Menlo Park, Calif. — Oct. 14
Starting salaries in the United States for professional occupations are projected to increase an average of 3.7 percent 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 5.6 percent increase in the average salary for newly hired workers. Accounting and finance professionals can expect starting salaries to increase an average of 3.4 percent, according to the research.
The following is an overview of findings from the 2014 Salary Guides:
Accounting and Finance
The average starting salary for a newly hired accounting and finance professional in the U.S. is forecast to rise 3.4 percent next year. Financial and business systems analysts are in demand. The market for internal auditors and entry level accountants also has strengthened.
Technology
Overall, base compensation for information technology professionals in the U.S. is expected to increase 5.6 percent 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.
Creative and Marketing
Professionals in creative fields in the U.S. can expect average starting salary gains of 3.3 percent in 2014. The shortage of creative talent with digital and mobile expertise continues, with user-experience and mobile designers in particular demand.
Legal
In the legal field, starting salaries for positions in the U.S. are anticipated to rise 2.7 percent, on average, in the coming year. Mid- and senior-level associates are sought by law firms looking to expand lucrative practice groups or invest in new service offerings.
Administrative and Office Support
Overall starting salaries for administrative professionals in the U.S. are expected to rise 3.3 percent in 2014. Executive and administrative assistants and customer service managers are in particular demand. Support staff also is needed in the health care field and in human resources.
Source: Robert Half
