U.S. Average Starting Salaries Projected to Increase an Average of 3.7% in 2014

Recent college graduates searching for entry level jobs should be excited about the possibility of increasing starting salaries in 2014.

The just-released 2014 Salary Guides from Robert Half show that U.S. starting salaries for professional occupations are projected to increase an average of 3.7 percent next year. 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 rise an average of 3.4 percent, according to the research.

“Many hiring managers are encountering difficulty finding professionals with the specialized skills they need to achieve their growth goals,” said Paul McDonald, Robert Half senior executive director. “The annual salary information from Robert Half is designed to provide businesses with the latest compensation trends, as well as advice for attracting and retaining top performers.”

Here is an overview of the findings from the 2014 Salary Guides:

Accounting and Finance

The average starting salary for a newly hired accounting and finance professional in the United States 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 United States 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 United States 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 United States 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 United States are expected to rise 3.3 percent in 2014. Executive and administrative assistants and customer service managers are in particular demand. Support staff also are needed in the healthcare field and in human resources.