Compensation Planning Outlook 2016

Based on responses from the 370 organizations who participated in this year’s Compensation Planning Outlook survey, the average pay increase for non-unionized employees is projected to be 2.6 per cent for 2016: 2.5 per cent for the private sector and 2.6 per cent for the public sector. Projected increases are highest in government, at 3.0 per cent, followed by the chemical, pharmaceutical, and allied products industry at 2.9 per cent. The lowest average increases are expected in the health sector, with an average increase of 1.5 per cent. Regionally, Saskatchewan has the highest average projected increase at 3.2 per cent. The lowest average base pay increases are expected in British Columbia at 2.3 per cent and in Alberta at 2.4 per cent. Anticipated wage increases for unionized employees are projected to be 1.9 per cent in 2016—1.4 per cent in the public sector and 2.1 per cent in the private sector.