If your goal is to make more money next year, it might be time to take a look at what you do for a living.
Some Canadian jobs are expected to see salary increases well above the national average in 2027, with a handful of roles projected to jump by five per cent or more.
The newly released 2027 Canada Salary Guide by business consulting firm Robert Half looks at salary trends for hundreds of positions across the country.
According to the guide, the national average salary increase is projected to be 1.4 per cent — but some jobs are set to blow that number out of the water.
One thing to keep in mind: these figures are projected starting salaries for Canadians starting new jobs in 2027, not guaranteed raises for people already in the role.
Aside from demand, the reason salaries are going up has a lot to do with skills.
Robert Half found that employers are increasingly willing to pay more for workers with specialized expertise, particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence. In fact, 63 per cent of Canadian managers say they are increasing pay for workers who have relevant AI skills.
And for some employers, AI expertise is worth more than other technical skills. About 32 per cent say they are offering a bigger premium for new hires with AI-related skills than for other technology skills.
Tech aside, six in 10 organizations are increasing their compensation budgets next year to help attract in-demand talent, despite ongoing cost pressures, the report says.
Here’s a look at the six fields and specific roles expected to see some of the highest salary increases in 2027.
Marketing and creative
This field is projected to receive some of the biggest pay bumps next year, with roles like marketing automation specialist leading the pack. Salaries for new hires in the position are expected to increase by 5.9 per cent in 2027, while digital strategists could see a five per cent increase.
A social media manager is projected to get a 3.6 per cent pay bump. It may not be quite as eye-catching as 5.9 per cent, but it’s still more than double the national average salary increase of 1.4 per cent.
Technology
Tech workers with specialized skills could also see some pretty solid salary growth in 2027. For instance, a business intelligence developer is projected to see a 5.3 per cent increase, while a chief information security officer could see their salary rise by 5.2 per cent.
Oddly enough, AI engineers are projected to see just a 3.9 per cent salary increase next year, still well above the national average.
Finance and accounting
There’s also some good news for people working with spreadsheets, budgets, and, presumably, a lot of coffee. Controllers are projected to see a 4.1 per cent salary increase in 2027, while assistant controllers could see a 3.9 per cent raise. Senior accountants are also expected to see salaries rise by 3.6 per cent.
Legal
The legal field is seeing some notable salary growth too, particularly in roles that combine legal expertise with technology and specialized skills.
Litigation support/eDiscovery directors are projected to see the biggest increase in the field at 5.1 per cent. Law clerk managers could see a 3.8 per cent increase, while in-house counsel with zero to three years of experience are projected to see a more modest 2.6 per cent bump.
Administrative and customer support
Highly technical roles aren’t the only ones getting a boost. Inventory managers are projected to see salaries increase by 3.9 per cent, making the position one of the fastest-growing roles in the report.
Senior executive assistants are expected to see a 2.7 per cent increase, while office managers could see 2.1 per cent growth. Perhaps a reminder that there’s plenty of room for salary growth in the jobs that keep businesses running day to day.
Human resources
HR may not be seeing the biggest pay bumps, but it’s one department that’s unlikely to run out of work anytime soon, because someone has to keep track of who’s getting hired and fired.
Benefits managers are expected to see a 2.3 per cent increase, while HR assistants could see salaries rise by 1.8 per cent, a modest amount but well above the national average. Not a massive payday, but who’s going to turn down extra cash?
You can read the complete 2027 Canada Salary Guide online.