CARY, N.C. and Fort Collins, Colo. - Global Knowledge, worldwide leader in IT and business training, and Windows IT Pro, the leading independent community for Microsoft Windows IT professionals covering tech industry trends, today announced the availability of the 2013 IT Skills and Salary Report. The report is based on input from nearly 12,000 IT and business professionals in North America who responded to the 2013 IT Skills and Salary Survey, which was the sixth by Global Knowledge and the first in partnership with Windows IT Pro.

Among the key findings in this year's IT salary survey report:

Training and Certifications Impact Salary

More often than not, respondents reported that gaining new skills meant earning more money. Higher raises were likely for those who trained as well as for those who earned a certification within the previous 12 months.

Compensation is Increasing

Sixty-five percent of survey respondents reported receiving a raise in the past year-two percent more than in the previous year's survey and much improved from the low point of 43 percent in 2010. Further, nearly half of this year's respondents reported they received a bonus.

Job Satisfaction Is Holding Steady

Fifty-eight percent of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their position. That percentage is consistent with last year (60 percent) and a significant increase from percentages in the low 40s the previous two years.

Conditions Are Improving for Most

Consistent with last year's survey results, nearly 80 percent of this year's survey respondents said IT and business projects are being initiated or resumed at their organizations. That number is even higher (88 percent) in companies reporting solid growth. Further, more than half (53 percent) of this year's respondents said business conditions their companies face are improving (39 percent) or good (14 percent).

The 2013 IT Skills and Salary Survey was conducted online from September 10 to October 19, 2012. The survey yielded more than 23,800 completed responses worldwide, with nearly 12,000 coming from the United States and Canada.

About Global Knowledge

Global Knowledge is the worldwide leader in IT and business skills training, with more than 1,500 courses that span foundational and specialized training and certifications. Our core training is focused on Cisco, Microsoft, Avaya, VMware, Red Hat, business process improvement, and leadership development. We deliver via training centers, private facilities, and the Internet, enabling our customers to choose when, where, and how they want to receive training programs and learning services.

Founded in 1995, Global Knowledge employs more than 1,300 people worldwide and is headquartered in Cary, NC. The company is owned by New York-based investment firm MidOcean Partners. Learn more at www.globalknowledge.com.

About Windows IT Pro

Windows IT Pro is an independent online community serving the information and education needs of IT professionals. Windows IT Pro is a cornerstone of the Penton Technology Group-an ecosystem of technology-focused communities that serve Microsoft and IBM IT professionals and developers and IT channel companies. Learn more at windowsitpro.com.