Survey of 467 employers and more than 110,000 employees highlights pay trends across 600 positions amid economic uncertainty and workforce challenges.

Media Contact: Heather Nezich, Manager, Communications, ASE, 248.223.8040, hnezich@aseonline.org

Muskegon, MI – June 5, 2026 – American Society of Employers (ASE), Michigan’s largest employer association supporting its members with Everything HR, has released the findings of the 2026 ASE Compensation Survey. This year's survey is described as the largest of its kind in Michigan, covering 600 positions with 467 Michigan companies responding. The data encompasses over 110,000 incumbents. 

The results were presented at the 2026 Total Rewards Conference in Troy, MI, on June 2, 2026. There will also be a briefing held on the west side of the state on June 9, 2026, in Muskegon.

Against a backdrop of slower job growth, economic uncertainty, and labor market challenges, organizations reported a modest salary growth rate of 3.3%, compared to 3.2% in 2025.

Other Survey Highlights:

Key highlights from the analysis of the constant sample (70%) – companies that participated in both the 2025 and 2026 surveys – reveal the following job families with the highest reported wage growth:

Facilities & Maintenance saw a 4.4% increase.

Sales and Marketing professionals experienced robust growth, at 4.1%.

Field Service/Sales roles experienced 4% wage growth.

Accounting and Finance roles saw a 3.7% increase.

Manufacturing & Plant Management came in at 3.7%.

Operations & Supply Chain followed closely behind at 3.6%.

Engineering roles posted a 3.5% increase.

Human Resources positions saw a rise of 3.3%.

Some of the lowest increases were seen in Research and Scientific and Behavioral/Social Health roles, both with a modest increase of 1.7%.

"Michigan employers continue to navigate a complex environment shaped by economic uncertainty, a slower-moving labor market, and ongoing workforce challenges,” stated Mary E. Corrado, ASE President & CEO. “Despite those pressures, organizations remain committed to attracting and retaining talent, resulting in another year of steady wage growth. The 2026 ASE Compensation Survey provides employers with the reliable market data they need to make informed pay decisions and remain competitive in a changing workforce landscape."

Survey Components

Comprehensive compensation data is available for 600 distinct job positions. 12 new job titles were added to the survey this year in the areas of Facilities & Maintenance, Sales/Marketing, Information Systems, Traffic & Fleet, and Welding. The dataset includes detailed base pay information, highlighting key benchmarks across various percentiles:

Base Pay

Interquartile Ranges:

25th Percentile

Median (50th Percentile)

75th Percentile

Additional Extremes:

10th Percentile

90th Percentile

In addition to base pay, the data includes the average variable pay for each position, providing a more complete view of total cash compensation.

This information serves as a critical resource for employers seeking to make informed, competitive, and equitable compensation decisions.

2026 Survey Participation Highlights

A total of 467 companies participated in the 2026 survey, marking a 6.9% increase over the previous year and enhancing the depth and reliability of the data.

Detroit Metro continues to represent the largest share of responses, accounting for 50.3% of the overall sample. Participation from the Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Holland areas made up 20% of the survey participation, with 93 organizations from that region participating.

Nearly 80% of participating organizations reported having between 1 and 500 employees, indicating a strong representation of small to mid-sized employers. Additionally, 73.8% of respondents reported annual revenues under $100 million.

The full report is available for participating ASE members in the ASE Survey Library and is available for purchase by completing this request form.

About ASE 

ASE is employers trusted partner for Everything HR. ASE is a non-profit, membership organization – everything we do is based on the needs of members and to drive the success of their organizations and help them THRIVE.  ASE strengthens organization's HR departments by offering member benefits and discounted services that span the entire employee lifecycle including recruitment, development, and retention while minimizing compliance risk. We provide our members guidance through new legislation and workplace issues. ASE has offices throughout Michigan in Grand Rapids, Macomb, Muskegon, Novi, and Troy. Learn more about ASE at www.aseonline.org