Executive and managerial salaries increased by an average of 6.32 per cent in the year to August 2005, according to a new report. Inflation during the same period was 2.3 per cent.

Bonus incentive schemes diminished slightly in value when compared to the previous year, according to Inbucon, the human resources consulting group. Fringe benefits were also slightly less significant.

Inbucon analysed the pay and benefits of 3,224 executives in 143 Irish and multinational companies. The survey confirmed previous findings that levels of remuneration were influenced principally by the size of the employer.

It found that middle management did best during the period, receiving an overall annual increase of 6.4 per cent, followed by managers of major functions, who received average increases of 6.25 per cent. Managing directors received an average 6.09 per cent increase. Senior and junior administrative and secretarial staff received 5.64 per cent and 4.99 per cent respectively.

Managing directors received an average salary of €160,193, compared to €135,351 for directors of finance and €130,064 for chief operating officers. On total remuneration, managing directors earned an average of €208,444 and finance directors €168,434.

Chief operations officers earned an average of €165,471; marketing directors €153,228; and IT directors €152,548.

Regional differences were noted in the survey, with executives in Dublin earning more than their counterparts elsewhere.