Fifty-four percent of employers say they intend to hire recent college graduates, marking an increase from 46 percent in 2011, 44 percent in 2010 and 43 percent in 2009, according to a new study from CareerBuilder and CareerRookie.com. 

"This is the first time since the recession that we're seeing a majority of employers planning to add recent college graduates to their employee roster," says Brent Rasmussen, president of CareerBuilder North America. "Companies across industries are placing a strong emphasis on recruiting fresh talent for technology-related roles and positions designed to drive revenue – and they're willing to pay more for high-skill, educated labor."

Regarding pay, 29 percent of respondents say they plan to offer higher starting salaries than they did in 2011. Although most respondents say they would pay between $30,000 and $40,000, many are willing to offer more than $50,000. The salary figures listed by respondents are less than $30,000 at 20 percent, $30,000 to less than $40,000 at 30 percent, $40,000 to less than $50,000 at 21 percent and $50,000 or higher at 28 percent.