How to become an IT manager

To keep computer systems, software and hardware safe, many organizations employ a professional who helps protect a company’s entire technology infrastructure. From cloud systems to servers and email access to computer upgrades, an information technology manager makes decisions in the best interest of a company’s employees and the technology they use.

What does an IT manager do?

Today, companies across many different markets benefit from the presence of an IT manager. These managers at retail and manufacturing companies, for example, are kept busy managing cloud systems and point-of-sale system access across all employees. Managers of an IT department at technology companies might even be involved in the creation of new information tech solutions, for use internally or for an existing customer base.

Even in industries like agriculture, which is sometimes misperceived as less dependent on technology, IT managers can help protect databases and the farmers who depend on them to track orders and crops, manage invoices and communicate with staff.

Since 2003, jobs in the IT industry have increased 37% , as companies adopt computers, cloud systems and other technology to help improve operations.

Companies hire information technology managers to lead all projects in an IT department. They develop and implement IT strategies that help keep a company’s data, technology and employees safe from cybersecurity threats.

Depending on the industry, managers of IT perform a wide range of tasks such as:

• Auditing a company’s networks for potential issues
• Allocating specific user permissions for employees using cloud platforms
• Updating hardware and software systems whenever necessary
• Identifying timelines for new IT projects
• Troubleshooting systems issues across the company
• Researching new IT solutions for implementation 
• Reporting to company stakeholders or executives

In larger organizations, these managers oversee one or more IT employees. These individuals might include IT coordinators, systems analysts and network administrators. Depending on the size of a company, they could also work alongside other IT managers. In smaller companies, IT managers might be responsible for creating and fulfilling IT strategies themselves.

IT managers collaborate with other departments regularly. For example, they might assist the sales department in troubleshooting email access issues. They might support the marketing or communications department to protect any data transfer between the company and its clients.

Many information technology managers work closely with their HR departments, providing new software, hardware or other technology new employees need. In certain cases, the IT department also partners with HR to lead seminars that teach a company’s workers how to protect their data.

How to become an IT manager

There are several preparatory steps before becoming an information technology manager. These include meeting benchmarks in relevant IT experience, acquiring skills and earning any required technology degrees.

Education requirements

Candidates for IT management positions will likely need to satisfy a few educational requirements. Many future IT managers choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technology, one that helps build on foundational IT skills. A degree can further your understanding of information systems, systems analysis and overall operations.  

Alternatively, candidates might consider a bachelor’s in computer science. These programs teach the basics in networking, cloud computing, cybersecurity and other important IT fields.

A master’s degree in information systems online might provide the next step in a career as an IT manager, IT director or other IT leadership positions.  Master's level programs teach IT management, data analytics and cloud computing skills.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employers typically require a bachelor’s degree  in computer or information science, information technology, computer programming or software development, as well as related work experience. Some look for candidates with a graduate degree. However, requirements can vary by employer.

Experience requirements

In addition to the education requirements, candidates also need a certain level of experience to be considered for an IT manager position. Typically, information technology managers have years of experience in a wide variety of IT fields, from cybersecurity to business leadership.

Most companies require that candidates have several years of experience in an IT setting. Those applying for an open IT manager position at a larger, more established company might need a decade of IT experience.

Hiring managers will likely seek the right combination of leadership and IT experience. Candidates will probably need to demonstrate an ability to audit a company’s existing IT landscape, and create strategies that identify and eliminate all types of cybersecurity threats.

In addition, information technology manager candidates must often demonstrate a leadership capacity, and the skills necessary to inspire a workforce. The interview process often includes questions about management history, leadership type and successes in directing a team.

IT manager skills

Managers of information technology teams depend on a variety of skills each day. Whether a manager is communicating with team members or auditing a cloud infrastructure, skills in leadership, management and technology will help drive a company forward.

Those seeking to be an information technology manager might regularly need the following in-demand IT skills :

• Analytics
• Technology proficiency
• Financial management
• Project management
• Risk management
• Software development
• Programming
• Data science

Soft skill requirements may include:

• Communication
• Organization
• Time management
• Decision-making
• Leadership

Information technology manager salaries might depend on several factors.  Earnings can be influenced by education, earned certifications, years of experience, employment location and company size.

As of May 2023, information systems managers earned between $101,590 and $239,200, with a median of $169,510 , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Employment for IT managers is expected to remain favorable over the next decade. From 2022 to 2032, jobs for computer and IT managers are projected to grow 15% , according to BLS. 

More than 46,900 computer and information technology manager positions are expected to open each year for the next decade, due largely to individuals exiting the workforce. As companies continue to migrate operations online, the demand for managers in IT departments should grow with the need for cybersecurity.

Cloud computing — the use of cloud resources to securely manage data online — may further increase the number of employed IT managers. Some companies might even choose to outsource their cloud computing needs to third-party IT providers, which could mean cloud companies will hire more IT managers directly.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.

If you’re interested in looking at degree options for a career as an IT manager, University of Phoenix offers convenient online programs for working adults. Here are some program options:

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 
• Master of Information Systems 

Contact University of Phoenix for more information.