Watch CBS News

Six Hot Tech Jobs In Detroit For 2013

SOUTHFIELD -- Robert Half Technology and The Creative Group, IT and interactive design recruiting subsidiaries of Robert Half International Inc., say six hot IT and creative job descriptions should see substantial employment and salary growth in the Detroit area in 2013.

Leading the way are jobs involving mobile apps, according to Stacey Singleton, Detroit regional vice president of Robert Half Technology & The Creative Group.

"We see a huge demand for mobile apps, people who can create ways to engage customers on their tablets and phones for the company Web site," Singleton said.

And that extends to virtually every sector of the economy, Singleton said.

"When I think about what we're working on today, every industry has requested one of these functional roles from us," Singleton said.

People getting these jobs, Singleton said, have a 2- or 4-year college degree in IT or other tech-related fields, plus more specific specializations in fields like network engineering or specific types of software.

"People who can code in .Net especially in Detroit are very much in demand," she said.

Following are descriptions for six hot technology and design jobs in 2013, along with their anticipated national average starting salaries in 2013:

Mobile applications developers -- As companies strive to reach consumers on smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, they need professionals who can develop for the small screen. Average starting salaries for mobile applications developers are expected to rise 9 percent, with compensation ranging from $92,750 to $133,500.

Business intelligence analysts -- These individuals assist firms in making critical business decisions by gathering and analyzing data to better target marketing efforts. Business intelligence analysts should see a gain of 7.3 percent, with starting salaries ranging from $94,250 to $132,500.

Network architects -- These individuals provide the backbone of a company's communication infrastructure. They assess business and applications requirements for corporate data and voice networks, making it possible for data to be shared. Network architects are forecast to receive a 7 percent starting salary boost, to between $102,250
and $146,500, on average.

Interactive creative directors -- As companies of all sizes add interactive roles, they seek professionals with superb leadership skills and digital expertise to manage these growing teams. Interactive creative directors can anticipate a 4.9 percent bump in base compensation, with average starting salaries ranging from $95,500 to $160,000.

Interaction designers -- The best interaction designers step into the shoes of a company's customers and maximize their online experiences. These professionals understand the connections between people and products. Those with one to five years of experience should see a gain of 4.9 percent, to between $52,250 and $77,500.

User experience (UX) designers ­-- Since so much customer interaction happens online, companies are looking for workers who can create positive digital experiences. UX designers can expect a 4.8 percent salary increase, with starting compensation of $73,750 to $110,500.

More information about the positions listed above can be found in the Robert Half Technology 2013 Salary Guide, which includes a wide range of IT job descriptions, and The Creative Group 2013 Salary Guide, which focuses on interactive, design and marketing jobs.

More at www.rht.com and www.creativegroup.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.