As the city continues to attract top-tier talent and international investment, employers must navigate a unique talent landscape and offer compensation packages that reflect the city's strategic importance and its distinct cultural identity.
Montréal's labor market shows resilience and a strong foundation for continued growth.
- A stable economic outlook: Quebec's real GDP growth is projected to reach 1.4% in 2026, with unemployment falling to 5.4%, offering a stable environment for strategic hiring despite national economic challenges.
- A hub for innovation: Montreal leads globally in AI and video games, drawing significant international investment. It's also a hub for life sciences and aerospace, boasting a skilled workforce that fuels innovation and growth.
- Competitive wages and lower cost of living: The average salary in Montreal is competitive with other major Canadian cities, but the cost of living is significantly lower than in Toronto, making the city an attractive option for talent seeking a higher quality of life.
Our 2026 Montreal salary guide is the essential resource for understanding the city's job market, providing the data and strategies you need to build a resilient and effective team.
what you'll uncover in our 2026 montreal salary guide
Our comprehensive guide compiles data from a wide range of in-demand sectors to give you a detailed view of the city's evolving labor market. Inside, you will find:
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in-demand job market data
Get a granular look at salary averages for the most sought-after roles and sectors in the Montreal area, including:
- software engineer
- financial manager
- registered nurse
- construction electrician
- industrial mechanic (millwright)
- marketing consultant
- human resources professional
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analysis and trends for the year ahead
Beyond the numbers, our guide provides strategic insights into the factors that will drive hiring and retention in 2026.
- Bilingualism as a hiring imperative: The guide explores how Quebec’s Bill 96 has clarified the obligations for employers requiring knowledge of a language other than French. With a recent ruling by the Administrative Labour Tribunal, it is more important than ever for employers to clearly justify any language requirement in their job postings and demonstrate that they have taken all reasonable measures to avoid imposing these conditions.
- Tapping into a diverse talent pool: Montréal has a high proportion of international talent, with over a quarter of working people being born outside of Canada. The guide explores how to attract and retain this diverse talent pool, which is critical for innovation and growth.
- Meeting the needs of a modern workforce: The guide explores how to compete for top talent by offering more than just competitive pay. It provides insights on how to build compensation packages that account for a higher quality of life and leverage the city's unique strengths.
Our guide features contributions from industry experts, offering a comprehensive view of the current and future landscape of compensation in the Montreal area. By understanding these trends, you can position your organization for long-term success.
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