We analyzed the results and trends of the 2014 Koenig Trades Compensation Survey with the recently published 2013 Saskatchewan Wage Survey. Nine key trades covered in our survey and included in the comments below are: ccarpenters, electricians, heavy duty mechanics, industrial mechanics/millwrights, light duty mechanics (auto, truck), machinists, plumbers, steamfitters/pipefitters, and welders.

Our key findings based on the comparison are as follows:

• The 2013 Sask Wage Survey results listed the Carpenter at the lowest of the nine trades at $30.68, which was a 10% decrease from the 2011 Sask Wage Survey rate of $34.15. Note, however, that the participant group changed significantly from 207 journeyperson employees represented in 2011 to only 73 journeyperson employees represented in 2013. As a result, the mean wage rate would be notably affected by the change in these parameters. The Koenig 2014 survey produced a mean wage rate of $34.50.
• The 2013 Sask Wage Survey results indicated the largest increase over 2011 was attributed to the Industrial Mechanic/Millwright trade – an increase of 16% over 2011 to produce a mean wage rate of $41.41. The Koenig 2014 survey resulted in a mean wage rate of $37.28. Our trends agree with the Sask Wage Survey in that wage rates for this trade have increased at a significant pace in the last few years.
• The 2013 Sask Wage Survey results indicated the most stable trade in terms of lowest variation from 2011 is Welders. The Koenig 2014 survey indicated Light Duty Mechanics and Carpenters were the most stable since our previous 2012 survey.
• The 2013 Sask Wage Survey results indicated a wage differentiation over these 9 trades of 35% from lowest to highest, compared to our wage differentiation of 20% over these same trades.
• The 2013 Sask Wage Survey produced an average increase of 7% for these 9 trades over a 2-year period, which is consistent with our general wage predictions for these trades.

In general, primary differences are due to the parameters, specifically the participant group covered by the Sask Wage Survey representing a broader range of organizations within the province compared to our more focused survey. Koenig continues to actively collect and analyze compensation data for the trades. We would be happy to provide more tailored comments if you wish additional information, please contact Shannan at scorey@koenig.ca.