Agency executives can expect better compensation packages and an average net gain of three new hires in 2006, according to the Advertising Age Salary Survey, writes AdAge (via MediaBuyerPlanner). Raises look to be in the area of 4 to 6 percent, with year-end bonuses around 3-7 percent of base pay for non-management and 10-12 percent for management positions. Moreover, agencies are seeking interactive personnel who have experience in both traditional and new media platforms.

"A person with two to three years experience in this area can easily double their pay," Drew Neisser, president-CEO of Renegade Marketing Group, is quoted as saying.

The survey also documents that the ad industry gender gap continues to exist, leaving women with less pay than men in the same job positions.

The survey looked at 172 agencies, 85 percent of which forecast revenue growth in 2006. Of those, 46 percent expected growth to reach 10 percent or more.

The optimistic outlook clashes with that of both Merrill Lynch and ZenithOptimedia, which have lowered their ad forecasts for 2006.