Canadians hoping to get a big boost to their paycheques next year may be somewhat disappointed, a survey of employers by Hewitt Associates suggests.

The human resources consulting firm says the average salary increase is projected to be 2.8 per cent nationally in 2010, an increase from 2.2 per cent in 2009, when many companies made major cuts to their salary budgets.

Some provinces will fare better than others, the firm suggested. The survey found that businesses in Manitoba project an average increase of 3.2 per cent, while firms in Alberta are expecting a three per cent boost.

Jeff Vathje, a consultant with Calgary-based Hewitt, said the results show a feeling of guarded optimism among Canadian employers.

The survey was conducted in June and July with 387 companies across the country that represent more than 710,000 employees.