Are you thinking about becoming an IT manager? It’s a smart career move. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17 percent employment growth for IT managers between 2022 and 2032, with an estimated 106,900 new jobs.
IT managers have responsibilities that cover the technology, business, and people within an organization. Check out some frequently asked questions about IT management to see if it’s a good fit for you.
IT Manager Job Descriptions: What Does an IT Manager Do?
IT managers help guide the technological direction of their organizations by developing business plans, overseeing network security, and directing online operations. IT managers may plan and coordinate larger projects, such as installing and upgrading hardware and software, programming and systems design, and website implementations.
They also direct the work of other IT employees, such as systems analysts, software developers, and support specialists. In larger organizations, they might also report to the Chief Information Officer (CIO).
How Much Do IT Managers Make?
IT managers make significantly more than the median for most jobs – with an average of about $171,200 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In May 2024, the median annual wages for computer and information systems managers in the top industries were:
- Information: $196,060
- Finance and insurance: $176,570
- Manufacturing: $174,790
- Management of companies and enterprises: $172,830
- Computer systems design: $171,250
Where Do IT Managers Work?
According to data from BLS, the largest employers of computer and information systems managers were in:
- Computer systems design and related services: 20%
- Finance and insurance: 13%
- Information: 13%
- Management of companies and enterprises: 10%
- Manufacturing: 6%
What Skills Does an IT Manager Need?
There are a number of skills an IT manager needs, many of which you may already have from previous roles or degree work and can be applicable in a technology-focused environment.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that successful computer and information systems managers should have:
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- Decision-making skills
- Leadership skills
- Problem-solving skills.
It’s recommended that you have at least five years of experience in a related job, such as software developer, business analyst, or network administrator. You should also have at least a bachelor’s degree.
Do You Need a Master’s Degree to Become an IT Manager?
Some IT managers land their roles with the right combination of experience and a bachelor’s degree, while others get a significant boost in their career after enrolling in graduate school.
While it’s not required to have a master’s degree to become an IT manager, it can help expedite your career progression and help you earn a higher salary. Graduate-level coursework can also help you sharpen your communication skills, boost your business skills, and give you an opportunity to learn about leadership strategies. If a master’s degree isn’t possible in the near future, consider a stackable graduate certificate in leadership, operations, or enterprise infrastructure to boost your resume.
Traditionally, many IT managers have degrees in computer science or a related field. However, there are paths for individuals who do not have technical bachelor’s degrees. According to CompTia, there are many career paths available for professionals with backgrounds such as the liberal arts. Many of the skills these individuals learned from their bachelor’s degree programs, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication and leveraging creative instincts like being innovative, are required by top IT jobs.
Elizabeth Garfoot, a graduate of the Information Technology Management program, found herself in IT after receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UW-La Crosse. She began working for Trane Technologies, the same company she had interned for in project management during college. She took a job as an IT analyst, got her masters degree, and now works as a developer.
The best candidates for IT management have both a technical and business background and they can understand their organization’s goals on a deep level. This understanding allows them to problem solve quickly and implement strategic plans for the team they oversee. Also, it’s crucial that IT managers can translate business lingo and software-speak between technical and non-technical groups and give clear instructions to the employees they manage. That means strong communication skills are a must.
Amber Leibundgut-Peterson, who teaches ITM 705: Leading the IT Function in the Universities of Wisconsin Master of Science in Information Technology degree program, helps a wide variety of students build their durable skills.
“I’ve had people who are just starting in management. They got this role, and are very overwhelmed,” she says. “[Through the course] they get ways to deal with conflict. They have practical ways to communicate in meetings. There are things that they’re intended to practice based on the prompts that I give them.”
How is AI Affecting IT Manager Roles?
It’s no secret that artificial intelligence is changing the way everyone works, especially professionals in information technology. Adam Fornal, MBA, who teaches ITM 730: Agile and Traditional Project Management promises that AI won’t replace you, but you need to know how to use it.
“I think the biggest thing that students need to realize is that the AI also learns along with you,” he says. “While it’s a resource now and it’s a tool, it’s constantly evolving and constantly improving.”
While the future of AI may seem scary, there’s a lot of opportunity. In his course, Adam gives students simulations in which they have to use AI to solve real-world problems.
“I asked students, ‘Who’s your go to expert on AI?’ They said, ‘I don’t know.’ And I said, ‘Well, that’s exactly it. There aren’t any. That’s where you can really step in, learn the technology, and be one of those early pioneers.”
Get the Skills You Need for IT Management Through a Degree or Graduate Certificate
Do you have a technical background but want to expand your business knowledge? Do you have a business background but want to feel more confident leading an IT team?
Not to worry. You can get skills through on-the-job experience and education. If IT manager is the job path for you, consider a degree or graduate certificate from the Universities of Wisconsin, where you’ll build skills in leadership, technology and business. Contact an enrollment adviser today at learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.