A new survey conducted by the provincial and federal governments confirms a significant increase in wages and skill shortages across all job sectors
Alberta’s economy is booming as wages and worker shortages continue to climb across the province, reported a recent survey.
The 2005 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, which the Alberta Human Resources and Employment and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada conduct every two years, showed an overall average wage increase of nine per cent from $19.68 an hour in 2003 to $21.39 an hour in 2005.
The percentage of employers who reported difficulties in finding workers also rose in the past two years from 52 per cent to 56 per cent.
While higher wages and skill shortages in the construction and oil and gas industries came as no surprise, significant increases were also reported in the physical sciences and service industries. In the latter, the average hourly wage for call centre agents jumped from $13.06 in 2003 to $19.45 in 2005.
“The survey is a road map for government, employers and workers as we meet labour supply challenges brought about by Alberta’s strong economy,” said Alberta Minister of Human Resources and Employment Mike Cardinal. “The Alberta government is preparing a 10-year labour supply strategy to address the current and future labour needs of Alberta.”
More than 6,700 employers participated in the survey, representing more than 300,000 employees in nearly 480 occupations.
Occupational Group | Estimated Job Vacancy Rate | Overall Average Hourly Wage | Overall Average Annual Salary | Other Professional Occupations in Physical Sciences | 17.7% | $40.43 | $79,130 | Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters | 13.2% | $21.37 | $44,806 | Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing and Related Labourers | 9.7% | $16.63 | $46,990 | Food Service Supervisors | 9.4% | $10.01 | $16,311 | Glaziers | 8.8% | $16.17 | $33,889 | Cooks | 8.6% | $10.39 | $19,305 | Maîtres d'hôtel and Hosts/Hostesses | 8.3% | $7.43 | $9,115 | Cashiers | 7.8% | $10.99 | $18,761 | Automotive Service Technicians, Truck Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers | 7.8% | $22.47 | $48,687 | Other Medical Technologists and Technicians (Except Dental Health) | 7.7% | $32.69 | $61,047 |
