With the economic recession easing its grip, a survey shows American companies are planning to hire more employees in the new year with IT and financial sector leading the pack.

According to an HR consultancy CareerBuilder's study, about 20 per cent of employers plan to increase their number of full-time employees in 2010, up against 14 per cent last year. While, only 9 per cent said they plan to cut head count next year, down from 16 per cent in 2009.

"Although 20 per cent of employers plan to add head count in 2010, compared to 14 per cent last year, they still remain cautious in regards to their hiring. We're headed in the right direction but should not expect to see actual job growth until at least Q2 in 2010," CareerBuilder CEO Matt Ferguson said.

One-third of employers plan to strengthen their workforce in technology sector, while 28 per cent plans to add workers in customer service, followed by 23 per cent in sales. Employers are considering to hire workers in research/development, business development, accounting/finance and marketing sectors. The companies are not only hiring workers they are also planning to slightly increase their salaries in the coming year.

The survey revealed that 57 per cent of employers would increase salaries for existing employees in 2010, down from 65 per cent in 2009. While, about 36 per cent plans to raise salaries by 3 per cent or more, while, 11 per cent anticipate increases of 5 per cent or more.

About 29 per cent of employers plan to increase salaries on initial offers to new employees, down from 33 per cent in 2009. The survey was conducted within the US by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder amongst more than 2,700 hiring managers and human resource professionals across industries