Key takeaways
- Skip the objective statement — recruiters don't read them anymore.
- Lead every bullet with a measurable impact number, not a duty.
- Two pages is fine if you've earned it; one page is a strong default.
- Optimize for the human reader first, ATS parser second.
Every year we publish an unfiltered look at what the market actually pays. Not what job ads say, not what recruiters whisper — the numbers we see land in offer letters.
This year's dataset is our largest yet: 128,540 verified offers across 41 countries, weighted by role level and stripped of outliers. The headline: senior IC comp is up 6.2% year-over-year in North America, flat in Western Europe, and down slightly in APAC.
But the interesting story is where the growth is concentrated. Applied ML roles led every category. AI safety and evaluation roles — a category that barely existed two years ago — pay 22% more than adjacent MLE roles. And staff-level generalists are pulling comp closer to specialist rates as companies flatten hierarchies.
Below, we break down every discipline by level, geography, and experience — and share the ten highest-paying companies in each category. Bookmark it; the interactive version updates monthly.
Try it yourself
Skip the blank page — start with a proven template
Our resume builder starts you off with the exact structure hiring managers scan for. Free to try.
A good resume doesn't win the job — it wins the interview. Aim for the interview, not the applause.
"What senior engineers, designers, and PMs are actually earning in 2026 — with regional breakdowns from 128K+ verified offers."
Frequently asked
Quick answers to common questions
- 01
How long should my resume be?
One page if you have under 8 years of relevant experience. Two pages max otherwise — every extra line has to earn its place.
- 02
Do I still need a cover letter in 2026?
Only when the role explicitly asks for one, or when you're changing industries and need to explain the story. Otherwise, skip it.
- 03
What about ATS keyword stuffing?
Mirror the exact phrasing from the job description — but only where it's honest. Naked keyword lists at the bottom look like tricks.
- 04
Should I include a photo?
In the US and UK: no. In parts of Europe, LATAM, and East Asia: often yes. Follow the local norm.
Joblo Research
Data team
Writing about salary insights for Joblo. Get in touch on any social channel — replies within 24 hours.
