What Does a IT Manager Do?
IT managers plan, coordinate, and direct IT activities. They oversee teams, manage budgets, implement technology strategies, and align IT with business goals.
IT Manager Salary by State
Select your state to see the adjusted it manager salary based on cost-of-living differences.
How to Become a IT Manager
Education: Bachelor's in IT/CS; MBA often preferred
Certifications: PMP, ITIL, CISSP valued
1. Earn a bachelor's degree in IT or CS.
2. Gain 5-10 years of IT experience.
3. Develop leadership skills.
4. Consider an MBA.
5. Earn relevant certifications.
IT Manager Salary by Experience
Estimates based on BLS percentile data and industry surveys. Actual salaries vary by employer, location, and individual qualifications.
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for IT Managers
| # | State | Annual | Monthly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $200,022 | $16,668 | $96.16 |
| 2 | California | $194,936 | $16,245 | $93.72 |
| 3 | New York | $194,936 | $16,245 | $93.72 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $189,851 | $15,821 | $91.27 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $189,851 | $15,821 | $91.27 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $186,461 | $15,538 | $89.64 |
| 7 | Washington | $186,461 | $15,538 | $89.64 |
| 8 | Maryland | $183,071 | $15,256 | $88.01 |
| 9 | Alaska | $177,986 | $14,832 | $85.57 |
| 10 | Colorado | $177,986 | $14,832 | $85.57 |
State salaries estimated using BLS national median adjusted by regional cost-of-living factors.
Compare to Related Jobs
| Job Title | Median Salary | Hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Manager | $169,510 | $81.49 | — |
| Software Engineer | $132,270 | $63.59 | $-37,240 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $120,360 | $57.87 | $-49,150 |
| Network Engineer | $95,380 | $45.86 | $-74,130 |
| Project Manager | $98,580 | $47.39 | $-70,930 |
| Cloud Architect | $145,500 | $69.95 | $-24,010 |
| Database Administrator | $101,000 | $48.56 | $-68,510 |
Job Outlook
The BLS projects +15% growth for it managers through 2032, which is much faster than average compared to the average for all occupations (3%).
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology and data sources
Salary data is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) program. National median, 10th percentile, and 90th percentile figures are sourced from the most recent BLS OES release. State-level salary estimates are calculated by applying regional price parity adjustments from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to the national median. Job growth projections are from the BLS Employment Projections program. Education and certification requirements are based on BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook descriptions. All figures are approximate and updated periodically.