Individual skill level is one of the most important aspects of employment success. The more skills a person has, the more likely they are to have job opportunities to choose from.

As of July 2023, the NWT had 23,900 people employed, which represents a strong overall employment rate of 69.7%. These figures represent a high employment level in the Northwest Territories. Canada is also currently experiencing a tight labour market.

However, employment rates vary considerably throughout the territory, particularly when examined by community type.

For example, in 2021 employment rates were higher in larger communities (most recent census date). In Yellowknife, the employment rate was 78.3%, while for the South Slave region it was 69.4%. Sahtu’s employment rate was 62.1%, Dehcho was 53.2%, Tłı̨chǫ region was 47.9% and Beaufort Delta was at 62.3%. The employment rates for males and females were comparable at 68.6% and 71.3% respectively.

Available Labour Supply in the NWT

Although there are many people employed throughout the NWT, there is an available labour supply that is not working. In July 2023, there were 2,300 unemployed people who were 15 years of age and older, not including full-time students.

Of the total available labour supply, 60.9% are male and 39.1% are female.

In 2022, approximately half of all available workers in the NWT had less than a high school level of education.

This contrasts with approximately 20% with a high school diploma and 30% with a university degree.