One of the top reasons people leave a job is to make more money. Traditionally, job hoppers see their salary increase at a faster rate than those who stay in their current job.
However, something interesting has developed in 2025. Data now shows that job stayers (those who stay with employers long term) are now outpacing job hoppers in wage growth this year.
It’s a trend our legal recruiters in Toronto are seeing, as are many of our recruiters in other industries. People are staying with their current employer, and some are being financially rewarded to do so for now.
In this blog, we talk about the current trends and market conditions that have created this situation, if it will persist, and what you can expect in the years to come.
What we’ll cover:
- From job hopping to job-staying
- New data finds it pays to stay
- Why are job stayers outpacing job hoppers in wage growth?
- Is staying in your current job the best way to increase your salary long-term?
From job hopping to job-staying
Recent workforce trends reveal a major shift in worker movement. Employees are job-hopping less. They are choosing to hunker down with their current employer, and for good reason.
Those who stay longer in their roles are seeing stronger career and financial benefits than those who frequently move between jobs. While job hopping once promised rapid pay bumps and fast-tracked progression, new data shows this strategy is becoming less effective.
With organizations focusing more on internal development, loyalty is paying off. Employees who invest in building tenure are gaining access to meaningful perks: higher long-term salary growth, more stable advancement opportunities, job security, and stronger employer-sponsored benefits. Plus, companies are increasingly rewarding retention with bonuses, learning programs, and clear career pathways.
New data finds it pays to stay
New data finds, as of February 2025, job stayers are seeing wages rise by 4.1% annually, compared to 4.0% for employees who switched roles. Even though there is a marginal difference, this marks a major shift from the 2021–2022 period, when job-hopping delivered significantly higher pay boosts.
At its peak in July 2022, wage growth for job switchers hit a record 8.5%, while job stayers saw increases of 5.9% over the same period.
Switching roles no longer guarantees a bigger raise, and sticking with your employer may now be just as financially beneficial.
Why are job stayers outpacing job hoppers in wage growth? Why is this trend happening?
More people are staying with their current employer and working to solidify their position rather than test the waters elsewhere. This is common when the labour market cools and there is economic certainty. These and other factors are leading to employees being rewarded for staying.
- The labour market is cooling: Employer demand has softened, meaning fewer open roles and less competition for talent.
- Reduced hiring premiums: Budgets are tighter and there is less movement, so companies no longer feel pressure to offer big wage jumps to attract new hires.
- Retention is becoming the priority: Employers are choosing to invest in keeping the people they already have rather than buying talent on the open market.
- Workers have less bargaining power: It’s become an employer market. With fewer opportunities available, job seekers can’t negotiate the same aggressive salary increases as in recent years.
- The quit rate has fallen: Fewer employees are voluntarily leaving their jobs. This signals there is lower confidence in finding better offers elsewhere.
- Economic uncertainty is reshaping decisions: Historically, prolonged reversals in activity like this have only occurred during weaker labour markets.
Is staying in your current job the best way to increase your salary long-term?
Staying in your current job may offer stronger wage growth than jumping to a new employer. However, this doesn’t mean job switching should be off the table forever. It also doesn’t mean that some talent won’t have success changing jobs and making more money doing so.
For right now, employees can maximize their earning potential by staying put. Take these actions to improve yourself, gain more experience, and make yourself more valuable:
- Explore internal mobility options and apply for new roles within their organization
- Build new skills through upskilling and reskilling programs
- Expand professional networks through conferences, seminars, and industry events
When the job market rebounds, workers who have invested in their growth and visibility will be well-positioned to make a high-impact move — whether that’s within their company or somewhere new.
A final word on job staying and hopping to increase your salary
The shift from job hopping to job-staying highlights how quickly the labour market can change. In today’s environment, loyalty may offer greater rewards, both financially and professionally. But this trend isn’t guaranteed to last. As economic conditions improve and demand for talent rises again, job switching could regain its edge and become the more lucrative option.
For now, the smartest move is to focus on strengthening your skills, exploring internal growth opportunities, and positioning yourself for future success. Whether you stay or eventually move on, investing in your development will ensure you’re ready to take advantage of the next wave in the job market and be a more valuable candidate who can demand a higher salary.
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