Earnings for information technology staff have risen by 6.3 per cent since 1995, while the average starting salary for computer graduates is now £14,750, new figures have shown. Computer Placement Ltd, which opened new recruitment offices in Dublin yesterday, said that computer specialists are now earning more than ever before, and are setting up their own businesses at an earlier age.

It also found that average rates of pay to computer contractors has increased, with many earning over £1,000 a week. Starting salaries are highest in the services sector.