IT managers oversee computer and information systems within a company to make sure they are running efficiently. They are responsible for managing the networks, hardware, and software platforms a company uses including IT security. This is why skilled IT managers are highly sought after and why this role commands a high annual wage.
IT management is a good career choice for anyone who is looking for a career that allows room for growth in a management role. But, before you get started, you might be wondering, how much do IT managers make? Keep reading to find out more about IT management, how much IT managers make per hour, and how much freelance IT managers make.
IT Manager Salary: An Overview of How Much IT Managers Make
- Average Salary: $151,150
- 10th Percentile Salary: $90,430
- 90th Percentile Salary: $208,000
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), IT managers make an average annual wage of $151,150. Salaries at the lower end of the scale begin at about $90,000 per year, which is often what an entry-level IT manager might be paid. IT managers can make up to $208,000 per year. This salary is reserved for IT managers with decades of experience.
Additionally, if an IT manager has specialized skills that are in high demand, it will lead to a higher salary. Such skills include, but are not limited to, portfolio management, data modeling, data migration, and business strategy.
How Much Do IT Managers Make Per Hour?
According to the BLS, the national average wage for IT managers is $77.76 per hour. This figure is drawn from a poll of 482,000 IT managers across the US. Additionally, the poll indicated that the lowest 10 percent earn an hourly wage of $43.48, while the top 10 percent earn more than $100 per hour.
Do IT Managers Make Good Money?
Yes, IT managers make good money. This is a lucrative career path that also includes financial incentives such as commissions, bonuses, and other benefits like profit sharing. IT managers with specialized skills such as project management have an average salary of $91,657 per year because they bring additional value to their employers.
Salaries will rise with more senior job titles and experience. According to Payscale, for example, IT directors earn an average of $122,016 per year, while those with more than 20 years of experience earn about $133,000 annually.
How Much Do IT Managers Make? A Salary Breakdown by Location, Experience, and Skills
As mentioned, experience and skills positively influence an IT manager’s salary. The geographic location that an IT manager works in is also a factor in how much they make. Based on which city you work in, the salary you make as an IT manager can vary greatly.
IT Manager Salaries by Location
According to ZipRecruiter, some of the highest-paid IT managers are located in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Hawaii, where they earn annual salaries that are above average. In states like North Carolina and Florida, they earn less than the national average. Below is an overview of the annual wage ranges in some major cities.
| Location | 25th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 75th Percentile Salary |
| New York City | $74,586 | $98,795 | $115,170 |
| Boston | $73,458 | $94,787 | $113,429 |
| San Diego | $69,497 | $85,823 | $107,312 |
| Chicago | $69,610 | $81,376 | $107,486 |
| Honolulu | $66,669 | $82,721 | $102,946 |
IT Salaries by Level of Experience
An IT manager with experience will usually earn more than people who haven’t been in the industry as long. According to Payscale, salary ranges in this respect show that salary increases are directly related to the number of years the employee has been in the field.
| Experience Level | 10th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
| Entry-Level | $41,000 | $64,331 | $101,000 |
| Early-Career | $46,000 | $69,526 | $107,000 |
| Mid-Career | $52,000 | $80,857 | $123,000 |
| Experienced | $61,000 | $94,475 | $138,000 |
| Late-Career | $64,000 | $100,669 | $144,000 |
IT Manager Salaries by Skill
An IT manager with good analytical skills and communication skills is an asset to any company. However, an IT manager who possesses specialized skills such as project management or business strategy, or who has learned cyber security best practices will earn more, according to Payscale. The table below shows the average compensation for skilled IT managers.
| Skill | 10th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
| SAP Basis | $77,000 | $149,160 | $180,000 |
| People Management | $65,000 | $99,870 | $141,000 |
| Project Management | $57,000 | $91,699 | $137,000 |
| IT Security and Infrastructure | $55,000 | $85,288 | $127,000 |
| IT Support | $51,000 | $81,523 | $126,000 |
How Much Do Freelance IT Managers Make?
According to Payscale, freelance IT managers earn $80,630 on average. Freelance IT managers are often referred to as IT consultants. Additionally, the average pay range in this category will depend on which subsector the IT manager specializes in.
Their income will also vary based on how many projects they can take on at one time. There are many freelance jobs that pay well and IT management is one of them.
IT Manager Job Outlook
The job outlook for IT managers is currently on a positive trajectory. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that between 2020 to 2030, this industry will see an 11 percent increase in the number of IT manager jobs. This means that there will be greater financial incentives. So, if you’re ready to get a job in IT, now is the time.
Is IT Management a Good Career?
Yes. As shown throughout this article, IT management is a good career choice. Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other job tracking websites all indicate that IT management jobs pay well and are in high demand. In the future, increasingly more companies will need help designing and managing computer systems and networks.
So, whether you want to work for a company or freelance, there will definitely be a wide range of job opportunities out there for you as an IT manager.
How Much Do IT Managers Make? FAQ
An IT project manager makes an average of $88,789 per year, according to Payscale. Additional skills such as business analysis can increase that average to $89,777, while learning security risk management will result in an even higher average base salary of $133,995.
In San Francisco, IT managers make $110,392 on average. It is among the cities where IT managers are not only highly paid, but also have good benefits such as health insurance, according to Payscale.
With portfolio management skills in IT, you will make an average salary of $135,000 per year, according to Payscale. This type of job is highly demanding as it requires you to be able to manage several complex projects simultaneously. But, this could be a good fit if you enjoy challenges.
There are many sources available to help you figure out how to begin your career in IT. For one, you may want to try out an online coding bootcamp. This is a great way to learn everything you need to know about IT in a short period of time. Bootcamps usually only take a few months to complete, and also provide great career services to help you land a job.
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