The report said: “The online market place pays relatively average salaries until candidates become involved in the strategy side of the websites/portals (3-5 years experience) where there is a dramatic increase.

“Financial rewards are only one of a basket of motivations, the others being job satisfaction, respect for the employer/enterprise, the leadership/management of the organisation, team dynamics, the organisations culture, the physical working environment, the location or commute, the training, career progression and corporate ethics.

“However if employees are not given responsibility and recognition they can feel undervalued and therefore financial rewards become a focus.

“Money itself is rarely a reason to move on it's own - it is usually a symptom of dissatisfaction.

“Employees want responsibility and recognition and if these are lacking they can feel undervalued and therefore financial rewards move up the scale of what is important to them.”

The consumer sector’s salaries starts off very low due to the high supply of candidates, as the glossy magazines are highly attractive for the more junior candidates. PFJ says that once the candidates have made progression and gained specific sector knowledge then they become more valuable and can demand relatively high salaries.

The survey showed business-to-business as much more consistent, with a steady climb up the ladder - and it is always tempting for local press people due to the higher salary.