Survey demonstrates value of designation and highlights gender gap

We are pleased to share the results of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) and Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) Canada national survey.

We are fortunate that a group of HR associations across Canada came together to support the survey conducted by a third-party survey company, Insights West. The purpose 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 Ontario, average annual salary is $89.5k, which is slightly below the national average of $91k.
  • Designation is perceived as valuable, with 71% of HRPA members saying that it has benefited their HR career.

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

  • Those with an HRPA designation are more likely to hold a job at the management level (53% with vs. 38% without).
  • Those with an HRPA designation earn salaries that are on average 19% higher than those without.
  • Ontario participants with a designation are also found to be more likely to work in salaried, full-time positions (88% vs. 81% without a designation).

Unfortunately, the survey revealed an ongoing gender gap. While HR is a female-dominated industry (84% of respondents identified as female), men are still more statistically successful in attaining higher salaries and higher positions.

  • Men earn 15% more than the Ontario average, which is slightly higher than the national average.
  • Men are also more likely to hold a job at the management level or higher (61% 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 HRPA will be using to influence our policies and programs. The full Ontario results are available to members on the website as well as highlights of the national results.