One resource IT leaders will want to check out is the Robert Half Technology 2007 Salary Guide. According to the tech recruiter's research, IT salaries will increase by 2.8% over 2006. The bigger increases in base pay are expected to go to sought-after specialties such as software developers, Web developers and data warehouse managers.

Developers will see the most impressive base pay gains of any IT job classification in 2007. The guide forecasts starting pay to jump 5.1%, bringing it to a range of $60,250 to $94,750 annually. "Companies seek individuals who can enhance applications, and develop new software prototypes and solutions to satisfy customer demands," says Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology. "A shortage of experienced software developers means companies are willing to pay top dollar to recruit and retain these professionals."

Web developers too will prosper, with base pay projected to edge up 5.1% to a range of $54,750 to $81,500. And data warehouse managers will see pay bump up an average of 4.2%, setting the range at $85,000 to $113,500 annually.

Project management always seems to be in demand, and 2007 is no different. These folks will see an average increase of 4.1%, with starting salaries ringing in at $72,750 to $106,250.

In the security realm, base pay will increase 3.7%, bringing average salaries of $69,750 to $98,500 annually. And IT auditors' average base compensation will rise 3.1%, to the range of $69,250 to $97,000 annually.

Get your copy of the salary guide (free registration required) from Robert Half Technology's Web site.

Amy Schurr is the former managing features editor of Network World.