A/E salary increases smaller in 2008

Architectural/engineering firms are predicting a median salary increase of 4.0% for 2008, according to a report from Natick, Mass.-based ZweigWhite, down from 2007's actual increase of 4.3%. In “2008 Policies, Procedures & Benefits Survey of Architecture, Engineering, Planning & Environmental Consulting Firms,” ZweigWhite analysts report that most firms surveyed (80%) include pay increases in their annual budgets, and nearly all firms that have a formal salary review processes (92%) do so on an annual basis.

Other findings from the report show the majority of firms (57%) require employees to contribute to health insurance premiums—typically $78 per month for employee-only coverage and $302 for employee and family coverage. While health insurance costs continue to skyrocket, many firms (72%) are now offering employees flexible spending accounts to help offset these costs.

Other benefits firms are more likely to offer now than five years ago include domestic partner benefits, the ability to work from home, and employee assistance programs. Also, according to the survey report, about a quarter of firms (24%) provide employees with a track for advancement-defined paths employees can follow to grow in the firm.

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