Chicago, Illinois - December 22, 2025 - Brilliant®, an award-winning staffing and recruiting firm specializing in accounting, finance, business operations, and technology, published their 2026 Salary Guides this week, presenting national average salary data for a range of roles within these industries.

The Brilliant 2026 Accounting, Finance, and Business Operations Salary Guide includes base salary information for entry-level through C-suite positions within the U.S. market across a broad range of categories. In addition to traditional accounting and finance functions, such as corporate accounting, corporate finance, financial systems, internal audit/SOX, tax, treasury, financial reporting, project management, accounts payable/accounts receivable, payroll, credit & collections and billing, the 2026 guide now also includes business operations roles, reflecting Brilliant’s expanded service offerings and growing demand for operational talent that works closely with finance teams. The expanded business operations data covers key functions including human resources, talent acquisition, supply chain, procurement, logistics, marketing, project management and coordination, administrative and operations support, and customer service.

Salaries across accounting, finance and business operations roles are expected to increase modestly in 2026, with market data indicating low-single-digit growth on average. Certain areas are projected to see comparatively higher movement, particularly in public accounting (tax, audit, and assurance) and payroll, where continued demand and talent shortages are driving stronger year-over-year increases.

The Brilliant 2026 Technology Salary Guide covers base salaries from entry-level through C-suite positions within the U.S. market across 10 categories including software and applications development, internet and e-commerce, database administration, networking and telecommunications, technical services and support, IT security, consulting/systems integration, and leadership. Technology salaries are projected to increase modestly overall in 2026, while roles tied to AI, data and cybersecurity are expected to see above-average increases compared with the broader technology market.

As businesses continue to navigate the labor market in 2026, organizations are focused on maintaining sustainable compensation strategies while remaining competitive in key areas. Many employers are taking a disciplined approach to hiring and pay decisions, prioritizing roles that directly support business performance and operational needs. In this environment, compensation planning is increasingly guided by market data, internal benchmarks and long-term workforce planning rather than broad, across-the-board adjustments.

To determine salary ranges, Brilliant analyzed key factors including company size, experience level, certifications, demand for each role, proprietary research and broader market trends. Salary insights are categorized into low, mid and high ranges to provide a comprehensive market overview.

For location-specific salary averages, refer to the Appendix in each guide, which includes percentage adjustments for major U.S. cities.

To download the Brilliant 2026 Salary Guides or to learn more about Brilliant, click here.

About Brilliant®

Brilliant is an award-winning staffing and recruiting firm that provides direct-hire and contract staffing services in accounting, finance, technology, and business operations serving businesses across the continental U.S.

Our specialized accounting and finance teams provide high-quality talent for businesses seeking expert consultants or permanent staff in areas such as accounting, finance, audit, tax, treasury and financial systems. Leveraging our extensive network and resources, we provide tailored staffing solutions that align with our clients’ specific needs. Many of our team members are seasoned professionals with backgrounds in the audit and accounting space, bringing unmatched market expertise and insight.

In the technology space, we specialize in matching top talent with businesses in need of expertise in data analytics and data science, machine learning, AI, application development, IT security, project management and IT infrastructure. Our deep industry knowledge enables us to deliver tailored solutions that help our clients adapt to the changing digital landscape.

Our business operations practice provides organizations with skilled talent in human resources, talent acquisition, supply chain, procurement, logistics, marketing, project management, administrative and operations support, and customer service. By aligning specialized professionals with each company’s needs, we help ensure that core business functions continue to run efficiently and effectively.

Since our inception in 2009, we have been recognized on leading industry lists, including Forbes America’s Best Professional & Executive Recruiting Firms, Crain’s Chicago Business Fast 50 (No. 1 in 2015) and Staffing Industry Analysts Fastest-Growing U.S. Staffing Firms. Our achievements also include honors such as ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Talent and Client, Inc. 5000, Best Places to Work South Florida and Best & Brightest Companies to Work For®.

We’re committed to creating a collaborative environment for our team that thrives on innovation, passion and dedication within our fast-paced culture. We aim to make a meaningful impact in the accounting, finance, technology, and business operations spaces while helping our clients and candidates achieve their goals. From empowering our talent to fostering strong partnerships, everything we do is driven by our mission of making people’s lives better.

Media Contact:

Ariana Handorf Marketing Manager Brilliant® 312.582.1803 ahandorf@brilliantstaffing.com

Media Contact
Company Name: Brilliant Staffing, LLC
Contact Person: Ariana Handorf
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://brilliantfs.com/