For the biggest pay hikes in Canada, look no further than the oilpatch.
The energy sector continues to lead the country in both actual and projected salary increases, according to survey released Monday by global consulting firm Mercer.
The average base salary increase across the country is expected to be three per cent next year, the same as in 2014.
But in the energy sector, the pay bump is forecast at 3.7% in 2015 after an actual 3.9% increase this year.
Mercer has conducted its Canada Compensation Planning Survey for more than two decades, compiling responses from nearly 700 organizations across Canada.
For the past five years, the trends have been stable both at a national level and amongst different industries, Mercer said.
When the energy sector is removed from the mix, the national average projected salary increase drops to 2.9%. That effect is more pronounced in energy-rich Alberta and Saskatchewan.
On the other end of the spectrum, the transportation, equipment, consumer goods and retail/wholesale industries are expected to see the smallest salary increases at around 2.6% or 2.7%.
While base salary is an important component in attracting and retaining talent, it's important to make sure employees understand in other ways that they're valued, she said.
Another important aspect is making sure employees are aware of opportunities for advancement within their organization. With the economic outlook stabilizing, companies are becoming more focused on putting so-called "career frameworks" in place.
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