Some jobs get all the attention. After all, who hasn't imagined being a crime scene investigator, emergency room doctor or tough-talking district attorney? But if you're evaluating your career prospects in the year ahead, don't overlook the roles that typically fly under the radar. Many may be more interesting and promising than you realize. Consider the following five positions, which, according to the "2007 Salary Guides" from Robert Half International, are seeing high demand and even higher salaries.
Internal AuditorBusiness expansion and a tight labor pool are fueling demand for accounting and finance professionals at all levels. But as reverberations from corporate accounting scandals are still being felt, the need for internal auditors is particularly high. Organizations are offering premium compensation to highly skilled professionals who can enhance internal controls and assist with corporate governance compliance efforts related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other regulations. Internal audit managers at large companies (organizations with more than $250 million in sales) will see annual starting salaries in the range of $77,500 to $101,500 in 2007, up 5.8 percent from the year before. Those at small companies (up to $25 million in sales) can expect a 3.2 percent increase in base pay, to $36,750 to $44,500 per year.
Copywriter If you've got the "write stuff," your career prospects are bright. Demand for skilled copywriters is rising as more companies require compelling content for Web-based initiatives and print advertising. In fact, in a survey by our company, 60 percent of advertising and marketing executives who plan to hire new employees said they'll be adding copywriters. Due to this increased demand, average starting salaries for senior copywriters will rise 6 percent in 2007 to $63,000 to $92,500 annually. Versatile writers with experience developing content for both print and online projects are especially valued and may earn even greater pay. Copywriters who specialize in a particular industry, such as pharmaceuticals, are in particularly strong demand.
Senior Administrative Professional Senior-level support staff play a pivotal role in keeping offices running smoothly. In addition to working with internal executives, these professionals have taken on expanded responsibilities, including managing other administrative employees, and communicating and negotiating with outside vendors and clients. They also frequently perform advanced tasks such as budgeting and project management. And employers are compensating them accordingly. Senior office/facilities managers will see the greatest increase in starting salaries of any administrative position in 2007, with base compensation expected to jump 8.2 percent to $37,500 to $52,000 annually.Average starting salaries for senior executive assistants are expected to rise 6.5 percent this year, to between $39,000 and $54,750 annually.
Web Developer The Internet has become integral to nearly every aspect of business, and many firms are increasingly focused on creating high-impact Web 2.0 initiatives. Web developers are needed to integrate websites with back-end systems such as databases, provide technical assistance to web administrators, and write test plans and results. Base compensation for web developers will rise 4.2 percent in 2007, ranging from $54,750 to $81,500 per year. Senior web developers can expect to earn between $71,000 and $102,000 annually, a 3.9 percent increase over 2006 levels.
First-year Legal Associate Legal eagles just beginning their careers are sought by law firms and corporate legal departments across the country. Patent law, biotechnology and healthcare are growing practice areas, so professionals with undergraduate degrees in science or engineering, especially from top schools, are valued. Having practice area experience as a summer associate further enhances one's marketability. In addition, as legal firms open more offices overseas, multilingual graduates with international law backgrounds will be hot commodities. First-year associates at midsize law firms (offices with 35-75 attorneys) will earn annual starting salaries of $68,250 to $95,750 in 2007, a 7.9 percent increase over last year. Starting base pay for first-year associates at large firms (more than 75 attorneys) is projected to jump 6.2 percent.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit www.workvine.com.