MTI’s Annual Wage & Benefit Survey Opens June 15

In a time when labor shortages, inflation pressures, and increasing competition for skilled talent continue to challenge heat treat companies, having accurate workforce compensation data has never been more important. That is why the Metal Treating Institute (MTI) is encouraging all Member companies to participate in the 2026 MTI Annual Wage & Benefit Survey, which officially opens for data submission on June 15th.

For heat treaters, the survey provides one of the most valuable benchmarking tools available; helping companies evaluate compensation strategies, strengthen employee retention, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing labor market.

Why Participate?

The value of the survey is directly tied to the quality and quantity of industry participation. Every company that contributes data helps create a more accurate picture of wage trends, benefit structures, and workforce practices across the heat treating industry.

Participants gain access to comprehensive benchmarking data that can help answer critical leadership questions such as:

• Are our wages competitive within the industry?
• How do our benefit packages compare to similar companies?
• Are we overpaying, underpaying, or aligned with the market?
• Which positions are seeing the fastest wage growth?
• How can we improve retention without overextending payroll costs?

In an environment where skilled labor is increasingly difficult to attract and retain, having industry-specific compensation intelligence gives companies a significant strategic advantage.

A Powerful Tool for Annual Wage Reviews

One of the most practical uses of the MTI Wage & Benefit Survey is during annual employee review and compensation planning cycles.

Rather than relying on assumptions, general online salary websites, or regional estimates that may not reflect the realities of manufacturing and heat treating, MTI Members can use real industry data to guide compensation discussions.

The survey helps leadership teams:

• Establish fair and competitive pay ranges
• Identify gaps between current wages and market averages
• Prepare realistic payroll budgets
• Support merit increase decisions with objective data
• Reduce emotional or inconsistent compensation decisions
• Strengthen employee trust through informed pay practices

When managers and HR departments can confidently explain that compensation decisions are based on industry benchmarks and market realities, it creates greater clarity and credibility throughout the organization.

Beyond Wages: Understanding Total Compensation

Today’s workforce evaluates far more than hourly pay alone. Employees increasingly consider total compensation packages when deciding where to work and whether to stay long term.

That is why MTI’s survey also examines critical benefit areas such as:

• Health insurance offerings
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Bonuses and incentives
• Shift differentials
• Training investments
• Additional workforce benefits

This broader view allows companies to identify where they may be strong competitively, and where enhancements could improve recruitment and retention efforts.

In many cases, organizations discover they may not need to dramatically increase wages if their total benefits package already provides strong overall value.

Helping Companies Prepare for the Future

As the industry moves toward the 2030s, workforce dynamics are changing rapidly. Demographic shifts, retirements, automation, and AI-driven operational changes are reshaping the labor landscape.

Companies that proactively analyze compensation trends will be better positioned to:

• Attract younger talent entering manufacturing
• Retain experienced team members
• Build stronger workforce cultures
• Improve operational stability
• Reduce turnover costs
• Plan long-term workforce investments

The MTI Wage & Benefit Survey is more than a compensation report, it is a strategic planning resource that helps companies make informed workforce decisions during a decade of rapid change.

Submit Your Data Beginning June 15th

MTI encourages all Member companies to participate in this year’s Annual Wage & Benefit Survey beginning June 15th. The time invested in submitting data can provide valuable insights that supports better compensation decisions for the year ahead.

In a competitive labor market, knowledge matters, and the companies that understand their workforce economics best will be the ones most prepared to thrive in the future.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact MTI at info@heattreat.net.