The 2025 Mid-Year Compensation Update highlights key salary shifts and industry trends shaping AEC firm strategy.
The AEC industry has seen a range of salary changes in the first half of 2025, reflecting broader economic shifts and industry-specific trends. Understanding how compensation is evolving is crucial for AEC firms, whether you’re planning for mid-year raises, hiring for new positions, or simply assessing your firm’s competitive standing. The 2025 Mid-Year Compensation Update from Zweig Group offers valuable insights into these salary trends, helping firms stay informed and make more strategic decisions regarding compensation.
Here’s a deeper dive into the most recent salary shifts and what they mean for your firm:
- Overall base salaries. Base salaries across AEC firms have increased by 2.22 percent compared to the end of 2024. This rise reflects a consistent yet modest growth in wages, indicating that firms are gradually adjusting to ongoing economic challenges and inflationary pressures. For firms looking to stay competitive, this is an essential indicator of how salaries are evolving in the broader industry.
- Regional salary differences. Regional variations in salary growth are noteworthy. The East Region saw the highest increase, with a 3.33 percent rise, signaling strong demand for talent. The West Region experienced a 2.08 percent increase, while the Central Region saw a 2.69 percent increase. This diversity highlights the varying demand for talent across regions, influenced by local economic factors.
- Administrative and non-licensed technical professionals. These positions experienced the largest salary increases, with a combined rise of 5.35 percent. This reflects a broader trend where roles in administration and non-licensed technical fields are becoming increasingly valued.
- Top management salaries. Top management roles experienced a decline of 4.61 percent, a sharp contrast to the 9.2 percent increase last year. This could signal a reassessment of compensation for leadership positions or changes in firm strategies.
- Salary increases by firm performance. Firms with stable growth (unchanged annual growth) and high profits (15 percent to 19.9 percent) saw the highest salary increases. This indicates that firms performing well financially are rewarding their employees accordingly.
As the economy continues to shift, staying on top of compensation trends will be vital for long-term success. Knowing where your firm stands in relation to industry standards can help you retain top talent, improve employee satisfaction, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. The 2025 Mid-Year Compensation Update provides the data needed to navigate these changes confidently. By accessing the full report, you can better understand how compensation is evolving and ensure your firm stays ahead.
For AEC firms seeking to optimize their compensation strategies, this update is an invaluable resource. Access the 2025 Mid-Year Compensation Update today through the Zweig Insights platform and make informed, data-driven decisions for the future. Learn more here.
Kyle Ahern is manager of Data and Analytics at Zweig Group. Contact him at kahern@zweiggroup.com.
