President’s Message: Take the 2026 Salary Survey
As President of SMPS San Francisco Bay Area, one of the things I value most about our chapter is the knowledge we share with one another.
Our professional network is strongest when we’re willing to contribute what we know—not only through programs, mentorship, and connection, but through the data that helps us understand where our profession stands and where it’s headed.
That’s why I’m asking you to take a few minutes to participate in the 2026 SMPS SFBAC Salary Survey.
Conducted every four years, our Salary Survey gives Bay Area marketing and business development professionals something incredibly valuable: local, relevant benchmarks from the people actually doing this work.
The results can help an individual prepare for a compensation conversation or career move. They can help managers understand how to competitively hire and retain talented people. And they can help firm leaders see how roles, responsibilities, benefits, and compensation are evolving across our region.
But the value of the report depends on all of us.
The more professionals who participate—across career levels, disciplines, firm sizes, and roles—the more useful and representative the final data becomes. Whether you’re a coordinator beginning your career, a seasoned marketing or business development leader, or somewhere in between, your experience matters to the bigger picture.
And this isn’t only about salary. It’s about understanding the value of the work our profession contributes to the AEC industry.
Your responses are confidential and reported only in aggregate, and participants will receive a complimentary digital copy of the completed 2026 Salary Survey Report.
The survey closes Friday, August 23. If you haven’t participated yet, I hope you’ll add your voice—and encourage a colleague to do the same.
Ten minutes from each of us can create a resource that benefits our professional community for years to come.
Thank you for helping us build it.
Warmly,
Marilynn Stratton, CPSM
President, SMPS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
