Research Report
Salary Growth Trends 2026
Last updated: June 2026 — 4 data sources
Key Takeaways
- National salary growth has moderated to 3-4% annually, down from post-pandemic peaks.
- Technology and healthcare lead salary growth across most states.
- Remote work is enabling salary convergence between high-cost and low-cost states.
- State minimum wage increases are lifting bottom-end wages in several states.
- Use our salary calculator to see the latest rates and salary guides for detailed analysis.
Key Findings
- National average salary growth has moderated to approximately 3-4% annually, following post-pandemic highs of 5-7%.
- Technology and healthcare sectors continue to lead salary growth across most states.
- Remote work has enabled salary convergence, with some lower-cost states seeing faster salary growth.
- State minimum wage increases in several states are lifting bottom-end wages.
- States with strong technology sectors (Washington, California) continue to see above-average salary growth.
National Salary Growth Trends
US salary growth has moderated from the post-pandemic peak but remains positive. The national average salary increased from approximately $61,000 in 2024 to $63,000 in 2025-2026, representing roughly 3.3% annual growth. This moderation reflects a cooling labor market, lower inflation, and normalization of wage dynamics.
Key drivers of salary growth include labor market tightness, industry-specific demand, state minimum wage increases, and inflation-adjusted compensation adjustments. The technology sector continues to exert upward pressure on salaries in states with strong tech presence.
State-by-State Salary Growth Comparison
Salary growth varies significantly by state. States with strong technology sectors (Washington, California) and those recovering from previous underperformance (Michigan, Ohio) have seen above-average growth. States with large tourism and hospitality sectors (Florida, Nevada) experienced more volatile growth patterns.
States that increased minimum wages (Florida to $13.00, California to $16.00, Washington to $16.28) saw faster growth at the bottom of the wage distribution. These increases ripple upward through the wage structure over time.
Industry-Specific Salary Trends
Technology and healthcare continue to lead salary growth across most states. Technology salaries in Washington and California have grown by 5-8% annually, while healthcare salaries have grown by 4-6% due to ongoing demand. Manufacturing salaries in Midwestern states like Ohio and Michigan have grown at 3-4%, reflecting a resurgent domestic manufacturing sector.
Remote work has enabled salary convergence between high-cost and low-cost states, allowing workers in lower-cost locations to earn salaries closer to national averages. This trend is particularly pronounced in technology, finance, and professional services.
Methodology
This report analyzes salary trends based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, comparing current average salaries to previous years. Growth rates are calculated as year-over-year percentage changes. State-level data is supplemented with industry employment data from BLS and economic data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Cost Index
- US Bureau of Economic Analysis
- State Labor Market Information
Frequently Asked Questions
How much have salaries grown in 2026?
National average salary growth is approximately 3-4% annually, following post-pandemic highs of 5-7%. Growth varies by state and industry, with technology and healthcare sectors leading.
Which states have the fastest salary growth?
States with strong technology sectors (Washington, California) and those with significant minimum wage increases see the fastest salary growth. Florida, Washington, and California have implemented notable minimum wage increases that lift overall averages.
Related Pages
Official Sources
New Zealand calculators use data from the following official government agencies:
- Inland Revenue (IRD) — Income tax brackets, KiwiSaver rules, and ACC levies.
- Stats NZ — Wage data, employment statistics, and cost of living indices.
- Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) — Official cash rate and monetary policy data.
Methodology
Our New Zealand calculators follow tax brackets, KiwiSaver contribution rates, and ACC levies published by Inland Revenue (IRD). Economic data is sourced from Stats NZ. Mortgage calculations use RBNZ official cash rate and market averages. All figures are for educational purposes.
Data Sources
All tax brackets, contribution rates, and economic data used in our calculators are sourced from the official government publications listed above. Rates are updated at least annually to reflect the latest tax year and regulatory changes. Users should verify critical figures with official sources or qualified professionals.
Last updated: June 2026. Information may change; always verify with official sources.
Last Updated: June 2026 — Reviewed Against Official Sources