How much does an IT manager make?
a year · about $84 an hour
A typical IT manager in the United States makes $175,140 a year, about $84 an hour, about 3.4× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Some U.S. IT managers plan how computer systems and data can be restored after a disaster.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $107,550 and $297,510How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($218,290), lowest in Mississippi ($124,280).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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).
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