Hunter recruitment firm,GWG, has launched its 2020 Newcastle Salary Guide, providing a detailed view of permanent and contract salaries across more than 300 positions and 14 sectors.
The guide is a high-value tool for local employers, employees, and job seekers alike, providing key insights and salary data relevant to Newcastle and the Hunter Region.
GWG’s Executive Director, James Grierson, said that this guide is a way to answer commonly asked questions and give a good overview of the current industry landscape.
“We are regularly asked by clients and jobseekers for salary information specific to our region, rather than just a Newcastle version of a Sydney guide,” James said.
“The 2020 Newcastle Salary guide is just that-it’s a local guide, specifically developed for our area-benchmarking salaries across all sectors and positions, including permanent and contracting.”
Designed for hiring managers, professionals and job seekers, the data is based on placements, research, and insights from thousands of local candidates and clients.
“We’ve developed both a downloadable PDF and interactive online version that will be updated regularly and highly accessible. It’s easy to access, there’s no registration process or forms to fill out, just click and download.”
“We will expand the guide in the near future to include more information and guidance on workplace remuneration and packaging.”
GWG’s CEO, Julie Gearie, explained that the salary guide also examines some of the key economic issues that will influence the employment landscape in Newcastle as regional and national economies emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year we have seen particular vulnerabilities emerge in the retail trade, food and accommodation, and arts and recreation industries as cash-flow and customer bases recede,” she said.
“Despite this contraction, however, salaries and contracting rates in the region have remained steady to date.”
Julie noted that whilst many companies are choosing to hold off on planned pay increases as they navigate uncertainty, there are some clear salary upsides for roles in high demand.
“Project managers, business analysts, software developers and cyber-security specialists-all critical positions for businesses seeking not just to survive, but to thrive, are just some of the roles benefiting from this demand, both in salaries and in contracting rates.”
“Strong employment opportunities are emerging in the digital, logistics, and finance and accounting sectors in Newcastle and the Hunter, while a healthy construction pipeline sees persistent growth in engineering and other contracted services.
“Enhanced focus on forward planning as businesses navigate rapid change has seen new opportunities emerge in the areas of risk and legal; and we continue to see renewal in the disability, aged care and IT sectors.”
Another insight Julie referenced is the changes to employment benefits and contracting.
“Companies are finding novel ways to offset constraints on salary pressures and are extending benefits like flexible hours and working-from-home as many industries rapidly embrace digital transformation.”
“We expect to see more creativity in remuneration and benefits packages as industries adapt to a changing environment with cautious optimism.
“Demand for contracting has increased locally, especially for shorter contracts requiring highly-specialised talent-an indicator of how companies are responding to an uncertain environment.
The gap between Sydney and Newcastle is narrowing, with benefits playing out in both directions,” Julie said.
“While emerging specialist industries offer growth opportunities for the region, the M1 tax continues to pose a significant challenge to those of us at the Hunter end of the freeway,” Julie added.
“Salaries in Newcastle are still roughly 20 per centlower than comparable packages in Sydney, and with growing acceptance of working-from-home, home-grown talent now has easy access to these higher rates of pay.
“While Newcastle is at risk of losing talent to Sydney and other capital cities, we are also seeing a simultaneous shift towards deeper specialisation and shorter delivery on contracts in the region as companies attempt to mitigate the risks associated with critical projects.”
Julie is cautiously positive about the employment and economic outlook for the region.
“Prominent local industries are largely resilient including community services, construction, healthcare, mining, logistics, utilities, resources, finance and banking, and food and agriculture.”
“Significant infrastructure investment will continue to generate economic and employment benefits for the region in the mid-to long-term, solidifying Newcastle’s position as the gateway to regional NSW.”
“Our emerging industries like advanced manufacturing, defence, medical technology and pharmaceuticals are growth areas with plenty of upsides for employment and salaries.”
For the full salary guide and more insights, you can download the 2020 Newcastle Salary Guide on GWG’s website.
IMAGE | GWG CEO, Julie Gearie and GWG Executive Director, James Grierson (left-right)
