Business · Companies · 4 hrs ago
Employers may pay more in 2027 for workers with scarce skills
Canadian employers may offer higher pay in 2027 to attract workers with skills they struggle to find.
A salary guide from Robert Half says 55 per cent of employers are willing to exceed planned salary ranges, and 61 per cent cite specialized skills.
AI expertise is one skill that can command more pay: 63 per cent of employers say they offer higher salaries for relevant AI capabilities.
The premium is not limited to technology jobs; the guide projects starting salaries for controllers in finance and accounting will grow by 4.1 per cent, compared with 1.4 per cent for the field overall.
Employers also value problem-solving and communication, alongside technical knowledge, critical thinking and good judgment.
As AI becomes part of everyday work, workers who can use it thoughtfully and connect their skills to business needs may have an advantage.
Job seekers are advised to show these skills on their résumés and explain them in interviews.
Canadian workers may need scarce, specialized skills to secure higher pay in 2027, despite modest expected salary growth.
Robert Half’s 2027 Canada Salary Guide says 55 per cent of employers are offering salaries above planned ranges to secure top talent.
Among those employers, 61 per cent cite specialized skills as a reason for paying more.
Artificial intelligence capabilities are in demand, with 63 per cent of employers offering higher pay for relevant AI skills.
Pay growth also varies by role: average starting salaries in finance and accounting are projected to rise 1.4 per cent, compared with 4.1 per cent for controllers.
- Who
- Canadian employers and workers, including candidates with specialized skills.
- What
- Employers may pay above planned salary ranges to secure scarce expertise. Salary growth is expected to remain modest overall.
- When
- In 2027.
- Where
- Canada.
- Why
- Employers cite specialized skills, including AI capabilities, as important to business priorities.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Employers paying above planned ranges
- 55 per cent
- Employers citing specialized skills
- 61 per cent
- Employers offering higher pay for relevant AI capabilities
- 63 per cent
- Finance and accounting starting-salary growth projection
- 1.4 per cent
- Controller starting-salary growth projection
- 4.1 per cent
What people are saying
Employers that we talk to are offering higher than planned salaries to secure candidates that have specialized skills that are really going to help support business critical priorities
The ability to work alongside the technology is becoming just as important as the technology itself
Problem solving, communication, critical thinking and strategic decision making remain essential