What department’s getting the biggest pay bump in 2013?

According to these numbers, it’s not Finance!

Though we’re still a few weeks away from 2013, research already gives an indicator of what compensation will look like next year. When it comes to specific industries, Robert Half International’s 2013 Salary Guide shows that pay in the tech sector is expected to see the greatest pay bump next year, with an average increase of 5.3%. Mobile-app developers in particular will see a salary increase of 9% on average.

And according to a number of studies, the average base employee pay increase is likely to be around 3%, a slight increase from many estimates in previous years.

Accounting and Finance employees can expect to see a 3.3% increase, and admin and office support pros can expect to see an increase of 3.5%.

Top-performers will see continuing trend

A report from WorldatWork found that giving top performers the largest portion of salary increases is a trend that will continue into 2013. WorldatWork’s Kerry Chou said top performers can expect to see pay raises that are roughly 50% greater than average workers.

But if your company’s pay is likely to remain frozen for next year – and you wouldn’t be alone – then consider rewarding employees in other ways. A recent study by Glassdoor highlights employees’ top work-related resolutions for 2013. Aside from a salary raise, employees would also like to:

• Develop leadership skills
• Improve their performance, and
• Attend work-related training.

Do these 2013 percentages seem consistent with your company’s compensation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.