The Robert Half Technology 2008 Salary Guide is reporting that on a national basis, network managers will see average starting salaries rise 7% in 2008, to the range of $74,500 to $98,500 per year.

However, those with Cisco skills will command an additional 12% premium on top of that 7% rise, bringing the average 2008 starting salary rise for Cisco skills to 19%, or in the range of $83,400 to $110,320 per year for a network manager.

Even more stunning for 2008, systems security administrators with Cisco skills could see their pay soar as high as 48%, when taking into consideration the salary range high point of $146,160.

"Individuals skilled in setting up, maintaining and securing corporate networks are in high demand now," said Katherine Spencer Lee - Executive Director of Robert Half Technology. "In fact, the Robert Half Technology 2008 Salary Guide, projects that three networking positions will see salary increases between five and seven percent over 2007 ranges: Network Manager, Network Architect and Network Security Administrator -- higher growth rates than the average growth for the 60 IT positions our Salary Guide tracks." "Due to the high demand for their expertise, Robert Half Technology recommends that employers be prepared to pay a premium of around 12 percent to professionals skilled in Cisco network administration."

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Robert Half Q1 2008 IT Hiring Index and Skills Report:

1,400 CIOs revealed that networking is experiencing the most growth.

Robert Half Q1 2008 IT Hiring Index and Skills Report:

1,400 CIOs revealed that Windows and network administration were the two most technical skill sets in demand.

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