Resume Builder surveyed 866 US business leaders: 54% said their companies have cut or plan to cut employee compensation for AI spending in 2026, while 71% said they will give performance-based raises. The article offers five ways to seek a raise.
Possible cuts include bonuses, equity, raises, benefits and base salaries. The article recommends asking after a measurable win, showing how work contributes to revenue, savings, time saved or customer satisfaction, and approaching the person with budget authority. It also urges flexibility about the form of compensation and tailoring the case to the decision-maker.
If the answer is no, the article advises trying again later rather than waiting a year, possibly with a different argument or decision-maker, or by seeking another form of compensation such as a spot bonus.
