The purpose of the Annual Salary/Benefit Survey for Calendar Year 1999 was to ascertain what the compensation and benefits standards are for the agricultural lending industry. The average salary of top-level professionals ranges from $27,000 at a small independent bank to $130,000 at a large insurance company. The average salary for the upper management group is $67,285, including a bonus in 1999 averaging $5,532. The average salary increase expected by all respondents is 4.11%. All respondents receive paid vacation, and the vast majority receive health and life insurance and a 401K or other savings plan.