DAYTON, OHIO (11-11-26) – The Dayton Region Manufacturers Association (DRMA) has released its annual Employee Wage and Benefit Survey report.

Results of the 2026 survey provide manufacturers with regional workforce data to help them evaluatetheir competitiveness in the market and guide compensation decisions. With insights into wages, employee benefits, work schedules, and other workforce strategies, the report helps DRMA membersevaluate how their packages compare with others in the industry. DRMA’s report is widely considered the most comprehensive analysis of wage and benefit trends for manufacturers in the greater Dayton market.  

 

DRMA President Amy Schrimpf said-

“Our members consistently tell us that attracting and retaining skilled employees is their top concern. Our members need relevant data to make informed payroll decisions and avoid the negative consequences of losing good employees or overextending payroll budgets. DRMA’s Wage and Benefit Survey provides our members with valuable insight into wages, benefits, and industry trends, helping our members position themselves competitively while making responsible decisions about labor costs. The continued interest by our members in completing this survey year after year reflects just how important reliable compensation data has become in today’s manufacturing workforce.”

To provide members with additional insights beyond the data in the report, DRMA also organizes a Meet Up for member companies with experts from Barnes Dennig, an accounting and business consulting firm. The team from Barnes Dennig analyzed the data to provide an overview of key findings and trends at an exclusive event for DRMA members.

Greg Heimann, CPA and Senior Manager at Barnes Dennig

“This year’s results show that attracting and retaining skilled employees continues to be a challenge for manufacturers. Competitive compensation and benefits are important, but investing in employee development, recognizing individual contributions, and creating a workplace where people can grow and feel connected to the organization’s goals can be just as important for building an engaged workforce.”

 

The report is available for purchase for $900; DRMA members can purchase at a discounted rate of $500. For questions about how to obtain a copy, contact DRMA at (937) 949-4000 or email SKnoll@DaytonRMA.org.