Job prospects Excavating Machine Operator in Saskatchewan

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as an "excavating machine operator" in Saskatchewan or across Canada.

Job opportunities in Saskatchewan

These outlooks were updated on November 29, 2023.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be moderate for Heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Saskatchewan for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• Several positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

• Demand for heavy equipment operators is driven by activity in industries such as construction and mining. Positive projections for these sectors will support employment opportunities for this occupation.
• Ongoing activities to repair and upgrade existing buildings and infrastructure.
• An aging workforce will support employment opportunities for this occupation.

Here are some key facts about Heavy equipment operators in Saskatchewan:

• Approximately 3,800 people work in this occupation.
• Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 62%
  • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 8%
  • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%
• 48% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
• 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
  • Women: 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 27% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 52% compared to 33% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 15% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

Breakdown by region

Explore job prospects in Saskatchewan by economic region.

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology

Labour market conditions over the next 10 years

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as an "excavating machine operator" Heavy equipment operators (except crane) (NOC 73400) or across Canada.

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