10 careers that are due for a pay raise this year

Wage growth isn’t uniform across the job market. Some careers are seeing faster pay increases because of demand, skills scarcity, or structural changes in the economy. According to a 2026 analysis by Resume Genius, today’s labor market rewards certain skills more than others.

Technical expertise in areas such as cybersecurity and data analysis commands premium pay because those skills are hard to automate and hard to find. Meanwhile, frontline roles in healthcare and infrastructure are gaining bargaining power due to chronic shortages and essential-services status. Even traditional blue-collar work benefits from tight labor markets and high replacement costs.

Understanding which careers are due for lifts can help job seekers plan strategic moves, and help current employees make the case for better compensation. 

Here are 10 roles that, according to Resume Genius, are due for a raise in 2026.

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Financial managers have seen robust annual salary increases and, according to Resume Genius, are likely to continue getting raises as organizations invest in strategic fiscal leadership. Roles in financial planning, reporting, and risk management are critical when companies navigate uncertainty.

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Resume Genius says marketing managers are poised for pay raises as companies increasingly depend on digital strategies and data-driven marketing to grow revenue, pushing demand for experienced leadership.

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Information security analysts are likely to see pay increases, according to the report, because cybersecurity threats are becoming more frequent and costly, driving employers to compete for talent.

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Data scientists remain in line for raises as data becomes central to organizational decision-making and AI adoption, with strong projected job growth reinforcing salary momentum, according to the report.

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The data shows that registered nurses have experienced above-average wage growth as healthcare employers compete to fill critical patient-care roles amid labor shortages.

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Electrical power-line installers and repairers are expected to see raises, says Resume Genius, because utilities need skilled workers to maintain and expand electrical infrastructure.

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According to the report, aircraft mechanics are positioned for pay raises as airlines and maintenance operations compete for technicians with the certifications that keep fleets safe and compliant.

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Licensed practical and vocational nurses are due for raises, says Resume Genius, as long-term care and outpatient facilities struggle to staff essential caregiving roles.

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Construction equipment operators are likely to see pay increases, according to the data, as steady infrastructure work and safety-critical skills drive employer demand.

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Truck drivers are positioned for continued pay raises too, says Resume Genius, as freight demand remains steady and turnover stays high, creating ongoing staffing challenges.