Technology Jobs Key to Unlocking Higher Starting Salaries

Not All Require Four-Years of Higher Ed

by John Michaelson/TNS

AUSTIN, Texas – How can you boost your bottom line in 2015?

A new report indicates the answer for some could be changing careers and entering the field of technology.

Starting salaries for tech jobs are projected to rise almost 6 percent, according to the report from the human resources consulting firm Robert Half International.

Senior Executive Director Paul McDonald says his firm also predicts growth in traditional fields such as accounting and marketing, where technology is involved.

“Technology truly is running its course through all functional roles today,” he states. “You need technology as a foundational, functional understanding, in order to be successful in any one of these specialty areas.”

According to the report, among the top positions to watch are mobile applications developer, data architect and chief security officer.
All three have starting salaries that top $100,000 a year.

McDonald points out that many careers in the technology sector don’t necessarily require four-year degrees, and can be secured with additional training that could be done at night or online.

“If you find yourself unemployed, it’s really a good investment to go back and go to a trade school, go to a junior college to retrain yourself, to make yourself marketable in these very hot areas,” he stresses.

McDonald adds companies are making employee retention a high priority, since turnover is particularly challenging for high-tech positions.
He says many businesses are offering flexible work hours to accommodate a work-life balance for skilled workers who are the right fit.