Modest salary growth expected for CIOs and CTOs in 2016

CIOs and CTOs in Adelaide and Brisbane can expect a potential modest pay rise this year, while Melbourne IT leaders to see similar payment schemes to 2015.

According to the Robert Walters 2016 Global Salary Survey, which included the CIO salary predictions for the three capital cities, Brisbane CIOs will see the largest of the modest rises in salary for permanent job roles, growing from $170K-$220K per year to $180K-$250K.

Though Brisbane is expected to see the largest increase, the city's salaries are relatively low compared to Melbourne and Adelaide. Melbourne employers will maintain the $180K-$300K margin for CIOs from 2015, while Adelaide CIOs most likely to be paid higher salaries with a new $195K-$300K range (up from last year’s $295K maximum). Specific salaries for CIOs in remaining capital cities were not included in the report.

IT specialists are expected to see a boost in their salaries and are in demand around the world, the survey found. This is due to digital technology becoming embedded across industry sectors. Markets like the UK, China, Hong Kong and Singapore are expected to increase salary offers for specialist skills by up to 25 per cent this year.

“This year the use of big data and analytics will continue to grow in significance across all sectors, where IT operations analytics prove to be the best way to support complex customer-facing applications and services. This means IT professionals with experience in both areas will be at a premium in 2016,” the report reads.

“As companies continue to streamline their online presence and derive value from data, software engineers and developers will grow in value. The cloud … will continue to expand in 2016, as will calls for business intelligence and big data expertise.”

In Australia, web and app developers in particular can expect increases of up to $30,000.

Also noted was the growing demand for specific IT security skills globally, as many organisations are developing business plans to include cyber security.

These include security information and event management (SIEM) across Managed Services Providers and the financial sector; application and web-based security skills in retail and media; and senior level penetration testers who can link pen testing and hacking risks to security consulting.

“In Australia, skilled workers in these areas increasingly have the upper hand and are able to choose their next role based on company culture, work/life balance, career progression and development opportunities, and not just a good salary offer”, said Robert Walters managing director, James Nicholson.

Nicholson noted that Australian employers are also seeking out candidates with commercial nous, communication skills and Australian market experience.

“Some candidates without these specialist skills may need to adjust their salary expectations if they are looking to move roles.

“To attract and retain quality IT talent, Australian companies must develop a business level strategy to provide opportunities for their employees to grow and develop in line with emerging trends and technologies.”