Canadian organizations are planning an average salary increase of 3.1% in 2026, a slight dip from 3.2% in 2025. If you want more than that in your next raise, here are proven strategies to help you stand out — plus when and how to ask.
What the Data Says
A national salary survey of over 1,000 Canadian organizations projects a 3.1% average salary increase in 2026 (excluding salary freezes).
- That’s down slightly from 3.2% in 2025.
- Despite tighter budgets, 42% of organizations plan to secure an additional 0.9% in budget beyond base-salary increases.
- Higher increases are projected in certain sectors:
- Pharmaceutical and construction: approximately 3.8%
- Telecommunications, data services, IT consulting: around 3.7%
- Professional services, hospitality, tourism, and real estate: roughly 3.5%
What’s Realistic to Ask For
To aim above the 3.1% average, you need to know what's reasonable:
- In industries projecting higher raises, aiming for 4–5% is reasonable.
- If your current salary is below the market
- for your role or province, you may have strong justification to ask for more.
- Strong performance, added responsibilities, or unique skills can justify a higher-than-average raise.
Strategies to Achieve a Raise Above 3.1%
| Strategy |
Why It Works |
What to Do |
| Document your achievements |
Tangible contributions show clear value |
Track results, savings, growth, and project outcomes. Keep a running list. |
| Benchmark your salary |
Understanding your market worth gives leverage |
Use tools like Glassdoor or industry salary reports to compare. |
| Take on high-impact tasks |
Visibility and responsibility support bigger raises |
Volunteer for visible or cross-functional projects. |
| Build in-demand skills |
High-demand skills can command higher pay |
Invest in training, certifications, or courses in areas like tech, data, or leadership. |
| Negotiate total compensation |
Raises may be tight, but bonuses or perks are negotiable |
Ask about incentives, benefits, or allowances in addition to base salary. |
When and How to Ask for Your Raise
- Choose the right time: Ideally after a major achievement, during review cycles, or when budget planning begins.
- Make your case in writing: Outline your contributions, market value, and a clear request for a specific percentage increase.
- Be confident but realistic: Back up your request with logic and numbers.
- Frame it in terms of company value: Explain how your contributions helped the business save money, increase revenue, or improve outcomes.
- Consider alternatives: If your employer can’t offer a bigger raise, explore other compensation like bonuses, added benefits, or more flexible work options.
Boosting Total Compensation (Even Without a Bigger Raise)
Even if your base salary raise is modest, here are other ways to improve your total compensation:
- Bonuses or performance incentives
- More paid vacation or personal days
- Flexible or remote work arrangements
- Professional development or training support
- Cost-of-living or commuting allowances
- Opportunities for promotion or title changes
If Your Raise Request Is Denied
Not every request will be approved, but it’s not the end of the road.
- Ask what you can do to qualify next time.
- Request a performance plan or defined goals.
- Explore partial raises or mid-year increases.
- Consider internal job changes or external opportunities—only if you’re ready.
Key Takeaways
- The average projected salary increase in Canada for 2026 is 3.1%, slightly down from 3.2%.
- High-performing employees in key sectors can often negotiate higher raises, typically 4–5% or more.
- Building a strong case, timing your request well, and showing measurable impact are critical.
- If base salary isn’t flexible, look at total rewards, including benefits, perks, and bonuses.
Ready to Ask for More?
Remember: the average raise is just that—an average. With the right preparation, timing, and strategy, you can position yourself for more.
Conclusion
While the average salary increase in Canada for 2026 is 3.1%, you don’t have to settle for average. By taking initiative, tracking your contributions, and understanding your market value, you can position yourself for a higher raise.
Companies reward employees who bring measurable impact, stay proactive, and ask confidently — especially in a competitive job market. The key is preparation: know your worth, make your case, and ask at the right time.
Even if you don’t get the full raise you want, building the habit of managing your compensation strategically will pay off in the long run.
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