Canadians working in these industries could see the biggest pay bumps in 2027
If you’re hoping your paycheque gets a little fatter next year, there’s some good news —
but don’t go off planning your dream vacation just yet.
Canadian employers are projecting an average salary increase of 3.1 per cent in 2027, according to a new survey from compensation consulting firm Normandin Beaudry. The annual survey, now in its 16th year, collected responses from more than 800 Canadian organizations.
The percentage may sound small, but even a few extra percentage points can make a difference in the long run. For example, a 3.1 per cent increase on a $70,000 salary would be about $2,170.
It looks like 2027 won’t quite match the salary highs of recent years. In 2023, the national average was around 4.2 per cent, making it the standout year on the chart.
Normandin Beaudry
But not every industry is playing by the same numbers.
Some sectors are expected to hand out slightly bigger salary increases in 2027, so where you work could make a difference. With the cost of living putting pressure on Canadians’ wallets, every dollar counts. A 3.4 per cent increase on a $65,000 salary would mean an extra $2,210 a year, bringing one’s total annual salary to $67,210.
Normandin Beaudry’s figures exclude salary freezes, so the 3.1 per cent average only reflects companies that are budgeting for increases rather than those freezing salaries altogether.
“Projections indicate that despite Canada experiencing what economists call a ‘technical recession’, organizations are planning consistent salary increase budgets as reported in 2026,” the survey states.
The industries expecting the biggest pay bumps
Where could Canadian workers see the biggest salary increases in 2027?
Normandin Beaudry says six sectors are currently projecting salary budget increases above the national average:
- Telecommunications, data processing, data warehousing and related services: 3.4 per cent
- Finance and insurance: 3.4 per cent
- Real estate, rental and leasing: 3.3 per cent
- Technology: 3.3 per cent
- Construction: 3.3 per cent
- Professional, scientific and technological services: 3.2 per cent
And where you live makes a difference, too.
Normandin Beaudry’s map also breaks down the projected salary increases across Canada. The differences are pretty small, with Quebec coming out on top at 3.2 per cent, while Alberta is at the lower end with a 2.9 per cent increase.
Normandin Beaudry
The difference might not look huge on paper, but when salary budgets are staying pretty steady across the country, every little bit helps.
Of course, these numbers aren’t a guarantee that everyone in these industries will get the same pay bump. Your actual raise (if you get one at all) will depend on things like your overall performance, the job market and your employer.
Check out Normandin Beaudry’s website for the full report.