Employers across Australia are willing to pay a premium to new hires if it means securing the skills and expertise they require, according to research from Robert Half.

The research showed candidates may receive a salary offer of up to 31% more than market rates, depending on the skills, certifications and experience employers are looking for across finance, technology and business support functions.

Project and programme management skills can command the highest salary premium of almost a third (31%) more than market rate. However, only 11% of employers are willing to offer a higher salary to candidates who hold those skills.

Meanwhile, 37% of employers are willing to pay a premium to a candidate if they hold leadership or management expertise, revealing it is the skill most in demand. Candidates with such experience may be able to command a salary 26% higher than market rate.

“Employers recognise that candidates who hold these highly sought-after skills bring a unique edge to their organisation and enable it to thrive in times of rapid change,” said Nicole Gorton, Director at Robert Half.

“These types of premiums and salary increase are not on offer to everyone,” Gorton said. “Business leaders are looking for staff who can propel innovation and swiftly adapt to changing conditions. They are willing to pay a salary premium because of the pivotal role the candidate will play in steering companies towards growth as well as maintaining a distinct competitive edge. Employers see the salary premiums as an investment in amplifying efficiencies, reshaping outcomes and securing a prosperous future.”

At the same time, employers are willing to bend on some criteria. Employers recognise that it may be hard to source candidates that tick every box listed on their job description and are willing to be flexible with certain experience and certifications, if the candidate still provides advantages in other areas.    

Nearly a third (29%) of employers will bend on specific industry experience while 28% of employers will be flexible with regards to number of years of experience. Meanwhile, 14% of employers are prepared to be flexible about certifications and 8% of employers will be flexible about the required education.

Gorton continued, “Employers recognise that the right skills not only enable employees to fulfil the basic requirements of the position but can invigorate a team and elevate projects. Therefore, employers are open to hiring candidates who hold the right skill set, even if their experience in the industry is relatively limited.”