By Cara Garretson

Staffing firm Robert Half recently released findings from its research that shows of the eleven most promising jobs it has identified for 2011, more than half of them are in technology or rely heavily on a technology background. Read on to discover which skills will be most sought-after in 2011.

About the Research

Robert Half last week released a number of Salary Guides that pinpointed eleven roles that are showing an increase in starting salaries and growing demand among employers. These Salary Guides cover the areas of accounting and finance, technology, administrative positions, legal, and creative, marketing, Web and communications roles.

"The common thread among the jobs highlighted in our research is that they help businesses improve efficiency and profits, and foster a more positive customer experience," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "The most successful job candidates bring multiple skill sets, a track record of success and a strong sense of accountability to their roles."

The firm says companies use these guides to determine starting pay levels and to collect other information about compensation and hiring. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Ca., Robert Half was founded in 1948.

ERP Technical Developer

Developers who can customize Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software for specific needs are expected to see a boost in base compensation next year of 5.2 percent, according to Robert Half. The salary range is expected to average between $79,250 and $109,500.

"ERP enables organizations of all sizes and types to improve efficiency and cut costs," according to a Robert Frost press release about the Salary Guides. "Since no two companies are alike, developers are in steady demand to customize software according to specific organizational needs."

Data Modeler

Data modelers, who can design methods for handling, processing, and evaluating complex data and create custom applications for those tasks, can expect to see base compensation between $80,750 and $111,250, says Robert Half. That range represents a 4.5 percent increase over 2010 levels.

Mobile Applications Designer/Developer

With mobile technology becoming more and more popular, designers/developers who can create mobile applications should be able to command a starting salary of between $73,250 and $102,500, according to Robert Half.

"Strong demand for these individuals is based on the growing popularity of smartphones and tablet computers; companies want to develop applications and advertising to target users of these devices," reads the press release.

User Experience Designer

Being able to develop meaningful online experiences for customers has become crucial to companies looking to boost their revenue with online initiatives, says Robert Half. Of the more than 100 positions listed in the Creative Group 2011 Salary Guide, starting salaries for user experience designers are expected to grow the most, by 7.8 percent. In 2011, user experience designers can expect compensation of between $67,500 and $98,000, according to the guide.

Senior Business Systems Analyst; Business Intelligence Analyst

Among the nearly 300 positions listed in finance and accounting in the 2011 Salary Guide, senior business systems analysts are expected to see the largest jump in starting salaries, according to Robert Half. The average base salary for this position is expected to rise 5 percent to hit the range between $66,500 and $85,500. While this position is considered to be in the finance and accounting field, it also requires employees with a technology understanding to be able to enhance existing systems and leverage new hardware and software, says the firm.

Business intelligence analysts are also expected to see a 5 percent rise in average starting salaries, says Robert Half, to between $82,500 and $116,250.