CIOs who want better pay should move to Germany

UK CIO salaries are low because of the devaluation of the pound and higher UK taxes

CIOs in Germany get paid the most

CIOs looking for a big pay packet should move to Germany, as this was the country with the highest CIO salaries last year according to a report from Harvey Nash/PA Consulting Group.

The report, which interviewed 2,655 senior IT professionals from around the world found that German CIOs are paid an average base salary of £118,459 per annum, with US based CIOs paid £111 093, by comparison with CIOs in the UK on £92,812. The global average is £100,679 a year.

The comparatively low UK CIO salary, attributed to the devaluation of the pound and higher UK taxes, could result in some of the most talented in the sector moving abroad, according to the report.

Some 43 per cent of CIOs questioned expect to be in a new job within 24 months.

Albert Ellis, Chief Executive of Harvey Nash said: “CEOs should not confuse CIO success with CIO job satisfaction and, as companies come out of recession, it is becoming increasingly important that they proactively engage, develop and retain their top IT talent.”

The report also revealed that 71 per cent of CIOs felt that their role had become more strategic following the recession, and over half now sit on the operational board for their companies.

Some 75 per cent of those questioned said that they had demonstrated cost savings and operational efficiencies to their CEO in the last twelve months.