Overview
- Mercer’s TISA survey of 518 firms conducted Nov. 17–25 reports a median 20% salary budget for 2026, broadly aligned with private inflation forecasts in the high‑teens to low‑twenties.
- WTW’s separate analysis also places the 2026 median increase at 20% for non‑union staff, corroborating Mercer’s findings.
- Forty‑seven percent of companies have already set 2026 pay budgets, with most planning to spread increases across the year.
- Companies expect fewer installments than in 2025: 36% plan two adjustments in 2026 while 29% still foresee four or more.
- Pay decisions are increasingly multi‑factor, with 57% blending market data, expected inflation and performance, and sectoral medians diverging—several industries near 32% while fintechs rank lowest (26% in Mercer, 17% in WTW).