Latest news: IT salaries increase

Salaries in the IT industry have risen by 4.3% according to the business and technology staffing company, ReThink recruitment. 11/05/2012

The average wage for staff working in IT was £40,140 in 2011, up from £38,500 in 2010. With RPI (retail price index) inflation averaging 5.2% in 2011, there has been a decrease in real earnings of £360.

The average UK salary in 2011 was £24,050, a 2.3% rise from 2010, when the average salary was £23,505. This equates to an annual earnings loss of approximately £675. 

Michael Bennett, director at ReThink  says, ‘Although pay for IT staff has shown positive growth over the last year, runaway inflation will have eroded take home pay. However when compared with the average UK worker, IT staff salaries are still ahead of the game.’

Further research from the company has shown that pay prospects for IT staff over the next 12 months are positive. Of the IT directors polled, 59% are expecting pay to rise within their departments over the next year.

The national average wage has increased by 13.7% over the last five years, from £21,160 in 2006 to £24,050 in 2011. Over the same period the average IT pay increased by 16.3%, from £34,500 in 2006 to £40,140 in 2011. 

‘Many departments had a torrid time during the downturn, with some severely cut back. Those who stayed in employment may have felt that asking for a hefty pay rise in such a volatile economic climate was just a step too far,’ continued Mr. Bennett.