Average Starting Salary for Graduates Increases by Nearly 5 Percent

The average starting salary to the college class of 2011 is up 4.8 percent from last year, according to a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

The overall average salary is $51,018, up nearly $2,500 from last summer, according to the summer issue of NACE’s Salary Survey. The average salary increased for the third consecutive quarter.

In comparison, all 2010 issues of the Salary Survey showed losses over 2009.

“The steady increases in starting salary offers we’re seeing this year is a good indication that the job market for new college graduates is gathering strength,” Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director, said in a statement.

Among the disciplines that saw their average offer change, more than 82 percent reported an increase in average offer.

Accounting majors saw a 2 percent increase in average salary to $49,671. Among other business disciplines, business administration graduates posted a 2.2 percent increase, economics graduates saw a 6 percent increase and finance graduates posted a 4 percent increase.