Industry Salary Guides 2026
Key Findings
- The median annual wage for software developers in the U.S. is $120,730 (BLS, 2024).
- Financial analysts earn a median salary of $95,570 (BLS, 2024).
- Marketing managers have a median annual wage of $147,240 (BLS, 2024).
- The average salary for registered nurses is $81,220 (BLS, 2024).
What are the 2026 salary benchmarks for the tech industry?
In 2026, software developers earn a median salary of $120,730, while tech product managers average $128,000 annually. These figures highlight the competitive compensation scene within the tech sector.
Software Developers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual wage of $120,730 for software developers in 2024. This figure is expected to hold in 2026, reflecting sustained demand for skilled developers in various tech hubs. Notably, in New York, software developers earn an average of $130,000, surpassing the national average, as reported by Levels.fyi in 2025. This regional disparity shows the importance of location in salary negotiations.
Product Managers
Product managers in the tech industry command a significant salary premium due to their strategic impact on product development and market fit. Levels.fyi's 2025 analysis indicates that tech product managers earn an average of $128,000 annually. This figure highlights the high value placed on product management expertise and the competitive nature of hiring for these roles. Product managers' salaries often reflect their critical role in bridging technical and business aspects within tech companies.
| Job Role | Average Salary | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $120,730 | BLS, 2024 |
| Product Manager | $128,000 | Levels.fyi, 2025 |
| UX Designer | $102,000 | Glassdoor Economic Research, 2025 |
The tech industry continues to offer lucrative career opportunities, with salaries varying based on role, experience, and location. A 2025 study by Levels.fyi further emphasizes the importance of specific skill sets in determining compensation levels. While tech salaries remain attractive, professionals should consider regional cost-of-living differences and emerging industry trends when evaluating potential roles.
How do healthcare salaries compare in 2026?
Registered nurses earn an average of $81,220, while healthcare administrators make $119,840 annually, according to BLS data.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses in the U.S. have an average salary of $81,220, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2024). This figure is indicative of the continuing demand for healthcare professionals, driven by an aging population and expanded access to healthcare services. While registered nurses typically require a bachelor’s degree, variations in salary can occur based on geographic location and specialization. For example, as noted above, nurses in California earn significantly more, reflecting cost of living adjustments and regional demand.
Healthcare Administrators
Healthcare administrators earn an average salary of $119,840 annually, according to BLS data from 2024. These positions require a strong understanding of both healthcare systems and business practices. Administrators are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating medical and health services, which can include managing entire facilities or specific clinical areas or departments. Salaries can vary significantly by role, experience, and size of the organization. The BLS data highlights the importance and complexity of administrative roles in the healthcare sector, with substantial responsibilities reflected in their earnings.
| Position | Average Salary | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,220 | BLS, 2024 |
| Healthcare Administrator | $119,840 | BLS, 2024 |
| Physician and Surgeon | $252,040 | BLS, 2024 |
| Healthcare Data Analyst | $77,500 | ZipRecruiter, 2025 |
The data shows a significant gap between direct care roles like registered nurses and management or administrative positions. This disparity shows the financial incentives associated with advanced degrees and specialized skills within the healthcare industry. As the healthcare sector continues to expand, these roles are expected to grow in demand, potentially influencing salary trends in subsequent years.
What are the salary benchmarks for the finance sector in 2026?
In finance, financial analysts earn $95,570, while accountants have a median wage of $83,980. These figures reflect the steady demand for financial expertise in the industry.
Financial Analysts
Financial analysts in 2026 can expect a median salary of $95,570 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2024). This figure highlights the sector's competitive compensation, driven by the ongoing need for skilled analysis in investment decision-making and financial planning. Financial analysts typically evaluate investment opportunities, assisting businesses and individuals in making informed decisions. The role's complexity and importance within financial ecosystems contribute to its substantial pay scale. The data shows that financial analysts continue to command strong salaries, underscoring their critical role in the financial sector.
Accountants
Accountants' median annual wage is $83,980, as per the BLS data from 2024. This salary benchmark reflects the essential function accountants play in financial reporting, compliance, and auditing. Accountants are integral to ensuring the accuracy of financial statements and adherence to regulatory standards. As businesses and individuals work through complex tax codes and financial regulations, the demand for skilled accountants remains strong. The stability in accountants' salaries is indicative of their essential role in maintaining financial health across various organizations.
| Job Role | Median Salary | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | $95,570 | BLS, 2024 |
| Accountant | $83,980 | BLS, 2024 |
| Data Scientist | $131,490 | Glassdoor Economic Research, 2025 |
| Marketing Manager | $147,240 | BLS, 2024 |
How do engineering salaries stack up in 2026?
Civil engineers earn an average of $94,360, while electrical engineers earn $105,780, according to BLS. These figures highlight the competitive pay scale for engineering professionals across different specializations.
Civil Engineers
The average salary for civil engineers is $94,360, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2024. This figure places civil engineering salaries in a middle range when compared to other engineering and technical professions. For context, the median salary for mechanical engineers was $97,000 in 2024, according to the BLS. This data indicates a relatively stable earning potential for civil engineers, slightly below their mechanical counterparts but above that of registered nurses, who earn an average of $81,220, as cited in a previously mentioned BLS report.
Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineers have a median salary of $105,780, according to the BLS's 2024 data. This salary level is notably higher than that of civil engineers and also surpasses the average salary for cybersecurity analysts, which is $103,590, as reported by Indeed Hiring Lab in 2025. The data shows that electrical engineering remains a lucrative field within the broader engineering scene. Additionally, with the growing demand for electrical engineers in sectors such as renewable energy and tech, the salary offers reflect their critical role in these industries.
Which roles in marketing have the highest salaries in 2026?
Marketing managers earn $147,240, while digital marketing specialists average $63,000, based on BLS and LinkedIn data. These figures illustrate the significant salary range within the marketing sector as observed in recent salary surveys.
Marketing Managers
Marketing managers are among the highest-paid roles within the marketing industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2024, the median annual wage for marketing managers is $147,240. This reflects the strategic importance of the role, which often involves overseeing entire marketing departments, developing strategies, and leading major campaigns. The substantial salary shows the high level of responsibility and the need for significant experience and expertise in managing complex marketing initiatives.
Digital Marketing Specialists
Digital marketing specialists, by contrast, earn an average salary of $63,000, according to LinkedIn’s 2025 marketing salary data. This role typically involves managing online marketing campaigns, including social media, email marketing, and pay-per-click advertising. While the salary is considerably lower than that of marketing managers, it highlights the specialized skills required in the fast-evolving digital scene. The demand for these skills is increasing, making this position critical to many organizations seeking to enhance their online presence, though it remains less lucrative than top managerial roles.
| Role | Average Salary | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $147,240 | BLS, 2024 |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | $63,000 | LinkedIn, 2025 |
The salary disparities between marketing managers and digital marketing specialists highlight the varied nature of roles within the marketing field. While entry-level positions may not be as lucrative, they provide important stepping stones to higher-paying managerial roles. The data suggests that acquiring strategic management skills can lead to significant pay increases in the marketing sector.
What This Means for Job Seekers
- If you're considering a career in tech, focus on product management roles. Levels.fyi (2025) reports an average salary of $128,000, which is significantly higher than other tech positions.
- If you're aiming for a healthcare career with high earnings, target administrative roles. The BLS (2024) states that healthcare administrators earn an average of $119,840 annually, outpacing many clinical roles.
- If you're a registered nurse exploring relocation for better pay, consider California. According to the BLS (2024), nurses in California earn an average of $124,000, the highest in the U.S.
- If finance is your chosen field, prioritize becoming a financial analyst. The BLS (2024) shows they earn a median salary of $95,570, higher than many other finance-related roles.
- If you're interested in engineering, aim for electrical engineering positions. With a median salary of $105,780 (BLS, 2024), they offer one of the highest rewards in the engineering sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for software developers in 2026?
The median annual wage for software developers in the U.S. is $120,730, according to BLS data from 2024.
How much do marketing managers earn in 2026?
Marketing managers have a median annual wage of $147,240, based on BLS data from 2024.
What is the salary for registered nurses in 2026?
Registered nurses earn an average salary of $81,220, according to BLS data from 2024.
How does the salary for financial analysts compare in 2026?
Financial analysts earn a median salary of $95,570, according to BLS data from 2024.
What do healthcare administrators earn in 2026?
Healthcare administrators earn an average of $119,840 annually, based on BLS data from 2024.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024). Provides full data on employment and wages across various industries.
- Levels.fyi (2025). Offers insights into tech industry compensation through crowd-sourced data.
- LinkedIn (2025). Provides salary insights based on member data across different industries.
- Glassdoor Economic Research (2025). Analyzes salary trends and economic data across various job roles.
- Indeed Hiring Lab (2025). Researches labor market trends and provides insights into job market dynamics.