Still, it’s heartening to note that IT unemployment remains relatively low, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Furthermore, the 2009 IT Salary Guide, published by Robert Half Technology, suggests that demographic trends will create a healthy job market in the years ahead. These multi-year trends include declining numbers of college graduates who are prepared for the IT sector and a wave of vintage Baby Boomers eager to vacate the working world.

Indeed, a whopping 77 percent of the CIOs interviewed by Robert Half revealed that it is equally as challenging – or even more so – to find skilled IT applicants than it was a year ago. (But wouldn’t boosting the average salary by more than 3.7 percent solve that?)

A number of industries are expected to hire IT professionals at a notable clip. These include healthcare, which is projected to create more jobs than any other industry between 2006 and 2016; education, a sector propelled by the burgeoning e-learning market; and (of course) high tech, which companies continue to look to for competitive advantage.

In most companies, skilled tech talent continues to be at a premium, particularly in areas like Java, SQL Server, SharePoint and .NET development. It’s not unusual for these experts to receive multiple job offers. Enjoying a robust spike in interest is Web 2.0 development, as businesses move still more of their operations online.

A Robert Half survey of 1,400 CIOs reveals that the following IT skills are in greatest demand: Network administration (70%), Windows administration (69%), Desktop support (69%), Database management (58%), Wireless network management (47%), Telecommunications support (44%), Web development/Website design (42%), Business intelligence/reporting services (33%), Virtualization (32%), .NET development (22%), CRM implementation (22%), ERP implementation (20%), Linux/Unix administration (20%), Java development (17%), Open source development (17%), and XML development (17%).

IT Salaries by Specialty

Based on data from Robert Half Technology, the 2009 IT Salary Guide lists IT salaries for a broad range of professionals, from software developer to systems administrator to help desk manager. The Guide also provides data about pay levels for regions across the U.S., and suggests the salary incentives for related tech skills (such as C++, Oracle database, Cisco network, or Visual Basic skills).

The IT Salary Guide also lists salary levels going back (in some cases) to 2006, which allows IT staffers to compare rate of pay increases for various job titles.

To view the average salaries for today’s tech jobs, GO TO 2009 IT SALARY GUIDE. See the average salary for IT positions, along with regional pay levels and the value of specialty tech skills:

Chief Technology Officer

Information Technology Manager

Developer/Programmer Analyst

Lead Applications Developer

Software Engineer

Systems Administrator

Database Manager

Senior Web Developer

Network Engineer

Project Manager/Senior Consultant

Systems Security Administrator

Help Desk Manager

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards. Job Title: Chief Technology Officer

2009 average salary range: $110,250 – $173,250.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 4% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $107,250 – $165,250.

• The 2008 salary range was an increase of 5.2% over this job’s 2007 salary range, which was $101,000 – $157,750.

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Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

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Salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology. To request a copy of the complete Robert Half Salary Guide, which includes salary ranges for more than 60 different job titles, in the U.S. and Canada, click here. Job Title: Information Technology Manager

2009 average salary range: $88,750 – $126,500.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 3.1% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $86,750 – $122,000.

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Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

GO BACK TO IT SALARY JOB LIST

Salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology. To request a copy of the complete Robert Half Salary Guide, which includes salary ranges for more than 60 different job titles, in the U.S. and Canada, click here. Job Title: Developer/Programmer Analyst

2009 average salary range: $60,000 – $100,750.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 4.2% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $57,500 – $96,750.

• The 2008 salary range was an increase of 6.0% over this job’s 2007 salary range, which was $55,250 – $90,750.

• The 2006 salary range was an increase of 4.6% over this job’s 2005 salary range, which was $52,500 – $83,250.

Add a salary increase for the following skills: 7% for AJAX development; 10% for C# development; 5% for C++ development; 10% for Java development; 7% for LAMP; 10% for Microsoft SharePoint; 8% for .NET development; 10% for PHP; and 5% for Visual Basic.

GO BACK TO JOB LIST

Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

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Salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology. To request a copy of the complete Robert Half Salary Guide, which includes salary ranges for more than 60 different job titles, in the U.S. and Canada, click here. Job Title: Lead Applications Developer

2009 average salary range: $83,250 – $113,000.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 4.2% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $80,250 – $108,000.

Add a salary increase for the following skills: 7% for AJAX development; 10% for C# development; 5% for C++ development; 10% for Java development; 7% for LAMP; 10% for Microsoft SharePoint; 8% for .NET development; 10% for PHP; and 5% for Visual Basic.

GO BACK TO JOB LIST

Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

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Salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology. To request a copy of the complete Robert Half Salary Guide, which includes salary ranges for more than 60 different job titles, in the U.S. and Canada, click here. Job Title: Software Engineer

2009 average salary range: $72,000 – $108,250.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 3.7% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $69,250 – $104,500.

Add a salary increase for the following skills: 5% for Active Server Page development; 10% for C# development; 5% for C++ development; 8% for DCOM/COM/ActiveX development; 10% for Java development; 8% for .NET development; 10% for PHP; 5% for Visual Basic; and 7% for WebServices development.

GO BACK TO JOB LIST

Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

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Salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology. To request a copy of the complete Robert Half Salary Guide, which includes salary ranges for more than 60 different job titles, in the U.S. and Canada, click here. Job Title: Systems Administrator

2009 average salary range: $52,750 – $82,500.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 3.6% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $51,750 – $78,750.

Add a salary increase for the following skills: 12% for Cisco Network administration; 10% for Linux/Unix administration; 8% for Windows 2000/Windows 2003/XP/Vista.

GO BACK TO JOB LIST

Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

GO BACK TO IT SALARY JOB LIST

Salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology. To request a copy of the complete Robert Half Salary Guide, which includes salary ranges for more than 60 different job titles, in the U.S. and Canada, click here. Job Title: Database Manager

2009 average salary range: $91,500 – $126,500.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 3.1% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $88,750 – $122,750.

• The 2008 salary range was an increase of 5.4% over this job’s 2007 salary range, which was $84,750 – $116,000.

• The 2007 salary range was an increase of 2.6% over this job’s 2006 salary range, which was $81,250 – $110,250.

Add a salary increase for the following skills: 5% for IBM DB2 database; 12% for Microsoft SQL Server; 10% for Oracle database; 10% for SAP database.

GO BACK TO JOB LIST

Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

GO BACK TO IT SALARY JOB LIST

Salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology. To request a copy of the complete Robert Half Salary Guide, which includes salary ranges for more than 60 different job titles, in the U.S. and Canada, click here. Job Title: Web Developer

2009 average salary range: $60,000 – $89,750.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 4.4% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $57,250 – $86,250.

Add a salary increase for the following skills: 5% for Active Server Page development; 7% AJAX development; 10% for C# development; 5% for Cold Fusion development; 8% for DCOM/COM/ActiveX development; 10% for Java development; 10% for Java Enterprise Edition development; 7% for LAMP development; 10% for Microsoft SharePoint; 8% for .NET development; 10% for PHP development; 7% for virtualization; 7% for WebServices development.

GO BACK TO JOB LIST

Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

GO BACK TO IT SALARY JOB LIST

Salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology. To request a copy of the complete Robert Half Salary Guide, which includes salary ranges for more than 60 different job titles, in the U.S. and Canada, click here. Job Title: Network Engineer

2009 average salary range: $69,750 – $97,500.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 4.0% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $67,250 – $93,500.

• The 2008 salary range was an increase of 3% over this job’s 2007 salary range, which was $65,750 – $90,250.

• The 2007 salary range was an increase of 3.3% over this job’s 2006 salary range, which was $61,250 – $88,250.

Add a salary increase for the following skills: 12% for Cisco network administration; 10% for LINUX/UNIX administration; 10% for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) administration; and 8% for Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista administration.

GO BACK TO JOB LIST

Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

GO BACK TO IT SALARY JOB LIST

Salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology. To request a copy of the complete Robert Half Salary Guide, which includes salary ranges for more than 60 different job titles, in the U.S. and Canada, click here. Job Title: Project Manager/Senior Consultant

2009 average salary range: $78,250 – $115,500.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 3.1% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $76,500 – $111,500.

• The 2008 salary range is an increase of 5% over this job’s 2007 salary range, which was $72,750 – $106,250.

Add a salary increase for the following skills: 7% for AJAX development; 10% for C# development; 5% for C++ development; 10% for Java development; 7% for LAMP; 10% for Microsoft SharePoint; 8% for .NET development; 10% for PHP; and 5% for Visual Basic.

GO BACK TO JOB LIST

Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

GO BACK TO IT SALARY JOB LIST

Salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology. To request a copy of the complete Robert Half Salary Guide, which includes salary ranges for more than 60 different job titles, in the U.S. and Canada, click here. Job Title: Systems Security Administrator

2009 average salary range: $78,000 – $108,000.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 5.1% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $73,500 – $103,500.

• The 2008 salary range was an increase of 4% over this job’s 2007 salary range, which was $70,500 – $99,750.

• The 2007 salary range was an increase of 3.9% over this job’s 2006 salary range, which was $67,500 – $92,750.

Add a salary increase for the following skills: 10% for CheckPoint Firewall administration; 12% Cisco network administration skills; and 10% for LINUX/UNIX administration.

GO BACK TO JOB LIST

Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

GO BACK TO IT SALARY JOB LIST

Salary data courtesy of Robert Half Technology. To request a copy of the complete Robert Half Salary Guide, which includes salary ranges for more than 60 different job titles, in the U.S. and Canada, click here. Job Title: Help Desk Manager

2009 average salary range: $68,000 – $94,750.

• The 2009 salary range is an increase of 3.5% over this job’s 2008 salary range, which was $65,250 – $92,000.

• The 2008 salary range was an increase of 4.3% over this job’s 2007 salary range, which was $62,500 – $88,250.

• The 2007 salary range was an increase of 2.8% over this job’s 2006 salary range, which was $59,000 – $85,500.

Add a salary increase for the following skills: 12% Cisco network administration; 10% for LINUX/UNIX administration; and 8% for Windows 2000/Windows 2003/XP/Vista.

GO BACK TO JOB LIST

Note: Since these numbers are national averages, adjust them based on your area of the country.

Salary levels are – approximately – 7% to 20% higher in the Northeast; about 5% higher in the South Atlantic (Florida to Delaware); average to modestly lower in the Midwest, Mountain west, and South; and 5% to 25% higher on the West coast.

IT salaries in large metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. For instance, in the following cities they are:

• Boston, MA: 30% higher

• Stamford, CT: 35% higher

• New York, NY: 41% higher

• Washington, DC: 30% higher

• Philadelphia, PA: 15% higher

• Atlanta, GA: 15% higher

• Miami, FL: 13% higher

• Chicago, IL: 23% higher

• Dallas/Houston, TX: 5% higher

• Irvine, CA: 22% higher

• Los Angeles, CA: 24% higher

• San Diego, CA: 17% higher

• San Francisco, CA: 35% higher

• San Jose, CA: 31% higher

• Seattle, WA: 18% higher

Also see: IT Salaries, 2003-2008 and How to Not Get an IT Job: 10 Tips and The Best IT Job Boards.

GO BACK TO IT SALARY JOB LIST