Increases in total compensation were reported by 44 percent of executives, according to the 2013 Executive Compensation Survey released today by BlueSteps, a service of the Association of Executive Search Consultants. It also found that 16 percent reported a decrease in total compensation.

Of executives surveyed who reported a rise in total compensation, 41.8 percent reported an increase of one to five percent; 26.6 percent of executives had an increase of six to 10 percent; and 10 percent reported increases above 20 percent.

The average C-suite base salary among global executives surveyed decreased 8.8 percent year-over year to 2013 from 2012, while director level (non-board) middle management salaries increased 4.6 percent during the same period.

“Revenue expectations, headcount reductions and other challenges have put major strains on this level of executive,” said Peter Felix, president and CEO of AESC. “Boards and top management should be concerned when the executive talent shortage hits harder in the post-recession phase and executive mobility picks up.”

The report found the largest percentage, 26.5 percent, of director-level global executives and above earn an annual base salary between $151,000 and $200,000; only 2.4 percent earn an annual base salary above $500,000.

The AESC BlueSteps survey of 778 executives was conducted in September 2013 and included responses from BlueSteps member executives worldwide, including 53 percent from the Americas; 35 percent from Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and 12 percent from Asia/Pacific.