WorldatWork, a global human resource association, recently published its latest list of the most likely metro areas in which workers should expect a raise.

Data collected in April 2009 revealed that 77%of companies in Washington DC are giving employees raises that are on average 2.3%, putting it at the top of the list for career-driven individuals.

Coming out second was Tampa, Florida, where 79% of businesses were giving raises,but only at 2.2 % of the employee's salary.

Baltimore came in at the bottom of the list with a promising 75% of companies giving raises but only at 2.1%.

The WorldatWork team determined these figures by looking at several factors, the most significant being population and employee base.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its employment cost index that outlines total compensation costs for civilian workers.

From March to June 2009, the compensation costs increased 0.4%.

However, the career field that way the highest minimum significant change from May to June 2009 was that of ambulatory health care services, reporting an increase of 12.4 %.