White-collar jobs expected to see raises

Atlantic Canadians in white-collar jobs will likely see their salaries grow an average of 3.4 per cent in 2007, says a regional employment and benefits study released Tuesday.

The study by career consulting firm Gerald Walsh Associates Inc. says projected salary increases for this region are in line with those in the rest of the country, with the exception of Alberta, where wages are rising dramatically.

"The 3.4 per cent average rate of increase is in line with salary increases experienced in 2005and 2006 and seems to be reflective of a regional economy that continues to grow steadily," said Gerald Walsh, president of the Halifax firm.

The study looked at key jobs in five areas: marketing and communications, sales, accounting and finance, production, administrative services and human resources.

Salary increases are expected to be slightly higher for those in senior management level positions than those in junior positions.

Labour shortages in key areas, the gradual retiring of baby boomers and the "pull of Alberta" have made employers in this region more concerned than ever about attracting and retaining talented employees, the study found.

Firms are increasingly providing perks such as paid personal days off, on site-fitness centres and flexible health benefits. They.re also using incentives to reward job performance more frequently and not limiting them to senior employees or those in sales.

"Small firms in particular are finding innovative, non-cash ways to reward their staff," Mr. Walsh said in a news release.

Across-the-board increases for staff, not related to contribution, are largely going by the wayside, the study found.

Projected 2007 salary levels, based on a regional employment and benefits study released Tuesday. Companies with revenues of less than $10 million: Marketing manager: $62,500 to $76,500, 3.5% increase Sales manager: $64,000 to $78,000, 3.5% increase Controller: $66,500 to $81,000, 4% increase Plant manager: $64,500 to $79,000, 3.5% increase Office manager: $42,500 to $51,500, 3.3% increase Human resources manager: $62,500 to $76,500. 3.5 % increase Companies with revenues greater than $25 million: Marketing manager: $77,000 to $94,000, 3.5% increase Sales manager: $78,500 to $96,000, 3.5% increase Controller: $77,500 to $95,000, 4% increase Plant manager: $78,500 to $96,000, 3.5% increase Office manager: $48,500 to $59,000, 3.3% increase Human resources manager: $77,500 to $94,500. 3.5% increase Source: Gerald Walsh Associates Inc.