Starting salaries for professional occupations in the U.S. are projected to increase by an average of 3.7 percent next year, according to the 2014 Salary Guides from Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI) released today.

Technology positions are expected to see the largest gains among all fields researched, and accounting and finance professionals will follow with the next highest.

Here are Robert Half’s findings by industry: 

• Technology: Overall, base compensation for information technology professionals is expected to increase 5.6 percent in the coming year. Mobile applications and software developers are in particularly strong demand. Business intelligence analysts also can expect to see higher than average salary increases.
• Accounting and finance: The average starting salary for a newly hired accounting and finance professional is forecast to rise 3.4 percent next year. Financial and business systems analysts are in demand. The market for internal auditors and entry-level accountants also has strengthened.
• Creative and marketing: Professionals in creative fields can expect average starting salary gains of 3.3 percent in 2014. The shortage of creative talent with digital and mobile expertise continues, with user experience and mobile designers in particular demand.
• Legal: Starting salaries for positions in the United States are anticipated to rise 2.7 percent, on average, in the coming year. Mid- and senior-level associates are sought by law firms looking to expand lucrative practice groups or invest in new service offerings.
• Administrative and office support: Overall starting salaries for administrative professionals are expected to rise 3.3 percent in 2014. Executive and administrative assistants and customer service managers are in particular demand. Support staff are also needed in the healthcare field and in human resources.