According to the 2012 Salary Guides from Robert Half International show, starting salaries are projected to increase by an average of 3.4 percent next year.
Of the fields researched in the survey, technology positions are believed to experience the largest gains at a 4.5 percent increase in base compensation. Accounting and finance professionals are next in line and can anticipate starting salaries to grow by an average of 3.5 percent.
"Businesses seek professionals who can help them enhance their technology and accounting infrastructures," says Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "For many firms, the question isn't whether to implement improvements but how quickly they can find the talent to do so."
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For the creative fields, the average starting salary is projected to grow by 3.5 percent in 2012, the survey reveals. Professionals with interactive skills, such as user experience designers, are particularly targeted as employers are looking to increase their Web presence and move many of their marketing programs to an online platform.
The survey also shows that starting salaries in the legal field are expected to rise by an average of 1.9 percent in 2012. Attorneys with four to nine years of experience in high-growth practice areas, such as litigation, labor and employment, real estate and corporate law, are experiencing more demand.
In 2012, starting salaries for administrative professionals are believed to grow 3.4 percent. Employers that previously streamlined support staff are now looking to hire experienced executive and administrative assistants in an effort to increase efficiencies, support key company projects and provide excellent customer service. Health care industry growth also is increasing demand for administrative professionals with experience in this sector.
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