Canadian workers are expected to get an average raise of 2.9% next year, according to a survey of more than 500 organizations in the country.

The largest increases are expected in Alberta (3.6%), Newfoundland (3.4%), and Saskatchewan (3.2%), management consulting firm Hay Group said in its annual report.

Employees in oil and gas, and mining and chemicals, are slated for the largest pay increase. Oil workers are expected to get a 3.9% increase, followed by mining workers at 3.6% and chemicals industry workers at 3.4%.

"These higher forecasts are more of a reflection of the demand for key skills - and the competition for skilled talent - rather than 'boom times,'" Hay Group said in a release.

The lowest increases are forecast for health-care employees (2%), media workers (2.2%) and government and telecommunications staff (both at 2.3%).

The country ranks "above average" compared to the projections of other industrialized nations. Canada places above France (2.6%) and Japan (2.0%), but is slightly behind the U.S. and U.K. (3%). At the top of the pack is India (10%), followed by China (9.5%) and Russia (8.9%).

The survey was conducted in June and July.