2025 Canada Salary Trends: What Employers Need to Know

Article

Job optimism in the Canada job market
The flexibility factor: hybrid work here to stay
Succession planning: preparing for the future
AI's growing impact on the workplace
The cost of slow hiring in the Canada job market
Spotlight on skills

The Canadian job market never stands still. Want to stay ahead of the curve? Robert Half's 2025 Canada Salary Guide is packed with exclusive data and insider insights on the forces shaping workplaces nationwide. Here's a sneak peek at what you'll find in this year's must-read guide on 2025 salary trends.

Despite economic uncertainties, many Canadian professionals feel upbeat about their job prospects. If fact, worker confidence has rebounded to levels not seen since early 2023. This surge in optimism points to a bustling 2025 Canada job market where skilled professionals feel empowered to explore new opportunities.

Yet, this confidence is accompanied by financial worries. A full 92% of workers say they’re worried about inflation outpacing salary growth. This concern is spurring action, with one-third of employees saying they'll job hunt if their current employer doesn't bump up their pay.

For employers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Companies that offer competitive compensation are better positioned to attract and retain top talent. In fact, 60% of workers cite a higher salary as the primary factor they look for in a new job.

The pandemic-induced shift to remote work has become a lasting change in how Canadians view their work arrangements. Flexibility in where and when work gets done continues to be a top priority for most professionals.

Our research shows that almost half of Canadian workers (44%) prefer a hybrid model, working 2-3 days per week in the office. This preference is so strong that around a third (34%) of employees say they're not seeking a new job because they don't want to give up their current level of flexibility.

Employers are for the most part continuing to respond to this trend. To attract skilled candidates, 37% of them are offering flexible work arrangements. However, a gap remains between what employees and companies want. While many workers prefer a more or less equal balance of remote and office work, employers want staff in the office an average of four days a week.

This mismatch shows the need for open conversations between employers and employees. The goal? Finding work setups that boost productivity and teamwork while also meeting individual needs.

Read this article to learn why the hybrid work model may be the best for your organization.

As more baby boomers near retirement, companies risk losing a wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership skills. This shift is pushing succession planning up the priority list for many organizations.

But planning for the future isn't easy. Our research shows that 42% of managers struggle to find suitable candidates to fill key roles. Other top hurdles include insufficient skill-building programs (39%) and the looming exit of veteran staff (38%).

Companies are getting proactive in tackling these issues. They're beefing up employee skills, hiring and grooming promising performers, and bringing in contract professionals to bridge immediate gaps.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the Canadian job market. AI, machine learning and automation projects are high priorities for firms across Canada, driving demand for new skills and highlighting gaps in current workforce capabilities.

This tech shift is reshaping how companies hire. Our research shows that over half (51%) of managers think AI will change the list of skills that are in high demand. Plus, 40% expect to bring in more contract workers or consultants to fill these new skill gaps.

Robert Half can help you hire contract professionals. Start here.

In today's hot job market, a slow hiring process can cost companies top talent:

32% of candidates will lose interest in a role if they don't receive a status update from an employer within two weeks of interviewing.

22% will wait only one week before losing interest.

It takes companies an average of five weeks to staff an open position.

The impacts of long hiring cycles include:

High turnover due to heavy workloads (44%)

Higher recruitment costs (42%)

Losing candidates to competitors (40%)

Delayed or cancelled projects (39%)

Quick, clear communication can make all the difference in companies’ recruiting success.

Learn more about how to avoid bad hires in this article.

What skills do employers value most? Research for the Salary Guide reveals some intriguing trends across key sectors in the Canada job market:

Technology: It's not just about coding anymore. Companies are on the hunt for tech professionals who can wear multiple hats. Skills in AI, machine learning and data science are hot commodities, with 35% of employers willing to offer a salary premium for machine learning and data science expertise.

Finance and accounting: Financial reporting skills are in high demand, with 38% of employers willing to pay generously for this expertise. Leadership experience is also highly valued, with 32% of companies ready to boost salaries for finance professionals who can steer teams effectively.

Human resources: HR is going high-tech. Companies are looking for HR professionals who can integrate AI into their work, from creating job postings to sourcing candidates. This expertise is so valued that 31% of employers are ready to boost salaries for individuals with AI and automation skills.

Marketing and creative: While AI is reshaping how marketing teams work — from data analysis to campaign performance measurement — there's a growing tension. Some worry that AI might overshadow human creativity. The challenge? Striking a balance between AI-driven efficiency and the irreplaceable human touch in creative work. Despite the growing tech emphasis in this field, employers should continue to prioritize soft skills, including innovative thinking when evaluating job candidates.

Legal: Compliance and risk management expertise is in high demand, commanding premium pay from 35% of employers. AI and automation skills are gaining ground, with 33% of companies ready to boost salaries for tech-savvy legal professionals. Yet, the fundamentals still matter — 31% of employers prize strong research and information analysis capabilities.

Want to arm yourself with the latest salary data and hiring insights? Access the full Robert Half 2025 Canada Salary Guide today. It's a superb tool for mastering the fast-changing job market and making smart compensation decisions.

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