Six Surprising Six-Figure Jobs: Robert Half Research Reveals Positions With High Earning Potential

TORONTO, July 3, 2012 /CNW/ - 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 as organisations strive to enhance their digital presence and boost investments in information technology (IT) infrastructure.

"Many of these in-demand jobs require a high degree of specialisation, and oftentimes employers find it challenging to fill these roles," said Lara Dodo, a regional vice-president of Robert Half Technology and The Creative Group in Canada. "Employers are prepared to compensate well for professionals with solid experience in areas such as enhancing and securing a firm's online presence across multiple platforms, or gathering and assessing business data."

Following are six technology and design jobs that can pay six-figures*:

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    1.  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 $72,500 to $102,750. The midpoint is $87,625.

    2.  Data security analyst -- Security threats are constantly changing,
        and staff members who can analyse risk and protect against it are in
        demand. These workers can make between $83,250 and $124,500, on
        average. The midpoint is $103,875.

    3.  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 $95,000 to
        $140,000. The midpoint is $117,500.

    4.  Business systems analyst -- Organisations seeking to gather more
        information about their customers need professionals who can analyse
        complex business problems and assess how automated systems can be
        implemented to solve them. Starting salaries range from $78,500 to
        $108,750 for this position, on average. The midpoint is $93,625.

    5.  Information architect -- These individuals help define content
        strategy and design website features, as well as analyse audiences
        and their needs, in order to improve architecture and navigation.
        Base compensation for this position is between $90,000 and $140,000,
        on average. The midpoint is $115,000.

    6.  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 $80,000 to $120,000. The midpoint is
        $100,000.
    >>

More information about the positions listed above can be found in the Robert Half Technology 2012 Salary Guide (http://www.roberthalftechnology.com/salarycentre), which includes a wide range of IT positions, as well as The Creative Group 2012 Salary Guide (http://www.creativegroup.com/salarycentre), which focuses on interactive, design and marketing jobs.

Both Robert Half Technology (www.rht.com) and The Creative Group (www.creativegroup.com) are divisions of Robert Half International, the world's first and largest specialised staffing firm and a recognised leader in professional staffing services.

*All salaries listed are Canadian national averages based on data published in the 2012 Salary Guides for Robert Half Technology and The Creative Group. Actual salary ranges may vary depending on location.

TO SPEAK WITH A LOCAL EXPERT, CONTACT: Robert Half International, Contact: Nadia Santoli, [phone], [email protected]