Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager Most jobs for computer and information systems managers require several years of experience in a related information technology (IT) job. Computer and information systems managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, plus related work experience, to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that candidates have a graduate degree.
Education
Computer and information systems managers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering technologies. These degrees include courses in computer programming, software development, and mathematics. Management information systems (MIS) programs usually include business classes as well as computer-related ones. Some organizations require or prefer that computer and information systems managers have a graduate degree in computer science, information technology, or business administration. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Computer and information systems managers typically need work experience in a related information technology (IT) job. The length and type of experience required may vary by position. For example, a help desk manager may need several years of experience as a computer support specialist, while an IT security manager may need to have worked as an information security analyst. Chief technology officers (CTOs), IT directors, and other senior-level managers usually need many years and extensive experience in the IT field before being considered for a job. Some organizations may require experience in their industry or area of specialization. For example, a hospital IT director may need experience in the healthcare field.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Certification is typically optional for computer and information systems managers, although some employers prefer to hire candidates who have it. Usually awarded after passing a test, certification shows that candidates have the specific knowledge or skills required to work in the occupation. Certification may be particularly relevant for some computer and information systems managers, such as those who oversee IT security. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 53,500 openings for computer and information systems managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Demand for computer and information systems managers is projected to grow as organizations increasingly rely on information technology (IT) services and require these workers to plan and oversee computer hardware and software needs. Employment growth is expected to result from the increased complexity and necessity of technology throughout the economy. As businesses across industries ramp up their IT infrastructure, such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI), computer and information systems managers will likely be critical to ensuring solid IT implementation. Computer and Information Systems Managers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Computer and information systems managers 16% Operations specialties managers 9% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Computer and Information Systems Managers Do
Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology (IT) managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the IT goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.
Duties
Computer and information systems managers typically do the following:
- Analyze their organization’s IT needs and recommend possible upgrades
- Plan and direct the installation and maintenance of computer hardware and software
- Establish and maintain processes to detect, prevent, and mitigate IT security threats
- Assess the costs and benefits of new projects and justify funding for projects
- Determine personnel needs for their department
- Plan and direct the work of other IT staff, including computer systems analysts, software developers, information security analysts, and computer support specialists
- Negotiate with and monitor vendors to ensure high-quality performance for the organization’s IT needs
Job tasks for computer and information systems managers vary, and the specific duties of each may be determined by the size and structure of their organization. Some oversee an organization’s entire IT department; others are responsible for a particular area of IT, such as infrastructure, support services, or cybersecurity.
Computer and information systems managers may work closely with top executives and other managers to assess computer and information system needs. In addition, they must stay current on new technology. Their knowledge and expertise inform their purchasing, installation, and upgrade recommendations or decisions for the organization.
These managers may have other titles, such as chief information officer (CIO), chief technology officer (CTO), or management information systems (MIS) director. As with job tasks, job titles may vary by organization size and structure.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Computer and information systems managers held about 685,800 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of computer and information systems managers were as follows:
| Computer systems design and related services | 19% |
| Finance and insurance | 13 |
| Information | 13 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Computer and information systems managers are employed in many different industries. They usually work in an office setting.
Work Schedules
Most computer and information systems managers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. IT managers must evaluate information to develop and implement strategic plans for their organization. Communication skills. IT managers must be able to explain their work to top executives and give clear instructions to their subordinates. Computer skills. IT managers must have expertise in computer hardware, software, and systems, as well as a working knowledge of programming languages. Decision-making skills. IT managers must determine how to allocate resources in order to reach their organization’s goals. Leadership skills. IT managers must direct and motivate IT teams or departments so that workers are efficient and effective. Problem-solving skills. IT managers must be able to troubleshoot issues that arise and provide solutions.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer and information systems managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.