2026 Executive Pay Report: What Are U.S. Leaders Earning?
By Monica Sorenson, PHR, SHRM-CP, Survey Manager
Published June 16, 2026
In today’s competitive and rapidly evolving business environment, executive compensation is more than just a pay decision - it’s a critical component of organizational strategy. Effective compensation programs help attract, motivate, and retain the leadership talent needed to drive performance, navigate change, and achieve long-term organizational success. To ensure compensation remains both competitive and balanced, one of the most valuable tools available is market benchmarking.
Benchmarking ensures your compensation packages are competitive enough to attract and retain the right leaders without overextending organizational resources. Market pricing is the single most frequently used method to establish executive salaries.
HR Source is pleased to announce the release of the 2026 National Executive Compensation Benchmarking Report, offering the latest comprehensive insights into executive pay and benefits across industry, employment size, sales volume, region, state, and even metropolitan statistical areas. The report also covers supplemental benefits and perks.
This year, 1,804 U.S. organizations participated through the Employer Associations of America (EAA) and HR Source. Participants contributed pay data for 11,332 executives in 46 top management positions.
- A range of industries are represented in the benchmarking report, including 38.6% in manufacturing.
- 57.6% of manufacturing employers, and 76% of non-manufacturing employers, report having a Board of Directors.
- 71% of respondents are in the Great Lakes regional breakout, which includes Illinois.
As always, HR Source member participants receive the report free of charge with our thanks for contributing. Non-participants and non-members can purchase a copy from our survey store.
Download our 2026 survey calendar to see what we have planned for the remainder of the year.
HR Source’s compensation analysts are available to accurately benchmark positions using current market data. We’ll optimize your organization’s resources! Contact us today at 800-448-4584 or [email protected].