### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Computer and Information Systems Managers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			computer and information systems managers imageComputer and information systems managers learn about new technology and look for ways to upgrade their organization’s computer systems.							
						Quick Facts:     Computer and Information Systems Managers2023     Median Pay
            						$169,510     per year
										$81.50     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    5 years or moreOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    557,400Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    15% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    86,000What Computer and Information Systems Managers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most computer and information systems managers work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
            
                                                How to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager
                                                
                        
Typically, candidates need a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science and related work experience. Many computer and information systems managers also have a graduate degree.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $169,510 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow							 15 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 46,900 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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer and information systems managers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer and information systems managers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about computer and information systems managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Computer and Information Systems Managers Do 
            

			Computer and information systems managersIT directors sometimes present new ideas to a firm’s top executives.			
Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology 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 computer needs and recommend possible upgrades for top executives to consider
Plan and direct the installation and maintenance of computer hardware and software
Ensure the security of an organization’s network and electronic documents
Assess the costs and benefits of new projects and justify funding on projects to top executives
Learn about new technology and look for ways to upgrade their organization’s computer systems
Determine short- and long-term personnel needs for their department
Plan and direct the work of other IT professionals, including computer systems analysts, software developers, information security analysts, and computer support specialists
Negotiate with vendors to get the highest level of service for the organization’s technologyFew managers carry out all of these duties. There are various types of computer and information systems managers, and the specific duties of each are determined by the size and structure of the firm. Smaller firms may not employ every type of manager.
The following are examples of types of computer and information systems managers:
***Chief information officers (CIOs)*** determine the technology or information goals of an organization and then oversee implementation of technology to meet those goals.
CIOs may focus on a specific area, such as electronic data processing or information systems, but CIOs tend to focus more on long-term or big picture issues. At small organizations a CIO has more direct control over the IT department, and at larger organizations other managers under the CIO may handle the day-to-day activities of the IT department.
CIOs who do not have technical expertise and who focus solely on a company’s business aspects are included in top executives.
***Chief technology officers (CTOs****)* evaluate new technology and determine how it can help their organization. When both CIOs and CTOs are present, the CTO usually has more technical expertise.
The CTO usually reports directly to the CIO and is responsible for designing and recommending the appropriate technology solutions to support the CIO’s policies and directives. CTOs also work with different departments to implement the organization’s technology plans.
When a company does not have a CIO, the CTO determines the overall technology strategy for the firm and presents it to top executives.
***IT directors***, including management information systems (MIS) directors, are in charge of their organizations’ information technology (IT) departments, and they directly supervise other employees. IT directors help to determine the business requirements for IT systems, and they implement the policies that have been chosen by top executives. IT directors often have a direct role in hiring members of the IT department. It is their job to ensure the availability of data and network services by coordinating IT activities. IT directors also oversee the financial aspects of their department, such as budgeting.
***IT security managers*** oversee their organizations’ network and data security. They work with top executives to plan security policies and promote a culture of information security throughout the organization. They develop programs to keep employees aware of security threats. These managers must keep up to date on IT security measures. They also supervise investigations if there is a security violation.
 Work Environment
			Computer and information systems managersComputer and information systems managers plan and direct the work of other information technology (IT) professionals.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Computer and information systems managers held about 557,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of computer and information systems managers were as follows:
        Computer systems design and related services
                21%Information
                14Finance and insurance
                11Management of companies and enterprises
                9Manufacturing
                7Work Schedules
Most computer and information systems managers work full time. If problems arise, managers may need to work more than 40 hours a week to come up with solutions.
 How to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager

			Computer and information systems managersMost jobs for computer and information systems managers require several years of experience in a related information technology (IT) job.			
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, plus related work experience, is required. Many computer and information systems managers also 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.
Many organizations require their computer and information systems managers to have a graduate degree as well. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is common and takes 2 years beyond the undergraduate level to complete. Many people pursuing an MBA take classes while working, an option that can increase the time required to complete that degree.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Most jobs for computer and information systems managers require several years of experience in a related information technology (IT) job. Lower-level management positions may require only a few years of experience. Directors are more likely to need 5 to 10 years of related work experience. A chief technology officer (CTO), who oversees the technology plan for a large organization, may need more than 15 years of experience in the IT field before being considered for a job.
The number of years of experience required varies with the organization. Generally, smaller or newer companies do not require as much experience as larger or more established ones.
Computer systems are used throughout the economy, and IT employees may gain experience in a variety of industries. However, an applicant’s work experience should be in the same industry they are applying to work in. For example, an IT security manager should have previously worked in information security. A hospital IT director should have experience in the healthcare field.
Advancement
Most computer and information systems managers start out as lower-level managers and advance to higher positions within the IT department. IT directors or project managers can advance to become CTOs. A CTO or other manager who is especially business-minded can advance to become a chief information officer (CIO), the person in charge of all IT-related decisions in an organization. CIOs can advance to become top executives in an organization.
Important Qualities
***Analytical*** ***skills.*** IT managers must analyze problems and consider and select the best ways to solve them.
***Business skills.*** IT managers must develop and implement strategic plans to reach the goals of their organizations.
***Communication skills.*** IT managers must explain their work to top executives and give clear instructions to their subordinates.
***Decision-making skills.*** Some IT managers must make important decisions about how to allocate resources in order to reach their organizations’ goals.
***Leadership skills.*** IT managers must lead and motivate IT teams or departments so that workers are efficient and effective.
***Organizational skills.*** Some IT managers must coordinate the work of several different IT departments to make the organization run efficiently.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Computer and Information Systems ManagersMedian annual wages, May 2023Computer and information systems managers$169,510  Operations specialties managers$136,170  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $169,510 in May 2023. 


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 $101,590, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $239,200.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for computer and information systems managers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Information
                $183,370Manufacturing
                175,540Finance and insurance
                173,090Computer systems design and related services
                171,460Management of companies and enterprises
                170,190Most computer and information systems managers work full time. If problems arise, managers may need to work more than 40 hours a week to come up with solutions.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Computer and Information Systems ManagersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Computer and information systems managers15%  Operations specialties managers11%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow				 15 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 46,900 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 projected to result from the need to bolster cybersecurity in computer and information systems that businesses use. As cybersecurity threats increase, implementing more robust security policies will be especially critical for organizations that manage sensitive information.
			

                        Employment projections data for     computer and information systems managers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Computer and information systems managers**
			11-3021
			557,400
			643,300
			15
			86,000
			Get data
 State & Area Data **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(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Computer and information systems managers **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.com. 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.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of computer and information systems managers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Computer and Information Research Scientists**
            Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.
            Master's degree
            $145,080**Computer Network Architects**
            Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
            Bachelor's degree
            $129,840**Computer Hardware Engineers**
            Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.
            Bachelor's degree
            $138,080**Computer Programmers**
            Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.
            Bachelor's degree
            $99,700**Computer Systems Analysts**
            Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency.
            Bachelor's degree
            $103,800**Database Administrators and Architects**
            Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.
            Bachelor's degree
            $117,450**Network and Computer Systems Administrators**
            Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and systems.
            Bachelor's degree
            $95,360**Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers**
            Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.
            Bachelor's degree
            $130,160**Top Executives**
            Top executives plan strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals.
            Bachelor's degree
            $103,840**Web Developers and Digital Designers**
            Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,750
 Contacts for More Information
								
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
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Systems Managers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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