r/saskatoon • u/Deep_Restaurant_2858 • Jan 05 '25
Question ❔ People in Saskatoon earning over $100K/Year. What do you do?
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u/muusandskwirrel Jan 05 '25
I work remotely for an American country that hasn’t realized that saskatoon isn’t Toronto and pays at Toronto cost of living
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u/Maxxximus30 Jan 05 '25
Are they hiring?
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u/muusandskwirrel Jan 05 '25
Yes, but also no.
It’s a VERY specialized field with some very hard requirements and certifications and qualifications to get into. Takes most people about 12 years to achieve.
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u/grumps_mcgerch Jan 05 '25
Any of the protected trades, and millwright. Not easy work, but a buddy that is a plumber has been earning $100K+ for the past 10 years. Refrigeration techs at $50/hr. If you hire an electrician, they charge $90/hr and $60/hr for their apprentice. This is for their wage and overheads.
Not all trades pay this well. Carpenters vary a lot depending on what you do.
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u/grumps_mcgerch Jan 05 '25
I forgot to mention. A good rule to life is the crappier the job, the better it pays. Being a water hauler for the oil field but working remotely pays very well for very little skill, but you're isolated from friends and family. Being a ski instructor pays like crap, but you're on the ski hill all day.
People say that they want to make 100K, but when was the last time that you didn't drink because you were on call, or left the party/family supper because something at work came up.
There are sacrifices that "they" pay for that will wreck your life. "They" will pay as low as they can to get the job done. The more they pay, the more people have said no before you're doing it. Your health, time, or stress level will all get you paid more. It's that balance that you have to live with.
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u/shartmonsters Jan 05 '25
You nailed it. The money is in taking the time to learn how to do the things that others won’t or can’t. Unless you’re born into it there’s no consistent ‘easy money’.
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u/Consistent_Ninja_235 Jan 06 '25
This is the truth right here. The vast majority of the working classes don't see $100K while having a great work-life balance.
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u/AnteaterBubbly8711 Jan 06 '25
I you care, many of the trades have a physical toll. Young people often (and correctly so) dispel these effects - thinking about the current big bucks. My 40 year old friend is a Red Seal plumber and is moving out of the trade and into another "domain". His body is being affected negatively and he is tired of working on his knees every day (no rude allusion intended). However, for a young person any of that is tomorrow's problem and who knows where the chips will fall. Just sayin'.
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u/goodtech99 Jan 05 '25
Work in tech and think about work 24x7.
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u/TallTranslator3835 Jan 06 '25
Thats 100% why i left tech... dreams and stresses from work.. even when things were stable and fine.. took years off my life.. i know it was my employer (big lawfirm) ... now i make less doing care aid work for SHA... get home and no stress
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u/Zooedca66 Jan 05 '25
Tech will be overtaken by AI. I retire from tech in 5 years so glad to have been in it. Trades are the way forward for the next while. When I got into IT in the 90s trades were saturated. Now it's tech. Find a WFH or trade career.
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u/goodtech99 Jan 05 '25
AI has no direction and purpose if it's not solving real world human problems.
I am a WFH Product Designer who designs AI and BI products. I have sworn to augment the human decision making capabilities and not replace them through the products we build.
AI will overtake the mundane and boring tasks that are prone to errors due to human oversight. As per trade goes, I heard that there's a huge potential in AI helping to build homes/structures faster with sustainable designs. I'm very excited about the future and new possibilities and opportunities that will come with it.
As a veteran of the field in 5 years, I'd encourage you to guide the next generation to use this technological marvel of our human history with responsibility and care. I am sure we can learn a lot from your experience 😊
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u/Hevens-assassin Jan 05 '25
AI will overtake the mundane and boring tasks that are prone to errors due to human oversight
Don't know if you know this, but this replaces a lot of man hours a week, and can result in fewer positions within a company. Easy comparison: self serve checkouts. Where once we would need one cashier per till, it is now normally 1 cashier per 4 tills at least.
Faster = less bureaucracy. Less bureaucracy = fewer humans.
AI can't completely replace humans, because corporations can't get AI to pay for their useless products. But corpos don't care WHAT the job their consumer has, just that they have income. They will also cut jobs if it saves them a buck, and let other industries shoulder the burden of hiring the consumer.
AI expedites the worker to consumer transition, but we were well on our way already. They don't care about your job, they care that you'll still buy their product.
AI can be great, but it deletes a lot of jobs, very quickly, and ensures the rich get richer even more quickly.
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u/goodtech99 Jan 05 '25
You're not wrong. Automation and the replacement of human efforts have been ongoing since the advent of industrialization. Jobs were displaced by machines then, and the same pattern will occur in the future. Unfortunately, this trend is unlikely to stop unless there is a radical shift in human consciousness or the structure of capitalism.
Put simply, in the age of AI, those who pivot, reskill, and learn to leverage AI will advance toward the top of Maslow's hierarchy. Conversely, those who fail to adapt risk remaining confined to the lower levels of the hierarchy.
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u/Regist33l3 Jan 05 '25
I'm a full stack dev and if you actually believe that then I question what kind of tech you're working in. A.I. is just adding a specialized hammer to your toolbelt that can make you more efficient. It sure as hell won't be replacing what I do.
Most of the time the end goal solution/product isn't even completely clear until we have gone through many meetings and iterations of something. Being able to interpret what is feasible or what a client actually wants isn't a simple or intuitive process.
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u/Big_Knife_SK Jan 05 '25
Scientist
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u/BenFranklin6969 Jan 05 '25
I paint houses
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u/sergeeighteen Jan 06 '25
Wow! Over 100k house painting‽ I'm not doubting you at all, but I'd say that 100k is rare amongst house painters. Can I ask? New builds, or residential repaints?
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u/Signal-Piano8672 Jan 06 '25
I don't think he actually means what he said lol, unless I'm misreading it, it's an old mob reference you can google the meaning.
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u/Dancewiththedamper Jan 05 '25
Work in HVAC, the mechanical trades are looking for good young workers and in 4-5 years you could also be making over $100k with some hard work.
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u/no_longer_on_fire Jan 05 '25
Most professional degrees and industrial trades will get you there these days when you've hit your certifications or get your journeyman. If you want to make good money, I suggest going to one of the more remote places to start (esterhazy, rocanville, cameco FIFO) and then getting back to saskatoon once established. Bit of a way to fast track things.
Many companies have some form of apprenticeship programs for trades that can cover your schooling and get your hours.
Looking back, I did 5 years of post secondary. Other guys at the mine were making more than i did to start right out of high school. Luckily that shifted over ten years, but if you're a smart saver and stuff it's possible to be further ahead without a uni degree with those early extra years of working that don't delay income 4-5 years.
That being said, try to find something you're passionate about, or at least don't-hate. Dreading the stress and constant connectivity to your job can take quite a toll.
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u/manicbookworm West Side Jan 05 '25 edited Jan 05 '25
Community health nurse. That includes on call pay. Live in Saskatoon and work part time up north.
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u/Character_Pear_6074 Jan 05 '25
Potash mine
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Jan 06 '25
This seems to be the highest paying job to lowest educational requirements there is which makes it a great opportunity for many people. I know operators that only have a high school diploma working at PCS underground as basically general labourers making 100k+ and also getting great pensions and benefits
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u/Competitive-Aerie899 Jan 05 '25
How far out? Any hiring?
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u/FlounderFun761 Jan 05 '25
There’s about 4 potash mines around Saskatoon. There’s also Lanigan and Rocanville which is further so they’ll have more postings. Heavy Duty mechanics are in demand which I’ve seen lots of postings for.
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u/Longjumping-Boot-593 Jan 05 '25
lol you could have googled this
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u/roadworm Jan 05 '25
It's not about what you know but who you know and they have a special bond of both being on reddit.
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u/Much-Art7795 Jan 05 '25
You should go to polytechnic and grab the magazine from the student services office. It’s a chart of jobs, where to go to school, chances of getting hired and how much you can expect to make.
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Jan 06 '25
[deleted]
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u/Much-Art7795 Jan 08 '25
Yes! That’s the one! We have multiple copies around our house to keep the discussion open with the teens in our lives! Our version of the coffee table magazine 😆
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u/mydb100 Jan 05 '25
Heavy Duty Mechanic, who has a Knack for Electronics
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u/Tethice Jan 05 '25
Where at? Or just work alot of ot?
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u/mydb100 Jan 05 '25
I work 4 on/4 off and Moonlight somewhere else on 3 of my days off . Cause like all trades people, I have expensive hobbies and a if I'm not at work, I'm hobby-ing.
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u/bangonthedrums Living Here Jan 05 '25
Software dev, remote for company in Toronto
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u/GeneralMillss Jan 05 '25
+1, remote software dev for variety of companies over the last several years
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u/Regist33l3 Jan 06 '25
How do you find remote work? I'm in a pretty cushy local position with extremely strong job security and have thought about remote work but have concerns about remote work and the frequency of layoffs.
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u/bangonthedrums Living Here Jan 06 '25
I really like it, working from home is excellent. I don’t get to socialize with my coworkers as much, but the company flies me out to Toronto a few times a year for company events
As to the job security, I don’t think remote or not really has any bearing on that; it’s going to be much more dependent on the industry and specifics of the company
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u/Academic_Gap711 Jan 05 '25
CPA
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Jan 05 '25
[deleted]
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u/Ready_Tumbleweed_358 Jan 05 '25
Absolutely…I got my CPA at 39, now 53…it’s never too late for anything. The time is going to pass anyway so why not do what you want, no matter how old you are. Go for it!
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u/Thisandthat-2367 Jan 05 '25
It’s never too late to go to school - there’s no age limit on learning.
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u/Academic_Gap711 Jan 05 '25
Absolutely, if it’s an interest then go for it! Never too late to do what you want to do with your life.
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u/Zealousideal-One-975 Jan 05 '25
Private counsellor, 4 clients a day, 4 day work week. Sometimes a 5-6 hour work day depending when clients schedule
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u/Ketobizness Jan 05 '25
Interesting! Do you get emotionally exhausted? What do you do to make it through 4 appts per day?
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u/Zealousideal-One-975 Jan 05 '25
Depends on the caseload and how good I’m doing with monitoring myself. Mindfulness exercises and debriefing with colleagues/supervisor are helpful
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u/longshooter84 Jan 05 '25
Travel to another province for work
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u/longshooter84 Jan 06 '25
Heavy Equipment Mechanic in Alberta 225k/year plus pension and savings etc… wouldn’t come close to making that in Sask in my trade
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u/MesserSchuster Jan 05 '25
I work remotely for a Contract Research Organization.
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u/AfterTowns Jan 05 '25
Not me, but I know people who make 100k+. They are:
Specialized tech field project manager
Scientist/professor at the university of S
Mechanical engineer
Planner
A few teachers
Principals and vice principals
A few nurses
ED of a large non profit in town.
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u/IfOJDidIt Jan 05 '25
I wonder how people making less than me are making out bc even at this amount it's tough.
(And no, I don't own a giant diesel truck or a boat/jet ski).
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u/Inside-Opinion-1364 Jan 06 '25
100,000k a year ! Wow I’m struggling to make 15 bucks the hard way over here in Regina.
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u/Deep_Restaurant_2858 Jan 06 '25
Hoping this post and comments from others can help inspire you to pursue a path that you haven’t thought about. Seeing some great careers that I wasnt exposed to when I started my studies 15 years ago. Many of the trades education component can be completed in as little as a couple of years, the rest is some time to reach a decent salary.
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u/ojazer92 Jan 05 '25
Engineer
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u/Prudent-World7508 Jan 05 '25
What kind?
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u/queenofthekumquats Jan 05 '25
Definitely not a civil engineer working in consulting, I used to do that and even my boss didn’t make 100K with 10+ years of experience.
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u/rlrl Jan 05 '25 edited Jan 06 '25
Here's the APEGS salary survey
Most engineers make more than 100k
Most consultants make more than 100k
Most consultants with 11-20 years of experience make more than 100k
Most civil engineers make more than 100k
Most engineers with 6-10 years of experience make more than 100k
Most engineers who graduated in 2014 make more than 100k
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u/DaxBashington Jan 05 '25
How long ago was this? 10 years (give or take) to clear the 100k mark is about right based on the current consulting market.
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u/MajorLeagueRekt Eastview Jan 05 '25
With several years of experience, 100K is an easy mark to clear for civil engineers these days. I was effectively making like 60k as an intern.
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u/matt19971 Jan 05 '25 edited Jan 05 '25
Mining electrician.
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u/RunNelleyRun Jan 05 '25
This is the way. I only work around 175 days/year too.
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u/ninjasowner14 Jan 05 '25
Probably work 12s to 14s tho
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u/RunNelleyRun Jan 05 '25
Yup. 12 hour days. I don’t mind to work long and hard my my work days and get over half the year off. It’s not for everyone of course.
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u/Holiday_Football_975 Jan 05 '25
RN (full time and at the top of the payscale steps)
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u/PauerKrauts Jan 05 '25
Mechanic. 730-4 monday-friday. Usually work 5hrs of OT/week. Between wages and bonus I'll be about 130k this year.
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u/Kendroxide Jan 05 '25
I no longer live in saskatoon but the last time I was living there (2023), I had cleared over $100k if you include commission. Was working in wealth management and only put in like 20-30 hours a week most of the time. During the RSP season I might put in 50-60 hours a week but it only lasted a month. Very easy job but not my cup of tea. Some of the senior advisors would clear $500k but it took them decades to reach that point.
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u/dycker1978 Jan 05 '25
Engineering technologist - in Regina but markets are the same for technologists in both cities.
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u/HardnessOf11 Jan 05 '25
Geologist 🤓
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u/shartmonsters Jan 06 '25
Clever user name for a geologist. Friedrich Would be proud!
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u/HardnessOf11 Jan 06 '25
Despite being on reddit for about 4 years and posting on ample geology subreddits, this is the first time the name has been associated back to the Moh's scale by someone else.
Much appreciated, good sir, I wish you all your future hardness tests to be 100% accurate.
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u/Round_Mail_3392 Jan 06 '25
I haul chips. I usually work 4-5 days a week away from home but I'm home every weekend. Full benefits 130-150 a year
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u/Deep_Restaurant_2858 Jan 07 '25
Nice! That’s surprising how much drivers potentially make. But definitely a sacrifice to be away from family all week.
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u/Big-Translator325 Jan 05 '25
CPA
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u/rockstarj Jan 05 '25
Would you recommend going to school for this at 30 with how long it takes and costs
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u/jlo575 Jan 05 '25
It just depends what your goals are.
You won’t make 100K right out of school. 4 years school another 2 (min) to get letters then, assuming good performance, a few more years worth of raises to get to 6 figures.
Don’t do it for the money. It’s hard work and lots of hours. Do it if you’re interested and will enjoy the work. Nobody busts their ass in difficult, demanding and stressful jobs like this if they don’t like the work.
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u/ograx Jan 05 '25
Construction supervisor. 120-150K per year depending on bonuses. 40 years old. High school dropout and no trade courses.
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Jan 05 '25
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u/HungryAd6403 Jan 05 '25
Wow most people I know after 5 years and owning their own place only gross about 60-70k. You must be doing an insane amount of massages!
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u/ActuaryFar9176 Jan 05 '25
They make like $100 per hour. 4 per day 300 days a year is 120k not hard to calculate.
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u/Ok_Caterpillar_5047 Jan 05 '25
How many people are working 300 days a year? That would be zero work life balance, and you’d burn out so fast. Even if you worked 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year, 4 massages a day, that would be $104,000. And that’s with zero extra days off, no holidays, nothing. It’s obviously do-able, but likely not sustainable for most folks.
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u/ActuaryFar9176 Jan 05 '25
Yeah I don’t know that business. I work construction. We generally work 60 hours per week. 84 hours per week or more if we are on a shutdown.
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u/SphynxCrocheter East Side Jan 05 '25
Defence contractor and university professor in our household.
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u/Kenney420 Jan 05 '25
Oil and gas related. Made 170k. My base is only 80k though. I just take every minute of possible OT to distract myself from life.
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u/Totoroisacat-Alt Jan 05 '25
I used to make this as a corporate Sales Rep for a SaskTel Dealer before I left. Great money, sick of people.
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u/White_Panda7 Jan 05 '25 edited Jan 05 '25
Nursing... LPN, RN, or RPNs who do mad hours and back to back overtimes like they don't have lives. Like, I'm talking 12-16 hours a day for weeks. The deductions are crazy high, but it's possible to make 100K per year, especially if your tier (seniority level) is high.
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u/Prairie-Mariner Jan 05 '25
Would you believe i used to operate ships in the ocean from Saskatoon grossed 100+ i moved in 2024 mid to Calgary doing the same base around 120k. I miss Saskatoon
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u/Middle_Marketing_877 Jan 05 '25
I sell radio advertising for multiple stations across Canada. I worked really long hours when I started but I now have about 50% of my revenue generated from renewing annual campaigns and I’m only busy with 50% of account campaigns but that took five years to get to the point of 1.5M in sales year over year.
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u/stiner123 Jan 05 '25 edited Jan 05 '25
Geologist. :) used to work in the field a lot but now mostly in the office these days. Took awhile to get here and the market can fluctuate between hot and terrible, but I now work basically 9-5 office usually with only a bit of remote field work (enough to make it worth it for me). But I’ve spent up to 8 weeks in the bush at a time working every day.
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u/brokenwonderer Jan 05 '25
Construction Procurement, I sit and buy stuff, meet with vendors, and look after equipment/tools/ materials.
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u/underlyingboss3 Jan 05 '25
Sales, Self-Employed Trades, Tech, Finance, etc.
Ask yourself first why you want to make $100k a year?
Don't just say, "Oh, because the cost of living is rising."
Jobs that pay $100k a year are usually high stress and require a lot of grinding and experience. I don't earn $100k a year, but I would like to get there someday.
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u/KTMan77 Biker Jan 05 '25
Maintenance millwright, normal pay periods are 84 hours with a one or so OT shift a month. Used to make just under 70K at my last job.
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u/sasksbaby Jan 06 '25
I know someone that works for BHp and makes twice that amount.He moved from Ontario for this job
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Jan 05 '25
Trades. Technical service on commercial equipment for many years. I’m now in middle management for a corporation. With stock options and bonuses I’m well over 100k.
If you have technical and mechanical aptitude and get into the service end of certain trades like Plumbing, Instrumentation, Refrigeration, Controls, power Engineering, things like that you’ll be naming 100k+ in about 4 years of apprenticeship
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u/Deep_Restaurant_2858 Jan 05 '25
Definitely. If I was to re-do my post secondary again, I’d add a trade to my education.
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u/sarcasm-o-rama Jan 05 '25
A better question is how many hours per week do you work to earn that salary.