Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide

2016
SALARY GUIDE
FOR TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS
Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................1
IT Hiring Trends: So Many Jobs,
So Few Applicants........................................................2
New Recruitment Strategies......................................3
Where the Jobs Are.................................................3
Hot Industries for IT Hiring.......................................4
Emerging Job Market: Wearable Tech......................5
Tech Roles in Demand.............................................6
Top Technical Skills..................................................6
8 Strategies for Recruiting
and Retaining IT Talent............................................7
Technology Salaries – U.S. ...........................................8
Technology Salaries – Canada....................................12
Local Variances..........................................................16
Hiring Outlook for Canada.........................................19
Technical Skills + Soft Skills =
In-Demand IT Pros.....................................................20
Hot Certifications...................................................20
Glossary of Job Descriptions.......................................21
About Robert Half Technology.....................................54
Worldwide Locations..................................................56
All trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Introduction
Competition among businesses for top IT talent today makes it critical

for managers to rethink their recruitment and retention methods.
Speeding up hiring times, training from within, filling skills gaps with
project professionals and offering attractive compensation can help
you hire – and keep – the best and brightest for your organization.
In particular, the salaries you offer must be kept at least on par with those of
other firms in your industry and geographic region. But to do that, you have
to stay continually up to date on what your competitors are offering. To help
you benchmark your compensation levels, Robert Half Technology releases
a Salary Guide every year, complete with the most current information and
advice on starting compensation, workplace issues and the hiring outlook.
We are pleased to present the 2016 Salary Guide, which forecasts
compensation trends across a wide array of technology positions. Salaries
reflect starting pay only and do not include bonuses and other forms of
compensation. The salary information in the guide is based on the real-
life observations of our Robert Half Technology staffing and recruiting
professionals who make thousands of interim and full-time placements each
year, as well as our frequent surveys of chief information officers (CIOs) and
other IT professionals.
As you grow and build your workforce this year, we hope you’ll find the
information in this guide useful.
Salary Calculator For additional insights on

compensation and staffing,
Hiring Trends
please visit our Salary Center
Regional Trends at rht.com/salary-center.
Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 1

IT Hiring Trends: So Many Jobs,
So Few Applicants
A demand and supply imbalance that has affected the

IT hiring market for years will likely continue in 2016.
The signs are here already. So Highly skilled and experienced

many IT-related positions are being IT professionals, even those who
created that employers throughout aren’t actively seeking jobs, often
North America and across industries receive multiple offers. And the
often must wait months to staff employment offers are fiercely
key roles. What’s new is that tech competitive: Above-market pay and
jobs are remaining open because other attractive financial incentives
candidates aren’t even applying. are common, and offers may
include stock options, flexible work
It isn’t just the shallow pool of
schedules and other perks.
available talent contributing to the
lack of response; it’s that many In this market, employers must move
candidates don’t have to look very quickly. Organizations that have
far – or at all – to find their pick of lengthy interview processes or wait
employment opportunities. too long to extend job offers can
easily miss the opportunity to make
a great hire.

IT HIRING TRENDS: SO MANY JOBS, SO FEW APPLICANTS
NEW RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES WHERE THE JOBS ARE

Senior-level technology Project work and consulting roles
professionals are perpetually in will likely remain abundant in 2016.
demand, especially to help lead IT Increasing business demands are
initiatives. Cost can be a barrier to prompting many companies to
hiring these candidates, since many invest in new technologies, along
companies simply don’t have the with upgrades and migration
budgets to prevail in a bidding war projects around tools such as
for top talent. enterprise resource planning (ERP)
That’s why more firms are now systems. Candidates who have
looking to grow their own talent, knowledge of both new and legacy
upping their investment in developing business systems are highly sought
high-potential internal employees after by employers.
and making more entry-level hires.
Employers are also more willing to
“stretch,” helping a candidate to
fit into a role versus waiting to find
someone who meets all of their
hiring criteria.
The need for highly skilled IT talent
also has more employers looking
outside of their local areas for
potential hires, paying relocation
expenses or offering candidates
the opportunity to work remotely.

HOT INDUSTRIES FOR IT HIRING • Managed services: More

companies are relying on
Here are some sectors that will be
managed services providers for
especially active with IT hiring in
day-to-day IT needs, from data
the year ahead:
storage to network management.
• Financial services: Financial
• Telecommunications: Trends
services providers are offering
include relentless demand
more technology-enabled services
for connectivity and speed in
to customers, such as online
communication, robust growth in
banking and brokerage services.
devices and services, and network
There is a business-critical need
convergence.
for reliability and connectivity for
both internal and customer-facing • Hospitality: There is a push
systems and apps. to deliver reliable technology
services to consumers – from
• Healthcare: Healthcare
online booking to hotel Wi-Fi –
organizations are embracing new
and provide outstanding user
technologies to meet regulatory
experiences and support.
compliance demands, accelerate
innovation and improve the quality Mobile technology, big data and
of patient care. security will continue to be major
drivers for IT hiring throughout
2016, in these industries as well as
many others.

EMERGING JOB MARKET: WEARABLE TECH

The growing popularity of wearable computing devices –
such as watches and glasses – could drive IT job creation.
Expertise will be needed for the development of new devices
and related applications, as well as to support the adoption
of wearable technology in the workplace.
81%
When, if at all, do you think wearable technology
will be a commonly used workplace tool?*
of CIOs believe
wearables will Will happen within the
nextthree to five years 37%
happen in
the workplace. Will happen, but it’s
more than five years out 24%
Will happen within
one to two years 15%
Will happen as soon

as one year out 5%
It won’t commonly be
sed in the workplace
u 16%
Don’t know 4%
*Source: Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,400

CIOs in the United States
*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.

TECH ROLES IN DEMAND administrators are needed by many

firms to manage the convergence
Businesses across North America are
of networking, systems and data
hiring for the following roles:
storage. Many firms especially value
• Developers: Web, software and SharePoint or Salesforce experience.
mobile app developers – employers
• Database administrators and
across industries are looking to hire
business intelligence analysts:
them all. Those with .NET, PHP
More companies are using big
and MySQL skills, as well as those
data analytics to help inform
with responsive design skills, are in
business decisions and are relying
high demand.
on specialized personnel for
• Business analysts and quality managing and interpreting
assurance (QA) professionals: raw data.
As companies launch new IT
• Help desk and desktop
initiatives, they need business
support: Many employers are
analysts who can bridge the gap
looking to expand their support
between technology efforts and
teams as they embrace mobility
business users. QA professionals
and “bring your own device”
help keep projects on the mark
initiatives. Technical assistance
through testing and assurance efforts.
is also needed specifically for
• Systems engineers and systems managing issues related to
administrators: Systems engineers the Microsoft System Center
with virtualization skills and systems Configuration Manager (SCCM).
TOP TECHNICAL SKILLS

Although specific requirements for IT positions vary across industries
and regions, the following skills are in high demand with employers
throughout North America:
•A
SP, C#, Java, .NET, PHP, • Virtualization skills
Python, Ruby on Rails • Windows 7 skills

8 STRATEGIES FOR RECRUITING

AND RETAINING IT TALENT
One of the best ways to approach the shortage of highly
skilled talent is to build a reputation as an employer of choice.
Here are eight strategies for achieving that status:
1. Pay at or above market salaries for top talent.

2. Provide exciting and challenging assignments.
3. Foster a corporate culture where innovation rules, and
business and technology are intertwined.
4. Make sure tech pros have the latest tools.

5. Promote flexible schedules and remote working
arrangements.
6. Offer professional development opportunities.

7. Show a clear path for growth and promotion.
8. Listen to employees and take action on their requests,
as appropriate.
Another strategy for success: Establish a strong employee referral

program. Referrals can be the key to connecting with in-demand
talent before the competition even knows these professionals are
in the market.

Technology Salaries – U.S.
%
Title 2015 2016 Change
Administration
Chief Information Officer (CIO) $ 157,000 - $262,500 $172,000 - $ 268,250 4.9%
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) $ 137,500 - $220,250 $147,500 - $ 229,000 5.2%
Chief Security Officer (CSO) $ 134,250 - $204,750 $140,250 - $ 222,500 7.0%
Vice President of Information
$ 138,000 - $210,250 $141,000 - $ 225,000 5.1%
Technology
Technology Director $ 118,750 - $174,000 $122,750 - $ 185,000 5.1%
Information Technology Manager $ 101,750 - $150,750 $105,750 - $ 159,000 4.9%
Applications Development (a)
Manager $ 103,250 - $150,750 $105,750 - $ 160,500 4.8%
Project Manager $ 91,250 - $139,250 $ 95,250 - $ 146,500 4.9%
Systems Analyst $ 79,500 - $114,500 $ 81,750 - $ 121,000 4.5%
Applications Architect $ 115,750 - $159,500 $121,250 - $ 171,750 6.4%
Business Systems Analyst $ 79,250 - $116,500 $ 84,000 - $ 122,000 5.2%
CRM Business Analyst $ 84,500 - $116,750 $ 87,500 - $ 126,000 6.1%
CRM Technical Developer $ 93,500 - $129,250 $ 98,500 - $ 137,750 6.1%
Developer/Programmer Analyst $ 74,250 - $129,000 $ 80,000 - $ 137,000 6.8%
ERP Business Analyst $ 87,500 - $124,500 $ 92,500 - $ 132,000 5.9%
ERP Technical/Functional Analyst $ 94,750 - $132,000 $ 98,000 - $ 140,750 5.3%
ERP Technical Developer $ 99,750 - $136,750 $100,750 - $ 148,500 5.4%
Lead Applications Developer $ 106,250 - $148,250 $110,750 - $ 160,750 6.7%
Mobile Applications Developer $ 107,500 - $161,500 $115,250 - $ 175,750 8.2%
Technical Writer $ 55,000 - $ 85,250 $ 55,500 - $ 87,250 1.8%
(a) Add the percentage below, based on national Java development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%
averages, to IT salaries for the following skills: Java EE/J2EE development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and
development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 6% Perl/PHP/Python) skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
Business Objects skills.. . . . . . . . . . ..................... 6% .NET development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
C# development skills.. . . . . . . . . . ..................... 8% PHP development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
C++ development skills.. . . . . . . . .................... 5% SAP development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6%
Hyperion skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 6% SharePoint skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%

TECHNOLOGY SALARIES – U.S.
%
Consulting & Systems Integration

Director $ 119,750 - $178,750 $123,750 - $ 190,250 5.2%
Practice Manager $ 119,250 - $164,750 $125,000 - $ 173,500 5.1%
Project Manager/Senior
$ 98,750 - $144,250 $100,750 - $ 154,250 4.9%
Consultant
Staff Consultant $ 77,500 - $108,750 $ 79,250 - $ 116,250 5.0%
Senior IT Auditor $ 111,750 - $155,500 $116,000 - $ 164,250 4.9%
IT Auditor $ 94,500 - $134,500 $ 95,000 - $ 144,750 4.7%
Data/Database Administration (b)
Big Data Engineer $ 119,250 - $168,250 $129,500 - $ 183,500 8.9%
Database Manager $ 112,250 - $160,250 $118,000 - $ 170,500 5.9%
Database Developer $ 98,000 - $144,750 $103,250 - $ 153,250 5.7%
Database Administrator $ 91,000 - $134,750 $ 95,750 - $ 142,750 5.6%
Data Analyst/Report Writer $ 70,750 - $108,250 $ 74,500 - $ 114,500 5.6%
Data Architect $ 119,750 - $164,750 $127,250 - $ 175,500 6.4%
Data Modeler $ 101,750 - $145,250 $106,750 - $ 155,500 6.2%
Data Scientist $ 103,000 - $138,250 $109,000 - $ 153,750 8.9%
Data Warehouse Manager $ 119,750 - $163,000 $123,750 - $ 172,000 4.6%
Data Warehouse Analyst $ 102,500 - $142,500 $105,000 - $ 152,000 4.9%
Business Intelligence Analyst $ 108,500 - $153,000 $113,750 - $ 164,000 6.2%
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
$ 74,750 - $108,250 $ 76,500 - $ 115,500 4.9%
Specialist
Portal Administrator $ 92,750 - $127,250 $ 94,000 - $ 134,250 3.8%
Quality Assurance (QA) & Testing (c)
QA Engineer – Manual $ 63,750 - $ 88,250 $ 64,750 - $ 91,500 2.8%
QA Engineer – Automated $ 74,250 - $103,750 $ 74,750 - $ 109,000 3.2%
QA/Testing Manager $ 90,000 - $122,500 $ 93,750 - $ 127,500 4.1%
QA Associate/Analyst $ 62,000 - $ 97,500 $ 65,000 - $ 100,250 3.6%
(b) Add the percentage below, based on national (c) Add the percentage below, based on national
averages, to IT salaries for the following skills: averages, to IT salaries for the following skills:
ETL skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... 6% Performance testing (e.g., Mercury
Microsoft SQL Server database skills............. 10% Interactive Tools) skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5%
Oracle database skills.. . . . . . . . . . ..................... 7%

%
Web Development (d)

Senior Web Developer $ 104,500 - $144,250 $111,250 - $ 154,000 6.6%
Web Developer $ 73,500 - $122,000 $ 78,500 - $ 129,500 6.4%
Front-End Web Developer $ 72,500 - $107,500 $ 79,750 - $ 111,250 6.1%
Web Administrator $ 66,500 - $102,000 $ 68,750 - $ 106,250 3.9%
Web Designer $ 64,000 - $105,500 $ 67,000 - $ 112,250 5.8%
E-Commerce Analyst $ 84,250 - $121,500 $ 88,000 - $ 129,500 5.7%
Networking/Telecommunications (e)
Network Architect $ 115,000 - $165,250 $120,000 - $ 175,000 5.3%
Network Manager $ 98,000 - $137,250 $100,000 - $ 146,750 4.9%
Network Engineer $ 90,750 - $131,250 $ 96,000 - $ 138,750 5.7%
Wireless Network Engineer $ 99,000 - $137,500 $108,750 - $ 150,750 9.7%
Network Administrator $ 71,250 - $105,750 $ 76,250 - $ 112,000 6.4%
Pre-Sales Engineer/Technical
$ 86,250 - $125,750 $ 90,750 - $ 132,750 5.4%
Engineer
Telecommunications Manager $ 86,000 - $118,500 $ 88,500 - $ 125,000 4.4%
Telecommunications Specialist $ 59,000 - $ 91,250 $ 61,000 - $ 95,500 4.2%
Operations
Manager $ 65,500 - $ 93,500 $ 66,250 - $ 96,250 2.2%
Computer Operator $ 34,750 - $ 48,000 $ 35,000 - $ 48,750 1.2%
Mainframe Systems Programmer $ 61,500 - $ 85,000 $ 62,750 - $ 86,500 1.9%
(d) Add the percentage below, based on national PHP development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
averages, to IT salaries for the following skills: Python skills...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6%
AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) Ruby on Rails skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6%
development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 6% SharePoint skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%
ASP development skills. . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 5% Virtualization skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
C# development skills.. . . . . . . . . . ..................... 8% Web services development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
ColdFusion development skills...................... 4% (e) Add the percentage below, based on national
Content management system (CMS) skills........... 5% averages, to IT salaries for the following skills:
DCOM/COM/ActiveX development skills......... 5% Cisco network administration skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%
Java development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9% Linux/Unix administration skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
Java EE/J2EE development skills.................... 8% Voice over Internet Protocol
LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and (VoIP) administration skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5%
Perl/PHP/Python) skills.. . . . . . . . ..................... 8% Windows 7 skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5%
.NET development skills.. . . . . . . . ..................... 8%

%
Security (f)
Data Security Analyst $ 106,250 - $149,000 $113,500 - $ 160,000 7.1%
Systems Security Administrator $ 100,000 - $140,250 $105,500 - $ 149,500 6.1%
Network Security Administrator $ 99,250 - $138,500 $103,250 - $ 147,000 5.3%
Network Security Engineer $ 105,000 - $141,500 $110,250 - $ 152,750 6.7%
Information Systems Security
$ 122,250 - $171,250 $129,750 - $ 182,000 6.2%
Manager
Software Development (g)
Product Manager $ 101,750 - $145,000 $105,750 - $ 152,750 4.8%
Software Engineer $ 96,000 - $147,250 $103,000 - $ 156,250 6.6%
Software Developer $ 85,500 - $136,250 $ 91,000 - $ 145,250 6.5%
Technical Services, Help Desk & Technical Support (h)
Manager $ 80,500 - $114,750 $ 84,500 - $ 121,000 5.2%
Desktop Support Analyst $ 52,000 - $ 77,000 $ 54,250 - $ 80,500 4.5%
Systems Administrator $ 65,750 - $100,500 $ 67,500 - $ 107,500 5.3%
Systems Engineer $ 80,250 - $117,500 $ 85,000 - $ 124,000 5.7%
Messaging Administrator $ 72,500 - $105,000 $ 74,000 - $ 111,750 4.6%
Help Desk Tier 3 $ 55,250 - $ 74,000 $ 59,500 - $ 77,750 6.2%
Help Desk Tier 2 $ 43,750 - $ 58,000 $ 45,250 - $ 61,750 5.2%
Help Desk Tier 1 $ 34,000 - $ 47,250 $ 35,000 - $ 50,250 4.9%
Instructor/Trainer $ 54,250 - $ 87,250 $ 56,250 - $ 90,000 3.4%
PC Technician $ 33,750 - $ 49,750 $ 36,000 - $ 51,750 5.1%
Business Continuity Analyst $ 92,500 - $132,250 $ 97,250 - $ 140,000 5.6%
(f) Add the percentage below, based on national Java development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%
Certified Information Systems Security .NET development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
Professional (CISSP).. . . . . . . . . . . . .................... 6% PHP development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
Check Point Firewall administration skills.......... 7% Web services development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
Cisco network administration skills................. 9% (h) Add the percentage below, based on national
Linux/Unix administration skills.. .................... 8% averages, to IT salaries for the following skills:
(g) Add the percentage below, based on national Basis administration skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5%
averages, to IT salaries for the following skills: Cisco network administration skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%
ASP development skills. . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 5% HDI certifications.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5%
C# development skills.. . . . . . . . . . ..................... 8% Linux/Unix administration skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
C++ development skills.. . . . . . . . .................... 5% Virtualization skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
DCOM/COM/ActiveX development skills......... 5% Windows 7 skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5%
Hadoop skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 7%

Technology Salaries – Canada
%
Administration
Chief Information Officer (CIO) $ 157,000 - $237,000 $165,500 - $ 245,000 4.2%
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) $ 143,250 - $209,000 $149,250 - $ 219,250 4.6%
Chief Security Officer (CSO) $ 138,000 - $219,750 $146,750 - $ 234,750 6.6%
Vice President of Information
$ 151,000 - $225,000 $159,000 - $ 235,250 4.9%
Technology
Technology Director $ 115,250 - $147,500 $120,000 - $ 155,250 4.8%
Information Technology Manager $ 104,750 - $145,500 $109,250 - $ 152,750 4.7%
Applications Development (a)
Manager $ 109,750 - $146,750 $116,000 - $ 152,500 4.7%
Project Manager $ 95,250 - $147,250 $ 99,750 - $ 154,750 4.9%
Systems Analyst $ 81,250 - $108,250 $ 84,500 - $ 113,000 4.2%
Applications Architect $ 110,000 - $143,250 $115,750 - $ 151,500 5.5%
Business Systems Analyst $ 90,750 - $125,000 $ 94,750 - $ 130,000 4.2%
CRM Business Analyst $ 88,750 - $113,000 $ 92,500 - $ 120,000 5.3%
CRM Technical Developer $ 89,000 - $120,250 $ 93,500 - $ 126,250 5.0%
Developer/Programmer Analyst $ 79,250 - $119,250 $ 85,000 - $ 125,000 5.8%
ERP Business Analyst $ 95,000 - $125,250 $ 99,750 - $ 131,750 5.1%
ERP Technical/Functional Analyst $ 98,000 - $142,750 $103,000 - $ 149,250 4.8%
ERP Technical Developer $ 102,500 - $145,000 $107,500 - $ 152,500 5.1%
Lead Applications Developer $ 100,750 - $134,000 $105,750 - $ 143,250 6.1%
Mobile Applications Developer $ 93,000 - $132,000 $ 99,750 - $ 143,500 8.1%
Technical Writer $ 51,750 - $ 82,500 $ 53,000 - $ 83,750 1.9%
(a) Add the percentage below, based on national Java development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6%
AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and
development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 3% Perl/PHP/Python) skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%
Business Objects skills.. . . . . . . . . . ..................... 5% .NET development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%
C# development skills.. . . . . . . . . . ..................... 7% PHP development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%
C++ development skills.. . . . . . . . .................... 5% SAP development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6%
Hyperion skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 3% SharePoint skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%
All salaries listed on Pages 12-15 are in Canadian dollars.

TECHNOLOGY SALARIES – CANADA
%
Consulting & Systems Integration

Director $ 118,750 - $160,250 $123,250 - $ 167,750 4.3%
Practice Manager $ 103,500 - $152,500 $108,000 - $ 158,750 4.2%
Project Manager/Senior
$ 99,250 - $149,000 $103,000 - $ 157,500 4.9%
Consultant
Staff Consultant $ 63,750 - $ 88,500 $ 66,750 - $ 93,000 4.9%
Senior IT Auditor $ 114,000 - $175,000 $119,000 - $ 184,250 4.9%
IT Auditor $ 90,750 - $117,000 $ 94,500 - $ 123,000 4.7%
Data/Database Administration (b)
Big Data Engineer $ 109,000 - $139,250 $117,000 - $ 150,500 7.8%
Database Manager $ 105,500 - $146,500 $110,500 - $ 156,250 5.9%
Database Developer $ 90,250 - $120,750 $ 96,000 - $ 126,250 5.3%
Database Administrator $ 85,000 - $115,500 $ 90,000 - $ 120,250 4.9%
Data Analyst/Report Writer $ 74,500 - $104,000 $ 78,500 - $ 110,000 5.6%
Data Architect $ 111,000 - $149,750 $116,000 - $ 160,500 6.0%
Data Modeler $ 94,000 - $121,750 $ 99,000 - $ 130,000 6.1%
Data Scientist $ 92,750 - $113,750 $ 96,750 - $ 127,250 8.5%
Data Warehouse Manager $ 103,000 - $141,250 $105,000 - $ 150,500 4.6%
Data Warehouse Analyst $ 95,000 - $131,000 $ 98,250 - $ 138,500 4.8%
Business Intelligence Analyst $ 89,000 - $120,000 $ 94,750 - $ 127,250 6.2%
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
$ 73,750 - $101,500 $ 77,750 - $ 106,750 5.3%
Specialist
Portal Administrator $ 73,750 - $100,750 $ 75,500 - $ 104,250 3.0%
Quality Assurance (QA) & Testing (c)
QA Engineer – Manual $ 70,000 - $ 92,500 $ 72,250 - $ 95,000 2.9%
QA Engineer – Automated $ 75,500 - $ 99,750 $ 78,000 - $ 102,750 3.1%
QA/Testing Manager $ 84,750 - $109,750 $ 88,000 - $ 113,500 3.6%
QA Associate/Analyst $ 69,750 - $ 94,750 $ 71,750 - $ 97,500 2.9%
(b) Add the percentage below, based on national (c) Add the percentage below, based on national
averages, to IT salaries for the following skills: averages, to IT salaries for the following skills:
ETL skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... 6% Performance testing (e.g., Mercury
Microsoft SQL Server database skills............... 8% Interactive Tools) skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4%
Oracle database skills.. . . . . . . . . . ..................... 7%

%
Web Development (d)

Senior Web Developer $ 95,000 - $124,750 $100,250 - $ 132,000 5.7%
Web Developer $ 69,000 - $102,750 $ 76,750 - $ 105,000 5.8%
Front-End Web Developer $ 70,000 - $ 95,000 $ 75,250 - $ 99,750 6.1%
Web Administrator $ 67,500 - $ 89,750 $ 70,000 - $ 94,250 4.5%
Web Designer $ 71,000 - $102,750 $ 78,000 - $ 106,250 6.0%
E-Commerce Analyst $ 74,250 - $106,000 $ 79,750 - $ 110,750 5.7%
Networking/Telecommunications (e)
Network Architect $ 101,250 - $152,000 $105,750 - $ 161,000 5.3%
Network Manager $ 87,750 - $116,250 $ 92,000 - $ 122,000 4.9%
Network Engineer $ 88,250 - $116,500 $ 93,500 - $ 123,000 5.7%
Wireless Network Engineer $ 94,500 - $127,250 $104,000 - $ 136,000 8.2%
Network Administrator $ 70,500 - $ 94,250 $ 75,000 - $ 99,000 5.6%
Pre-Sales Engineer/Technical
$ 92,000 - $117,750 $ 97,500 - $ 123,000 5.1%
Engineer
Telecommunications Manager $ 93,250 - $121,250 $ 97,500 - $ 126,500 4.4%
Telecommunications Specialist $ 66,000 - $ 92,500 $ 68,750 - $ 96,250 4.1%
Operations
Manager $ 80,000 - $ 96,250 $ 82,250 - $ 99,000 2.8%
Computer Operator $ 43,250 - $ 55,750 $ 43,500 - $ 57,250 1.8%
Mainframe Systems Programmer $ 65,750 - $ 91,250 $ 66,500 - $ 93,000 1.6%
(d) Add the percentage below, based on national PHP development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%
averages, to IT salaries for the following skills: Python skills...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5%
AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) Ruby on Rails skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6%
development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 3% SharePoint skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%
ASP development skills. . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 4% Virtualization skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
C# development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . .................... 7% Web services development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
ColdFusion development skills...................... 3% (e) Add the percentage below, based on national
Content management system (CMS) skills........... 6% averages, to IT salaries for the following skills:
DCOM/COM/ActiveX development skills......... 3% Cisco network administration skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%
Java development skills.. . . . . . . . . ..................... 6% Linux/Unix administration skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%
Java EE/J2EE development skills.................... 5% Voice over Internet Protocol
LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and (VoIP) administration skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6%
Perl/PHP/Python) skills.. . . . . . . . . .................... 7%
Windows 7 skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4%
.NET development skills.. . . . . . . . . .................... 7%
All salaries listed on Pages 12-15 are in Canadian dollars.

%
Security (f)
Data Security Analyst $ 98,000 - $148,000 $105,250 - $ 157,250 6.7%
Systems Security Administrator $ 87,000 - $120,000 $ 92,000 - $ 127,250 5.9%
Network Security Administrator $ 94,500 - $130,000 $ 98,500 - $ 138,500 5.6%
Network Security Engineer $ 99,750 - $133,750 $106,000 - $ 142,250 6.3%
Information Systems Security
$ 110,500 - $145,250 $115,250 - $ 152,500 4.7%
Manager
Software Development (g)
Product Manager $ 105,250 - $139,750 $110,750 - $ 147,000 5.2%
Software Engineer $ 90,750 - $132,000 $ 95,500 - $ 140,000 5.7%
Software Developer $ 76,000 - $116,500 $ 82,750 - $ 122,500 6.6%
Technical Services, Help Desk & Technical Support (h)
Manager $ 86,250 - $116,000 $ 90,250 - $ 122,750 5.3%
Desktop Support Analyst $ 57,000 - $ 79,000 $ 59,250 - $ 82,500 4.2%
Systems Administrator $ 68,250 - $ 94,500 $ 72,000 - $ 99,250 5.2%
Systems Engineer $ 81,000 - $104,000 $ 85,000 - $ 110,500 5.7%
Messaging Administrator $ 69,750 - $ 90,750 $ 73,000 - $ 95,000 4.7%
Help Desk Tier 3 $ 66,750 - $ 88,250 $ 69,750 - $ 93,250 5.2%
Help Desk Tier 2 $ 53,750 - $ 65,500 $ 55,000 - $ 69,000 4.0%
Help Desk Tier 1 $ 41,250 - $ 53,250 $ 43,250 - $ 55,000 4.0%
Instructor/Trainer $ 57,750 - $ 78,250 $ 59,750 - $ 80,750 3.3%
PC Technician $ 48,000 - $ 67,750 $ 50,000 - $ 70,750 4.3%
Business Continuity Analyst $ 78,250 - $113,500 $ 82,000 - $ 118,250 4.4%
(f) Add the percentage below, based on national Java development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6%
Certified Information Systems Security .NET development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%
Professional (CISSP).. . . . . . . . . . . . .................... 6% PHP development skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%
Check Point Firewall administration skills.......... 7% Web services development skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
Cisco network administration skills................. 7% (h) Add the percentage below, based on national
Linux/Unix administration skills.. .................... 7% averages, to IT salaries for the following skills:
(g) Add the percentage below, based on national Basis administration skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3%
averages, to IT salaries for the following skills: Cisco network administration skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%
ASP development skills. . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 4% HDI certifications.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5%
C# development skills.. . . . . . . . . . ..................... 7% Linux/Unix administration skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%
C++ development skills.. . . . . . . . .................... 5% Virtualization skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%
DCOM/COM/ActiveX development skills......... 3% Windows 7 skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4%
Hadoop skills.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 7%

Local Variances
The starting salary ranges provided on the previous pages reflect the
national averages for each position. To determine the estimated salary
range for a position in your area, use the local variance numbers on the
following pages. Move the decimal point in the variance number two
places to the left, then multiply this figure by the low and high ends of
the salary range.
UNITED STATES
ALABAMA Santa Barbara. . . . . . . . . 127.0

Birmingham. . . . . . . . . . . . 95.0 Santa Rosa . . . . . . . . . . . 118.1
Huntsville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.0 Stockton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85.0
Mobile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.0 COLORADO
ARIZONA Boulder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116.3
Phoenix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112.0 Colorado Springs. . . . . . . 92.3
Tucson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.5 Denver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.8
ARKANSAS Fort Collins. . . . . . . . . . . . 95.0
Fayetteville. . . . . . . . . . . . . 95.0 Greeley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.0
Little Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95.0 Loveland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.0
Pueblo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80.0
CALIFORNIA
Fresno. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90.0 CONNECTICUT
Irvine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128.0 Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116.5
Los Angeles. . . . . . . . . . . 128.0 New Haven. . . . . . . . . . . 112.0
Oakland. . . . . . . . . . . . . 127.0 Stamford. . . . . . . . . . . . . 131.0
Ontario. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117.0 DELAWARE
Sacramento. . . . . . . . . . . 102.0 Wilmington. . . . . . . . . . . 105.0
San Diego. . . . . . . . . . . . 123.0 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
San Francisco . . . . . . . . . 138.0 Washington. . . . . . . . . . . 133.0
San Jose. . . . . . . . . . . . . 135.0
Source: U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics and Robert Half Technology. City
index figures are reflective of all industries and are not specific to the information technology field.
Note: Please contact a Robert Half Technology account executive for salary information regarding
cities not listed in the guide.

LOCAL VARIANCES
FLORIDA MAINE
Fort Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 90.0 Portland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95.0
Jacksonville. . . . . . . . . . . . 95.0 MARYLAND
Melbourne. . . . . . . . . . . . . 90.5 Baltimore . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.0
Miami/Fort Lauderdale. . . 107.0
MASSACHUSETTS
Orlando . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99.5
Boston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133.0
St. Petersburg. . . . . . . . . . 96.5
Springfield. . . . . . . . . . . . 104.0
Tampa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98.0
West Palm Beach. . . . . . . 100.5 MICHIGAN
Ann Arbor. . . . . . . . . . . . 101.5
GEORGIA
Detroit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0
Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106.5
Grand Rapids . . . . . . . . . . 85.5
Macon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84.0
Lansing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85.0
Savannah. . . . . . . . . . . . . 84.0
MINNESOTA
HAWAII
Bloomington. . . . . . . . . . 105.5
Honolulu. . . . . . . . . . . . . 105.0
Duluth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79.6
IDAHO Minneapolis. . . . . . . . . . 106.0
Boise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.1 Rochester . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.5
ILLINOIS St. Cloud. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82.0
Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123.0 St. Paul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102.0
Naperville. . . . . . . . . . . . 112.0 MISSOURI
Rockford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83.0 Kansas City. . . . . . . . . . . . 99.2
Springfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . 91.0 St. Joseph. . . . . . . . . . . . . 91.0
INDIANA St. Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0
Fort Wayne . . . . . . . . . . . . 82.0 NEBRASKA
Indianapolis . . . . . . . . . . . 96.0 Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.0
IOWA Omaha. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96.0
Cedar Rapids . . . . . . . . . . 94.0 NEVADA
Davenport. . . . . . . . . . . . . 95.0 Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97.0
Des Moines. . . . . . . . . . . 100.0 Reno. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98.0
Sioux City . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83.0
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Waterloo/Cedar Falls. . . . . 87.0
Manchester/Nashua. . . . 112.0
KANSAS
NEW JERSEY
Overland Park. . . . . . . . . . 99.2
Mount Laurel. . . . . . . . . . 115.0
KENTUCKY Paramus. . . . . . . . . . . . . 130.0
Lexington . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91.5 Princeton. . . . . . . . . . . . . 125.0
Louisville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.0 Woodbridge . . . . . . . . . . 126.5
LOUISIANA
Baton Rouge. . . . . . . . . . . 99.0
New Orleans. . . . . . . . . . . 99.0

LOCAL VARIANCES
NEW MEXICO SOUTH CAROLINA

Albuquerque. . . . . . . . . . . 91.5 Charleston . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.5
NEW YORK Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.5
Albany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97.0 Greenville. . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.0
Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95.0 TENNESSEE
Long Island. . . . . . . . . . . 120.0 Chattanooga. . . . . . . . . . . 89.0
New York . . . . . . . . . . . . 140.0 Cool Springs. . . . . . . . . . . 99.0
Rochester . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91.7 Knoxville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89.0
Syracuse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90.3 Memphis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95.0
NORTH CAROLINA Nashville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99.5
Charlotte. . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.5 TEXAS
Greensboro. . . . . . . . . . . 100.0 Austin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107.0
Raleigh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.0 Dallas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108.5
OHIO El Paso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.0
Akron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89.0 Fort Worth. . . . . . . . . . . . 107.5
Canton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82.0 Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107.5
Cincinnati. . . . . . . . . . . . . 97.5 Midland/Odessa. . . . . . . 115.0
Cleveland. . . . . . . . . . . . . 96.0 San Antonio. . . . . . . . . . 100.0
Columbus. . . . . . . . . . . . . 97.5 UTAH
Dayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87.0 Salt Lake City. . . . . . . . . . 101.0
Toledo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84.5 VIRGINIA
Youngstown. . . . . . . . . . . . 76.0 Norfolk/Hampton Roads. . . 96.0
OKLAHOMA Richmond. . . . . . . . . . . . . 98.0
Oklahoma City . . . . . . . . . 93.0 Tysons Corner. . . . . . . . . 132.0
Tulsa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.0 WASHINGTON
OREGON Seattle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118.9
Portland . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106.5 Spokane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82.0
PENNSYLVANIA WISCONSIN
Harrisburg. . . . . . . . . . . . . 95.0 Appleton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85.0
Philadelphia . . . . . . . . . . 115.0 Green Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.5
Pittsburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98.0 Madison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98.5
RHODE ISLAND Milwaukee. . . . . . . . . . . . 101.0
Providence. . . . . . . . . . . . . 97.0 Waukesha. . . . . . . . . . . . . 99.0
Source: U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics and Robert Half Technology. City
index figures are reflective of all industries and are not specific to the information technology field.
Note: Please contact a Robert Half Technology account executive for salary information regarding
cities not listed in the guide.

Hiring Outlook for Canada
Both full-time and contract employment opportunities are expected

to rise in the year ahead as more employers pursue cloud computing
and big data initiatives. Technology, manufacturing, healthcare, web
services, Software as a Service and property development companies
are likely to be among the leading employers hiring.
Similar to U.S. firms, Canadian employers are searching for highly skilled
applications developers, including mobile app developers and web developers,
as well as business analysts and desktop support professionals. Candidates
with .NET and SharePoint skills are in especially high demand.
CANADA
ALBERTA ONTARIO
Calgary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.8 Kitchener-Waterloo. . . . . . . 95.8
Edmonton. . . . . . . . . . . . 102.9 Ottawa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.2
BRITISH COLUMBIA Toronto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.9
Fraser Valley. . . . . . . . . . . 98.4 QUEBEC
Vancouver. . . . . . . . . . . . 103.9 Montreal. . . . . . . . . . . . . 102.9
Victoria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96.2 Quebec City . . . . . . . . . . . 90.0
MANITOBA SASKATCHEWAN
Winnipeg . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90.5 Regina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.9
Saskatoon. . . . . . . . . . . . . 95.3

Technical Skills + Soft Skills =
In-Demand IT Pros
More employers are looking for

the whole package when hiring
IT professionals for their teams – HOT CERTIFICATIONS
candidates with a solid mix of
technical and soft skills. Here are
some of the most common soft
skills IT leaders are seeking: Many employers no longer request
that candidates have certain
• Communication: Speaks
credentials – they require them.
to both technical and
Certifications in demand include:
nontechnical audiences
with ease. • Cisco certifications: Cisco
Certified Network Associate
• Problem-solving:
(CCNA), Cisco Certified
Understands complex business
Networking Professional (CCNP)
issues and how to solve them
through technology. • Microsoft certifications:
Microsoft Certified Professional
• Collaboration: Leverages
(MCP), Microsoft Certified IT
the strengths and unique
Professional (MCITP)
perspectives of others within
the organization and works • Project management
with all stakeholders to reach certifications: Project
a solution. Management Professional (PMP)
• Team-oriented: Works • Security certifications: Certified
effectively and thrives as a Information Systems Security
member of various work Professional (CISSP)
groups to bring greater value • Virtualization certifications:
to the overall organization. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
• Creative: Finds new and
innovative approaches
to performing the business
at hand.

Glossary of Job Descriptions
Our glossary of job descriptions can help you better target the
professionals you need. Use the descriptions on the following pages as
a starting point and tailor them to match your specific requirements.
Administration • Providing vision and leadership in

all aspects of IT management and
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (CIO) operations
CIOs need broad knowledge of all • Approving all major system hardware
aspects of IT. They must have strong and software purchasing decisions
analytical, strategic planning and
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER (CTO)
communication skills. The ability to
collaborate effectively with other senior CTO candidates require in-depth
managers in order to define, articulate knowledge of all aspects of a firm’s data
and champion the ways in which tech- technology infrastructure. They also
nology requirements relate to the firm’s need tactical managerial skills to lead
business is critical. A bachelor’s degree the IT department in attaining the com-
in computer science, information sys- pany’s current and future technology
tems or a related area is expected, and goals. They typically have a degree in
a master’s degree is often required by computer science or a related field and
employers. CIOs typically have at least at least seven to 10 years of experience
10 years of managerial experience in IT, in IT management. In larger companies,
though larger firms may require more. the CTO may report to a chief informa-
tion officer or a chief operating officer.
Typical duties include:
Candidates need excellent interpersonal
• Developing and directing the firm’s
and problem-solving skills, as well as
overall IT strategy
the ability to plan and execute projects
• Working closely with other senior within time and budget constraints.
management, including the chief
executive officer, chief technology offi-
• Setting the firm’s overall technology
cer, chief operations officer and chief
standards and practices
financial officer, to coordinate data
systems policies and procedures • Making recommendations and
explaining technology solutions to
senior management through presen-
tations and advocacy

GLOSSARY OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS
• Managing the implementation of data VICE PRESIDENT OF

systems and monitoring their effective- INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ness in meeting business unit needs The vice president of information
• Providing leadership and managing technology position requires a proven
a staff of direct reports in functional track record of leadership in technol-
areas such as systems operations, ogy management, including excellent
LAN/WAN architecture, and hardware communication, analytical and organi-
and software support zational skills. A bachelor’s degree in
computer science or a related field and
CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER (CSO) five to 10 years of increasing respon-
CSOs need extensive experience in the sibility are typical requirements for the
field of information security, as well as job. Strategic planning and tactical
in-depth knowledge of this rapidly implementation are important attributes
evolving and critical business func- for this position as well.
tion. Employers look for a minimum Typical duties include:
of a bachelor’s degree in information
• Managing the tactical, overall opera-
systems or a related field, in addition
tions of the IT department
to 10 or more years’ experience with a
• Working with the firm’s senior IT team
focus on information security, compli-
to help plan and coordinate both
ance and privacy. The position requires
short- and long-term systems strategy
excellent judgment and outstanding
and implementation
planning abilities in order to create
and maintain complex security systems. • Serving as a liaison between
Compliance- and security-related certi- nontechnical business units and IT,
fications are required. communicating technical information
Typical duties include: and plans
• Managing enterprisewide security • Overseeing the department’s hiring,
policies and systems promotion and review processes
• Developing, implementing and mon- TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR
itoring long-term information security Directors of technology are in charge
and privacy strategy of planning, organizing and execut-
• Ensuring the firm meets all mandated ing technology functions, including
security and compliance standards leading, directing and managing a
• Coordinating work with all vendors, technology team. These professionals
contractors and consultants to main- are responsible for the acquisition, oper-
tain and enhance data security ation, integration and problem-solving
aspects of both hardware and software
systems. Excellent communication and
interpersonal skills are required, in
addition to an ability to identify and pro-
pose new IT business processes. Other

desired characteristics include leader- Typical duties include:

ship and organizational, analytical and • Analyzing workflow, delegating projects
decision-making skills. Five to 10 years and meeting departmental goals
of experience and a bachelor’s degree • Developing and monitoring perfor-
in computer science or a related mance standards
field are generally required. Project • Providing input on hiring decisions
management certifications and/or a for technical staff
master’s degree in business adminis-
• Implementing and monitoring new
tration are highly recommended.
projects
• Managing performance of and dele-
• Developing the long-range direction of gating projects to team members
an organization’s technology function
• Creating and executing new
technology strategies Applications Development
• Hiring, training and reviewing IT staff
MANAGER
• Planning, directing and coordinating Candidates seeking a manager of
functions of a multiteam organization applications development position need a
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY thorough technical background combined
MANAGER with outstanding managerial and lead-
Information technology managers need ership talents. They must have strong
a technical background, business oral and written communication skills,
acumen and people-management project management experience and
skills. Because they direct the work proven abilities to facilitate multidisci-
of other employees, these individuals plinary project teams in accomplishing
require strong interpersonal and com- strategic goals. Employers look for a
munication abilities. Analytical thinking bachelor’s degree in computer science,
also is very important, as this position information systems, engineering or a
often involves problem resolution and related field. Depending on the size of
process development. In addition, a the department, the company may seek
strong customer service orientation five to 10 or more years of combined
is a must because information tech- development and managerial experience.
nology managers often serve as the
final escalation point for high-visibility
troubleshooting. Employers look for
a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related
field, plus at least five years of experi-
ence with the specific types of business
systems, hardware and networking ser-
vices utilized by the firm. Demonstrated
leadership also is required.

Typical duties include: • Facilitating discussions and consensus

• Assuming overall management among various project stakeholders,
responsibility for all aspects of the such as analysts, applications pro-
applications development department grammers and clients
and its staff • Managing and monitoring project
• Planning, coordinating and monitoring budgets and expenditures
the progress of development projects
SYSTEMS ANALYST
to ensure their ongoing alignment with
Candidates for a systems analyst
business goals
position must be excellent analytical
• Hiring, training, motivating and
thinkers and problem solvers, as well
evaluating staff
as effective communicators. They
• Serving as a liaison to senior IT man- need a broad understanding of, and
agement, reporting on the status of experience working with, hardware
current projects, identifying issues and and software systems, including their
assessing their impact, and proactively installation, maintenance and life
recommending solutions cycles. Employers look for a minimum
PROJECT MANAGER of a bachelor’s degree in information
Project managers must have demon- systems, computer science or a similar
strated knowledge and experience with field, along with five or more years of
project management methodologies in experience working with specific appli-
order to work with intricate, multifaceted cations and/or operating systems.
projects. They need superb commu- Typical duties include:
nication and interpersonal skills to • Analyzing systems hardware and
collaborate with the development team software problems and developing
and make project presentations. Employ- technical solutions
ers look for a bachelor’s degree in an • Translating user and/or systems
IT- or business-related field, a back- requirements into functional technical
ground in applications development specifications
and five or more years of experience • Writing and maintaining detailed
managing complex projects. Project systems documentation, including user
management certifications, such as those manuals and technical manuals
from the Project Management Institute • Acting as a liaison between developers
(PMI), also are highly recommended. and end users to ensure technical
Typical duties include: compatibility and satisfaction
• Managing overall coordination of IT
applications development projects,
from planning through implementation
• Setting project scope, priorities, dead-
lines and deliverable schedules

APPLICATIONS ARCHITECT BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYST

Applications architects require a high Business systems analysts should have
level of technical expertise combined a solid understanding of business
with excellent planning, coordination functional areas, business management
and communication skills, and the abil- issues and data analysis. Exceptional
ity to work on teams. Practitioners must written and oral communication abili-
have experience with relevant develop- ties are required. Leadership, initiative
ment tools and specific application and and advanced computer skills, including
system architecture, in addition to a programming experience, also are
strong understanding of object- integral. Employers often seek at least
oriented design. A bachelor’s degree a bachelor’s degree and several years
in computer science or information of computer applications and busi-
systems is normally required, and a ness experience. For more technically
master’s degree is highly desirable. challenging positions involving complex
Employers seek a minimum of five to business systems, a master’s degree
eight years of related work experience with a concentration in information
and often look for software skill sets systems may be required.
such as AJAX, C#/C++ and LAMP. Typical duties include:
Expertise in the design, development • Analyzing complex business problems
and deployment of enterprise-level and assessing how automated systems
N-tier architecture in a Microsoft .NET can be implemented to solve them
Framework or Java Enterprise Edition • Formulating and defining the objec-
platform may be required. tives and scope of business systems
Typical duties include: • Gathering data and analyzing business
• Designing major aspects of the archi- and user needs in consultation with
tecture of an application, including both business managers and end users
components such as user interface, • Providing IT support for regulatory
middleware and infrastructure and compliance activities
• Providing technical leadership to the • Making recommendations on hard-
applications development team ware and software procurement to
• Performing design and code reviews support business goals
• Ensuring that uniform enterprisewide
application design standards are
maintained
• Collaborating with other stakeholders
to ensure the architecture is aligned
with business requirements

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP

MANAGEMENT (CRM) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (CRM) TECHNICAL
ANALYST DEVELOPER
Employers seek CRM business analysts Candidates for CRM technical developer
with proven analytical and problem- positions must be able to work creatively
solving capabilities, as well as extensive and analytically in a problem-solving
technical and functional experience environment to develop, enhance and
with specific CRM systems. Because maintain CRM solutions. They also need
CRM business analysts serve as liaisons strong interpersonal and communication
between IT and business groups, strong skills in order to collaborate effectively
interpersonal and communication skills with business analysts, developers and
are essential. Employers also may require other stakeholders. A bachelor’s degree
a demonstrated understanding of sales, in a computer-related field is typically
marketing and other business processes. required. Specific programming and
CRM business analysts must be able to technical requirements vary widely by
anticipate the organizational impact of position, but generally emphasize multiple
process changes. A bachelor’s degree in years of development experience with the
a computer- or business-related employer’s existing CRM solutions (e.g.,
discipline is typically required, as is Oracle, Microsoft, SAP).
thorough knowledge of the employer’s Typical duties include:
existing CRM applications. • Programming and documenting CRM
Typical duties include: solutions
• Translating business requirements into • Preparing code reviews and document-
user and functional requirements ing development and testing
• Conducting root-cause analysis in • Working with other IT teams to ensure
support of process improvements that appropriate infrastructure, policies
• Planning, conducting and directing the and procedures are in place to support
analysis of complex business issues to the custom application environment
be solved through process changes and • Providing technical application support
information systems to business, quality assurance and
• Working closely with business users to end-user support teams
resolve ongoing functional issues
DEVELOPER/PROGRAMMER
ANALYST
Developer/programmer analysts must
have strong analytical and problem-
solving abilities. They must understand
and conceptualize applications from both
a technical/programming perspective
and a business point of view. Because

they deal with both technical personnel knowledge of the employer’s preferred
and business managers/administra- ERP solutions is a must. Candidates also
tors, as well as participate on project should have a thorough understanding
teams, they need strong interpersonal of business processes, as well as an IT-
and communication skills. Excellent or business-related bachelor’s degree.
programming abilities in common Typical duties include:
languages and frameworks, such as • Analyzing and defining ERP systems,
C#/C++, Java Enterprise Edition/AJAX functions, business process and user
and Microsoft .NET, are needed for the needs
coding aspects of the position. Most • Performing functional configuration
employers look for at least a bachelor’s and maintenance for ERP systems
degree in computer science, information based on changing operational and
science or management information business needs
systems and relevant job experience. • Researching transactional issues,
Typical duties include: identifying root causes and driving
• Analyzing business application require- resolutions
ments for functional areas such as • Creating documentation such as
finance, manufacturing, marketing or policies, procedures, workflows and
human resources user guides
• Writing code, testing and debugging
software applications ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING
(ERP) TECHNICAL/FUNCTIONAL
• Recommending system changes and
ANALYST
enhancements
Candidates for ERP technical/functional
• Documenting software specifications
analyst positions must be able to analyze
and training users
complex processes, identify areas for
ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING improvement and recommend solutions.
(ERP) BUSINESS ANALYST In addition to technical and functional
For ERP business analyst positions, ERP expertise, employers seek strong
employers seek candidates with a written and verbal communication skills
demonstrated ability to translate business and the ability to interact productively
requirements into ERP solutions. Because with business users. A bachelor’s degree
ERP business analysts work closely with in a computer-related field is typically
colleagues in technical and business required. Additional technical require-
departments, strong interpersonal and ments vary by position but often include
communication skills are essential. multiple years of experience working
Project management experience also closely with the employer’s preferred
may be required. Specific technical ERP solutions.
requirements vary by employer, but
strong technical and functional

Typical duties include: • Providing ERP application support

• Completing technical service requests • Working with various business teams
and providing continuous business to gather requirements and support
application support for ERP software business processes
and legacy systems
LEAD APPLICATIONS DEVELOPER
• Helping to define, analyze, develop,
Candidates for lead applications
implement and document new systems,
developer positions need a solid back-
customized programs and databases to
ground in applications programming
meet business needs
and experience leading a technical
• Helping to upgrade and implement team. Employers look for a bachelor’s
ERP software degree in computer science or a related
• Assisting application owners in the field, along with at least three years
development of test scripts, policies of experience in technologies such as
and procedures .NET, PHP, C#/C++ and Microsoft
ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING .NET Framework development. In
(ERP) TECHNICAL DEVELOPER addition, individuals need several years
ERP technical developers must be able of proven success as a team leader, as
to quickly identify and analyze technical this role requires directing and motivat-
problems in ERP applications, assess ing coworkers and working closely with
their potential impacts and help design other managers while multitasking and
solutions. Employers typically seek prioritizing resource needs.
candidates with experience imple- Typical duties include:
menting ERP systems over multiple life • Leading a development team in the
cycles, as well as the ability to work design, development, coding, testing
with business teams to support their and debugging of applications
requirements. A bachelor’s degree in • Coordinating the effective use of
a technical or business-related field, the development team’s time and
or equivalent experience, is generally ensuring efficient communication
required. Technical requirements vary between team members and other IT
but often include in-depth knowledge functional areas
of the employer’s existing ERP solutions • Providing feedback and suggestions
and related applications. for process and product improvement
Typical duties include: • Acting as a technical mentor and
• Performing analysis, design, coding, adviser for the development team
data migration and testing for ERP pro-
duction and development environments MOBILE APPLICATIONS DEVELOPER
Mobile applications developers need
• Implementing ERP enhancements to
strong analytical and problem-solving
support changes in business processes
capabilities. Employers require previous

experience building mobile applications needed but usually include a bachelor’s

and mobile websites for Android, iOS, degree in English, journalism or infor-
Symbian, Windows Mobile or Windows mation sciences, plus several years of
Phone 7. Commonly specified languages experience in a technical setting.
and platforms include Java, Java EE, Typical duties include:
Java ME, JavaScript, JSON, Objective-C, • Documenting the specifications,
.NET and HTML. A degree in computer design, features and operation
science or computer engineering is typ- of applications
ically required, though work samples of • Writing and editing user manuals, help
completed applications may soften that systems and other technical documents
requirement. The combination of highly • Designing and formatting documents
team-oriented projects and short release using document-creation software
cycles makes strong interpersonal and
• Interviewing developers and other
communication skills essential.
technical resource personnel to
ensure the accuracy of all information
• Coding, testing, debugging, document- presented
ing and monitoring mobile applications
• Interacting with different departments
within the organization regarding Consulting & Systems
new deployments Integration
• Contributing to the development of
project schedules and workflow DIRECTOR
• Recommending changes and A director-level position, typically found
enhancements to applications in a consulting services environment, is
a senior-level management role. As a
TECHNICAL WRITER result, this position requires a seasoned
Technical writers must possess the ability professional with outstanding judgment,
to communicate complex information as well as leadership, interpersonal and
clearly and concisely. They need excel- communication skills. It also calls for
lent interpersonal skills in order to elicit strategic thinking, the use of decision-
detailed information from subject-matter making authority and the assumption of
experts (for example, applications devel- formal responsibility for meeting business-
opers), in addition to advanced writing unit goals. Candidates need strong
and editing skills. Technical writers also project management experience, the
need to be adept in document creation ability to monitor and manage multiple
using applications such as Adobe initiatives concurrently, and excellent
FrameMaker, RoboHelp and Acrobat, staff management skills. Employers
and Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. often seek a master’s degree, such as
Employers’ requirements vary depend- an MBA, or other relevant graduate
ing on the complexity of documentation degrees. In addition, 10 to 15 years

of significant business experience, an advanced degree may be preferred.

including leadership positions in con- Employers typically look for 10 years of
sulting and project management, are IT industry experience with at least five
typically required. years in a technical consulting man-
Typical duties include: agement role. Candidates also must be
• Establishing and maintaining relations willing to travel.
with clients’ senior-level managers Typical duties include:
• Developing overall practice strategy, • Developing project scope, goals and
tactics and goals strategic plans for delivering company
• Managing the consulting staff, includ- products and services to clients
ing headcount, final hiring and firing • Managing, recruiting, evaluating and
decisions, and staff development and mentoring a team of project managers
mentoring and consultants
• Performing engagement analysis, • Managing and meeting engagement
and making recommendations and booking and revenue targets
presentations to the consulting firm’s • Identifying, developing and managing
senior management on new business client relations, in addition to meeting
opportunities and expansion of with client management for project
the firm’s consulting practice and support and presentations
client base • Working with third-party vendors
• Working with third-party vendors
PROJECT MANAGER/SENIOR
PRACTICE MANAGER CONSULTANT
The practice manager position requires Project managers/senior consultants
extensive IT experience combined with need a combination of subject-matter
outstanding leadership, communication, expertise and project management
presentation, customer service, ana- skills. They must possess excellent
lytical and project management skills. communication, interpersonal and team
Individuals must possess excellent leadership abilities. They also need the
business and financial savvy, as well as capacity to work with cross-functional
experience with resource allocation and teams to accomplish overall project
profit-and-loss management. At a min- goals. Employers seek at least a
imum, a bachelor’s degree in business bachelor’s degree (a master’s may
or an IT-related field is required, and be preferred) in computer science,
management or an IT-related discipline;
specific consulting subject-matter exper-
tise; and at least five years of experience
managing projects from inception to
completion. A project management
certification is strongly preferred.

Typical duties include: SENIOR IT AUDITOR

• Developing and managing project Senior IT auditors are responsible for
specifications, technical design developing and managing complex
and requirements audits of an organization’s informa-
• Setting project timelines, milestones tion systems. They must have in-depth
and deadlines knowledge of business processes as
• Coordinating work with cross-functional well as process controls and risks, and
team leaders and monitoring and understand how these relate to relevant
reporting on project status IT audit procedures. These professionals
• Assigning tasks to staff consultants have experience working with a variety
and supervising work of technology platforms and must be
familiar with performing network, web,
STAFF CONSULTANT database and technical audits. These
Candidates for a staff consultant positions commonly require a bache-
position need excellent analytical, lor’s degree (a master’s degree may
problem-solving, customer relations and be preferred) in computer science,
communication skills, along with the information systems, business or a
ability to work well in a team environ- related field and an average of five
ment. They must have industry-specific years’ relevant experience in IT auditing.
expertise, as well as project-oriented IT A Certified Information Systems Auditor
experience. A minimum of a bachelor’s (CISA), Certified Information Security
degree in computer science, business or Manager (CISM) or similar designation
a field related to the area of consulting is strongly preferred.
is expected. Several years of business Typical duties include:
experience, plus two or more years • Establishing objectives and procedures
of consulting experience – including for audit review of computer systems
full-cycle project implementation – also • Developing and implementing testing
are typical requirements. Extensive travel and evaluation plans for IT systems
may be required. and controls to gauge conformity
Typical duties include: with industry standards of efficiency,
• Assisting with project planning and accuracy and security
requirement specifications • Presenting written findings and rec-
• Developing prototypes and alterna- ommendations to senior management
tives in coordination with other • Providing independent verification
team members in connection with applicable U.S.
• Executing and delivering projects Sarbanes-Oxley Act or Canadian
within time and budget constraints Multilateral Instrument 52-109 com-
• Understanding client needs and pliance and similar regulations
developing and maintaining excellent
client relations

IT AUDITOR should have a strong knowledge of

IT auditors must have broad knowl- statistics and extensive programming
edge of the technical infrastructure experience, ideally in Python or Java, as
and architecture of computer systems, well as the ability to design and imple-
as well as experience with a variety of ment solutions for big data challenges.
platforms, such as operating systems, Knowledge and experience in data
networks, databases and enterprise mining, processing large amounts of
resource planning (ERP) systems. These raw data, and designing and maintain-
professionals must possess excellent ing relational databases for storage and
interpersonal skills, including commu- data acquisition are desired. Experience
nication, presentation and leadership with NoSQL is preferred. This individual
abilities. Employers typically seek at communicates directly with business
least a bachelor’s degree (a master’s users and data scientists to understand
degree may be preferred) in computer objectives and create data processing
science, information systems, business workflows. Employers often require a
administration, finance or a similar bachelor’s degree in a related field and
field. A Certified Information Systems four to six years of experience.
Auditor (CISA) accreditation also may Typical duties include:
be required. • Gathering and processing raw data
Typical duties include: and translating analyses
• Testing and evaluating IT systems and • Evaluating new data sources for
controls for conformity with industry acquisition and integration
standards of efficiency, accuracy • Designing and implementing rela-
and security tional databases for storage and
• Providing independent verification of processing
compliance with statutory require- • Working directly with the engineering
ments and similar regulations team to integrate data processing
• Making recommendations for systems and business objectives
operations and process improvements
DATABASE MANAGER
• Developing risk-based audit plans
Database managers must have an
in-depth understanding of all aspects
Data/Database of database technology. Employers
Administration generally look for applicants with at
least a bachelor’s degree and five years
BIG DATA ENGINEER of experience in an Oracle, Microsoft
Big data engineers communicate with SQL Server, IBM DB2 or similar environ-
business users and data scientists to ment, along with multiyear experience
understand the business objectives and in a technical management position.
translate those objectives into data pro- Database managers need to be creative,
cessing workflows. Big data engineers

analytical thinkers who can not only Typical duties include:

lead a team of database professionals • Developing database objects
but also effectively communicate, plan and structures for data storage,
information system strategy and make retrieval and reporting according
presentations to senior IT managers. to project specifications
Typical duties include: • Implementing and testing database
• Maintaining and supporting a com- design and functionality, and tuning
pany’s database environment for performance
• Providing input to a chief technology • Providing support to database
officer or chief information officer administrators and interfacing with
regarding company data standards business users to ensure the database
and practices is satisfying business requirements
• Developing and managing depart- • Designing and developing back-
mental budgets end database interfaces to web and
• Making personnel decisions and e-commerce applications
work assignments DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR
• Managing capacity planning, disaster Candidates for the database admin-
recovery and performance analysis istrator role need a strong technical
DATABASE DEVELOPER foundation in database structure,
Database developers need a thorough configuration, installation and prac-
understanding of relational database tice. Employers seek individuals with
theory and practice. They must be knowledge and experience in major
analytical and adept at problem solving. relational database languages and
They also should be good communica- applications, such as Microsoft SQL
tors. A bachelor’s degree in computer Server, Oracle and IBM DB2. At least
science or a related field is often sought, two years of postsecondary educa-
although database experience can be tion is typically required. Professional
substituted with some employers. certifications from Microsoft, Oracle
Familiarity and experience with major and others are also valuable. Effective
enterprise database programs, such as database administrators must have keen
Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle or IBM attention to detail, a strong customer
DB2, are essential, and professional service orientation and the ability to
certification (Microsoft Certified Data- work as part of a team.
base Administrator or Oracle Database Typical duties include:
Administrator Certified Professional, for • Managing, monitoring and maintain-
example) in these programs is a plus. ing company databases
Because many web applications now • Making requested changes, updates
interface with databases, experience in and modifications to database structure
Internet technologies is also valuable. and data

• Ensuring database integrity, stability They must be able to communicate

and system availability effectively in order to plan and coordinate
• Maintaining database backup and data resources. Working knowledge
recovery infrastructure of network management, distributed
databases and processing, application
DATA ANALYST/REPORT WRITER architecture and performance man-
Strong analytical, quantitative and agement is highly valued. Employers
problem-solving abilities are required generally seek a bachelor’s degree in
for this position, along with thorough computer science or a related field,
knowledge of relational database theory as well as experience with Oracle,
and practice. Employers look for a Microsoft SQL Server or other databases
bachelor’s degree in computer science, in various operating system environ-
information systems or a related field, ments such as Unix, Linux, Solaris and
plus several years of experience working Microsoft Windows.
with major database platforms, such as Typical duties include:
Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle and IBM
• Understanding and evaluating
DB2. In addition, excellent communi-
business requirements and translating
cation skills and the ability to work both
them into specific database solutions
independently and collaboratively with
• Creating data design models, database
data systems teams are required.
architecture and data repository design
• Analyzing complex data systems and • Working with the systems and
documenting data elements, data flow, database administration staff to
relationships and dependencies implement, coordinate and maintain
enterprisewide data architecture
• Developing automated and reusable
routines for extracting requested infor- • Providing leadership in establishing
mation from database systems and documenting data standards
• Compiling detailed reports using data • Creating and testing database
reporting tools such as Crystal Reports, prototypes
and making recommendations based DATA MODELER
on their findings Data modelers must possess excellent
• Working in partnership with business data analysis and problem-solving
analysts, data architects and database skills, and be able to both communicate
developers to build data transactional effectively and work as part of a team.
and warehousing systems Employers normally request a bach-
DATA ARCHITECT elor’s degree in computer science, IT
or mathematics, in addition to several
Candidates for data architect positions
years of relevant data management
require a high level of analytical and
experience. Candidates should be
creative skills, along with in-depth knowl-
familiar with data modeling tools and
edge of data systems and database
methodology, design and modeling.

methodologies and be knowledgeable DATA WAREHOUSE MANAGER

in database system applications, stored The data warehouse manager role
procedures and data warehousing. requires an in-depth background in data-
Typical duties include: base theory and practice combined with
• Analyzing organizational data hands-on experience in data warehousing
requirements and creating logical technology. Managers should have excel-
and physical models of data flow lent analytical abilities, as well as project
• Interviewing key project stakeholders, management experience. Proficiency
documenting findings and making in warehousing tools and architecture
detailed recommendations is a must, as is technical proficiency in
• Working with database administrators database languages and applications
and reporting teams to ensure the such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server
availability of standard and ad hoc data and IBM DB2. A bachelor’s degree in
reporting in a production environment computer science or the equivalent, along
with five or more years of experience in
• Addressing data quality issues with
a data warehousing environment and
clients and management
three or more years in technical personnel
DATA SCIENTIST management, are often prerequisites.
Data scientists must have a range of Typical duties include:
mathematical and analytical skills, • Designing, developing and maintaining
as well as business acumen. Big data data warehouses and data mart systems
scientists analyze and integrate multiple • Working with database developers,
data sets and make recommendations administrators and managers to ensure
based on their findings. Experience in that data systems conform to enterprise
programming languages – commonly data architecture and strategy
Python or Java – is often required, as • Developing and implementing
is a Ph.D. strategies for gathering data from
Typical duties include: operational databases and third-party
• Gathering and processing raw data vendors for inclusion in the warehouse
• Providing analysis to leaders in order • Providing leadership in managing
to support business decisions technical resources and staff
• Developing metrics and prototypes
that can be used to drive business DATA WAREHOUSE ANALYST
decisions Data warehouse analysts must have
excellent research, analysis and problem-
• Identifying emerging trends and oppor-
solving skills, as well as good oral
tunities for business growth
and written communication abilities.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science

or a related field, along with exten- Typical duties include:

sive knowledge of relational database • Designing and developing
theory and three to five years of work enterprisewide data analysis
experience in database systems, are typ- and reporting solutions
ical prerequisites. Employers also seek • Reviewing and analyzing data from
candidates who possess experience with multiple internal and external sources
data modeling and architecture. • Communicating analysis results
A professional certification in a database and making recommendations
application such as Microsoft SQL to senior management
Server or Oracle also is valuable.
• Developing data cleansing rules
• Collecting, analyzing, mining and ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE
leveraging data stored in data (EDI) SPECIALIST
warehouses EDI specialists should have a solid
• Researching and recommending background in information systems
technology solutions related to data technology and working knowledge of
storage, reporting, importing and data communication protocols. They
other areas must be detail-oriented, have excellent
problem-solving skills and have the
• Working with business analysts to
ability to work independently. A bachelor’s
translate data requirements into logical
degree in computer science or a related
data models
discipline is normally required. In addi-
• Defining user interfaces for interacting
tion, employers typically look for several
with data warehouses and data marts
years of IT-related experience, plus three
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ANALYST or more years with EDI systems adminis-
Candidates for business intelligence tration, design, analysis and development.
analyst positions need a strong back- Typical duties include:
ground in all aspects of database • Implementing and monitoring EDI
technology, with an emphasis on the systems, including data mapping,
use of analytical and reporting tools. translation and interface
Employers seek a bachelor’s degree in • Coordinating relations with and serving
computer science, information systems as a liaison to internal users, vendors
or engineering, as well as several years and other external partners with respect
of experience with database queries, to data interchange standards
stored procedure writing, Online • Performing system testing and quality
Analytical Processing (OLAP) and data control checks
cube technology. Excellent written and
• Developing and maintaining
oral communication skills are a must.
EDI documentation

PORTAL ADMINISTRATOR procedures and able to define, write and

Portal administrators must have the ability maintain test automation. They must
to analyze and solve complex problems, have effective communication skills to
as well as extensive knowledge of translate technical processes and analytic
enterprise web applications, services, techniques to solve problems, and be
systems and supporting technologies. familiar with the materials used to build
Portal administrators may interact with a product. Employers often require a
a wide range of technical and nontech- bachelor’s degree in engineering and
nical colleagues, so candidates should may seek candidates with experience in
have excellent written and verbal com- a particular industry.
munication skills. Three to five years of Typical duties include:
systems administration experience may • Defining the scope and objectives
be required. Many portal administrator of various levels of QA testing
positions require experience installing • Identifying defective products and
and configuring IBM WebSphere Appli- areas that require improvement
cation Server and related products.
• Writing, maintaining and publishing
Typical duties include: product specifications and test results
• Integrating functional requirements
• Developing quality assurance
into portal applications development
standards and defining and
• Managing user access to portal tracking QA metrics
resources
• Deploying and managing portlet QA ENGINEER – AUTOMATED
applications Automated QA engineers develop and
• Ensuring reliability and availability of execute automated testing suites. They
enterprise web environments also lead quality assurance efforts within
a software development group and
work closely with development teams
Quality Assurance (QA) and stakeholders performing QA activi-
& Testing ties. These professionals lead QA efforts
through defining, developing, executing
QA ENGINEER – MANUAL and documenting automated test plans
Manual QA engineers define the scope and cases. Employers look for extensive
and objectives of various levels of QA knowledge in at least one automated
testing. They also write and maintain
test automation, publish test results,
develop quality assurance standards,
and define and track quality assurance
metrics. Manual quality assurance
engineers should be highly knowledge-
able in quality assurance principles and

testing framework. In addition, these Typical duties include:

workers must have experience performing • Managing a group of quality
usability testing and a strong under- assurance analysts/testers and
standing of the software development life directing their work
cycle. The position frequently requires a • Establishing quality assurance and/or
bachelor’s degree in engineering or a quality control policies in accordance
related technical field, or at least three with best practices and defining
years of industry experience in software benchmarks and measures
quality assurance, including automated • Preparing budget and staffing plans
testing and/or software development. and recommendations
Typical duties include: • Ensuring proper coordination and
• Leading quality assurance efforts within collaboration with technical teams
a software development group
• Working closely with development QA ASSOCIATE/ANALYST
teams and stakeholders performing Candidates for QA analyst positions
QA activities must have excellent problem-solving
skills, along with keen attention to
• Testing high-volume, web-based
detail and outstanding written and oral
applications
communication abilities. A bachelor’s
• Defining, developing, executing and
degree in computer science or a related
documenting automated test plans
discipline combined with several years
and test cases
of experience in a QA environment are
• Developing automated test scripts with typical requirements, although work
a variety of testing tools experience can sometimes be substituted
QA/TESTING MANAGER for formal education.
QA/testing managers have an extensive Typical duties include:
background in assurance methodologies • Developing and executing software
and procedures, along with excellent test plans
written and oral communication, • Identifying and facilitating issue
problem-solving, organizational and pre- resolution with functional and
sentation skills. Employers typically look technical groups
for six or more years of experience in • Managing software beta test programs
QA, along with several years of technical • Documenting test results
managerial experience and a bachelor’s
degree in information systems, computer
science or a related field.

Web Development WEB DEVELOPER

Web developers should have in-depth
SENIOR WEB DEVELOPER knowledge of Internet protocols and
Companies hiring senior web devel- applications, in addition to a solid
opers seek individuals with extensive understanding of business strategy. They
experience in all phases of the web need strong communication skills and
application development life cycle, as the ability to work both individually and
well as an excellent understanding of as part of a team. Employers typically
customer needs and business strategy. seek individuals with a bachelor’s
Candidates should have expertise in the degree in computer science or a related
development of multiplatform, distrib- field, plus several years of web-related
uted applications and object-oriented experience. Work experience can some-
programming. In addition, they should times be substituted for the educational
be adept at working in a team environ- requirement. Sample code and web links
ment and mentoring junior colleagues. to sample work are often requested.
Sample code and web links to sample Candidates should be well-versed in
work are often requested. Employers web technologies and tools, such as
normally seek a bachelor’s degree in AJAX, ColdFusion, JavaScript, SOAP,
computer science, electrical engineering HTML/DHTML, LAMP and others.
or a related field, plus a minimum of Typical duties include:
five years of experience working with a • Gathering business requirements and
mix of web technologies, such as AJAX, developing specifications for web-
Adobe Flash, JavaScript, SOAP and based applications
HTML/DHTML. • Providing technical assistance to web
Typical duties include: administrators
• Providing creative vision and manag- • Integrating websites with back-end
ing the planning and implementation systems such as databases
of web-based applications • Writing test plans and test results
• Coordinating and communicating
cross-functional activities among prod- FRONT-END WEB DEVELOPER
uct development, marketing, product Front-end developers create web- and
management and other teams in mobile-based applications and work on
bringing new applications online website maintenance and enhancements.
• Diagnosing and fixing bugs found by Front-end developers code, design and
quality assurance testers edit layout and functionality of websites.
Both technical and creative skills, as
• Overseeing application coding and
well as strong communication skills, are
providing technical expertise and
needed for this role. Experience with CSS
mentoring to other developers
preprocessors like Sass and JavaScript is
• Increasing online exposure through
necessary, and libraries, like jQuery, are
search engine optimization best practices
typically preferred.

Typical duties include: • Monitoring customer feedback and

• Creating web- and mobile-based responding to inquiries
applications • Recommending network, server and
• Managing website maintenance and related equipment, and software
enhancements upgrades and improvements
• Coding, designing and editing the WEB DESIGNER
layout and functionality of websites Web designers must be creative and
WEB ADMINISTRATOR possess excellent design and concep-
Candidates for web administrator posi- tual skills in combination with in-depth
tions need a thorough understanding of knowledge of the technology and
web technology and the Internet. They software used to create web pages.
should be experienced in working with They need to be familiar with HTML,
firewalls, intranets, domain name ser- XML, JSP, CSS, PHP, AJAX and similar
vices, servers, and the related hardware web languages and platforms, as well
and software required to administer a as the following Adobe web page and
website. Familiarity with web services, design software: Photoshop, Illustrator,
TCP/IP, FTP, HTTP and HTTPS, LDAP, and Acrobat, Dreamweaver and Flash. The
similar Internet protocols is also required. ability to multitask and adapt to chang-
A bachelor’s degree in a computer- ing priorities and new technologies is
related field and at least two to three also essential. Employers may require a
years of experience in a web adminis- bachelor’s degree in fine arts, graphic
tration role are standard requirements, design or communications but often are
although additional experience in more interested in three or more years
web-related positions may sometimes of design and production experience
be substituted for formal education. In and a strong portfolio of web designs.
addition, web administrators should Typical duties include:
have excellent communication and • Working with design teams, marketing
customer service skills and the ability to staff and developers to create a consis-
work well in a team environment. tent and compelling visual style for a
Typical duties include: company’s website
• Installing, customizing, updating and • Designing and formatting web pages
maintaining corporate internal and • Testing and troubleshooting web
external web pages and sites page features
• Creating and analyzing reports • Creating artwork to appear on
on web activity, number of hits, web pages
traffic patterns and similar perfor-
mance metrics

E-COMMERCE ANALYST communication skills, along with strong

E-commerce analysts must possess a interpersonal and leadership abilities.
strong background in Internet technol- Employers generally seek a bachelor’s
ogies, along with excellent communi- degree in a computer-related field,
cation, interpersonal, analytical and accompanied by at least seven years
problem-solving skills. They also should of experience with network operating
be familiar with business and marketing systems such as Cisco, Novell and
concepts and be comfortable making Windows Server. Network architects
recommendations based on strong should also have experience working
attention to detail and strategic thinking. with routers, switches, cabling and
Employers typically seek a bachelor’s other essential network hardware.
degree in business, computer science, A networking certification from sources
marketing, economics or a related field such as Cisco, Microsoft or Novell also
of study, plus a minimum of three years is highly valued.
of professional IT experience, including Typical duties include:
work in web-related functions. • Assessing business and applications
Typical duties include: requirements for corporate data and
• Analyzing business and user require- voice networks
ments and making recommendations • Planning, designing and upgrading
regarding the design and develop- network installation projects
ment of web-based e-commerce • Establishing and maintaining backup,
solutions version-control and viral defense systems
• Coordinating work with web designers • Troubleshooting network architecture
and other technical specialists for the and making recommendations for
implementation of e-commerce websites system fixes and enhancements
• Training and mentoring colleagues on • Making recommendations for leverag-
Internet strategy and best practices ing network installations and reducing
• Testing and evaluating e-commerce operational costs
site performance and monitoring
site analytics
Networking/
Telecommunications
NETWORK ARCHITECT
Individuals pursuing this position need
an extensive background in all aspects
of networking technology. They must
possess excellent written and oral

NETWORK MANAGER server and network infrastructure are

Companies hiring network managers typical job requirements. A professional
seek candidates who have experience certification, such as the Cisco Certi-
working with data and voice networking, fied Internetwork Expert (CCIE), also is
along with excellent operational knowl- highly desirable.
edge of network hardware and software. Typical duties include:
In addition, network managers need • Engineering enterprise data, voice
outstanding interpersonal, management, and video networks
and oral and written communication • Establishing and operating network
skills, as well as the ability to multitask. test facilities
Employers look for 10 or more years of • Maintaining a secure transfer of data
experience in a networking environment to multiple locations via internal and
combined with several years of experi- external networks
ence managing technical personnel. A
• Working with vendors, clients,
Microsoft, Cisco or similar professional
carriers and technical staff on network
certification also is valuable.
implementation, optimization and
ongoing management
• Directing day-to-day operations and
• Providing high-level support and
maintenance of the firm’s networking
technical expertise in networking
technology
technology, including LAN/WAN
• Collaborating with network engineers,
hardware, hubs, bridges and routers
architects and other team members on
the implementation, testing, deployment WIRELESS NETWORK ENGINEER
and integration of network systems Candidates for the position of wireless
• Providing reports to IT management network engineer need strong analytical
regarding network system perfor- and problem-solving skills, and must
mance, utilization and compliance be knowledgeable about all aspects of
• Managing and mentoring a staff of network technology. A background in
network technicians wireless equipment, standards, proto-
cols and WLAN design is considered
NETWORK ENGINEER ideal. Candidates also must be effective
Network engineers must be detail- communicators in order to collaborate
oriented and have in-depth knowledge successfully with network technicians,
of networking hardware and software. vendors and managers. Employers
A bachelor’s degree in computer sci- typically look for a bachelor’s degree
ence or electrical engineering and five in computer science, engineering or a
or more years of experience in areas related field (or equivalent work experi-
such as network design and implemen- ence), plus five or more years in
tation, LAN/WAN interfacing, security, LAN/WAN engineering and design
Internet protocols and TCP/IP, and

work, including several years special- Typical duties include:

izing in wireless technologies such as • Administering the operation of all LAN/
Wi-Fi, WiMax and WAP. Professional WAN-related network services accord-
certifications such as the Certified ing to company policies and procedures
Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) • Coordinating and implementing net-
also are valuable. work software and hardware upgrades
Typical duties include: • Troubleshooting and resolving LAN/
• Researching, designing and imple- WAN performance, connectivity and
menting wireless networks, including related network problems
all engineering specifications and • Administering LAN/WAN security,
resource requirements for network antivirus and spam control measures
hardware and software
• Making recommendations for PRE-SALES ENGINEER/TECHNICAL
wireless network optimization, ENGINEER
additions and upgrades to meet Candidates seeking a position as a pre-
business requirements sales engineer/technical engineer need
proven technology skills combined with
• Conducting and documenting
outstanding interpersonal and teamwork
radio frequency (RF) coverage
abilities. They should possess strong
and site surveys
written and verbal communication skills,
• Documenting network infrastructure
attention to detail, and analytical and
and design
problem-solving capabilities. A positive,
NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR service-oriented personality is required
Network administrators need solid as these individuals will often meet with
technical skills and experience with a clients or potential clients as part of the
variety of network protocols, software sales team. Many positions require a
and hardware involved in LAN and WAN substantial amount of travel. Employers
operations. The position requires strong generally seek a bachelor’s degree or
troubleshooting, analytic and diagnostic equivalent combination of education
skills, along with good communication and work experience in engineering,
abilities. In addition, firms may require information systems or business admin-
the individual to be on call 24/7 in case istration, depending on the product or
of network failures or emergencies. service being sold. Five years of industry
Though some employers prefer a bach- experience, including two or more years
elor’s degree in computer science or in sales engineering or consulting work,
information systems, five or more years of are typically required.
work experience, as well as professional
certifications offered by Microsoft, Cisco
and others, often can be substituted.

Typical duties include: • Evaluating equipment vendors, build-

• Collaborating as a member of a ing relationships with service providers,
sales support or account team by and coordinating equipment installa-
participating as the technical expert tion, relocation and removal
in customer presentations • Researching and making recommen-
• Determining technical requirements dations to IT management related to
to meet client goals and acting telecommunications systems upgrades,
as the liaison between the firm’s improvements and long-range strategy
sales/business development and
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
engineering groups
Telecommunications specialists need a
• Responding to requests for information detailed understanding of telecommuni-
(RFIs) or requests for proposals (RFPs) cations theory and practice. They should
from current or potential customers with have solid technical skills, as well as
technical details of proposed solutions interpersonal and organizational abilities.
• Coordinating the transition between Employers may seek an associate’s
pre-sales specifications and implemen- degree in electronics or a related field
tation engineering upon the awarding but are equally interested in several years
of contracts of hands-on experience with communi-
TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGER cations equipment. Experience working
Telecommunications managers should with the specific hardware used in the
have an extensive background in company’s telecommunications system,
telecommunications practice, including as well as with cabling and transmission
hands-on experience with associated test equipment, is highly valued.
hardware and software. They should Typical duties include:
have excellent communication, staff • Installing, configuring and maintaining
management, problem-solving and voice, data and video equipment
organizational abilities. Employers • Installing and testing cabling
generally seek a bachelor’s degree in • Investigating and resolving trouble
a related field, along with a minimum ticket items and making necessary
of five years of telecommunications equipment repairs
experience, plus two or more years as a • Resolving circuit issues
supervisor or manager. • Maintaining system logs and records
• Overseeing a team of analysts and
technicians who support a firm’s
telecommunications infrastructure
• Managing the telecommunications
budget and analyzing expenditures for
cost containment

Operations knowledge of the hardware and oper-

ating system environment used by their
MANAGER firm. A formal postsecondary education
An in-depth background in computer is often less critical than several years
operations combined with supervisory of related work experience, although
experience is required for the position of system certification is a valuable asset.
operations manager. Managers should Typical duties include:
have excellent planning, project manage- • Operating and monitoring main-
ment and problem-solving skills, along frame computer equipment and
with superior communication and inter- peripherals
personal abilities. A bachelor’s degree • Performing system backups
in a computer-related field or equivalent • Identifying equipment problems
work experience is a standard require- and initiating corrective action
ment. Firms normally seek a minimum • Keeping required logs and system
of five years of operations experience in records according to departmental
combination with three or more years of procedures
managing technical personnel.
Typical duties include: MAINFRAME SYSTEMS
• Directing and managing the daily PROGRAMMER
activities of the computer operations Systems programmers must possess
department experience with mainframe computer
• Supervising a staff of computer programming languages and appli-
operators and other technicians, cations development. They should be
assigning their duties and preparing analytical problem solvers with good
performance reviews communication and organizational
skills and have the ability to work
• Analyzing system malfunctions or
individually and as part of a technical
technical problems and directing
team. Typical requirements include a
appropriate resolution to ensure
bachelor’s degree in computer science
uninterrupted operations
or a related field, plus three to five years
• Coordinating operations information of work experience in the development
and activities with other IT managers of complex systems in a mainframe
COMPUTER OPERATOR environment. Additional work experience
Computer operators need to be can sometimes be substituted for the
detail-oriented team players with good educational requirement.
analytical and troubleshooting skills. Typical duties include:
Candidates also must possess the ability • Designing logic, writing code, and
to multitask. They should have a strong testing and debugging mainframe
service orientation and be able to main- computer applications
tain a flexible work schedule. Employers • Installing and implementing programs
seek candidates with good working and upgrades

• Diagnosing and resolving system SYSTEMS SECURITY ADMINISTRATOR

problems in coordination with other Systems security administrators must
technical team members demonstrate technical knowledge of
• Documenting procedures for main- data systems security procedures and
frame configuration and operation familiarity with systems hardware and
software. They should have good com-
munication skills and the ability to work
Security well in a team setting. It is important
that candidates keep abreast of industry
DATA SECURITY ANALYST
security trends and developments, as well
Data security analysts must possess a
as applicable government regulations.
thorough understanding of all aspects of
A bachelor’s degree in computer science
computer and network security, including
or a related field, plus several years of
such areas as firewall administration,
computer systems and security-related
encryption technologies and network
experience, are typical requirements for
protocols. Analysts need strong oral
the job, although relevant work experi-
and written communication, analytical,
ence can sometimes be substituted for a
and problem-solving skills, as well as
four-year degree.
excellent judgment and self-motivation.
They should be able to multitask and
• Creating, modifying and deleting
work well under pressure. It is important
user accounts
that candidates keep abreast of industry
security trends and developments, as well • Monitoring systems security and
as applicable government regulations. responding to security incidents
Employers generally seek a bachelor’s • Participating in security systems testing
degree in a computer-related field, along • Ensuring integrity and confidentiality
with at least three years of practical data of sensitive data
security experience. A professional certi- • Preventing and detecting intrusion
fication such as the Certified Information
Systems Security Professional (CISSP) NETWORK SECURITY ADMINISTRATOR
designation is also a valuable asset. Individuals interested in a network
Typical duties include: security administrator position need a
strong technical background, including
• Performing security audits, risk assess-
working knowledge of network manage-
ments and analysis
ment protocols, networking architecture,
• Making recommendations for
authentication practices and security
enhancing data systems security
administration. It is important that can-
• Researching attempted breaches didates keep abreast of industry security
of data security and rectifying trends and developments, as well as
security weaknesses applicable government regulations. They
• Formulating security policies also should have excellent trouble-
and procedures shooting and communication skills.

Employers typically seek a bachelor’s • Post-deployment monitoring

degree in a technical field, along with and testing
three to six years of relevant experience. • Planning, testing and executing
Typical duties include: upgrades as necessary
• Implementing network security policies
INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY
and procedures
MANAGER
• Administering and maintaining The position of information systems
firewalls security manager requires an individual
• Managing, monitoring and updating with a strong technical background in
malware prevention systems systems and network security, along with
• Monitoring security advisory groups to excellent interpersonal and leadership
ensure all necessary network security abilities. Superior analytical and problem-
updates, patches and preventive solving skills, as well as exceptional
measures are in place written and verbal communication skills,
• Preventing and detecting intrusion are also essential. It is important that
• Performing intrusion detection analysis candidates keep abreast of industry
security trends and developments, as well
NETWORK SECURITY ENGINEER as applicable government regulations.
Network security engineers must be Employers normally seek a bachelor’s
able to translate security policies and degree in information systems, com-
procedures into technical architectures. puter science or a related discipline (or
Employers seek strong working knowl- an equivalent combination of educa-
edge of data and network security tion and experience), along with five
technologies, as well as at least five or more years of systems and network
years of experience installing, monitor- security experience. One or more years
ing and maintaining network security of managerial experience may also be
solutions. Candidates should have required. Industry certifications such as
excellent organizational, multitasking the Certified Information Systems Security
and communication skills. A four-year Professional (CISSP) or the CompTIA
college degree in a technical field and Security+ also are commonly sought
a Cisco or other security-related certifi- by employers.
cation may also be required. Typical duties include:
Typical duties include: • Providing leadership, guidance
• Analyzing performance, identifying and training to information systems
areas of concern and formulating security personnel
action plans
• Reviewing, implementing, updating and
• Creating and maintaining documen- documenting companywide information
tation of network configurations security policies and procedures
and processes

• Managing security audits and vulner- SOFTWARE ENGINEER

ability and threat assessments, and Candidates for a software engineer
directing responses to network or position should have broad information
system intrusions systems experience. They should be
• Ensuring fulfillment of legal and adept at working in a team environment
contractual information security and and possess excellent communication
privacy mandates, including providing and problem-solving skills. Most jobs
executive management with compli- require a minimum of a bachelor’s
ance reports and audit findings degree in computer science, electrical
• Preventing and detecting intrusion engineering, computer engineering
or a related discipline. Several years’
experience in specific programming
Software Development languages, such as C#/C++, Java or
.NET, depending on what the employer
PRODUCT MANAGER is using, also is valuable.
Product managers need a blend of busi- Typical duties include:
ness and marketing talent combined with
• Designing and creating engineering
technical knowledge. They should have
specifications for software programs
excellent communication skills, including
and applications
the ability to deal effectively with both
• Working with quality assurance to
technical staff and business/sales profes-
develop software test plans
sionals, as well as a capacity for seeing
the big picture in terms of product life • Collaborating with hardware engi-
cycle. Requirements include a bachelor’s neers to assess and test hardware
degree in computer science or business, and software interaction
plus five or more years of experience in • Implementing a specific development
software product management. For some methodology
positions, an MBA is highly desirable. • Documenting software specifications
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
• Coordinating work with software
Software developers need to be
engineers and developers to define
detail-oriented and have excellent
product requirements
problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Working with sales and marketing They should have good communication
to define customer needs, market skills and be able to work independently
potential, competitive analysis and and as part of a development team.
marketing strategy Employers normally require a bachelor’s
• Writing product information materials degree in computer science or a similar
to brief sales personnel on product field but may accept a two-year technical
features and benefits degree if combined with several years of
• Assisting with trade show presenta- practical experience. Equally important
tions of the product are programming skills in languages and

frameworks such as C#/C++, HTML, Information Technology Infrastructure

Java/Java Enterprise Edition, Microsoft Library (ITIL), also are valuable.
.NET and SQL Server. A minimum of two Typical duties include:
to three years of programming experi- • Managing the daily operations of a
ence is a typical requirement. Complex firm’s help desk and support services
projects may call for additional years of • Managing staff, including hiring, train-
demonstrated achievement. ing, scheduling work assignments and
Typical duties include: conducting evaluations
• Coding, testing and debugging • Monitoring response times, evaluating
programs according to computer user satisfaction levels and making
engineering specifications recommendations for improvement
• Modifying, expanding and updating • Evaluating and managing technical
applications support systems hardware and soft-
• Communicating with a team that ware and making recommendations
includes analysts, engineers and regarding upgrades or changes
quality assurance testers in order to • Negotiating, writing and reporting
coordinate and document application on internal and external service-level
development and testing agreements
• Developing software prototypes
DESKTOP SUPPORT ANALYST
Candidates for a desktop support
Technical Services, Help analyst position should have extensive
Desk & Technical Support experience with desktop hardware,
software applications, operating systems
MANAGER and network connectivity. They must be
Managers of technical support services customer service-oriented and proactive
need extensive experience with supported in anticipating and resolving problems
software and hardware, as well as excel- while maximizing efficient use of com-
lent interpersonal, business management puting resources. A bachelor’s degree
and customer service skills. The position in a computer-related field and three to
also requires strong leadership skills. five years of experience installing and
Employers typically seek a bachelor’s supporting PC and laptop hardware
degree in information systems or a and software are standard requirements,
related discipline with at least five years although some employers are willing
of operations and support experience, to substitute work experience for formal
plus three or more years in a managerial education. Additional requirements may
role. Professional certifications such as include professional certifications from
the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer entities such as HDI (Desktop Support
(MCSE) or HDI’s Support Center Man- Technician or Support Center Analyst),
ager certification, or experience with the

CompTIA or Microsoft (Microsoft Engineer (MCSE) or Sun Certified System

Certified IT Professional or Microsoft Administrator (SCSA) may be commonly
Certified Systems Administrator). sought by employers.
Typical duties include: Typical duties include:
• Maintaining an inventory of installed • Installing operating system software,
software, managing software licensing, patches and upgrades
and creating policies and procedures • Analyzing, troubleshooting and resolv-
for upgrades ing system hardware, software and
• Working with hardware and software networking issues
vendors to verify timely product deliv- • Configuring, optimizing, fine-tuning
ery and ensuring that new equipment and monitoring operating system
is installed and ready to operate software and servers
on schedule • Performing system backups and
• Analyzing and making recommen- recovery
dations for hardware and software • Conducting server builds
standardization
• Creating user accounts and manag- SYSTEMS ENGINEER
ing access control based on company In addition to in-depth technical knowl-
policies edge of the employer’s software and
hardware, systems engineers need
SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR advanced analytical, troubleshooting
Systems administrators should possess and design skills. The ability to commu-
strong problem-solving, analytical nicate with technical and nontechnical
and communication skills, in addition users also is essential. Employers may
to in-depth technical knowledge of require extensive knowledge of the devel-
the employer’s systems hardware and opment process, including specification,
software. Employer requirements vary documentation and quality assurance.
depending on system complexity, the Because of the broad range of demands
types of operating and network systems systems engineers must meet, candidates
being supported, and the size of the who have demonstrated strong project
organization. Though some employers planning skills often hold an advantage.
require a bachelor’s degree in computer Employers generally prefer candidates
science or a related field, others may with five or more years of experience
accept an associate’s degree or technical working with the specific hardware and
training certificate. Three to five years of software systems used by the company,
experience working with the specific types as well as a bachelor’s degree or
of hardware and software systems used equivalent experience.
by the company are generally required. Typical duties include:
Professional certifications such as the • Developing, maintaining and support-
Microsoft Certified Systems Administra- ing technical infrastructure, hardware
tor (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems and system software components

• Performing installation, maintenance • Formulating and documenting

and support of system software/hard- standard procedures for messaging
ware and user support system administration
• Configuring, debugging and • Identifying areas for enterprisewide
supporting multiple infrastructure system improvements and upgrades,
platforms including trending analysis and
• Performing high-level root cause anal- capacity planning
ysis for service interruption recovery • Planning, documenting and test-
and creating preventive measures ing appropriate messaging-related
disaster recovery and/or business
MESSAGING ADMINISTRATOR
continuity systems
Messaging administrators must be
detail-oriented with excellent problem- HELP DESK (TIERS 1, 2 & 3)
solving, communication and docu- All help desk personnel need excellent
mentation skills. They should have problem-solving, communication and
hands-on experience working with the interpersonal skills, along with patience,
hardware and software components of a customer-friendly attitude and the
messaging systems such as Microsoft ability to work in a team environment.
Exchange, Outlook, Active Directory In addition, they should have a strong
and Lotus Notes, plus handheld devices, technical understanding of the various
and a strong understanding of malware hardware, software and networking
protection. Messaging administrators systems being supported. Employer
must be comfortable in a fast-paced requirements depend on the help desk
environment with rapidly changing position level. Tier 1, an entry-level
technology. A bachelor’s degree in position, normally requires less than
computer science, computer informa- two years of work experience and may
tion systems or a related field, plus at require an associate’s degree or comple-
least two years of experience working tion of coursework at a technical school.
with the messaging systems used by the Tier 2 positions typically require two to
employer, are standard requirements. four years of work experience and may
Typical duties include: require a bachelor’s degree or a two-
• Implementing, administering and year degree and additional, equivalent
maintaining email and groupware work experience in a help desk setting.
systems, including associated servers,
operating systems, and backup and
recovery programs
• Troubleshooting and fixing system
problems and service requests, and
providing high-level technical support
for unresolved help desk issues

Tier 3 positions often require four or INSTRUCTOR/TRAINER

more years of help desk experience, a Candidates for an instructor/trainer
bachelor’s degree in computer science position require a combination of
or a related field, and/or professional in-depth subject-matter expertise and
certification, such as HDI’s Customer excellent communication and presenta-
Service Representative or Support Center tion skills. They must be able to explain
Analyst or the Microsoft Certified Systems difficult technical material clearly and
Engineer (MCSE) designation. patiently to students with varying levels
Typical duties include: of proficiency. Candidates should be
Tier 3 outgoing and comfortable working with
• Researching and resolving the most diverse groups of people while main-
difficult and complex problems that taining professionalism at all times.
other help desk levels have been A bachelor’s degree in a related subject
unable to resolve area may be preferred by some employ-
• Analyzing and identifying trends in ers. Breadth of technical knowledge and
issue reporting and devising preventive at least one year of training experience
solutions also are required. Certification, such
• Mentoring other help desk personnel as a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
on hardware and software problem designation, can also be useful.
analysis and resolution Typical duties include:
Tier 2 • Determining training objectives and
• Resolving more complex issues requir- developing a course curriculum
ing detailed systems and applications • Creating course materials, handouts,
knowledge; these issues have been instructional aids, audio/visual
escalated from Tier 1 materials and similar teaching aids
• Deciding whether to generate a • Conducting classroom training
trouble or work order ticket for issues • Testing and evaluating student
that will require a visit to the user’s performance
PC or workstation
PC TECHNICIAN
Tier 1
PC technicians need excellent problem-
• Taking initial telephone or email inqui- solving and customer service skills, as
ries and troubleshooting and managing well as thorough knowledge of PC hard-
relatively simple hardware, software or ware, software and network connections.
network problems Employers look for relevant training,
• Recognizing and escalating more which may include an associate’s degree
difficult problems to Tier 2 support or completion of coursework through a
• Logging call activity technical school, as well as hands-on
experience working with PC hardware
and software. One to five years of

previous experience may be required, • Designing, planning and imple-

depending on the complexity of the menting an enterprisewide business
position. Professional certifications, continuity plan
such as the CompTIA IT Technician or • Analyzing existing systems and rec-
Microsoft Certified IT Professional des- ommending redundant, fault-tolerant
ignation, also provide important skills solutions to ensure business continuity
validation and may be required. and duplication of all critical data
Typical duties include: • Devising, scheduling and implement-
• Installing, configuring and main- ing business continuity tests and
taining desktop and laptop PCs and analyzing results
peripherals such as printers • Documenting business continuity
• Installing and configuring application procedures and making present-
and operating system software and ations and recommendations to
upgrades senior management
• Troubleshooting and repairing hard- • Ensuring that the firm and its data
ware and network connectivity issues systems are in compliance with regula-
• Removing old equipment and perform- tions such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act,
ing data migration to new machines Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability
BUSINESS CONTINUITY ANALYST
Act in the United States or Multilateral
Individuals interested in a business
Instrument 52-109 in Canada
continuity analyst position need
excellent analytical, organizational, com-
munication and documentation skills.
A background in project management
and/or business or systems analysis, and
in-depth knowledge of a business sector
such as finance or securities, are consid-
ered ideal. Employers typically seek five
or more years of experience in IT-related
positions, along with several years of
business continuity planning experience.
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in
computer science or a related field is a
standard educational requirement.
• Analyzing critical business functions
and defining the scope and impact of
disaster scenarios

About Robert Half Technology
Robert Half Technology is much more than a resource for

compensation data. We offer a full spectrum of technology staffing
solutions to meet our customers’ project, contract-to-full-time and
full-time IT recruitment needs. In 2015, our parent company,
Robert Half, again was named to FORTUNE® magazine’s “World’s
Most Admired Companies” list, ranking #1 in our industry.
(March 1, 2015)
Robert Half Technology offers project, contract-to-hire and full-time staffing,

as well as managed IT service solutions and IT solution consulting, worldwide
to organizations that require on-demand technical expertise. The following
business functions are representative of the technology project services we offer:
• Project consultants: With a database of more than 1 million experienced
consultants, we are able to quickly provide you with the skilled candidates you
need to help meet your project staffing requirements.
• Contract-to-hire and full-time staffing: We designed an innovative
Company-In® recruitment process to help companies accelerate their hiring
and minimize the loss of time and money associated with staffing open positions.
• Salaried professional service*: We can offer you access to a wide range
of highly skilled technology professionals for long-term projects that require
ongoing expertise without turnover.
• IT managed services: We have the ability to scale for large projects
regionally, nationally and globally, including PC refreshes, OS upgrades,
help desk/desk-side support outsourcing, and QA testing.
• Solution consulting: We deliver joint solutions in collaboration with Robert
Half’s subsidiary, Protiviti, a global consulting and internal audit firm.
Together, we can offer subject-matter experts who have experience providing
highly complex, deliverables-based consulting using Protiviti’s proprietary
methodology and tools.
*Available only in the United States.

ABOUT ROBERT HALF TECHNOLOGY
BENEFITS OF USING PROJECT CONSULTANTS
• Relief for overburdened employees at risk of

burnout – or leaving your firm altogether
• Minimized overtime expenses
• Reduced recruiting and hiring costs
• Support for core employees temporarily dedicated
to special initiatives but whose regular jobs can’t go
unattended
• Greater job stability for full-time workers who’ll be
largely protected from cycles of hiring and layoffs as
business needs fluctuate

Worldwide Locations
United States Illinois New Hampshire

Arizona Chicago Manchester
Phoenix Hoffman Estates
Oakbrook Terrace New Jersey
California Parsippany
Indiana Princeton
City of Industry
Irvine Indianapolis Saddle Brook
La Jolla Woodbridge
Iowa
Los Angeles New Mexico
Cedar Rapids
Oakland
Des Moines Albuquerque
Ontario
Sacramento Kansas New York
San Francisco
Overland Park New York – Midtown
San Jose
New York – Wall Street
San Mateo Kentucky Uniondale
Stockton Louisville
Torrance North Carolina
Westwood Louisiana Charlotte
Colorado New Orleans Raleigh
Colorado Springs Maryland Ohio
Denver Baltimore Akron
Englewood Bethesda Blue Ash
Connecticut Cincinnati
Massachusetts Cleveland
Hartford Boston Columbus
Stamford Burlington Dayton
District of Columbia Westborough Dublin
Washington Michigan Oklahoma
Florida Grand Rapids Oklahoma City
Southfield Tulsa
Coral Gables
Fort Lauderdale Minnesota Oregon
Jacksonville Bloomington Portland
Orlando Minneapolis
Tampa Pennsylvania
West Palm Beach Missouri King of Prussia
St. Louis Philadelphia
Georgia
Pittsburgh
Atlanta Nevada
Las Vegas

WORLDWIDE LOCATIONS
Rhode Island Australia France

Providence Brisbane Lyon
Melbourne Massy
South Carolina Perth Paris – La Défense
Charleston Sydney Stade de France
Greenville
Brazil Germany
Tennessee
Barra Berlin
Memphis Belo Horizonte Cologne
Nashville Campinas Düsseldorf
Rio de Janeiro Essen
Texas
São Paulo Frankfurt
Austin Hamburg
Dallas – Downtown Canada Munich
Dallas – Galleria
Alberta Stuttgart
Fort Worth
Calgary
Houston – Galleria
Edmonton
Japan
Houston – Westchase Osaka
Houston – The Woodlands British Columbia Tokyo
San Antonio
Vancouver
New Zealand
Utah
Manitoba Auckland
Salt Lake City
Thanksgiving Point Winnipeg
Singapore
Virginia Ontario Singapore
Richmond Mississauga
North York Switzerland
Tysons Corner
Ottawa Zurich
Washington Toronto
United Arab
Bellevue Quebec Emirates
Seattle
Montreal Abu Dhabi
Wisconsin Dubai
Chile
Madison
Milwaukee Santiago United Kingdom
Birmingham
China Bristol
Hong Kong SAR Leeds
London Central
London City

2884 Sand Hill Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
1.877.336.4854
rht.com
© 2015 Robert Half Technology. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.

RHT-0915

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide

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Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide

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2016

Competition among businesses for top IT talent today makes it critical

Salary Calculator For additional insights on

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 1

A demand and supply imbalance that has affected the

The signs are here already. So Highly skilled and experienced

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 2

NEW RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES WHERE THE JOBS ARE

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 3

HOT INDUSTRIES FOR IT HIRING • Managed services: More

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 4

EMERGING JOB MARKET: WEARABLE TECH

Will happen as soon

*Source: Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,400

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 5

TECH ROLES IN DEMAND administrators are needed by many

TOP TECHNICAL SKILLS

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 6

8 STRATEGIES FOR RECRUITING

1. Pay at or above market salaries for top talent.

4. Make sure tech pros have the latest tools.

6. Offer professional development opportunities.

Another strategy for success: Establish a strong employee referral

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 7

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 8

Consulting & Systems Integration

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 9

Web Development (d)

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 10

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 11

All salaries listed on Pages 12-15 are in Canadian dollars.

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 12

Consulting & Systems Integration

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 13

Web Development (d)

All salaries listed on Pages 12-15 are in Canadian dollars.

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 14

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 15

ALABAMA Santa Barbara. . . . . . . . . 127.0

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NEW MEXICO SOUTH CAROLINA

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Both full-time and contract employment opportunities are expected

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 19

More employers are looking for

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 20

Administration • Providing vision and leadership in

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 21

• Managing the implementation of data VICE PRESIDENT OF

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desired characteristics include leader- Typical duties include:

Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide • rht.com 23

Typical duties include: • Facilitating discussions and consensus

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APPLICATIONS ARCHITECT BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYST

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CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP

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Typical duties include: • Providing ERP application support

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experience building mobile applications needed but usually include a bachelor’s