No big raises?

Both corporate executives and rank-and-file employees can expect 2008 compensation increases in line with what they received this year, a new report estimates.

On average, U.S. workers should receive a 3.9 percent increase in compensation next year, according to Stamford-based Towers Perrin.

Senior-most executives should receive a 4.1 percent bump in pay on average, down from this year”™s estimated 4.2 percent hike. Managers and high-tech workers can expect a 4 percent raise; support and production personnel are in line for a 3.9 percent lift.

In a separate report last month, Towers Perrin indicated compensation for directors at Fortune 500 companies rose 8 percent in 2006.

Worldwide, Venezuela could have the sharpest jump in wages next year, with pay expected to rise 22 percent thanks to spiraling inflation; followed by Argentina at 16.5 percent and India at 15 percent.