Quebec employers planning 3.1% salary raises for 2027, workers expect 4.6%
The fourth straight year of modest pay increases comes as worker expectations still outpace employer budgets.
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Quebec employers are expecting to hold the line on salary increases next year. The Order of Certified Human Resources Professionals released its 2027 salary forecast Tuesday, showing an average increase of 3.1% across all jobs combined—the same pace as actual 2026 budgets.
This marks the fourth consecutive year of modest pay growth following the high-inflation period that drove larger raises earlier this decade. The forecast is based on surveys from eight specialized recruitment firms representing the hiring intentions of 1,300 Quebec companies.
The gap between sectors is described by the Order as "relatively moderate." Public administration is planning the smallest increases at 2.7%, while public utility services—electricity, gas distribution, telephone, and water treatment—are forecasting the largest at 3.7%.
But there's a disconnect between what employers plan and what workers expect. A Léger poll commissioned by the Order surveyed 529 respondents online from July 31 to August 3 and found workers expect an average salary increase of 4.6%—significantly higher than the 3.1% employers are budgeting. Women surveyed expect an average increase of 2.6%, marking a persistent gap in salary expectations across gender lines.
The survey results suggest employers are bracing for continued wage moderation while workers hope for larger gains.
Why do male workers' salary expectations diverge from the 2.6% expected by women surveyed?
What external economic factors are driving employer forecasts to stay flat versus worker hopes for 4.6% increases?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What salary increase are Quebec employers planning for 2027?
Quebec employers are planning an average salary increase of 3.1% across all jobs combined for 2027.
What salary increase do Quebec workers expect for 2027?
Workers surveyed expect an average salary increase of 4.6%, according to a Léger poll commissioned by the Order of Certified Human Resources Professionals.
Which sector is planning the largest salary increases?
Public utility services—including electricity, gas distribution, telephone, and water treatment—are forecasting the largest increases at 3.7%.
