The 2014 Robert Half Salary Guide shows that Middle East starting salaries for professional occupations are projected to increase an average of 3.8 per cent next year. Accounting and finance positions are expected to see the largest gains among all fields researched, with an anticipated 5.0 per cent increase in the average salary for newly hired workers. Technology professionals can expect starting salaries to rise an average of 4.6 per cent, according to the research. Gareth El Mettouri, Associate Director, Robert Half Middle East said, "The job market for experienced professionals across the Middle East has tightened. What was proving to be a shallow talent pool has further diminished, leaving companies struggling to find local talent and often turning to expatriates to fill critical roles. “While we have not returned to a climate where double digit salary increases are the norm, businesses are looking at their compensation and adjusting levels to both attract and retain the market’s top talent. Periodically benchmarking salaries against industry averages will help businesses remain competitive as they look to grow their operations in 2014.”
