All Industry Sectors & Salary Benchmarks (2026)
Data updated · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025 · Methodology
Explore 2026 empirical compensation intelligence across major U.S. industry sectors. Benchmark median bases, 80% wage spreads (10th to 90th percentiles), top-paying metropolitan labor hubs, and verified career ladders.
Skilled Trades & Infrastructure
7 occupations, including Electrical Power-Line Installer, Building Automation Specialist, Electrical Inspector and Plumber & Pipefitter.
Technology & Software Systems
8 occupations, including Computer and Information Systems Managers, Data Engineer, Software Engineer and Cybersecurity Analyst.
Healthcare & Clinical Practice
5 occupations, including Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Medical and Health Services Managers and Dental Hygienist.
Finance & Corporate Strategy
12 occupations, including Chief Executives, Financial Manager, Risk Management Specialist and Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary.
Executive & General Management
14 occupations, including Chief Executives, Computer and Information Systems Managers, Architectural and Engineering Managers and Natural Sciences Managers.
Advanced Industrial Manufacturing
3 occupations, including Industrial Production Managers, Facilities Managers and Industrial Machinery Mechanic.
Business Analytics & Data Science
6 occupations, including Computer and Information Systems Managers, Cybersecurity Analyst, Financial Analyst and Management Analyst.
Corporate Finance & Business Operations
4 occupations, including Purchasing Managers, Public Relations Managers, Administrative Services Managers and Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers.
Comparative Industry Compensation Matrix
Detailed cross-sector comparison across national percentiles and high-yield metropolitan hubs.
| Industry Sector | 10th Pct | Median Wage | 90th Pct | Highest-Paid Role | Dossier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skilled Trades & Infrastructure SOC 47 / 49 · 7 occupations | $44,886 | $69,993 | $106,894 | Electrical Power-Line Installer | Explore |
Technology & Software Systems SOC 15 · 8 occupations | $72,856 | $126,735 | $203,655 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Explore |
Healthcare & Clinical Practice SOC 29 / 31 · 5 occupations | $83,586 | $117,538 | $170,512 | Physician Assistant | Explore |
Finance & Corporate Strategy SOC 13 · 12 occupations | $62,300 | $107,279 | $199,289 | Chief Executives | Explore |
Executive & General Management SOC 11 · 14 occupations | $85,389 | $153,884 | $282,097 | Chief Executives | Explore |
Advanced Industrial Manufacturing SOC 51 · 3 occupations | $62,867 | $99,080 | $158,937 | Industrial Production Managers | Explore |
Business Analytics & Data Science SOC 15 / 13 · 6 occupations | $71,052 | $114,917 | $191,072 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Explore |
Corporate Finance & Business Operations SOC 13 · 4 occupations | $76,780 | $129,088 | $227,723 | Purchasing Managers | Explore |
Explore 2026 empirical compensation intelligence across major U.S. industry sectors. Benchmark median bases, 80% wage spreads, top labor markets, & career. Official 2026 economic data for All Industry Sectors & Salary Benchmarks (2026) compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.
Quick answers
MetroBasis calculates industry sector benchmarks from official BLS OEWS survey data across 23 standard occupational classification (SOC) families, mapping median wages, 10th-to-90th percentile spreads, and regional concentration.
Executive Management (SOC 11), Technology and Software Systems (SOC 15), and Business Analytics (SOC 15/13) offer the highest baseline median earnings, with top 90th percentile compensation exceeding $200,000.