Salary increases in the Kansas City area this year averaged an estimated 1.8 percent, according to the Society for Human Resource Management of Greater Kansas City.

According to the new survey, workers will fare only slightly better in 2010. The survey projects salary ranges to go up by an average of 2.1 percent next year.

In 2008, the local average increase in salary ranges was 3 percent.

The HR group said the survey represented 80 area employers and about 28,800 employees.

In general, the best raises are being dished out this year in the smaller companies. Those with 100 or fewer employees reported overall higher average pay increases planned — 2.2 percent — than those with 1,000 or more employees — 1.3 percent.

Averages, of course, tell only part of the wage story. Planned compensation increases this year ranged from zero to 7.5 percent.

Broadly, unionized workers in local government are faring best, averaging a 3.9 percent bump in salary range.

The figures were collected in March and compiled by FBD Consulting, a human resource consulting company in Overland Park. The survey is available for purchase online at www.shrm-kc.org/.

Results indicated that most employers use annual, fixed-date raise practices rather than variable timing for individual employees.

The survey also revealed that about one-fourth of evening shift workers and about one-third of night shift workers do not receive a pay differential.

Overtime reductions, hiring freezes and reductions in force were the practices most often employed this year to hold down payroll costs, the survey showed.

To reach Diane Stafford, call 816-234-4359 or send e-mail to stafford@kcstar.com.

Source: kansascity.com