Growth, Upgrades, Skills Shortage Drive Technology Salaries

Business Growth, Upgrades and Skills Shortage Drive Technology Salaries

New Zealand technology staff can look forward to an average 3.8% pay rise in 2012 according to the 2012 Robert Half Technology salary guide, released today.

Data architects and business analysts are set to receive the biggest year-on-year salary gains, with average pay rises of 7.5% and 7.3% respectively.

Hiring new staff to facilitate business growth and manage systems upgrades will be a key driver for technology recruitment over the coming months. 80% of new hires will be recruited to fulfil these requirements.

The industries showing the highest levels of IT recruitment in New Zealand are financial services, particularly banking and insurance, as well as the utilities industries.

Signs are positive for growth in other areas too: a recent survey of 100 Kiwi CIOs and CTOs conducted by Robert Half found 66% shared confidence in their company’s intention to invest in new technology projects in 2012.

There are sector-based pockets where particular IT skills are in demand and candidate availability is low. Demand in those areas in particular will fuel pay rises and this is where employees with the right training and experience can expect to receive higher than average salary growth.

IT professionals who possess .NET skills with a focus on multi-tiered architecture, as well as those with Microsoft Business Intelligence proficiency, are particularly well placed to benefit in the current market. Relevant skill sets can see IT workers earn between 6 and 15% more than their peers.

Robert Half general manager, Megan Alexander, says in order to meet their IT objectives, businesses will first need to invest in having the right people on the ground.

“The intent to invest in and upgrade technology will drive demand for staff. Those looking to stay marketable must ensure they develop their skill sets in line with future growth and up skill in the areas that are most in demand.

“But IT employees can no longer rely on their technical abilities alone,” she warns. “They must also be strong communicators who are able to share information effectively with their peers.

“Those candidates with a combination of technical experience and ‘soft skills’ are the most highly sought after in the current market.”

Alexander also advises hiring managers to be realistic when setting salary budgets in a skills short market.

“If New Zealand businesses are serious about keeping and attracting technology staff, they’ll need to look carefully at remuneration. Whist salaries are not the only consideration for attracting and retaining staff, bosses must ensure they are paying competitively or they’ll risk losing key players to other opportunities.”

The Robert Half research found that while the market is stronger, a shortage of quality candidates in New Zealand has seen many employers look overseas to fill gaps. 54% of New Zealand CIOs and CTOs surveyed said they’re finding it challenging to hire IT professionals with the skill sets they require. 55% also shared their concern about losing top performers to other job opportunities in 2012

For technology salaries in Auckland and information on current hiring trends and the remuneration landscape in New Zealand, download a copy of the 2012 Robert Half Technology Salary Guide http://www.roberthalf.co.nz/technology-salary-guide.

ENDS

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