Computerworld

What can NZ tech professionals expect from their pay package in 2015?

ICT companies across New Zealand are working harder than ever to attract and retain high quality tech talent, with new tech professionals widely tipped to expect more from their pay package this year.

ICT companies across New Zealand are working harder than ever to attract and retain high quality tech talent, with new tech professionals widely tipped to expect more from their pay package this year.

But according to industry experts Absolute IT, they’re not only relying on higher salaries, but are creating pay packages that include additional benefits such as extra annual leave, health care plans and flexible working hours.

Releasing its six-monthly Remuneration Report , after surveying over 35,000 anonymous submissions, Absolute IT reports “notable improvements” when looking back and comparing figures from the last 6-12months.

“A key take-out is the significant number of non-financial benefits IT job seekers are now receiving as part of their salary packages,” says Grant Burley, Director, Absolute IT.

Up 18%, Burley reports that 66% of IT professionals in New Zealand are receiving some form of additional benefit as part of their remuneration package, compared with this time last year.

There has also been a 3% increase in the national base median salary, up to $82,500.

“Our latest Tech Remuneration Report shows that NZ tech companies have been listening to what tech professionals want and are offering some of the best pay packages on record,” Burley adds.

What makes the best IT job package?

With New Zealand tech companies struggling to compete internationally with base salary, most IT jobs now provide a total package.

Burley believes it's becoming increasingly important to provide staff with not only a secure job, but a healthy work/life balance, with a significant rise in professionals across all industries liberating themselves from the traditional fixed work hours, which can be credited to the digital age revolutionising the way we work.

“Employers are finding other ways to entice talent; mainly through additional benefits such as mobile phone allowances, health care plans, car parking, company paid training and flexible work hours,” Burley adds.

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In Absolute IT’s latest Job Seeker Survey 41% of IT job seeker stated flexible working hours as the top non-financial benefit they would appreciate from their employer.

“The good news is,” adds Burley, “it would appear employers are listening. “33% of IT professionals are now receiving flexible working hours as part of their salary package, a 6 percent increase on figures taken six months ago

“There has been a significant increase in benefits across the board since June this year.”

How the regions compare

Across New Zealand, every region has seen an increase in the number of IT jobs that include both additional benefits and bonuses.

With Auckland taking out the top spot for IT professionals to nab themselves some additional benefits and a bonus as part of their salary package, and Wellington offering the highest median base salary and bonus at $90,000 and $7000 respectively.

Public vs. Private

“When it comes to working in the public vs. private sector, it's no surprise that private companies are in a better position to provide IT professionals with additional benefits and added bonuses,” Burley adds.

Throughout the country, 56% of IT professionals in the public sector receive benefits, compared to a slightly larger 70% of IT professionals working for a private company over 100+ staff.

The biggest difference is when it comes to annual bonuses - only 6% of public sector staff receive a bonus compared to 33% of IT professionals working for a large private business.