While we all know a good job is about more than just the money, having money is nice too, especially if there’s a lot of it.

Unlike many other sectors of the market negatively affected by the economy, salaries in the web sector remain high and may continue to rise as more companies extend their web presence.

In order to help you better target your job search to higher-paid position, we’ve reviewed some of the highest-paid jobs in the web industry.

Each of these jobs usually offers a starting salary of over $40,000 a year (based on figures from PayScale.com), and some individuals may earn over $150,000.

Software Engineer / Software Developer

In a crowded marketplace, companies know ease of functionality, integration with other products, speed of service and a dazzling array of bells and whistles have to be incorporated into every design. Software Engineers are paid big money to create and integrate such features.

The job isn’t easy – an engineer codes a program line-by-line and writes algorithms to solve problems within the code. Learning programming codes can be like learning a second language, which is why the starting salary for a Software Engineer is between $45,456-$65,686.

Mid-career engineers can expect around $49,964-$81,276 and those with over ten years experience can earn $66,827-$97,361 per year.

Web Designers

These days, if you’re not online, you’re not anywhere, and businesses know they need a professional, accessible and eye-catching website.

Practically every medium to large company keeps an in-house designer on staff, to quickly whip up product pages for the catalogue or give the company blog a makeover.

If you’ve got the right skills, companies will find the funds to hire you – in 2009, the median annual income for a web designer was $50,725.

Even freelancer web designers straight out of school can earn $50 upward an hour with a good portfolio.

Web Developer

A web developer may also work with a web designer to build websites for companies.

The difference between a web developer and a web designer is that a web developer focuses more on functionality and access for site visitors, whereas a designer focuses on aesthetics. In 2010, a senior web developer was making an average of $82,000 per year.

Server and Network Admin

Any company performing large amounts of web work will require their own dedicated server and company-wide computer network. Managing the unique needs of these demanding networks and keeping them secure is the job of the network administrator.

A network administrator manages the day-to-day running of a company’s computer network, trouble-shooting problems, diagnosing malfunctions and preventing malicious codes or viruses from entering the network.

Since so much of a company’s productivity is tied up in network services, an efficient and skilled network administrator can with less than four years experience can expect a salary of between $38,429-$55,141. Experienced Network Systems Managers earn an average salary of $83,000 per annum.

Information Systems Manager

The information Systems Manager oversees the overall strategy of a company’s IT plan – including managing security, development of information technology, selection of software and applications and compliance with industry criteria.

Most Information Systems Managers begin as programmers, but their conceptual knowledge and ability to multi-task see them quickly rising to this lucrative position. Information Systems Managers earn an average of $93,000 per year.

Internet Marketing Executive

If you can leverage online clout to drive sales, you can make a lot of money in the web industry. Internet marketing specialists and sales execs turn a company’s online campaigns into actual sales.

An Internet marketing executive oversees the creation of websites, e-commerce sites, social networking and email newsletters, often managing a team of content writers and marketers.

Internet Marketing executives make real money for the company, and expect to be paid likewise – earning between $32,000 and over $45,000 per year.

3D / Animation / Games Developer

As the computer and console gaming industries continue to grow, companies need talented animators who can create characters and backdrops.

Although some starting salaries may seem low compared to other web careers ($35,000-$45,000), this is a growth industry.

The Game Industry Salary Survey 2007 shows mid-career game developers earning an average of $73,000 per year, and a top developer at a big firm can make around $120,000 a year.

Online Project Manager

An experienced project manager with expert knowledge of web-based programmes can be an asset to any company.

Project Managers oversee major projects from conception until launch, often working as a contractor for various companies. A Project Manager can expect to earn between $31,409-$93,104 per year.

Java Developer

Java developers programme Javascript on commercial websites, producing graphics, moving images and animations.

They also perform data analysis, quality assurance testing and integrate security for Java-based websites. A qualified Java Developer earns between $52,847 and $77,601 per year.

SEO Developer / Online Content Manager

Content Managers and SEO developers implement integrated content schemes for company websites, incorporating articles, blogs, marketing copy and social networking materials.

Content Managers ensure content is written to optimise search engine traffic and is uploaded onto the web at the right time and to the correct location. A qualified SEO developer or online content manager could expect to earn between $36,000 and $65,500 per year.

The highest paid jobs in the web industry involve specialist skills – often a degree in marketing or computer science – in high demand by companies looking for a competitive edge.

An excellent track record and creative portfolio will set you in good stead to find a well-paid and rewarding career.