Harnham’s Salary Survey 2013 found that 55% of professionals saw salaries increase by more than double inflation in 2012 while 40% of respondents’ salaries stayed the same as the previous year.

The survey also found that 78% of respondents received a bonus in 2012 with the average bonus being 14% above base salary.

In the marketing and insight segment, the second half of 2012 and 213 so far have been the busiest in recruitment “for some time” leading to broad range of salaries as companies engaged in “bidding-war” type situations as they looked to recruit “well-rounded professionals, in possession of advanced statistical skills, complements but strong commercial awareness”.

Salaries for an entry-level market researcher were between £28,000 and £32,000 while a senior manager could earn up to £85,000.

Harnham said that senior analysts in the £45,000 to £65,000 salary bracket were among the highest in demand with a marked increase in the number of data strategy vacancies, data planners and consultants.

In addition, the survey found that there was continued demand for online analytics skills especially for individuals with experience in Omniture and Google Analytics.

The report commented: “This market poses the challenge of sourcing individuals who can offer strong technical skills combined with well developed communication skills that are supported by a good level of commercial awareness.”