The Canadian job market never stands still. Want to stay ahead of the curve? Explore the 2026 Canada Salary Guide from Robert Half. It is packed with exclusive data on the forces shaping workplaces nationwide like compensation trends and industry insights that employers and job seekers need to know in 2026.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll find in this year's must-read guide on compensation trends:
While salary levels in Canada are stabilizing overall, compensation expectations remain high amongst workers, especially those with specialized skills. In our latest research for the Robert Half 2026 Canada Salary Guide, 71 per cent of hiring managers worry about keeping up with these high expectations in the next year. And on the flip side, 80 per cent of job seekers say they are feeling confident about negotiating salary when presented with a job offer.Research for our 2026 Salary Guide also shows a trend toward skills-based hiring among employers in Canada. What does that mean? Employers are evaluating candidates based on their demonstrated capabilities rather than traditional markers like titles or tenure.Compensation trends reflect this shift, aligning more closely with the market value of specific skills: 54 per cent of employers are most willing to boost salaries for candidates with certifications. High expectations about compensation combined with evolving workforce dynamics, economic uncertainty and the growing demand for new skills, have many employers reassessing their talent strategies.That includes evaluating pay ranges and non-monetary offerings aka total compensation: the full value of what a company offers its employees, not just salary.Read more about total compensation, perks and benefits, and more hiring insights in our 2026 Canada Salary Guide.
Salary guide calculator – local and national averages
2026 Salary CalculatorWhether you're hiring or job hunting, understanding current compensation benchmarks is key. The Robert Half 2026 Canada Salary Calculator helps you make informed decisions by providing both local and national, market-based salary ranges for over 360 roles. Use it to guide negotiations, attract top talent, or evaluate your own earning potential, all with just a few clicks. If you're looking for clarity on what to pay or expect in today’s job market, the Robert Half Salary Calculator is a smart place to start.
Try the Salary Calculator now to explore customized salary insights
Digital transformation continues to reshape compensation trends in technology and IT, with 98 per cent of Canadian Tech and IT departments planning major initiatives within two years. A significant portion of upcoming digital transformation projects will focus on cybersecurity and compliance. At the same time, technology leaders identify finding skilled talent to execute these initiatives as a top priority for 2026. As demand grows for professionals who can drive transformation, salaries are rising. Especially for those with the skills to execute complex strategies.Discover the latest salary benchmarks and hiring insights in our Technology section of the 2026 Salary Guide.
Marketing and Creative insights
Employers across Canada are offering higher salaries to marketing and creative professionals with specialized skills, particularly in AI, automation, and analytics. In fact, 85 per cent of industry leaders agree that candidates with these in-demand capabilities earn more than peers in the same role. As organizations expand digital campaigns and need teams to execute, competitive compensation is becoming essential to attract top talent.Explore the most sought-after skills and salary trends in our Marketing and Creative section of the 2026 Salary Guide.
Legal insights
Legal professionals in Canada are seeing rising compensation for specialized skills in areas like AI governance, compliance, contract management, and data privacy. Many candidates are prioritizing work-life balance, with flexible schedules and lower billable hour targets becoming key factors in job decisions – especially at small and midsize firms that may not compete on salary alone. These preferences are emerging alongside a wave of digital transformation, with 95 per cent of legal departments planning major tech initiatives to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.See how evolving priorities and tech-driven roles are shaping legal hiring in our Legal section of the 2026 Salary Guide.
Administrative and Customer Support insights
Administrative and customer support roles are evolving, with professionals increasingly contributing to strategic planning and business operations. Candidates who combine strong interpersonal skills with tech adaptability are seeing greater long-term success and higher pay. Upskilling is key, especially as automation reshapes workflows and AI tools become more common. These shifts are happening alongside widespread digital transformation, with 87 per cent of administrative and customer support departments planning major tech initiatives in the next two years to boost efficiency, with many employers ready to offer higher salaries for roles that support these efforts.Find out which skills and roles are driving compensation growth in our Administrative and Customer Support section of the 2026 Salary Guide.
Human Resource (HR) insights
Human Resource roles in Canada are becoming more strategic, with professionals expected to collaborate across departments and take on broader responsibilities. Adaptability and tech fluency, especially in areas like AI, HR strategy, and compensation management, are increasingly rewarded with higher pay. As employers adjust salaries to reflect evolving skill sets, many HR leaders are prioritizing candidates who embrace change. These shifts are unfolding alongside widespread digital transformation, with 91 per cent of HR teams planning major digital transformation initiatives within two years, with many employers prepared to offer premium compensation for roles that support them.See how HR roles are evolving and what that means for compensation, in our Human Resources section of the 2026 Salary Guide.
Explore the 2026 Canada salary guide today
Want to arm yourself with the latest salary data and hiring insights across finance, tech, HR, legal, marketing, and more? The Robert Half 2026 Canada Salary Guide is your go-to resource for understanding how digital transformation, evolving skill sets, and shifting workplace priorities are shaping compensation. Whether you're in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, or beyond, this guide, exclusive industry compensation insights, and the Salary Calculator, can help you navigate the changing job market with confidence.
