Compensation Planning Outlook 2018

Based on responses from the 324 organizations that participated in this year’s Compensation Planning Outlook survey, the average pay increase for non-unionized employees is projected to be 2.4 per cent for 2018: 2.5 per cent for the private sector and 2.0 per cent for the public sector. Projected increases are highest in the pharmaceutical and chemical products industry, at 2.7 per cent, followed by the construction industry at 2.6 per cent. The lowest average increases are expected in the health sector, with an anticipated average increase of 1.6 per cent. Regionally, Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba lead the pack in terms of projected salary increases. The lowest average base pay increases are expected in Alberta and Saskatchewan, at 2.1 per cent. Anticipated wage increases for unionized employees are projected to be 1.4 per cent in 2018; wage increases in the private sector are projected to be 1.7 per cent, higher than the 1.1 per cent expected in the public sector.