Increased demand for specialised sales and marketing people has created skills shortages and boosted pay in some areas, according to the new Hays Salary Survey.
Companies are increasingly looking for marketers with specific skills in areas such as financial services, IT, professional services and government.
Market segment specific brand managers, analysts and national account managers in FMCG are also in demand, as are communications professionals.
The survey, which covers 19 roles in six locations across Australia and New Zealand, found 60% of marketing professionals has their salaries increased by 3 to 6% and 27% increased by up to 3%. Only 2% of companies increased salaries by more than 10%.
Pay rates in Sydney are still markedly higher than in other states, followed by Melbourne and Auckland. An account manager can now command an average of $100,000 in Sydney and an average of $68,000 elsewhere. Brand managers receive $80,000 in Sydney and an average $71,000 elsewhere.
Marketing professionals receive an average of $55,000 nationwide and communications managers recive $90,000 in Sydney and $80,000 elsewhere.
A Hays spokeswoman said a general shortage of local creative candidates had increased the scope for agencies to employ overseas talent.
“While overseas candidates can fill local shortfalls, this trend is a two-way street with local candidates also looking to overseas destinations for a new challenge, in particular Asia,” she said.
