An IT manager oversees and directs the information technology services for an organization. Many IT managers are promoted into this role after progressive experience from a technical supervisory position. In May 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated the entry-level salary for an IT manager in a variety of industries. Starting salaries often represent the 10th and 25th salary percentiles.
Qualifications
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in an information technology discipline such as computer sciences or information management systems. Employment opportunities and salaries increase for those who obtain a master's degree in business administration. Along with education, at least seven years of experience in a technical role is required with increasing responsibilities. Obtaining the Project Management Professional credential from the Project Management Institute also shows employers the ability to manage information technology projects effectively.
Salary
Entry-level salaries can vary for IT managers based on the type of IT services and the responsibilities of the job. Employers use a variety of technical platforms and services, all of which require more or less information technology knowledge. Among the 288,660 IT managers employed in the U.S. in May 2010, the median salary was $115,780. The 10th percentile earned $71,420 per year and the 25th percentile earned $90,850 per year.
Industries
Among the bureau's industry sectors, the highest levels of employment of IT managers were in the professional scientific and technical services industry, where the 10th percentile of IT managers earned $75,580 per year and the 25th percentile earned $95,600 per year. The highest starting salaries were in the information sector, which includes publishing, broadcasting and telecommunications.
The 10th percentile of IT managers in the information industry earned $78,760 per year and the 25th percentile earned $100,530 per year. In the health care industry, the 10th percentile earned $65,090 per year and the 25th percentile earned $81,080 per year. In local, state and federal government agencies, the 10th percentile earned $65,500 per year and the 75th percentile earned $81,480 per year.
Job Outlook
The bureau expected 17 percent growth for IT managers from 2008 through 2018. Growth was expected as organizations continue to rely on technology to store and transfer important information and documents. An increased emphasis on security of technology systems will also spur demand. IT managers with expertise in security would see the best employment opportunities. In 2008, the median salary for IT managers was $112,210 per year and increased 3.1 percent between 2008 and 2010.
Tags: earned year, percentile earned, percentile earned year, 10th percentile, 25th percentile