Good news for workers in IT and the creative fields – they are likely to see above-average salary increases in the coming year due to high demand for them and as organisations boost their digital presence and investments in IT infrastructure.
According to the 2013 Salary Guides from Robert Half Technology and The Creative Group, a number of positions in the IT and creative fields are likely to reap higher salaries.
“Salaries are rising for candidates who can help organisations leverage new technologies to increase efficiencies, gain business insights and produce superior customer experiences,” said John Reed, senior executive director of Robert Half Technology and The Creative Group.
“In some cases, there’s a shortage of individuals available to fill these highly specialised positions, which is driving up starting compensation levels.”
Following are what are forecast to be the hot specialised positions of 2013 in IT and design, along with their anticipated average starting salaries:
- Mobile applications developers – As companies strive to reach consumers on smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, they need professionals who can develop for the small screen. Average starting salaries for mobile applications developers are expected to rise 9pc, with pay ranging from US$92,750 to US$133,500.
- Business intelligence analysts – These individuals help firms make critical business decisions by gathering and analysing data to better target marketing efforts. Business intelligence analysts should see a gain of 7.3pc, with starting salaries ranging from US$94,250 to US$132,500.
- Network architects –These individuals provide the backbone of a company’s communication infrastructure. They assess business and applications requirements for corporate data and voice networks, making it possible for data to be shared. Network architects are forecast to receive a 7pc starting salary boost, to between US$102,250 and US$146,500, on average.
- Interactive creative directors – As companies add interactive roles, they seek professionals with excellent leadership skills and digital expertise to manage these growing teams. Interactive creative directors can anticipate a 4.9pc bump in base compensation, with average starting salaries ranging from US$95,500 to US$160,000.
- Interaction designers – The best interaction designers step into the shoes of a company’s customers and maximise their online experiences. These professionals understand the connections between people and products. Those with one to five years of experience should see a gain of 4.9pc, to between US$52,250and US$77,500.
- User experience (UX) designers – Since so much customer interaction happens online, companies are looking for workers who can create positive digital experiences. UX designers can expect a salary increase of 4.8pc, with starting compensation of US$73,750 to US$110,500.
All salaries listed are US national averages based on data published in the 2013 Salary Guides from Robert Half Technology and The Creative Group. Actual salary ranges may vary depending on location.
