backing and industry support, training programs are likely to scale up, making certification and entry into the trade more accessible.

Conclusion

The electrical trade in Saskatchewan — and particularly in Regina — is in a stable and optimistic place. While some uncertainty remains (especially tied to economic cycles and housing/ construction markets), the confluence of government investment, infrastructure growth, and an aging trades workforce points to steady demand and opportunity in the coming years. For those willing to put in the work — apprentices, journeypersons, or career‑changers — there is considerable potential for a long, rewarding career in the electrical trade.

If you’re reading this and considering a path into the electrical trade: now might be one of the best times to start.