Overview
- Most companies plan modest 0%–5% increases, with selective 6%–9% or double-digit raises reserved for hard-to-replace roles in technology, transformation and specialised finance, according to Cooper Fitch.
- Cooper Fitch highlights individual contributors as 2026 outliers, with 14.3% expected to receive mid-range 6%–9% raises, outpacing leadership levels.
- Korn Ferry identifies Engineering, Technology, Logistics and Supply Chain, and Finance and Accounting as the most in-demand functions, with high turnover in Sales, Finance and Engineering.
- Korn Ferry projects stronger pay gains in Banking, Real Estate, Oil and Gas, Industrial and Retail, reflecting investment pipelines and evolving operating models.
- Korn Ferry reports that 43% of companies plan to replace roles with AI, with operations/back-office and entry-level positions most exposed.