Survey Shows Average Pay Increase in Canada for Last 12 Months

Why It Matters

The findings signal rising talent risk for Canadian employers, as compensation dissatisfaction could drive turnover and erode engagement, prompting firms to reassess pay strategies and transparency to retain staff in a tightening labor market.

Summary

A new H&R Block Canada survey of 1,545 workers finds 60% received a pay raise in the past year, averaging 4.3% (4.9% for men, 3.7% for women). Yet 74% say annual raises are no longer the norm, and 83% believe employers prioritize profit over retention, with 30% planning to quit if they don’t get a raise. Workers feel underpaid: 70% say their income doesn’t match the high cost of living, and 35% can’t stretch paychecks to the next month, while 46% keep salary information as private as personal nudity. The survey also highlights gender pay gaps, low morale, burnout, and growing demand for pay‑transparency compliance.