IT Manager Salary: Your 2026 Guide

Key takeaways

• The median salary for an IT manager is $171,200 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [1].

• Your IT manager salary can vary due to a number of contributing factors, such as your chosen industry, your education and experience level, where you reside, and the cost of living in your particular area.

• The average salary for an IT manager ranges between $119,589 and $171,200, according to various job sites [1, 2, 3, 4].

What an IT manager does depends on the specific role, but it typically involves reviewing the organization's overall computing needs, hiring and training new team members, and staying current with the latest IT trends. Explore the factors that can contribute to your IT manager salary. Then, if you’re ready to strengthen your foundational skills in IT, consider enrolling in the Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization from IBM. You can learn about software management, types of networks, and how to troubleshoot issues as an IT manager.

What does an IT manager do?

As an IT manager, you’re responsible for leading and managing your organization’s IT department and overseeing its computer systems and information technology. You’ll review your organization’s computer needs and recommend possible upgrades. You will also oversee the installation and maintenance of its hardware and software.

In the role of an IT manager, you might recruit, hire, and train new employees. You will need to remain abreast of new technological developments and determine if you can implement potential changes in your organization to keep up with changing trends in the field.

Does an IT manager need a degree?

Many management positions require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree, including the role of IT manager. The exact requirements for the role may depend on your employer or experience level; however, preparation for this job typically includes completing your bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science.

How much does an IT Manager make in the USA?

Computer and information systems managers make a median annual income of $171,200, according to the BLS [1]. Viewing the average IT manager’s earnings from multiple sources can provide a helpful view of your potential earnings.

The following offers a look at the average salary calculated by the BLS and several other organizations that track salaries for information technology managers [1, 2, 3, 4]:

*The Glassdoor salary lists the median total pay, which includes base salary and additional pay, which represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, and other compensation.

Factors that can affect an IT manager salary

Your education level and experience can boost your IT manager earnings. Where you live can also impact your salary due to the demand for IT professionals or the cost of living in a particular area. Depending on your interests or specialties, some sectors will earn more than others.

Education

Employers usually expect IT managers to have a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some companies also require a graduate degree, such as a Master of Information Technology Management or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

The following represents the average IT manager salaries based on education level [2]:

• Some college or associate degree: $102,630

• Bachelor’s degree: $123,558

• Master’s degree: $132,068

• Doctorate: $134,881

Read more: Information Systems vs. Information Technology (IS vs. IT)

Experience

Your previous experience as an IT manager can affect your salary. The longer you work in the role, the more likely you are to earn a higher annual income. According to Glassdoor, the estimated median total salaries you can expect based on your previous experience are as follows [3]:

• 1–3 years: $100,000

• 4–6 years: $109,000

• 7–9 years: $115,000

• 10–14 years: $126,000

• 15+ years: $145,000

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of August 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Location

Where you live can affect your earnings due to the demand for work in the area, the cost of living, and other regional factors. The following list shows the top five highest-paying states by mean annual IT manager salary [5]:

• California: $238,440

• New York: $223,590

• Washington: $222,510

• Massachusetts: $218,740

• Virginia: $206,920

Additionally, some cities and their metropolitan areas may have higher earnings than others based on the cost of living or the number of positions for IT managers. You can earn more if you live in these areas or are willing to relocate.

For example, the San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara metropolitan area of California pays IT managers a mean annual income of $319,670, more than any other area in the country [5]. The San Francisco, Oakland, and Hayward area follows with a mean annual income of $249,040 [5]. However, before relocating, remember that places with higher compensation typically have a higher cost of living.

Industry

IT managers can earn more money in specific industries than in others. According to the BLS, working in information technology can earn you a median annual income of $196,060, while positions in manufacturing can earn you $174,790 [1].

Glassdoor lists the following five industries as some of the highest-paying for IT managers. Note that these figures represent median total pay and include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation [4]:

• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology: $178,757

• Energy, mining, and utilities: $158,742

• Financial services: $153,887

• Agricultural: $148,539

• Management and consulting: $146,238

Related job titles

Other positions in the industry can help you gain additional experience before becoming an IT manager. You might also consider them if you’re currently an IT manager looking for a job change or want to explore new interests.

1. Computer network architect

Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $130,390 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2 024 to 2034): 12 percent [6]

Educational requirements: Requirements will vary by employer. Many require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a computer-related field. Some may have no stipulation regarding degrees, and some may require a master’s degree.

A computer network architect plans and implements data communications networks for companies and organizations. In this role, you might create layouts for new networks, test them to ensure they’re implemented correctly, and perform hardware, software, and network upgrades as needed.

2. Computer systems administrator

Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $171,200 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 15 percent [7]

Educational requirements: Most employers require you to have a bachelor’s degree in IT, engineering, or another computer-oriented field. Some may require a master’s degree.

A computer systems administrator handles the daily operations of an organization’s computer networks. That might include installing hardware and software, maintaining system security, and upgrading as needed.

IT manager job outlook

According to the BLS, IT manager positions will grow 15 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the national average for all occupations. Additionally, BLS expects the industry to have 55,600 job openings on average each year from 2024 to 2034 [7].

The need for IT managers will continue to expand as companies and organizations grow their technology needs. The increasing prevalence of cybersecurity issues also necessitates more personnel to protect employers’ critical computer systems.

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