Salary survey insights The 2026 Plant Engineering Salary Survey shows that most respondents report higher salary levels and strong job satisfaction, reflecting a highly experienced, well-compensated and secure workforce with modest expected salary growth. At the same time, uneven salary shifts by education, experience, age and region underscore deeper risks, including a weakening talent pipeline and concern over technological disruption as veteran workers near retirement. The 2026 Plant Engineering Salary Survey results were no surprise: Participants made more money (mostly) and were happy with their jobs. Beyond that, it’s a mixed story. Based on respondents’ responses, the survey depicts a manufacturing and engineering workforce that is highly experienced, well-compensated and secure, yet facing a looming demographic crisis and technological uncertainty. Demographics and compensation The respondents represent a mature, educated cohort. The workforce is predominantly male (88%) and aging, with 72% of respondents aged 50 or older. Education levels are high, with 66% holding at least a bachelor’s degree. This seniority translates into strong financial standing; 54% of respondents earn a base annual salary of more than $100,000, with 22% earning $150,000 or more. Compensation appears stable rather than volatile. For 2026, more than half of professionals (57%) expect modest base salary increases of 1% to 3%, while bonuses are primarily tied to company profitability (52%) and personal performance (49%) rather than sales or stock metrics. Job satisfaction and security Despite the pressures of the industry, sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Half of the respondents state they “love going to work every…
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