VIDEO | Research Institute Salary Budgets: 2026 Projections

By The C3 Team

Scientists working in the laboratory

Compensation planning plays a critical role in helping research institutes retain the talent needed to advance their impact. In a shifting economic environment, staying aligned with the market while maintaining flexibility has never been more important.

In this video, C3’s Jen Givens shares the latest data from our survey of research institutes across the country.

  • Projected salary increase budgets for 2026
  • Market movement versus cost-of-living adjustments
  • How to build salary budgets that keep pace with the market while also allowing for flexibility to support competitiveness and internal equity

Watch our video to learn more!