The 2015 Salary Guides from Robert Half show that U.S. starting salaries for professional occupations are projected to increase an average of 3.8 percent next year.
The largest expected gains in salaries among all fields researched are in technology; with an anticipated 5.7-percent overall increase in the average starting salary for newly hired information technology (IT) workers. Accounting and finance and creative and marketing professionals can expect starting salaries to rise an average of 3.5 percent, according to the research.
According to the MBA’s 2015 Annual Salary Increase Survey, professional occupations are projected to increase 2.4 percent next year in northwest Pennsylvania. Executive positions are projected at 2 percent; clerical and technical positions are at 2.75 percent; and production, maintenance and service are projected at 2.2 percent. These increases are slightly below the national findings from Robert Half.
Here is an overview of findings from the 2015 Salary Guides:
Accounting and Finance
Average starting salaries for accounting and finance professionals in the United States are forecast to rise 3.5 percent next year. Staff accountants, senior financial analysts, and business systems analysts are in strong demand, and these professionals can expect to see higher than average salary increases.
Technology
Overall, base compensation for IT professionals in the United States is expected to increase 5.7 percent in the coming year. Mobile, security and big data will be three drivers for technology hiring in 2015. Mobile applications developers can expect the highest salary increases among all technology roles.
Creative and Marketing
Professionals in creative fields in the United States can expect average starting salary gains of 3.5 percent in 2015. Growth in the digital space, particularly mobile, is driving the demand for professionals such as digital marketing strategists and user-experience specialists. Businesses also seek content strategists, web designers and front-end web developers.
Legal
In the legal field, U.S. starting salaries are anticipated to rise 3 percent, on average, in the coming year. Law firms are seeking
mid- and senior-level lawyers in high-growth practice areas, such as litigation, general business and commercial law, and intellectual property. Paralegals also are in high demand by companies and law firms, and those with specialized skill sets can expect higher starting compensation.
Administrative and Office Support
Overall starting salaries for administrative professionals in the United States are expected to rise 3.4 percent in 2015. Demand for skilled executive and
administrative assistants remains strong. There continues to be a need for support staff in health care, human resources and customer service.
For more information about the Association’s 2015 Annual Salary Increase Survey, contact Stacey Bruce, director of HR Services, at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.
