Approximately 75 percent of the employers responding to NACE’s Job Outlook 2006 report said they plan to raise starting salary offers to those graduating with bachelor's degrees. On average, respondents projected a 3.7 percent increase.

In December, NACE said that the college Class of 2006 will enjoy the best job market in four years, with employers expecting to hire 14.5 percent more new college graduates in 2005-2006 than they hired in 2004-05.

"Salaries vary, depending on degree, type of job, type of employer, and other factors, but the increase reaffirms the positive job outlook for this year's class of college graduates," said Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.

At the same time, however, most employers said they don't expect to offer signing bonuses -- a "pot sweetener" that employers have used in the past to woo job candidates. Just under 44 percent of respondents reported plans to offer signing bonuses with 2006 graduates.