The 2015 Salary Guides Are Here!

The 2015 Salary Guides Are HereThe 2015 Salary Guides Are HereThe just-released 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.Hiring demand is placing pressure on the supply of skilled workers in many specialties, particularly in the technology and financial fields, said Paul McDonald, Robert Half senior executive director. Its crucial for businesses to benchmark salaries to remain competitive, especially in a market where skilled candidates know they are in demand. The guides offer compensation data and hi ring trends for 2015, as well as tips to recruit and retain top workers.The newly-releasedSalary Guidesinclude2015 Salary Guide from Robert HalfRobert Half Technology 2015 Salary GuideThe Creative Group 2015 Salary GuideRobert Half Legal 2015 Salary GuideOfficeTeam 2015 Salary GuideThe2015 Salary Guidesfrom Robert Half can be accessed atroberthalf.com/salary-guides.Asalary calculator for each professioncan be used to determine average starting salaries in hundreds of local markets and also can be accessed via the links to theSalary Guidesabove.Following is an overview of findings from the 2015 Salary Guides, as well as a slideshow of our Salary SnapshotAccounting 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. The regulatory environment is driving hiring for risk, compliance and internal audit professionals.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.LegalIn the legal field, U.S. starting salaries are anticipated to rise 3.0 percent, on average, in the coming year. Law firms are seeking mid- and senior-level lawyers in high-growth practice area s, 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 healthcare, human resources and customer service.Below is a 2015 Salary Snapshot with an overview of 10 top positons to watch and five trends affecting hiringHow will you use the 2015 Salary Guides? Tell us in the comments section below.RELATED LINKS7 Tips for Salary Negotiation With a Job CandidateSalary Negotiation Tips What to Do When the Candidate Counters