In today’s job market, mid-career professionals often change jobs primarily because they want to earn substantially more than they currently earn. In most cases, they are also successful. For example, having a Master of Business Administration – one of the most preferred programs for mid-career professionals looking to switch to higher-paying roles – in Canada can help a candidate earn an average annual base salary of CAD 89,000. The increment in such cases, however, depends on factors such as the industry and the role that the candidate is working in, their earlier work experience, and the quality of their negotiation skills.
This blog will discuss how candidates can understand the concept of an increment in salary when switching jobs in Canada and also highlight salary increment trends across various industries in Canada.
Source: Payscale
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Understanding Increment in Salary When Switching Jobs in Canada
Candidates who opt to switch careers in Canada commonly target a salary increase of between 10 and 20%. However, the increment they actually get varies depending on factors such as the condition of the job market, the specific company they are working for, their experience and skills, and the role they are working in.
| Salary Increment Rate | Details | Source |
| 3.3% | Average salary increase budgets of Canadian organizations in 2025. | Normandin Beaudry Pulse Survey |
| 3.45% | Experts expect the average rise in base salaries to outpace inflation. | Telus Health |
| 3.5% to 3.7% to 4% | Average salary increases across sectors, with a higher rate in industries experiencing high demand, such as construction and technology. | Various Insights |
| 10-20% | Salary increment through job change. | Investopedia |
Also Read: How an Online MBA Accelerates Promotions in Canada
Sources: Newswire.ca, HR Reporter, HCA Mag, and Investopedia
Switching Jobs
Switching jobs is still the best way to increase one’s salary – this may be sad, but it is true. When candidates change jobs, their likelihood of receiving a pay increase rises substantially. At times, such raises are significantly higher than what they would get if they stayed at their present position. Typically, after working in a company for a year, candidates receive a salary increase of around 3%, which is insufficient to offset the effects of inflation at that time.
Adjusting for Inflation
When candidates change careers to earn higher salaries, they must consider the impact of inflation. This rate tends to vary each year, but one can get advance predictions periodically. This information implies that professionals need to be aware of such information and factor it into their calculations; otherwise, they are essentially taking a pay cut.
Considering the Condition of the Job Market
On average, a new job can limit one’s increment in salary to around 10% – at least, that is what employers typically offer new employees. However, candidates must not restrict themselves to those figures and must aim to negotiate higher increases. There are good reasons for that, such as candidates will never get the full raise they are asking for.
Also Read: Canada Job Market Trends: Why an MBA is a Smart Investment Today
Considering the Total Compensation
Candidates need to measure their pay increase in terms of their aggregate compensation, which includes benefits, commissions, stock options, and bonuses. This way, they will have a better idea of how much they are actually making from their new job.
Considering One’s Future
Your future income will be determined to a significant extent by the salary increase you can negotiate in the present. Not only would the raise reflect the candidates’ present worth, but it would set the benchmark for their future raises and, consequently, earnings.
Also Read: Thinking of a Career Switch? Is an Online Master’s in Data Science in Canada Worth It?
Salary Increment Trends Across Industries in Canada
The salary increment trends for Canada in 2025 indicate that there has been continued, albeit slow, growth compared to the earlier years. The average increase in this context has been around 3.5%. Experts estimate that this rate was around 3.9% in 2024. Experts expect that specific sectors will outperform the average rate, with those such as high-tech, scientific, professional, and technical services leading the way in this particular context. In fact, experts anticipate that the financial sector will be one of the most generous in terms of salary increases, alongside the professional, technical, and scientific services sectors.
Also Read: What Are the Job Prospects After an MBA in Canada?
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FAQs On Salary Increment Can You Expect for a Job Change in Canada
Q: What is the average salary increment when changing jobs in Canada?
Ans: When changing jobs in Canada, candidates can expect an average salary increase of 10 to 20%, although this varies depending on several factors.
Q: How is salary increment calculated?
Ans: People can calculate their salary increment by determining the percentage increase from their current salary.
Q: Is a 10% salary hike good for a job switch?
Ans: Depending on the individual’s financial condition and overall employability status, a 10% salary hike can be considered a good one in Canada.
Q: Which industries offer the highest salary increments in Canada?
Ans: The following industries offer the highest salary increments in Canada:
- Healthcare
- Technology, especially Information Technology (IT)
- Finance
- Engineering
These sectors have the highest demand for skilled professionals, which contributes to the competitive salaries that they offer.
Q: Does location affect salary increment in Canada?
Ans: Yes, location can affect salary increments in Canada because certain cities have higher costs of living, a greater presence of qualified candidates, and varied labor market conditions that necessitate higher salaries.
