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New Research Highlights Canadian Salary Trends, Hot Skills in Coming Year

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2014 /CNW/ - The just-released 2015 Salary Guides from Robert Half show that Canadian starting salaries for professional occupations are projected to increase an average of 3.7 per cent next year. The largest expected gains in salaries among all fields researched are in technology, with an anticipated 5.2 per cent overall increase in the average starting salary for newly hired IT workers. Creative and marketing, and accounting and finance professionals can expect starting salaries to rise an average of 3.9 and 3.4 per cent, respectively, according to the research.

"Hiring demands are placing pressure on the supply of skilled workers in many specialties, particularly in the technology and financial fields, and we see the market responding in 2015," said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, International Staffing Operations. "When building a strong, talented team to meet business needs, it's crucial to remain competitive. Benchmarking salaries allows businesses to offer attractive packages, especially in a market where skilled candidates often know they are in demand." The guides offer compensation data and hiring trends for 2015, as well as tips to recruit and retain a capable workforce.

Following is an overview of findings from the 2015 Salary Guides:

Accounting and Finance
Average starting salaries for accounting and finance professionals in Canada are forecast to rise 3.4 per cent 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 Canada is expected to increase 5.2 per cent 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 Canada can expect average starting salary gains of 3.9 per cent 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, Canadian starting salaries are anticipated to rise 2.6 per cent, 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 Canada are expected to rise 3.3 per cent 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.

The 2015 Salary Guides from Robert Half can be accessed at www.roberthalf.com/salary-guides.

Since 1950, Robert Half has produced Salary Guides to offer business owners, hiring managers and professionals, salary information for their geographic areas and insight into the latest employment trends. Companies consult the annual guides to determine appropriate starting compensation for accounting and finance, technology, creative and marketing, legal and administrative professionals at all levels.

Information in the guides is based on the thousands of job searches, negotiations and placements managed each year by Robert Half's staffing and recruiting managers, along with the company's ongoing surveys of executives. Continuing or ongoing salaries are not reported because many external factors -- such as seniority, work ethic, job performance and training -- impact the salaries of full-time professionals as work histories develop. 

About Robert Half 
Robert Half has more than 340 staffing locations worldwide and offers online job search services on its divisional websites, all of which can be accessed at www.roberthalf.com. For management and career advice, visit the Robert Half Blog at blog.roberthalf.com or follow us at twitter.com/RobertHalf_CAN.

SOURCE Robert Half Canada

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