Job Changers in Canada See 6% Pay Growth
ADP data shows Canadian workers who switched jobs earned more over the past year than those who stayed put.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Employment
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Canadian workers who changed jobs saw average pay rise 6% over the year, compared with 3% for those who kept their positions, according to ADP's October 2026 Canada Pay Insights Report published November 5, 2026. Gross pay for job changers rose 10.4% year over year, versus 4.5% for workers who stayed.
Why it matters
The gap between job changers and stayers gives Canadian workers a clear measure of what switching employers can mean for income. For employers across Canada, it signals that pay competition for talent remains a live factor in retention.
ADP analyzed 1.6 million payroll transactions from the past 12 months, finding job changers earned 6% more on average than workers who stayed, who saw a 3% increase. Base pay rose about 3% in most provinces and territories, with Prince Edward Island at 3.8% and Yukon at 2.5%.
The players
ADP
ADP is a global human capital management and payroll company whose payroll data underpins this Canadian pay analysis.
The details
Workers aged 25 to 34 who kept the same job saw an average base pay rise of 3.5%, while those aged 55 to 85 saw 2.8%. Employees at small, medium, and large firms each reported a 3% pay increase.
Timeline
November 5, 2026: ADP publishes its October 2026 Canada Pay Insights Report.
Past 12 months, ending October 2026: period of payroll data analyzed.
Market Landscape
The ADP Canada Pay Insights Report series tracks base and gross pay trends across Canadian employers and sectors. The October 2026 edition adds to that record by quantifying how much more job changers earn than workers who stay in place.
For Canadian workers weighing a job change, the report shows an average 6% pay gain versus 3% for those who stay, a difference that can compound over several years. Workers in most provinces and territories saw base pay rise around 3%, which may not keep pace with living costs for some households.
The takeaway
Comparing your current pay growth to market benchmarks, such as the 3% average for stayers and 6% for job changers, can help you decide whether a move is worth exploring. Reviewing your employer's raise history alongside these figures gives a clearer picture of where you stand.
Further reading
Explore more on Employment trends shaping Canadian paycheques and job markets.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).
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