According to the consulting firm Hewitt, average salary increases for salaried employees in 2004 are about the same as 2003 and are among the lowest increases ever measured in 28 years, based on a national survey of 1,185 companies. Nationally, the average increase was 3.4% in 2004, as it was it 2003. Boston's estimate was the same as the national rate for 2004, and is projected to be slightly higher in 2005. These data are only for non-executive salaried employees for whom overtime pay is not required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The table below summarizes the data.

For more information, see the press release and a city-by-city comparison (pdf). September 8, 2004.

See also the Economy Sector of the Boston Indicators Report.