How much does a it manager make?
Answer: A typical it manager in the United States makes $175,140 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 671,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
IT manager pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $107,550 | $175,140 | $297,510 | about 671,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $218,290 | about 95,000 |
| Massachusetts | $214,960 | about 25,000 |
| New York | $214,300 | about 48,000 |
| Washington | $209,370 | about 17,000 |
| New Jersey | $203,460 | about 34,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, the industry and location. Managers leading bigger departments or focusing on areas like cybersecurity may also have different pay because their responsibilities vary.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a it manager do?
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. Excludes “Computer Occupations” (15-1211 through 15-1299).
What's a typical day like?
They meet with the IT team to review problems, plan upgrades, and check that systems are secure. Then they guide staff, coordinate projects, and talk with company leaders or vendors about needed technology.
How to get this job
Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT, then build experience in related IT jobs. In the U.S., five or more years of related work experience is typical; some employers prefer a graduate degree.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling.
Did you know?
Some U.S. IT managers plan how computer systems and data can be restored after a disaster.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Management jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-3021.00
- www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/11-3021.00
- www.onetonline.org/skills/zone/11-3021.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY