US Salary Increase Budgets 2025-2026: Rising Pay Endures Despite Uncertainty
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US Salary Increase Budgets

US Salary Increase Budgets 2025-2026: Rising Pay Endures Despite Uncertainty

02 September 2025 / Report

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CEO Insight Minute: What Factors Are Shaping Salary Budgets for 2026?

Video

CEO Insight Minute: What Factors Are Shaping Salary Budgets for 2026?

Now in its 40th year, our Salary Increase Budget Survey uncovers that overall salary pressures have eased and companies have grown more performance-centric.

2026 increases are expected to hold near the 3.5% median reported for 2025. In the 40th US Salary Increase Budgets survey from The Conference Board, companies indicate how economic uncertainty, sector-specific hiring difficulties, and prioritization of in-demand skills are shaping their workforce and compensation strategies.

2026 increases are expected to hold near the 3.5% median reported for 2025. In the 40th US Salary Increase Budgets survey from The Conference Board, companies indicate how economic uncertainty, sector-specific hiring difficulties, and prioritization of in-demand skills are shaping their workforce and compensation strategies.

Authors

Mitchell Barnes

Mitchell Barnes Mitchell Barnes

Economist
The Conference Board

Read Bio

Rita Meyerson, EdD

Rita Meyerson, EdD Rita Meyerson, EdD

Principal Researcher, Human Capital
The Conference Board

Read Bio

Diana Scott

Diana Scott Diana Scott

US Human Capital Center Leader
The Conference Board

Read Bio

Ryan Donovan

Ryan Donovan Ryan Donovan

Research Analyst, Human Capital
The Conference Board

Read Bio

View All

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