In the marketing and creative sectors, change happens fast. New platforms and technologies are transforming how brands connect with audiences, and employee expectations are shifting towards more flexible work arrangements. For advertising agencies and in-house creative teams, staying current on hiring and salary trends isn't just good practice — it's a competitive necessity.The 2025 Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half is your compass in this dynamic field. It's packed with exclusive data and insider tips to help you understand and adapt to the latest tendencies. Here are some of the key takeaways from this year’s guide.
Contract talent will be a lifeline for marketing and creative projects through 2025. With budgets under pressure and priorities in flux, more organizations are tapping into this adaptable workforce to keep their momentum going.The numbers tell the story: 58% of marketing and creative managers are increasing their use of contract talent. This approach lets agencies and businesses bring in specialized skills for specific projects without committing to full-time hires.Skilled contractors can also:Help make sure critical initiatives stay on scheduleLighten the load on your permanent teamGive you the staffing flexibility to adapt to economic ups and downsSome companies are offering permanent positions to contractors who were initially brought on for short-term projects. It's proving to be an effective way to snag hard-to-find talent.Contact your local Robert Half office or request talent online to hire contract talent ASAP.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will continue transforming marketing and creative work in 2025, bringing new possibilities and potential pitfalls.Agencies and businesses are integrating AI to boost their operations. They're using it to:Analyze data and create reports more efficiently — AI sifts through millions of social media interactions to present you with a clear report on brand sentiment.Forecast sales trends with improved precision — AI can make predictions about surges in demand for certain products or services, allowing you to adjust your inventory and marketing strategy ahead of time.Evaluate campaign results instantly — As soon as your new ad goes live, AI tracks its performance across platforms, giving you real-time insights to tweak and optimize on the fly.Create personalized content for different audiences — AI analyzes a customer's browsing history and purchases, then automatically generates an email with product recommendations they're likely to love.But artificial intelligence comes with real challenges. Certain employers fear that overusing AI could dampen creativity. Some professionals also worry their skills might become less valuable as AI capabilities grow.As a leader, your role is to both reassure and inspire. Help your staff see AI as a powerful ally, not a threat. Encourage your marketing and creative pros to dive into data interpretation or experiment with AI-powered tools. But don't neglect human skills like strategic thinking and emotional intelligence — in a world where every agency and marketing department has access to generative AI, those qualities are what set your team apart.Check out this article for more tips on how to upskill your staff for the future of work.
AI and automation are changing the game for hiring in the marketing and creative fields. The 2025 Salary Guide highlights some key trends:53% of employers note a shift in sought-after skills due to AI34% are bringing in more contract workers or consultants experienced with AI29% are increasing their overall hiring24% are outsourcing more projectsThese figures show that AI is altering not just how we work but who we hire and why. The skills you need today might be different from what you sought a few years ago. That's where a specialized talent solutions firm can help. By tapping into their networks, you can access professionals with creativity, tech skills and AI know-how who might otherwise slip through the cracks.
The Salary Guide highlights several marketing and creative positions in high demand:Copywriter/digital copywriterDigital design and production expertDigital marketing specialistPublic relations/communications specialistUI designerUX designerBut it's not just about job titles. Candidates having certain skills will boost salaries in the job market:Marketing research and analytics (26%) — The ability to turn data into actionable insights is gold in today's marketing world. It's about making smart decisions based on hard evidence, not just gut feelings.Marketing automation (20%) — This skill helps streamline repetitive tasks and personalize customer interactions at scale. It's the engine that powers efficient, targeted marketing campaigns.SEO/SEM (20%) — In a crowded digital space, making your brand visible is crucial. Search engine optimization and search engine marketing experts help your message cut through the noise and reach the right audience.Creative development and art direction (19%) — Despite the tech focus, great ideas can still change the world (or at least change your bottom line). This skill turns those ideas into outstanding campaigns that capture attention and spark engagement.Leadership/management experience (19%) — As teams become more diverse and multidisciplinary, the ability to guide and motivate others is increasingly prized.The marketing and creative world of 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting place. With use of contract talent on the rise, AI changing the game and new skills in high demand, staying informed is critical. Whether you're running an advertising agency or leading an in-house marketing team, The 2025 Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half is a must-have resource. Explore the full guide now and get a head start on your rivals.
