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Canadian wages are experiencing notable growth, surpassing historical averages, according to recent analyses. BMO Capital Markets highlighted that average hourly wages in February 2025 increased by 3.8% compared to the previous year, with total annual growth of aggregate hours worked moving 0.5% higher, resulting in an overall pay rise of 4.3%.

This wage growth is occurring despite a relatively stable employment landscape. In February, Canada's economy added a net total of 1,100 jobs, maintaining the unemployment rate at 6.6%. The gains were exclusively in part-time positions, with the services sector, particularly wholesale and retail trade, as well as finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing, adding 20,600 positions. 

Projections indicate that this upward trend in wages is expected to continue into 2025. TELUS Health's 42nd annual Salary Projection Survey forecasts a 3.45% increase in average base salaries for non-unionized Canadian workers, driven by ongoing labour shortages. This marks the first time in four years that salary growth is expected to surpass inflation, which the Bank of Canada recently reported at 2.0%. 

Regional variations in salary projections are also noteworthy. British Columbia is expected to lead with a 3.6% increase in average base salaries, followed by Alberta at 3.54% and New Brunswick at 3.5%. In contrast, Quebec's salary growth, which was 3.85% in 2024, is projected to slow to 3.41% in 2025. 
 

Industry-specific forecasts show that the construction sector is expected to see the highest salary growth at 4.13%, followed by real estate at 3.92% and business services at 3.9%. Public administration is forecasted to have the lowest salary increase at 2.75%, replacing information technology, which held that position in 2024. 
 

Overall, the sustained wage growth reflects a resilient labour market in Canada, with employers adjusting compensation strategies to attract and retain talent amid ongoing economic challenges. As inflation rates decline, employees stand to regain purchasing power lost in recent years, potentially boosting individual financial well-being and overall workplace morale.