Modest pay hikes next year could leave some workers lagging inflation

September 1, 2026 / 2:51 PM EDT / CBS News

Modest pay hikes next year could leave some workers lagging inflation

TL;DR

  • Employers anticipate modest pay hikes averaging 3.5% in 2027.
  • Salary increases have moderated since their peak in 2023.
  • Limited raises may cause some employees to fall behind inflation.
  • Companies are prioritizing raises for top performers and strategic areas.
  • High-tech and banking sectors project higher average raises (3.8% and 3.7%) compared to industries like retail.