Computer and Information Systems Managers

Summary

What Computer and Information Systems Managers Do About this section

IT directors sometimes present new ideas to a firm’s top executives.

Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology (IT) managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the IT goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.

Duties

Computer and information systems managers typically do the following:

• Analyze their organization’s IT needs and recommend possible upgrades
• Plan and direct the installation and maintenance of computer hardware and software
• Establish and maintain processes to detect, prevent, and mitigate IT security threats
• Assess the costs and benefits of new projects and justify funding for projects
• Determine personnel needs for their department
• Plan and direct the work of other IT staff, including computer systems analysts, software developers, information security analysts, and computer support specialists
• Negotiate with and monitor vendors to ensure high-quality performance for the organization’s IT needs

Job tasks for computer and information systems managers vary, and the specific duties of each may be determined by the size and structure of their organization. Some oversee an organization’s entire IT department; others are responsible for a particular area of IT, such as infrastructure, support services, or cybersecurity.

Computer and information systems managers may work closely with top executives and other managers to assess computer and information system needs. In addition, they must stay current on new technology. Their knowledge and expertise inform their purchasing, installation, and upgrade recommendations or decisions for the organization.

These managers may have other titles, such as chief information officer (CIO), chief technology officer (CTO), or management information systems (MIS) director. As with job tasks, job titles may vary by organization size and structure.

Work Environment About this section

Computer and information systems managers usually work in an office setting.

Computer and information systems managers held about 613,500 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of computer and information systems managers were as follows:

Computer and information systems managers are employed in many different industries. They usually work in an office setting.

Work Schedules

Most computer and information systems managers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager About this section

Most jobs for computer and information systems managers require several years of experience in a related information technology (IT) job.

Computer and information systems managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, plus related work experience, to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that candidates have a graduate degree.

Education

Computer and information systems managers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering technologies. These degrees include courses in computer programming, software development, and mathematics. Management information systems (MIS) programs usually include business classes as well as computer-related ones.

Some organizations require or prefer that computer and information systems managers have a graduate degree in computer science, information technology, or business administration.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Computer and information systems managers typically need work experience in a related information technology (IT) job. The length and type of experience required may vary by position.

For example, a help desk manager may need several years of experience as a computer support specialist, while an IT security manager may need to have worked as an information security analyst. Chief technology officers (CTOs), IT directors, and other senior-level managers usually need many years and extensive experience in the IT field before being considered for a job.

Some organizations may require experience in their industry or area of specialization. For example, a hospital IT director may need experience in the healthcare field.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Certification is typically optional for computer and information systems managers, although some employers prefer to hire candidates who have it. Usually awarded after passing a test, certification shows that candidates have the specific knowledge or skills required to work in the occupation.

Certification may be particularly relevant for some computer and information systems managers, such as those who oversee IT security. For more information and to search for relevant certifications, visit CareerOneStop’s certification finder.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. IT managers must evaluate information to develop and implement strategic plans for their organization.

Communication skills. IT managers must be able to explain their work to top executives and give clear instructions to their subordinates.

Computer skills. IT managers must have expertise in computer hardware, software, and systems, as well as a working knowledge of programming languages.

Decision-making skills. IT managers must determine how to allocate resources in order to reach their organization’s goals.

Leadership skills. IT managers must direct and motivate IT teams or departments so that workers are efficient and effective.

Problem-solving skills. IT managers must be able to troubleshoot issues that arise and provide solutions.  

Pay About this section

The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $171,200 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $104,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $239,200.

In May 2024, the median annual wages for computer and information systems managers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Most computer and information systems managers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 54,700 openings for computer and information systems managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Demand for computer and information systems managers will grow as organizations increasingly rely on information technology (IT) services and require these workers to plan and oversee computer hardware and software needs.

Employment growth is expected to result from the increased complexity and necessity of technology throughout the economy. As businesses across industries ramp up their IT infrastructure, such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI), computer and information systems managers will be critical to ensuring solid IT implementation.

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.

• Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about computer careers, visit:

Association for Computing Machinery

CompTIA

Computing Research Association

IEEE Computer Society

For more information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit:

National Center for Women & Information Technology

CareerOneStop

For a career video on computer and information systems managers, visit

Computer and information systems managers

O*NET

Computer and Information Systems Managers