In-Demand IT Jobs

New salary data details what will be the most promising and highly paid jobs in 2011, and it's no surprise that information technology is on the list.

According to the 2011 salary guides just released by Robert Half, 11 roles representing several fields -- including technology, accounting and finance, creative, legal and administrative services -- show increases in starting salaries and growing demand among employers.

Senior business analysts, particularly those who can enhance existing systems and leverage new hardware and software, can expect to see base compensation rise 5 percent to the range of $66,500 to $85,500, the guide notes. Salaries for ERP technical developers are projected to rise 5.2 percent next year, to a range of $79,250 to $109,500, and mobile applications designers/developers can expect starting salaries of $73,250 to $102,500.

Data modelers, particularly those who can design methods for handling, processing and evaluating material, also can expect increases in salary next year, with base compensation rising 4.5 percent to a range of $80,750 to $111,250. User experience designers -- those who develop innovative and impactful online experiences for customers -- also will see compensation rise 7.8 percent to a range of $67,500 and $98,000, Half notes.

How do your skills stack up? Will the government be able to compete with the private sector to recruit and/or retain those who have these in-demand skills?