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Washington State technology salaries climbing

October 17, 2005 /

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More good news for the Puget Sound area’s economy: Competition for technology-sector workers is heating up.

Average salaries for Washington technology workers surged 8 percent this year, the biggest increase in five years, according to a new survey by PayScale for the WSA (formerly the Washington Software Alliance), the state’s oldest technology trade association.

"Clearly the work force is mobile again and companies have to pay a premium to attract qualified talent," said Fred Whittlesey, chief compensation officer at PayScale.

In recent years, tech salaries have barely kept pace with inflation while many companies froze hiring and trimmed employee benefits to compensate for sagging sales.

But the 2005 survey is solid evidence that the sector is again thriving. The unexpected 8 percent jump more than doubled WSA’s forecast of a 3.8 percent increase.

"I’m hearing from headhunters that they can’t fill all the hiring requests they’re getting," said WSA President Kathy Wilcox.

By Josh Goodman

Seattle Times business reporter

Full Story: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002565431_bttechsalary17.html