FAQ
IT Manager FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an IT manager.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an IT manager: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about IT managers
Do IT managers need an MBA?
Not required, but common for senior roles.
How much experience is needed?
Typically five or more years in IT.
What certifications help?
PMP, ITIL, CISSP and cloud credentials.
How much does an IT manager make?
The median annual wage for IT managers was $175,140 ($84.20 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $107,550 and the highest 10% earned more than $297,510.
How long does it take to become an IT manager?
Most people need about Bachelor’s plus 5+ years of IT experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or a related field plus five or more years of IT experience is typical. Many IT leaders have MBAs.
Do you need a degree to be an IT manager?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical plus years of experience, though some IT managers rise from technical roles with strong certifications and leadership experience.
Is IT manager a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +15.8% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 53,500 openings each year. Upsides include very high pay; a common challenge is that high responsibility for outages and breaches.
What skills does an IT manager need?
Key technical skills include it strategy, budgeting, infrastructure and cloud, and cybersecurity management. Employers also value leadership, communication, and decision making.
What certifications are available for IT managers?
Common credentials include Project Management Professional (PMP), ITIL 4, CISSP or CISM, and Cloud certifications. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the IT Manager fit quiz, compare with Network Administrator, or explore IT Manager training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-3021 (Computer and information systems managers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Computer and information systems managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.