Professionals in the marketing and creative industry have seen their roles evolve over the past five years. The rise of hybrid work, digital platforms, and AI-driven tools has reshaped everything from social media marketing jobs to marketing manager roles. This article offers employers and job seekers insights into 2026 salary and compensation trends for marketing jobs in Canada, drawing on exclusive data from the 2026 Canada Salary Guide by Robert Half. Whether you're exploring digital marketing jobs, hiring for marketing and communications jobs, or benchmarking marketing salary expectations, you'll find valuable guidance to support your next move.
2026 Salary trends for creative and marketing jobs
How marketing and creative teams operate across Canada is being reshaped by digital transformation. According to Robert Half’s 2026 Canada Salary Guide, 99 per cent of departments in this industry are planning major digital initiatives over the next two years. This includes anything from upgrading marketing analytics platforms to streamlining digital workflows. In response to this, many companies are partnering with agencies as well as hiring, to accelerate digital campaign execution and stay competitive.These changes are driving demand for professionals who can work effectively with AI, automation, and data tools. Digital marketing jobs, social media marketing, and marketing and communications jobs are evolving to include more strategic and tech-driven responsibilities. As digital projects expand, so does the need for talent with skills in marketing automation, email marketing, AI, and data analytics, which are all essential for supporting modern campaigns and creative innovation.
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Hiring top talent in the marketing and creative industry means thinking beyond salary alone. While competitive pay is still essential, today’s professionals are placing increasing value on work-life balance. In fact, 66 per cent of marketing and creative professionals surveyed for the Robert Half 2026 Canada Salary Guide, say they prioritize flexibility, and nearly half would switch roles for better balance even if that came with no raise. For employers hiring for marketing jobs, web marketing roles, or digital marketing jobs, offering hybrid schedules, flexible hours, and people-first cultures can be just as persuasive as compensation.That said, specialized skills still command a premium. According to Robert Half’s salary guide research, 85 per cent of marketing and creative leaders agree that professionals with specialized expertise earn more than peers in similar roles. Certifications are also driving higher starting salaries. Some of the in-demand credentials include Google Ads, HubSpot Inbound Marketing, Meta Blueprint, Adobe Certified Professional, and Project Management Professional (PMP). To explore how these skills and certifications impact marketing salary expectations, check out the Marketing and Creative 2026 Canada Salary Guide or use the latest Salary Calculator.Read more: How AI and Digital Marketing Are Evolving Together: Essential Insights for Canadian Marketers
