Quebec will have Canada's lowest wage raises next year — except in tech and finance
Randstad's 2027 salary guide shows Quebec employers planning 3.1% raises, lowest in Canada, while AI specialists and senior tech roles command premium pay.
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Quebec workers will see smaller raises than their counterparts across Canada next year, according to Randstad Canada's 2027 Salary Guide released Oct. 13, which analyzed over 600 positions across 15-plus industries.
Quebec's projected raise of 3.1% trails every other province except New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Manitoba, all at 3.2%. Alberta and British Columbia lead at 3.4%. Across Canada, the average is 3.1% to 3.3%.
Only 4% of Canadian employers plan to give all employees the same increase; most are directing raises toward top performers and roles difficult to fill. Professional services are expecting 3.7% and banking, finance and insurance 3.6%.
In Montreal, senior-level roles show steep salary ranges: a CISO, CTO or CIO commands $263,000 to $456,900, while a marketing VP ranges from $250,300 to $386,800. AI governance specialists in the city earn between $243,300 and $292,700—premium pay reflecting fierce competition for those skills. Full-stack developers range from $126,400 to $165,800.
The broader context: 36% of Canadians have taken on or are seeking a second job to keep up with cost of living. While 98% of Canadian employers say they're confident about business growth in 2027, only 49% of workers share that confidence. The gap reflects worry: tariffs averaging 5% on Canadian exports and a Canadian dollar at approximately 71 cents U.S. are driving up import costs.
The facts
What wage increase is Quebec planning for 2027?
Quebec employers are planning average wage raises of 3.1% in 2027, according to Randstad Canada's 2027 Salary Guide.
How does Quebec's planned raise compare to other provinces?
Quebec's 3.1% raise matches the national average but trails Alberta and British Columbia at 3.4%, while matching New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Manitoba at 3.2%.
What do AI governance specialists earn in Montreal?
AI governance specialists in Montreal earn between $243,300 and $292,700, reflecting strong demand for those skills.
What percentage of Canadian employers plan equal raises for all employees?
Only 4% of Canadian employers plan to give all employees the same increase; most are directing raises toward top performers and difficult-to-fill roles.
