Starting salaries for professionals to rise 4 per cent in 2014: Survey

Technology jobs to see largest gains

Canadian starting salaries for professional occupations are projected to increase an average of four per cent next year, according to the 2014 Salary Guides from Robert Half.

Technology positions are expected to see the largest gains among all fields researched, with an anticipated 5.5 per cent increase in the average salary for newly hired workers. Accounting and finance professionals can expect starting salaries to rise an average of 3.2 per cent, found the report, based on information gathered through job searches, negotiations and placements managed by Robert Half's staffing and recruiting managers.

"In today's competitive market, there is an increasing trend toward hiring professionals who have the specialized skills required to help companies successfully achieve their business goals," said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, international staffing operations.

Highlights of the survey:

Accounting and finance: The average starting salary for a newly hired accounting and finance professional in Canada is forecast to rise 3.2 per cent next year. Financial and business systems analysts are in demand. The market for senior accountants and cost accountants has also strengthened.

Technology: Overall, base compensation for information technology professionals is expected to increase 5.5 per cent in the coming year. Mobile applications and software developers are in particularly strong demand. Business intelligence analysts also can expect to see higher than average salary increases.

Administrative and office support: Overall starting salaries for administrative professionals are expected to rise 3.2 per cent in 2014. Executive and administrative assistants and customer service managers are in particular demand while support staff are needed within the HR industry.

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