Salary Survey (Nonmember Price)
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Make Smarter, More Competitive Talent Decisions with NACE’s Salary Survey

Hiring the right people means offering the right compensation — and that starts with data you can trust. NACE’s Salary Survey is the definitive source for starting salary benchmarks and trends for new college graduates across degree levels, academic majors, industries, and regions. Whether you’re setting offers, building compensation packages, or informing budget planning, this data helps you act with confidence in a competitive talent market.

What’s included: The Salary Survey includes two distinct issues each year — each with a specific purpose in the talent lifecycle:

Winter Issue — Beginning of Class Cycle

  • The first Salary Survey published for the current graduating class (Class of 2026).
  • Based on employer-reported projections of starting salaries before graduation.
  • Includes detailed salary expectations by academic major, degree level, job function, industry, and region.
  • Helps you understand the market’s early compensation expectations and anticipate trends before graduates enter the workforce.

View executive summary

Summer Issue — End of Prior Cycle

  • The final Salary Survey for the previous graduating class.
  • Based on actual starting salary data reported by graduates through the First-Destination Survey initiative.
  • Reflects real compensation outcomes after graduation, offering powerful retrospective insight.
  • Ideal for validating projections and refining future salary offers.

Coming in August.

Why This Report Matters

  • Benchmark with precision: See how starting salaries vary by major, degree level, and geography.
  • Plan offers strategically: Compare projected and actual pay to stay competitive in recruiting and retention.
  • Understand market expectations: Use longitudinal insights to spot trends early and adjust your recruiting strategies.
  • Support data-driven decisions: Whether you’re staffing a team or advising students, NACE’s Salary Survey equips you with authoritative compensation intelligence.

Empower your organization with the insights needed to attract and retain talent — starting with the first forecast and confirmed with real outcomes.