The finance industry is at the forefront of AI-driven transformation. While professionals with advanced technical skills command premium salaries, a shrinking talent pipeline and an aging workforce are forcing organizations to rethink their approach to staffing. Success in 2026 depends on your ability to leverage technology to build a skilled, future-ready team.
the new reality of finance talent
The financial sector is facing a perfect storm of surging demand and shrinking supply. 90% of finance leaders report struggling to fill roles, as the need for skilled professionals grows faster than the traditional talent pipeline can keep up.
Our guide addresses the key dynamics of this market:
- AI creates new opportunities: AI/machine learning skills boost salaries by up to 56%. AI is creating new roles, like prompt engineering and predictive analytics, rather than just automating existing jobs.
- Specialization drives demand: Fintech, blockchain, and DeFi skills are now essential. AI-exposed roles demand skills that evolve 66% faster, requiring professionals to stay constantly updated.
prepare to uncover
- how to attract top talent in a competitive American labor market
- how will the current compensation trends shape your hiring strategy?
- what impact do local salary trends have on today’s workforce?
- how to build result-driven hiring strategies to onboard great finance talent
Our 2026 finance salary guide is the essential resource for navigating these shifts, providing the data and strategies you need to secure top talent in a competitive market.
what you'll uncover in our 2026 finance salary guide
Our comprehensive guide compiles data from a wide range of finance specialties to give you a detailed view of the evolving US market. Inside, you will find:
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in-demand job market data
Get a granular look at national and regional salary averages for the most sought-after roles, including:
- financial analyst
- financial reporting manager
- assistant controller
- cost analyst
- financial reporting manager
- reporting analyst
- assistant controller
- business systems analyst
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analysis and trends for the year ahead
Beyond the numbers, our guide provides strategic insights into the factors that will drive hiring and retention in 2026.
- From vanishing entry points to new career paths: We explore how to use AI strategically to train and upskill your existing team, transitioning them from routine tasks to higher-value finance work. For organizations that embrace this transition proactively, AI is a pathway to democratizing access to specialized roles.
- Building a flexible finance workforce: With demand surging, many organizations are turning to contract talent as a strategic solution. Our guide examines how to use contract professionals and global talent pools to address immediate needs and tap into a wider range of expertise.
- Bridging the knowledge gap: We provide insights on how to combat the talent drain from an aging workforce by bringing back retired finance professionals as consultants. This not only solves capacity issues but also creates invaluable knowledge transfer opportunities.
Our guide features contributions from industry experts, offering a comprehensive view of the current and future landscape of finance compensation in the US. By understanding these trends, you can build a high-performing finance team ready for the challenges of 2026.
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