Salary Details

Website details: http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos258.htm#earnings

Computer and Information Systems Managers

• Nature of the Work
• Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
• Employment
• Job Outlook
• Projections
• Earnings
• Wages
• Related Occupations
• Sources of Additional Information
Significant Points

• Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
• A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field usually is required for management positions,
although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a
core component.
• Many managers possess advanced technical knowledge gained from working in a computer
occupation.
• Job prospects should be excellent.

Nature of the WorkAbout this section

In the modern workplace, it is imperative that Information Technology (IT) works both effectively and
reliably. Computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the implementation and
administration of technology within their organizations. They plan, coordinate, and direct research on
the computer-related activities of firms. In consultation with other managers, they help determine
the goals of an organization and then implement technology to meet those goals. They oversee all
technical aspect of an organization, such as software development, network security, and Internet
operations.
Computer and information systems managers direct the work of other IT professionals, such
as computer software engineers and computer programmers, computer systems analysts,
and computer support specialists (information on these occupations can be found elsewhere in
the Handbook). They plan and coordinate activities such as installing and upgrading hardware and
software, programming and systems design, the implementation of computer networks, and the
development of Internet and intranet sites. They are increasingly involved with the upkeep,
maintenance, and security of networks. They analyze the computer and information needs of their
organizations from an operational and strategic perspective and determine immediate and long-
range personnel and equipment requirements. They assign and review the work of their subordinates
and stay abreast of the latest technology to ensure that the organization remains competitive.
Computer and information systems managers can have additional duties, depending on their role
within an organization. Chief technology officers (CTOs),for example, evaluate the newest and most
innovative technologies and determine how these can help their organizations. They develop
technical standards, deploy technology, and supervise workers who deal with the daily information
technology issues of the firm. When a useful new tool has been identified, the CTO determines one or
more possible implementation strategies, including cost-benefit and return on investment analyses,
and presents those strategies to top management, such as the chief information officer (CIO). (Chief
information officers are covered in a separate Handbook section on top executives.)
Management information systems (MIS) directors or information technology (IT) directors manage
computing resources for their organizations. They often work under the chief information officer and
plan and direct the work of subordinate information technology employees. These managers ensure
the availability, continuity, and security of data and information technology services in their
organizations. In this capacity, they oversee a variety of technical departments, develop and monitor
performance standards, and implement new projects.
IT project managers develop requirements, budgets, and schedules for their firm’s information
technology projects. They coordinate such projects from development through implementation,
working with their organization’s IT workers, as well as clients, vendors, and consultants. These
managers are increasingly involved in projects that upgrade the information security of an
organization.
Work environment. Computer and information systems managers generally work in clean,
comfortable offices. Long hours are common, and some may have to work evenings and weekends to
meet deadlines or solve unexpected problems; in 2008, about 25 percent worked more than 50
hours per week. Some computer and information systems managers may experience considerable
pressure in meeting technical goals with short deadlines or tight budgets. As networks continue to
expand and more work is done remotely, computer and information systems managers have to
communicate with and oversee offsite employees using laptops, e-mail, and the Internet.
Injuries in this occupation are uncommon, but like other workers who spend considerable time using
computers, computer and information systems managers are susceptible to eyestrain, back
discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Computer and information systems managers oversee a variety of workers, including systems
analysts, support specialists, and software engineers.
Training, Other Qualifications, and AdvancementAbout this section
Computer and information systems managers generally have technical expertise from working in a
computer occupation, as well as an understanding of business and management principles. A strong
educational background and experience in a variety of technical fields is needed.

Education and training. A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field usually is required for
management positions, although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with
technology as a core component. Common majors for undergraduate degrees are computer science,
information science, or management information systems (MIS).
A bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field generally takes 4 years to complete, and includes
courses in computer science, computer programming, computer engineering, mathematics, and
statistics. Most also include general education courses such as English and communications. MIS
programs usually are part of the business school or college, and contain courses such as finance,
marketing, accounting, and management, as well as systems design, networking, database
management, and systems security.

MBA programs usually require 2 years of study beyond the undergraduate degree, and, like
undergraduate business programs, include courses on finance, marketing, accounting, and
management, as well as database management, electronic business, and systems management and
design.

A few computer and information systems managers attain their positions with only an associate or
trade school degree, but they must have sufficient experience and must have acquired additional
skills on the job. To aid their professional advancement, many managers with an associate degree
eventually earn a bachelor's or master's degree while working.

Certification and other qualifications. Computer and information systems managers need a
broad range of skills. Employers look for individuals who can demonstrate an understanding of the
specific software or technology used on the job. Generally, this knowledge is gained through years of
experience working with that particular product. Another way to demonstrate this trait is with
professional certification. Although not required for most computer and information system
management positions, certification demonstrates an area of expertise, and can increase an
applicant’s chances of employment. These high-level certifications are often product-specific, and
are generally administered by software or hardware companies rather than independent
organizations.
Computer and information systems managers also need a thorough understanding of business
practices. Because information technology is a central component of many organizations, these
workers often must make important business decisions. Consequently, many firms seek managers
with a background in business management, consulting, or sales. These workers also must possess
good leadership and communication skills, as one of their main duties is to assign work and monitor
employee performance. They also must be able to explain technical subjects to people without
technical expertise, such as clients or managers of other departments.

Advancement. Computer and information systems managers may advance to progressively higher
leadership positions in an information technology department. A project manager, for instance, might
be promoted to the chief technology officer position and then to chief information officer. On
occasion, some may become managers in non-technical areas such as marketing, human resources,
or sales because in high technology firms an understanding of technical issues is helpful in those
areas.

EmploymentAbout this section

Computer and information systems managers held about 293,000 jobs in 2008. About 16 percent
worked in the computer systems design and related services industry. This industry provides IT
services on a contract basis, including custom computer programming services; computer systems
design and integration services; and computer facilities management services. Other large
employers include insurance and financial firms, government agencies, business management
organizations, and manufacturers.

Job OutlookAbout this section

Faster than average employment growth is expected, and job prospects should be excellent.
Employment change. Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to
grow 17 percent over the 2008-18 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. New
applications of technology in the workplace will continue to drive demand for workers, fueling the
need for more managers. To remain competitive, firms will continue to install sophisticated computer
networks and set up more complex intranets and websites. They will need to adopt the most efficient
software and systems and troubleshoot problems when they occur. Computer and information
systems managers will be needed to oversee these functions.
Because so much business is carried out over computer networks, security will continue to be an
important issue for businesses and other organizations, and will lead to strong growth for computer
managers. Firms will increasingly hire security experts to fill key leadership roles in their information
technology departments because the integrity of their computing environments is of utmost
importance.

The growth of computer and information systems managers should be closely related to the growth
of the occupations they supervise. For information on these occupations, see the Handbook sections
on computer software engineers and computer programmers; computer systems analysts; computer
network, systems, and database administrators; computer scientists; and computer support
specialists.
Among computer and information systems managers, job growth is expected to be the fastest in
computer systems design establishments; software publishing firms; data processing and hosting
companies; management, scientific, and technical consulting services; and healthcare organizations.
Increased consolidation of IT services may reduce growth to some extent in other industries.

Job prospects. Prospects for qualified computer and information systems managers should be
excellent. Workers with specialized technical knowledge and strong communications and business
skills, as well as those with an MBA with a concentration in information systems, will have the best
prospects. Job openings will be the result of employment growth and the need to replace workers
who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.

Projections DataAbout this section

Projections data from the National Employment Matrix
Projected Change,
SOC Employment, Detailed
Occupational Title Employment, 2008-18
Code 2008 Statistics
2018 Number Percent
Computer and information
11-3021 293,000 342,500 49,500 17 [PDF] [XLS]
systems managers
NOTE: Data in this table are rounded. See the discussion of the employment projections table in
the Handbook introductory chapter on Occupational Information Included in the Handbook.
EarningsAbout this section
Wages of computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and level of responsibility.
Median annual wages of these managers in May 2008 were $112,210. The middle 50 percent earned
between $88,240 and $141,890. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest
numbers of computer and information systems managers in May 2008 were as follows:

Software publishers $126,840

Computer systems design and related services 118,120
Management of companies and enterprises 115,150
Depository credit intermediation 113,380
Insurance carriers 109,810
In addition to salaries, computer and information systems managers, especially those at higher
levels, often receive employment-related benefits, such as expense accounts, stock option plans,
and bonuses.

FOR THE LATEST WAGE INFORMATION:

THE ABOVE WAGE DATA ARE FROM THE OCCUPATIONAL EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS (OES) SURVEY
PROGRAM, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. FOR THE LATEST NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL EARNINGS
DATA, VISIT THE FOLLOWING PAGES:

• COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGERS

Related OccupationsAbout this section

Other occupations that manage workers, deal with information technology, or make business or
technical decisions include:

Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers

Computer network, systems, and database administrators
Computer scientists
Computer software engineers and computer programmers
Computer support specialists
Computer systems analysts
Engineering and natural sciences managers
Financial managers
Top executives
Sources of Additional InformationAbout this section
DISCLAIMER:
LINKS TO NON-BLS INTERNET SITES ARE PROVIDED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN
ENDORSEMENT.
Additional information on a career in information technology is available from the following
organizations:

• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), 2 Penn Plaza, Suite 701, New York, NY 10121-
0701. Internet:http://computingcareers.acm.org
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society, Headquarters Office, 2001
L St. NW., Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036-4910. Internet: http://www.computer.org
• National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE., Bellevue,
WA 98007. Internet:http://www.nwcet.org
• University of Washington Computer Science and Engineering Department, AC101 Paul G.
Allen Center, Box 352350, 185 Stevens Way, Seattle, WA 98195-2350.
Internet: http://www.cs.washington.edu/WhyCSE
• National Center for Women and Information Technology, University of Colorado, Campus Box
322 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0322. Internet: http://www.ncwit.org