Want an IT bonus? Move to Auckland…

Aucklanders are receiving the most benefits and bonuses in the ICT industry with the city holding the largest increase in median base salary (6.7%) nationwide.

Wellington still holds the highest median base remuneration at $85,000 however, with Christchurch and Waikato/BOP seeing steady increases in base remuneration at 1% & 2% respectively.

The positive shift in confidence is clear in this Absolute IT Job Seeker Intentions report 2014, which highlights the key areas of change as salary increases and additional bonuses being offered to employees.

Although your average ICT professional places the most value on remuneration, according to Absolute IT director Grant Burley, career development opportunities and more challenging work follow close behind.

“With the improving economy meaning there are more and more opportunities opening up in the ICT industry, allowing staff more room and training to grow can make all the difference when it comes to attracting and retaining talent,” he says.

Burley says there have been notable improvements since the company’s June 2013 report, including a 6.7% increase in the national base median salary, which now sits at $80,000 - the first notable increase the country has seen since 2011 and the highest median salary it’s recorded since 2009.

The national median hourly rate has also increased 6.3% to $85.00. However the increase in the median ICT salary is in contrast with the wider economy, where pay increases have risen, but not as strongly as the IT sector in the past year. The number of ICT professionals who consider their place of work to be a good one has also held steady at 85%.

Nevertheless a more lucrative salary remains the top motivator for most ICT professionals when they are considering a change of job. While the national median remuneration rates have improved and the reports show a significant number of employees are happy in their workplace, 67% of employees are still considering a move to a new work place in the next 12 months.

“Our reports show that with the improving economy, employers can afford to pay their staff more and staff have more options to consider,” Burley adds. “Alongside salary increases we have seen increases in the number of employees receiving bonuses, while the median bonus has remained at $6,000.

“However in contrast to this, less staff are receiving benefits as part of their remuneration package, down from 55% to 48% - perhaps in response to increased base salaries.” The Public sector median salary has increased by 2.5% to sit on $82,000 just shy of the top spot held by the Private sector (100+ staff) at $83,000.

However the smaller Private Sector (1-99 Staff) has seen the largest increase up 7% to $70,000.

“Perhaps due to the recent boom in NZ ICT start ups making waves internationally,” Burley adds.