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National Salary Survey Results are in

National HR

Survey demonstrates value of designation and highlights gender gap

We are pleased to share the results of the National Salary Survey. A group of HR associations across Canada came together to conduct a National Salary Survey using the third-party survey company, Insights West. The purpose of the survey was to better understand:

  • HR salaries, benefits, and other compensation
  • Job responsibilities
  • Acquisition and benefit of HR designations
  • Professional development activities.

It is important to gain better insights into the HR profession, but also to better understand professional development for HR professionals and the value of our professional designations.

Overall, we found that the survey results demonstrate both a perceived and actual value for designation. In addition, the profession is more educated and positioned to take on a more strategic role within companies. It is an exciting time to be part of the HR profession – and a time of opportunity.

Key Insights

  • In Canada, average annual salary is $91K
  • Designation is perceived as valuable, with 73% of respondents saying that it has benefited their HR career
  • 89% are salaried full-time employees
  • 83% of respondents agree they have the tools they need to do their job properly

We are pleased to see evidence that holding a designation levels-up your salary and career progression:

  • Three-quarters of HR professionals currently hold an HR designation, and 1-in-6 are either currently in the process of obtaining their designation or are currently a candidate
  • Those with a CPHR designation are more likely to hold a job at the management level (54% with vs. 37% without)
  • Those with an HR designation have higher salaries, on average, than those without ($96K vs. $77K)

Unfortunately, the National Salary Survey revealed an ongoing gender gap. While HR is a female-dominated industry (82% of respondents identified as female), men are still more statistically successful in attaining higher salaries and higher positions.

  • Men tend to out-earn women ($103K vs. $89K)
  • Men are also more likely to hold a job at the management level or higher (57% vs. 48% women)

This illustrates that we have more work to do in encouraging and celebrating women in leadership.

These are just a few of the valuable insights. Contact your provincial association to see the full results for your province.