New Grad Career Center

Good news for those college grads: Hiring is up from last year, and so are starting salaries.

In the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Spring 2005 Salary Survey, decision-makers from human resources departments across the country weighed in on the top ten jobs offered most frequently this year--and the outlook is bright. Not only has hiring increased 13.1 percent since spring 2004, but salary offers to new college graduates are also on the upswing.

"Employers tell us that the economy is improving, so more positions are open for new college graduates," explains Andrea J. Koncz, NACE's employment information manager. Majors topping the list also boast significant annual earnings boosts--accounting ($44,564), management trainee ($35,811), software design & development ($53,729), and design/construction engineering ($47,058).

2004-05 Starting Salaries for Top Ten Jobs

Accounting: $44,564
Entry-Level Management: $35,811
Teaching: $29,733
Consulting: $49,781
Sales: $37,130
Financial/Treasury Analysis: $45,596
Software Design & Development: $53,729
Design/Construction Engineering: $47,058
Registered Nurse: $38,774

Source: Spring 2005 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers. Written by Gina LaGuardia All data is for bachelor's degree candidates. Rankings are based on number of offers reported