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

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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.

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