CTO compensation will decline at least 3% in 2009 salary survey?

Computerworld's annual salary survey has tracked IT compensation since the mid-1980s. Last year, chief technology officers who responded to the survey reported a modest 1.5% rise in total compensation, the second-lowest showing among the senior IT management categories.

The results could have been much worse, had the survey ended later in the year. The results were reported in November 2008, but the actual survey was conducted in May, June and July -- months before the bottom fell out of the U.S. economy.

For the 2009 salary survey, senior-level IT managers are feeling the pain. Layoffs have spread through the economy as revenues have slipped, companies shutter underperforming brands, and firms file for bankruptcy protection. IT Projects are stumbling, and the use of tech freelancers is rising as firms put off hiring full-time employees. There is a glut of talent in the job market, which puts downward pressure on salaries. Moreover, bonuses and salaries have been reduced as companies tighten their belts and attempt to ride out the recession.

Prediction: The average CTO's "total compensation" listed in the 2009 Computerworld Salary Survey will show a decline of 3% or more from 2008. This represents a drop of nearly $5,000 from $165,304 listed in 2008. Survey results will be released in November 2009. 

Image: Tracy O, Flickr/creative commons license