2012 Grads Head Into Better Job Market

April 26, 2012 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The college graduating class of 2012 is heading into a better job market than alumni of the previous three years.

According to a study from CareerBuilder and CareerRookie.com, more than half of employers (54%) reported they plan to hire recent college graduates in 2012, up from 46% in 2011, 44% in 2010 and 43% in 2009.

“This is the first time since the recession that we’re seeing a majority of employers planning to add recent college graduates to their employee roster,” said Brent Rasmussen, president of CareerBuilder North America. “Companies across industries are placing a strong emphasis on recruiting fresh talent for technology-related roles and positions designed to drive revenue - and they’re willing to pay more for high-skill, educated labor.”

How Much Will College Grads Likely Earn? 

Of those who plan to hire recent college graduates, 29% expect to offer higher starting salaries than they did in 2011. While employers were most likely to report that they would pay between $30,000 and $40,000, a significant portion will extend offers exceeding $50,000.

•  Less than $30,000—20%;

•  $30,000 to less than $40,000—30%;

•  40,000 to less than $50,000—21%; and

•  $50,000 and higher—28%.