Information/Tech is leading wage growth again in 2026.

Posted by astrheisenberg@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 20 comments

Saw the latest BLS stats for the year. Our sector (Information) had the biggest hourly jump at $2.78, putting the average over $54/hr.

Good to see the demand is actually showing up in the paycheck, but the gap between us and other industries is becoming a canyon. Is your 2026 raise actually hitting these levels?

(Source: 2026 BLS Data)

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MahaloMerky@reddit

I have recruiters in my inbox offering me less than I made in 2016 in similar roles, also requiring a clearance, and less than I make as a bartender right now.

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My bartender at the local Applebees pulls in 80K working 30 hours a week, She's WAY more attractive than I am and nice and conversational (which are great skills to have) however its a bit rough that I have a master's degree working as an engineer making a bit more for 2x the hours.

The ironic thing with tips not being taxes and cash not being reported her healthcare is free* and she gets housing subsidy*

*paid for with our tax dollars

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MahaloMerky@reddit

I get my MS in Engineering in a few weeks.

That being said, those 30 hours that she/I work, is the most exhausting work I’ve had to do. If you are not 110% at all times you don’t make those tips.

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