Global talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half has released its 2025 Salary Guide, which reveals critical insights on hiring and compensation trends. The research examines labour market dynamics, benefits and perks, and starting salaries for hundreds of positions in various professional fields across Canada.
David King
“Salary continues to be the biggest priority for professionals, as cost of living remains top of mind,” said David King, Senior Managing Director, Robert Half, Canada and South America. “However, it’s not the only thing that matters. In addition to benchmarking salaries, businesses need to ensure they have efficient hiring processes, and that they are offering attractive perks and benefits, flexibility in the workplace, and upskilling opportunities to hire, retain, and train top talent in this evolving labour market.”
The company said the 2025 Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half is an essential resource for both employers and job seekers.
It outlined five key findings from the research:
- Salary is top of mind. More than 9 in 10 professionals (92 per cent) are concerned about inflation outpacing salary growth, while 51 per cent report feeling underpaid. One-third of workers said they’ll look for a new role if their employer does not raise their salary. Salary remains the top thing professionals want in a new job (60 per cent), while 32 per cent of hiring managers say they are increasing starting salaries specifically to attract new hires.
- AI is impacting hiring. AI, machine learning and automation projects are high priorities for firms across Canada. Managers report that AI is leading to a shift in high-demand skills (51 per cent), more contract workers or consultants (40 per cent), increased hiring (32 per cent), and outsourcing of projects (29 per cent). Embracing continuous learning and focusing on skill-building efforts, while investing in employee training and fueling innovation is crucial.
- Flexibility remains essential. Many professionals in Canada (44 per cent) prefer two to three days per week at the office, while employers would on average prefer their teams in office four days per week. However, employers know they need to offer flexibility to hire top talent; 32 per cent of workers who are looking for a new job say more flexibility is the main reason why. 39 per cent of managers are offering hybrid jobs specifically to attract skilled talent, while 37 per cent are offering flexible schedules for the same reason.
- Long hiring cycles take a toll. Employers who don’t streamline their hiring processes and pick up the pace of hiring for crucial roles risk paying a price. Managers report long hiring cycles are leading to high turnover due to heavy workloads (44 per cent), higher recruitment costs (42 per cent), losing top candidates to competitors (40 per cent), and delayed or cancelled projects (39 per cent).
- Succession is a concern. A lack of suitable succession candidates (42 per cent), insufficient upskilling programs (39 per cent), and having internal candidates uninterested in leadership roles (35 per cent) are some of the top succession challenges businesses face. To counter this, many are focusing on upskilling employees, hiring and training high-potential candidates, and bringing in contract talent.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Podcast. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 as one of the Top 10 Business Journalists in the World by PR News – the only Canadian to make the list. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024.
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