Hiring activity will continue to rise for sales, marketing and communications professionals as market confidence remains positive in 2015, according to the 2015 Global Salary Survey from specialist recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.

The survey covers a range of professions and is based on real placements made by Robert Walters consultants. It found that there will be huge demand for data-driven marketing candidates who can help develop new products. Contract opportunities will also continue to increase across the government and private sectors as employers focus on building a flexible workforce.

Across Australia, permanent salaries are expected to increase on average by 1.9% from 2014. The highest rate of growth will be in Sydney in banking and financial services, with an increase of 3.8%, while Brisbane will see a decline of 3%.

Robert Walters Brisbane Manager of Sales and Marketing, Callan Raine, said:

“Going forward, we expect remuneration levels for sales professionals and business development managers to remain steady, particularly as organisations try to set candidate expectations to avoid the salary spikes witnessed previously post downturns. As there will be a growing shortage of quality candidates, particularly senior level professionals as 2015 progresses, hiring managers should emphasise work-life balance and cultural fit rather than focusing only on salary.”