Media Release

Survey Reveals Public Sector Salaries Rising

ACS Remuneration Survey: 4.0% salary increase overall, 4.6% for public sector

Thursday, 18 June 2009 – The annual survey of Australian Computer Society (ACS) members, the nation’s peak body for Information & Communication Technology (ICT) professionals, revealed today that the salaries of ICT professionals have slowed on average over the twelve months to May 2009, however public sector salaries experienced the greatest rise in the rate of increase.

The 2009 survey encompasses the 12 month period to May 2009 and was conducted for the ACS by the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia (APESMA).

Remuneration paid to ICT professionals across the twelve month period was up 4%, which was down on the previous year’s increase of 4.9%. The 2009 Australian Computer Society Remuneration Survey recorded a 3.9% increase for those employed in the private sector; this is a 1.2% decline from 2008 salary results. The public sector remuneration remained strong with an increase of 4.6%, a rise from last year’s 4.1%, and education sector employees reported an average increase of 3.5%.

TABLE: Average Annual % Increase in ICT Salaries 1997- 2009



In real terms, the salaries of the majority of ICT professionals have increased marginally faster than general cost of living increases in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.5% over much the same period.

Chief Information Officers and General Management roles were reported to be the most lucrative positions based on total remuneration packages, where a total package is defined as comprising the value of base salary, bonuses, superannuation and the value of fringe benefits such as motor vehicles.

Other key findings of the 2009 Remuneration Survey included:

• In relative terms, the incomes of ICT professionals were only just keeping pace with most other technical professional employees who reported increases over a corresponding period in the order of 5%.

• In the twelve months to February 2009, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported Australian Average Weekly Earnings increasing by 5.9%.

• Salary increase per industry are as follows:



• Salaries by job function are as follows:

JOB FUNCTION (ANZSCO) BY TOTAL PACKAGE VALUE 2008 - 2009*



ACS Chairman, Kumar Parakala said the incomes of ICT professionals employed in the private sector were increasing more slowly than other professionals employed in the industry due to the impact of the global financial crisis.

“As business and government organisations tighten their belts in response to the global financial crisis, tech budgets are being cut and major projects are being delayed or put on hold. Whilst public sector employees have enjoyed an increase in salaries over the past twelve months, employees in the private sector have felt the greatest impact. Salary levels have however performed positively over the past two years, with all but three job functions experiencing a rise in remuneration packages.

“Looking ahead and at the outcomes of the Federal Budget a number of infrastructure programs have been put in place and investment in R&D has been allocated, which will have a positive impact on ICT employment and salaries. The investment of $3.1 billion in public and private sector research and development over the next four years will accelerate the growth of high-tech jobs and the initial investment of $4.7 billion in our National Broadband Network will require specific skills sets and will create over 55, 000 jobs.

“An economic slowdown can also present an opportunity for both employers and individuals to take time out to retrain or improve their skill set / the skill set of their staff.
The ACS sees the economic downturn as a potential opportunity for those in the industry to further develop their skills by engaging in professional development, and to attain professional accreditation which will enable their skill set to be recognised globally.

“Given the commitment of the Federal Government to spend large to significantly invest in upgrading Australia’s ICT infrastructure capacity, the inevitable ongoing demand for qualified and experienced ICT specialists, salaries in the ICT sector can be expected to remain moderate across the board over the next 12 months”, said Mr Parakala.

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Media information:
Emily Venardos (02) 9270 0200 or mobile: 0413 743 737
Fleur Brown (02) 9270 0241 or mobile: 0419 270 863

About the ACS:
The ACS (Australian Computer Society) is the recognised professional association for those working in Information and Communications Technology, seeking to raise the standing of ICT professionals and represent their views to government, industry and the community. A member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the ICT sector, committed to ensuring the beneficial use of ICT for all Australians. It provides both members and non-members with opportunities for professional education, networking and certification, as well as enabling them to contribute to the development of their profession. Visit www.acs.org.au for more.

ACS Remuneration Survey Report
The ACS Remuneration Survey Report is compiled annually by the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists & Managers, Australia. The 116 page report details earnings across a wide range of factors such as experience, industry, job function and qualification based on responses from around 1500 computer professionals. The survey report has been published since 1993.

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