NFDA 2026 Employee Compensation StudyThe 2026 Cross-Industry Compensation & Benefits Study provides a detailed analysis of key compensation and benefits-related statistics for the distribution industry. The National Fastener Distributors Association (NFDA) was one of thirteen distribution-related associations that sponsored the 2026 Cross-Industry Compensation & Benefits Survey and offered it to their member organizations as a value-added benefit. The results are based on confidential surveys from 502 distribution companies, representing 7,646 locations. NFDA distributors represented 13 of the 502 participating companies and 148 of the 7,646 locations. The 2026 Cross-Industry Compensation & Benefits Study represents the most complete, accurate, and up-to-date compensation and benefits data available. This report is designed to allow users to easily compare compensation levels and benefits policies with companies involved in wholesale trade/distribution. What’s New in 2026 This year's study introduces significant enhancements to geographic compensation benchmarking. Compensation is now collected and reported at the individual incumbent level and tied to employees' actual work locations. As a result, regional, state, and metropolitan-area compensation statistics more accurately reflect local labor markets, particularly for office, administrative, and operations positions. In 2024, only branch managers and salespeople were located individually; in 2026, every position is. As a result, the 2026 regional and metropolitan-area breakouts are substantially more robust. This year, 97 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) had reportable compensation for at least one position, compared with 55 in 2024. The study also expands position coverage. Newly reported positions include Human Resources Generalist, Human Resources Generalist (Senior), and Assistant Branch Manager. In addition, the Branch Manager role - previously reported as a single position - is now broken out by experience level (less than 2 years, 2 to 10 years, and more than 10 years) for more precise benchmarking. In addition to data on recruiting & retention, health care costs/trends, retirement benefits, vacations/PTO and holidays, sick and other leave, and sales practices, this report contains compensation-related statistics for common job titles in the industry. These job titles include positions in the following categories:
The 2026 Cross-Industry Compensation & Benefits Survey was compiled, tabulated, and analyzed by Industry Insights, Inc. (www.industryinsights.com), an independent professional research and analytics firm that provides research services focused on financial and operating performance, compensation and benefits, market assessments, customer satisfaction, educational programs, and other forms of customized research for associations and their members. The 2026 Compensation Report is available to NFDA members for $250 and non-members for $500. Companies that participated in the compensation survey received the report at no charge. |