Although many people associate six-figure salaries with executive positions, those with a knack for technology and creative thinking can earn handsome compensation, too. According to research from Robert Half Technology and The Creative Group, salaries often top $100,000 for roles such as information architects, data security analysts and user experience (UX) designers. The generous compensation levels are due to high demand for these professionals.
“These highly specialized positions help companies implement essential projects, such as improving and securing the firm’s online presence across platforms, or gathering and analyzing business data,” said John Reed, senior executive director of Robert Half Technology and The Creative Group. “Employers are willing to pay well for these roles because they allow organizations to take advantage of new technologies and gain a competitive edge.”
The Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide
The Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide, which can be downloaded free, identifies starting salary ranges for more than 100 positions related to interactive design, marketing, advertising, and public relations. The figures in the guide are national averages, but can be adjusted for more than 130 U.S. markets.
According to the The Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide, these three design jobs often pay six-figure salaries:
Interactive creative director. These individuals lead interactive creative teams, composed of designers, writers and art directors, who together are responsible for visual and conceptual creative direction and user experience. Average base compensation is $93,500 to $150,000. The midpoint is $121,750.
Mobile applications developer. As companies strive to reach consumers on smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, they need professionals who can develop applications for the small screen. Average starting salaries for mobile applications developers range from $85,000 to $122,500. The midpoint is $103,750.
User experience (UX) designer. Because so much customer interaction happens online, companies are looking for professionals who can create positive digital experiences. The average starting pay range for these individuals is $71,750 to $104,000. The midpoint is $87,875.
Other in-demand creative positions for 2012 include: video producer, web analytics specialist, web designer/developer, SEO (search engine optimization)/SEM (search engine marketing) specialist, and online project manager. The job descriptions for all of the positions listed in the guide can be found in the Salary Center of The Creative Group website.
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The Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide
Robert Half Technology 2012 Salary Guide
This guide covers salaries for a wide range of information technology positions. This year, analysts identified three in-demand jobs that can pay six-figure salaries.
Information architect. These individuals help define content strategy and design website features, as well as analyze audiences and their needs, in order to improve architecture and navigation. Base compensation for this position is between $78,250 and $116,000 on average. The midpoint is $97,125.
Business intelligence analyst . As companies strive to gather more information about their customers, they need professionals who can design and develop enterprise wide data analysis and reporting tools. Starting salaries range from $87,750 to $123,500 for this position, on average. The midpoint is $105,625.
Data security analyst. Security threats are constantly changing, and staff members who can analyze risk and protect against it are in demand. These workers can make between $89,000 and $121,500, on average. The midpoint is $105,250.
LINK
Robert Half Technology 2012 Salary Guide
