Salary & Hiring Insights for 2026

Salary & Hiring Insights for 2026 

As organizations plan for 2026, compensation and hiring strategies reflect a cautious but steady outlook. According to Endeavor Business Intelligence’s September 2025 pulse survey, most employers are budgeting moderate pay increases while maintaining a selective hiring approach.

Nearly half of all respondents expect salary growth to mirror 2025 levels, with most budgeting between 2-4%. While some companies anticipate larger adjustments, a notable share remains undecided, signaling uncertainty amid mixed economic signals. Hiring remains active, though expansion is measured; most employers are adding staff in targeted roles rather than across departments.

The findings suggest that workforce planning in 2026 will prioritize retention and skills alignment over rapid expansion. Small businesses represent most respondents, reflecting a segment that is balancing tight budgets with the need to attract and retain qualified talent.

In this report, you’ll learn:

• How organizations budget for salary increases and how those plans compare to 2025