Australian employers offer premium pay for in-demand skills

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Australian employers are boosting salaries by up to 31% above market rates in order to attract and retain top talent, reports recruitment firm Robert Half. 

Robert Half’s survey of 300 business leaders reveals strong demand for management and leadership skills, which command premiums up to 37%.

Project and program management expertise is the most lucrative, with salary boosts potentially reaching 31%, although only 11% of employers currently offer such enticements.

There’s also a 23% salary premium for a candidate with customer service skills while 25% for employee relations skills. Thirteen percent of employers are willing to offer such salaries for both expertise.

“Employers recognise that candidates who hold these highly sought-after skills bring a unique edge to their organisation and enable it to thrive in times of rapid change,” said Robert Half Director Nicole Gorton.

The research also indicates 8% of employers are flexible about the required education, with 29% open to overlooking industry experience, 28% lenient on years of experience, and 14% willing to forgo certification requirements for the right candidate.

However, certifications remain vital for technology and other regulated roles. 

– Finance and accounting (75%)

– Financial accounting and business advisory (70%)

– Management accounting and strategic financial management (64%)

– Security, privacy and compliance (64%)

– Taxation (62%)

– Risk management, governance and control (54%)

Gorton concluded, “Certifications still provide tangible proof that a candidate has expertise in key areas, which is particularly necessary for industries such as finance and technology, as they require a high degree of accuracy and regulatory compliance.”