Robert Half projects which Canadian roles could see the biggest starting salary increases in 2027

The Story

The 2027 Canada Salary Guide released by business consulting firm Robert Half projects a national average starting salary increase of 1.4 per cent in 2027, with some roles expected to jump by five per cent or more.

The figures are described as projected starting salaries for people starting new jobs in 2027, not guaranteed raises for employees already in their current positions.

Robert Half attributes some of the wage pressure to skills, including a growing willingness among managers to pay more for workers with specialized expertise in artificial intelligence. The guide says 63 per cent of Canadian managers are increasing pay for workers with relevant AI skills, and 32 per cent say they offer a bigger premium for AI-related skills than for other technology skills.

According to the guide, six in 10 organizations are increasing their compensation budgets in 2027 to help attract in-demand talent despite ongoing cost pressures.

In marketing and creative, the guide projects the largest increase for marketing automation specialist at 5.9 per cent, with digital strategists expected to see a 5.0 per cent increase and social media managers forecast to rise by 3.6 per cent.

In technology, business intelligence developers are projected to receive a 5.3 per cent increase, while chief information security officers could see salaries rise by 5.2 per cent. The guide projects AI engineers at a 3.9 per cent increase, still above the national average.

In finance and accounting, controllers are projected to see a 4.1 per cent increase in 2027, with assistant controllers at 3.9 per cent and senior accountants at 3.6 per cent.

In legal roles, litigation support/eDiscovery directors are projected to receive a 5.1 per cent increase. Law clerk managers could see salaries rise by 3.8 per cent, while in-house counsel with zero to three years of experience are projected to get a 2.6 per cent increase.

In administrative and customer support, inventory managers are projected to see a 3.9 per cent salary increase. Senior executive assistants are forecast to rise by 2.7 per cent, and office managers by 2.1 per cent.

In human resources, benefits managers are projected to see a 2.3 per cent increase, and HR assistants are forecast to have salaries rise by 1.8 per cent.