Life As a Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer & Information Systems Manager Definition Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

A Day in the Life of a Computer & Information Systems Manager

• Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
• Review and approve all systems charts and programs prior to their implementation.
• Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers.
• Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
• Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.
• Evaluate data processing proposals to assess project feasibility and requirements.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Computer & Information Systems Manager?

Below is a list of the skills most Computer and Information Systems Managers say are important on the job.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
• Computing Services Director
• Program Manager
• Director of Engineering
• Software Development Director

Computer & Information Systems Manager Job Outlook

There were about 367,600 jobs for Computer and Information Systems Manager in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 44,200 new jobs for Computer and Information Systems Manager by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 32,500 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Computer & Information Systems Manager are Washington, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Ohio, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Computer & Information Systems Manager Average Salary

The salary for Computer and Information Systems Managers ranges between about $85,380 and $208,000 a year.

Computer and Information Systems Managers who work in New York, California, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Computer and Information Systems Managers in different U.S. states.

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$126,300
Alaska	$107,610
Arizona	$137,420
Arkansas	$109,890
California	$180,250
Colorado	$164,220
Connecticut	$147,440
Delaware	$169,720
District of Columbia	$168,500
Florida	$129,540
Georgia	$143,930
Hawaii	$124,660
Idaho	$102,910
Illinois	$143,900
Indiana	$124,490
Iowa	$126,560
Kansas	$119,050
Kentucky	$119,470
Louisiana	$112,860
Maine	$124,130
Maryland	$154,870
Massachusetts	$156,620
Michigan	$131,100
Minnesota	$143,300
Mississippi	$100,300
Missouri	$130,610
Montana	$104,630
Nebraska	$122,450
Nevada	$134,840
New Hampshire	$147,440
New Jersey	$176,690
New Mexico	$114,120
New York	$190,310
North Carolina	$142,330
North Dakota	$124,450
Ohio	$135,510
Oklahoma	$114,670
Oregon	$129,680
Pennsylvania	$146,860
Rhode Island	$146,550
South Carolina	$120,720
South Dakota	$132,190
Tennessee	$118,660
Texas	$154,650
Utah	$121,570
Vermont	$122,960
Virginia	$173,290
Washington	$159,290
West Virginia	$119,430
Wisconsin	$124,770
Wyoming	$102,120

What Tools do Computer and Information Systems Managers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Computer and Information Systems Managers:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Hypertext markup language HTML
• JavaScript
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook
• Python
• Microsoft Access
• Node.js
• MySQL
• Data entry software
• MongoDB
• SAP
• Microsoft Project
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Microsoft Visio
• Structured query language SQL
• The MathWorks MATLAB
• Microsoft Dynamics

How do I Become a Computer & Information Systems Manager?

Education needed to be a Computer and Information Systems Manager:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer & Information Systems Manager?

Where Computer and Information Systems Managers Work

Computer and Information Systems Managers work in the following industries:

Related Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Computer and Information Systems Manager might also be interested in the following careers:

• Architectural and Engineering Managers

Are you already one of the many Computer and Information Systems Manager in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

• Information Security Analysts
• Computer Network Architects

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.