Salary Budgets Are Flat—But Jobs and Skills Are Changing Fast
US salary increase budgets are projected to remain at 3.5% in 2027, unchanged from 2026. But stability in the headline number does not mean the workforce—or the way companies allocate compensation—is standing still.
In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, speaks with Diana Scott, US Human Capital Center Leader at The Conference Board, about findings from the 41st annual US Salary Increase Budgets 2026–2027 study and what they mean for business and human capital leaders.
Together, they discuss why the average merit budget of 3.1% should…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.