A look at the nation's 'super-sized' salaries

(CareerBuilder.com) -- Landing a job with a six-figure salary may seem like a pipe dream for some professionals -- especially those just starting their careers -- but it's not an impossible goal. While the majority of jobs in this range require years of experience and specialized degrees, with careful planning, a strong drive to succeed and a little luck, one may be waiting for you.

Following are details about some of the highest-paying positions listed in the 2007 Salary Guides from Robert Half International, as well as an overview of the qualifications necessary to land these jobs. (The figures for the positions below represent average starting salaries only. A number of factors, including company size and geographic area, can significantly impact actual compensation.)

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

How much can you make?

Average starting salaries are in the range of $88,250 to $358,750 per year, not including bonuses and incentives.

What are the typical duties?

CFOs drive a company's accounting and finance strategy. They direct accounting policies, procedures and internal controls, as well as identify and manage business risks and insurance requirements. CFOs also oversee financial systems implementations and upgrades, and manage relationships with investors and financial institutions.

How can you get the job?

CFOs typically have at least 10 years of experience in accounting or finance, including a minimum of five years in a management role. The larger the firm, the more experience required. Previous experience in public accounting is highly valued, as are advanced qualifications, such as a master's degree in business administration (MBA). CFOs must have strong analytical, strategic planning and communication skills.

Director of Finance

How much can you make?

Average starting salaries are between $80,500 and $184,000 annually.

What are the typical duties?

This person oversees insurance and risk management and maintains budget and forecasting models. The director of finance also performs financial modeling and analysis and is responsible for hiring, training and retaining finance staff.

How can you get the job?

Candidates typically possess an MBA and at least 10 years of accounting or finance experience. Previous experience in public accounting, as well as a certified public accountant (CPA) or certified management accountant (CMA) designation, is highly valued. Strong management skills are a must.

Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)

How much can you make?

The average starting salary range is $90,500 to $181,250 per year.

What are the typical duties?

The CCO is responsible for a company's compliance with government regulations. The CCO also develops a code of ethics and compliance training program for the firm. He or she serves as ethics officer for the organization, monitoring possible areas of compliance risk and implementing corrective actions for problematic issues.

How can you get the job?

CCOs typically have at least 10 years of experience in either a major law firm or corporate legal department. Public companies may require experience with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reporting or Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance. Candidates should also have strong communication, collaborative, analytical and strategic skills.

Licensed Attorney

How much can you make?

Average starting salaries range from $51,000 to $185,500 annually, depending on the level of experience and size of the law firm.

What are the typical duties?

Attorneys conduct research and provide legal advice or opinions to companies or individuals. Other job duties include initiating, prosecuting or defending litigation or arbitration on a client's behalf, as well as negotiating and drafting contracts for a business or financial deal.

How can you get the job?

Attorneys must have a juris doctorate (JD) and be a member of the applicable state bar. Strong analytical, communication, diplomacy, research and writing skills are required. Depending on the employer, prior experience in a law firm or corporate legal department may be necessary. Undergraduate degrees in engineering or computer science may be preferred for work in practice areas such as patent law.

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

How much can you make?

The average starting salary is $120,250 to $200,000 per year.

What are the typical duties?

CIOs develop and direct a firm's overall information technology (IT) strategy. They work closely with senior management to coordinate data systems policies and procedures and are responsible for approving major system hardware and software purchases.

How can you get the job?

CIOs typically possess a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems or a related area, as well as a minimum of 10 years of management experience. A master's degree often is required by employers. Candidates must have strong analytical, strategic planning and communication skills.

Chief Security Officer (CSO)

How much can you make?

Average starting salaries are between $97,500 and $141,000 per year.

What are the typical duties?

This person manages enterprisewide security policies and systems, ensuring the firm meets all mandated security standards. The CSO also develops, implements and monitors long-term information security strategy, and works with vendors, contractors and consultants to maintain and enhance data security.

How can you get the job?

CSOs need extensive experience in the field of information security, excellent judgment and outstanding planning abilities. Employers look for a bachelor's degree in information systems or a related field, as well as 10 or more years of IT experience.

Vice President of Corporate Marketing

How much can you make?

Average starting salaries are between $91,750 and $168,250 per year.

What are the typical duties?

This person leads and directs the marketing team, and oversees the development of marketing strategies and execution of business plans. Other duties include managing product development and maximizing revenue sources.

How can you get the job?

This position requires a minimum of 10 years of marketing experience, as well as five years of management experience. An MBA may be required by some employers.

Vice President of Corporate Public Relations

How much can you make?

The average starting salary for this position is $89,250 to $155,000 per year.

What are the typical duties?

This individual develops, manages and directs all public relations (PR) activities within an organization. This person also works with company executives to create a PR strategy and supervises PR staff to ensure the proper implementation of initiatives. He or she oversees the development of internal and external publications (i.e., annual reports, press releases and corporate newsletters) and may serve as a chief spokesperson for the firm.

How can you get the job?

A minimum of 10 years of PR experience typically is required to reach this rank. A journalism and/or agency background is preferred. Ideal candidates possess excellent leadership, managerial and communication skills. E-mail to a friend

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Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.