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06/24/2026
What Does Competitive Pay Actually Look Like in 2026?
As labor costs continue to rise and competition for skilled employees remains strong, employers are faced with an important question: What does competitive compensation actually look like today?
Without reliable benchmarking data, it can be difficult to determine whether your wages, benefits, and workforce practices are helping you attract and retain talent or putting you at a disadvantage in the marketplace.
For more than 50 years, the Wage + Benefits Survey has served as the graphic communications industry's most trusted resource for compensation and workforce benchmarking. Conducted through the Americas Printing Association Network (APAN), the survey gathers data from approximately 400 companies representing more than 15,000 employees across North America, providing participants with a comprehensive view of current industry pay and benefit practices.
The survey report includes detailed wage and salary information for more than 200 industry positions, along with comprehensive benefits data covering health insurance, paid time off, vacation policies, sick leave, overtime practices, and more. Participants can compare their organization against regional and national benchmarks, company size, metropolitan markets, and specialty industry segments.
New for 2026, the enhanced reporting platform includes expanded analytics tools that allow participants to filter data by region, state, market segment, job role, and benefit category. Users can build custom comparisons, generate reports, and access deeper workforce insights to support recruitment, retention, succession planning, and compensation strategy.
Participating GMA member companies receive complimentary access to the Wage + Benefits Report and analytics platform. Non-participating members may purchase the report for $250, while the non-member rate is $750.
If your company has not yet participated, we encourage you to contribute your data and take advantage of one of the most valuable workforce planning resources available to our industry. The survey will close on July 17.
BrewCrew Oktoberfest: Great Connections Are Brewing in Detroit!
Great connections are brewing in Detroit! Join Graphic Media Alliance and AIGA Detroit on Tuesday, October 27, for the BrewCrew Oktoberfest Networking Event at Batch Brewing Company. Enjoy an evening of networking with print, design and graphic communications professionals! Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Read MoreA Greener Future Starts Here! Join GMA November 5 for a Special All-Region Member Event
Something exciting is taking root at Graphic Media Alliance! Join us November 5 for our FREE All-Region Annual Meeting, featuring special guest Jordan Darragh of PrintReleaf and an exclusive preview of GMASustainability(+), launching in 2027. Discover how your business can make a measurable environmental impact while enjoying exclusive GMA member savings!
Read MoreDon't Miss Out on Potential Workers' Compensation Savings for 2027!
The 2027 Ohio BWC Group Rating enrollment period is approaching! GMA members are encouraged to submit their enrollment or re-enrollment paperwork to Sedgwick as soon as possible. Don't miss the opportunity to maximize potential savings on workers' compensation premiums. David Deyo, our dedicated Sedgwick Program Manager, is available to help!
Read MoreAre Your Wages Competitive? The 2026 Wage + Benefits Survey Results Are Here!
Production wages are up, employee turnover is down, and the competition for skilled workers continues! The 2026 Wage + Benefits Survey provides valuable insights to help printing companies make smarter compensation and workforce decisions. Participating GMA members receive the full report FREE, while others can purchase their copy through the GMA Bookstore!
Read MoreGMA Member Millcraft Expands Packaging Capabilities with Strategic Acquisition
Congratulations to GMA member Millcraft on its acquisition of Protective Packaging Products (P3)! This strategic investment expands Millcraft's protective packaging capabilities and strengthens its presence in automotive and industrial markets. Learn how this fourth-generation, family-owned company continues to grow while building on more than a century of industry leadership.
Read MoreLove It? Buy It!
Want to help strengthen the printing industry? Sometimes the best way is to practice what we preach! From direct mail and signage to branded apparel, Bill Farquharson reminds us that every purchase is an opportunity to demonstrate the power of print. Discover how a simple conversation can reinforce the value of the products and services our industry provides in this week's Short Attention Span Sales Tip.
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