Who is an IT manager?
You might have often heard people say call the IT person or the IT guy, whenever they came across some tech-related problem. They are in high demand and are present in every firm, they are also in universities and colleges. So who are these people and what is IT? IT or Information Technology managers are the professionals who look after all the information system-related matters. Whether it’s a software or hardware-related problem they are trained to solve them all. In this article, we will see How much do IT Managers Make?
What do they do?
The professionals in the IT department play several roles and their roles may vary according to the firm they work for. Here are a few of the most common roles that they play
- They analyze and evaluate the firm’s IT system and give recommendations for improvements.
- They develop/ upgrade current or new software to help meet the needs of the firm and improve the security and efficiency of the firm.
- They are either in charge of or assist or overlook IT projects and help the team.
- Helping and solving IT problems for all departments.
- Clearing bugs and removing viruses.
- They are also constantly working on improving the firm’s security, to protect it from external threats such as hackers.
Where do they work?
Almost every company or institute has an IT department and if not a whole department they do have at least one IT professional dedicated to solving all their hardware and software problems. Here are a few places where you are most likely to find an IT person/manager or department.
Schools, Universities, Gaming companies, Marketing, and advertising firms basically any organization that uses computers and other technologies in their everyday operations will have an IT person or IT department. The head of the IT department is the IT manager who is responsible to overlook all the work carried by all the employees in the IT department.
Types of IT managers
Support Specialist
$36,000 – $80,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $53,000 annually
They are the “IT person” who we call when we the computer has software or hardware problem. They are called the support specialists because whether inside or outside the company they assist the computer users when they encounter some tech problem.
Computer Programmers
$57,000 – $96,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $73,000 annually
They are called programmers because they use various programming languages to write the codes to help in the operation and development of the company’s soft wares, applications, and websites. They may write new or update the previous codes to improve the operating systems used in the company.
Quality Assurance Engineer
$38,000 – $ 106,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $62,000 annually
They are the ones responsible for assessing, evaluating, and critiquing the company’s operating systems. They assess the efficiency, technical design, and security of the operating systems used by the company and provide them feedback on the problems and their causes.
Web developer
$45,000 – $110,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $$72,000 annually
They are called web developers because they work on creating, improving, and developing new or old websites. The asses various aspects of the website such as its colors, ease of use, speed, smoothness, and site traffic.
IT technician
$30,000 – $73,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $46,000 annually
The technician is responsible for fixing, repairing and removing, or replacing affected parts of the hardware and installing and configuring the soft wares used by the company. They often run diagnostic tests to catch bugs, viruses, or any other forms of threats or attacks to the system. They are a part of the tech support team.
System analyst
$70,000 – $104,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $78,000
They are responsible for maintenance and critiquing the company’s information systems. They assess the system and run tests to help understand the various fault or flaws in the design and then craft alternatives or solutions to the problem.
Network engineer
$58,000 – $130,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $87,000 annually
A network engineer as you can tell by the name works on designing and maintaining smooth network communication within the organization and outside the organization. Here are the most commonly used networking channels; internet, intranet, extranet, LAN or Local area network and WAN or wide area network
User experience designer
$81,000 – $165,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $115,000 annually
User experience designers are also known as UX designers work alongside the application development team and help them upgrade and improve the application. They focus on improving application properties such as improving the experience and the usability by making important parts such as site registration easier.
Database administrator
$60,000 – $117,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $83,000 annually
A database administrator just like their name says is the ones who administer the various databases in the company. They overlook the systems used for data storage, the organize the data so that it can be accessed easily either by the company or their clients.
Computer scientist
$66,000 – $170,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $106,000 annually
These guys are responsible for improving the future. They write programs, create soft wares, and solve tech problems. Most of their work is based on improving the interaction between humans and technology in both the software and hardware form.
Software engineer
$73,000 – 160,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $108,000 annually
They use their engineering skill to improve and develop soft wares. All their work is focused on improving the various properties of software. They assess the software to see if they perform well and if they meet the software user’s needs. They may be working on websites, applications, or any other form of software.
IT security specialists
$31,000 – $96,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $115,000 annually
Their responsibility is to maintain the security of the various soft wares and security systems used by the company. They are constantly upgrading the company’s operating system to improve security whilst making sure the workflow or efficiency is not affected. They use various anti-virus soft wares such as to protect the operating systems from potential viruses and threats that could either corrupt or damage the system.
Data scientist
$95,000 – $250,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $121,000 annually
As the name implies their work revolves around searching for data. They are constantly on the hunt to gather the latest data and information from multiple sources that could help the company. They find information relevant to the company’s goals and operations and then implement it to help improve the productivity of the system.
Web administrator
$46,000 – $100,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $68,000 annually
They are a part of the web developing team and work along with the various web developing and designing engineers. Their responsibility is to manage and keep a track of all the work being carried out by the team or department members. They can also be described as the team leader.
Application engineer
$65,000 – $70,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $67,000 annually
Application engineers or application developers or also commonly known as software application developers carry out a variety of tasks. They work on designing, developing, assessing, and evaluating software applications.
Data quality manager
$101,000- $103,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $102,000 annually
Data quality managers also commonly referred to as quality assurance managers are responsible for ensuring that the operations that are being carried out are according to the set standard. They analyze and evaluate reports about the system to the management and also provide alternatives to improve the system operations.
Help desk technician
$50,000 – $104,000
The average base pay for the position is $72,000 annually
They are responsible for assisting whether it is to the company’s employees or the customers on the phone. They can also work remotely for example your service provider guiding you through the phone about how you can solve some tech problem is a help desk technician.
Cloud system engineer
$71,000 – $136,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $98,000
As their name indicates most of their duties are associated with cloud systems. They work on delivering various computing services such as networking, databases, and analytics via the internet, they may also work on developing, designing, or improving new or old cloud-soft wares.
IT Managers salaries in different organizations
Any organization that uses technology in its daily operations has IT personnel. Here are the Job details of IT managers in some of the most famous organizations.
- IT managers at CIA
There are several different types of IT departments in the CIA. Getting hired at the CIA is a long process and has a lot of requirements and most roles even have training. Let’s take a look at some of them.
- Digital Forensic Engineering Manager
$64,000 – $135,000 annually
The average base pay for this position is $99,000 annually.
- Inspector General IT Auditing Manager
$65,000 – $135,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $ 100,000 annually.
- IT Engineering Manager
$73,000 – $159,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $116,000 annually.
- Cyber Security Officer
$86,000 – $151,000 annually
The average base pay for this position is $118,000 annually.
- Telecommunications services Officer
$64,000 – $131,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $88,000 annually.
- Technical Development Manager
$50,000 – $70,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $60,000 annually.
- Application Development Manager
$64,000 – $135,000 annually
The average base pay for this position is $99,000 annually.
- Cyber security Research Manager
$64,000 – $113,000 annually
The average base pay for this position is $88,000 annually
- IT engineer Manager
$64,000 – $112,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $87,000 annually.
- Technical Project manager
$64,000 – $159,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $111,000 annually
- IT managers at FBI
$120,000 – $ 157,000 annually
The IT manager at CIA has flexible timings and on most days works from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. However, to get hired at the FBI is a long process and has a lot of requirements. The average base pay for the position is $138,000 annually.
- IT Managers at Apple
$33,000 – $204,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $100,000 annually. The managers receive an average cash bonus of $23,000 annually and about $86,000 stock bonus annually. Hence most IT managers at Apple make around $200,000 annually and some can make as much as $204,000 annually.
- IT Managers at IBM
$51,000 – $193,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $122,000 annually. The manager receives an average $1,400 cash bonus annually, $5,100 worth stock bonus, and $4,700 from profit sharing. With all these additional payments an IT manager at IBM is expected to make around $175,000 annually.
- IT Managers at Facebook
$121,000 – $211,000 annually
The average base pays for an IT manager on Facebook is $107,000 annually. With the annual cash bonuses ranging from $17,000 – $42,000 and about $42,000 of stock bonuses, most IT managers make up to $172,000 annually.
- IT Managers at Google
$57,000 – $137,000 annually
The average base pay for an IT manager at google is $116,000 annually. Most IT managers at google receive about $23,000 of cash bonuses annually. Along with the cash bonuses, most IT managers can expect to make up to $120,000 annually.
- IT Managers at Microsoft
$77,000 – $176,000 annually
The average base pay for an IT manager at Microsoft is $104,000 annually. They receive an average of $20,000 of cash bonuses annually, $22,000 stock bonus, and $140,000 profit-sharing annually. Along with cash, profit sharing, and stock bonuses, most IT managers at Microsoft make about $176,000 annually.
- IT Managers at Amazon
$141,000 – $290,000 annually
The average base pay for an IT manager at Amazon is $148,000 annually. They make an average of $56,000 cash bonuses annually. Along with the cash bonuses, most IT managers at Amazon are expected to make $205,000 annually and some managers can make as much as $290,000 annually.
- IT Managers at Oracle
$90,000 – $178,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $100,000 annually. The IT managers at Oracle are expected to earn an average of $29,000 cash bonuses and $19,000 stock bonuses annually. Along with the cash and stock bonuses, most IT managers at Oracle make around $146,000 annually.
- IT Managers at DXC
$65,000 – $140,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $92,000 annually. The IT managers at DXC receive an average cash bonus of $11,000 annually. Along with the cash bonuses and other occasional bonuses managers at DXC are expected to make about $111,000 annually.
- IT Managers at SAP
$93,000 – $194,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $140,000 annually. The IT managers at SAP on average receive $18,000 of cash bonuses, $8,000 of stock bonuses, and $4,000 of profit sharing. Along with the cash, profit sharing, and stock bonuses, most IT managers at SAP are expected to make about $182,000 annually and some managers make as much as $194,000 annually.
- IT Managers at Alphabet
$156,000 – $238,000 annually
A tech manager at Alphabet is the highest-paid position and manager in this position and has an average base pay of $174,000 annually. Along with other cash and occasional cash bonuses, most managers at Alphabet earn $194,000 annually and some make as much as $238,000 annually.
- IT Managers at Accenture
$103,000 – $164,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $116,000 annually. Most IT managers at Accenture earn an average of $7,000 of cash bonuses, $4,000 of profit sharing. Along with the cash, stock, and profit-sharing bonuses, most IT managers at Accenture earn $139,000 annually and some can make as much as $164,000 annually.
- IT Managers at Infosys
$83,000 – $175,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $120,000 annually. The IT managers at Infosys on average earn about $32,000 cash bonuses, $25,000 stock bonuses, and $39,000 profit sharing. Along with the cash, profit sharing, and stock bonuses, most IT managers at Infosys earn about $154,000 annually and some even earn $175,000 annually.
- IT Managers at Cognizant
$95,000 – $127,000 annually
The average base pay for the position is $113,000 annually. IT managers at Cognizant on average earn about $4,000 cash bonuses and $2,000 stock bonuses annually. Along with the cash, stock, and other occasional bonuses, most IT managers at Cognizant earn about $124,000 annually and some make as much as $127,000 annually.
Which Type of IT manager makes the most?
Though IT personnel is wanted and present in almost every organization and are well compensated for their services there are a few fields in the IT realm that are paid more than others. Here is a list of some
- Software engineer manager
The average base pay for the position is $163,500 annually
They are in charge of the department overlooking the work of every software engineer working under them. They analyze and evaluate the design of the system, direct the engineer for further development and possible changes to improve the system.
- Data warehouse manager
The average base pay for the position is $154,800 annually
They overlook the work done by other personnel under their supervision. They evaluate and analyze the data distribution and organization, taking all measures to protect the data from external threats such as hackers and internal threats such as bugs.
- Software development manager
The average base pay for the position is $154,000 annually
They overlook the work done by other software developers. They analyze and evaluate the programs designed by their subordinates and critique them. They ensure that the final product does not have any bugs or problems.
- IT Infrastructure manager
The average base pay for the position is $153,000 annually
As a manager, they are responsible to overlook the work done by their subordinate infrastructure engineers. They administer and critique any upgrades made to the company’s software, hardware, and other data managing systems.
- Application development manager
The average base pay for the position is $149,000 annually
Apart from administering the work done by their subordinates they are responsible for analyzing and evaluating the various soft wares developed and used by the company. Gaming companies are the hub for application development engineers.
- Software architect Manager
The average base pay for the position is $146,000 annually
They lead the company’s software architect team, analyzing, evaluating, and improving the company’s soft wares. They use various programming languages to add new and different features to their software to increase efficiency and security.
- Technical program manager
The average base pay for the position is $145,000 annually
They lead the team of the technical program. For all the technical projects that are being carried out in the company, they are the one who is in charge. They are responsible to initiate new technical projects and then keeping track of progress and ensuring perfect execution of the plan.
- Enterprise architect manager
The average base pay for the position is $144,000 annually
They are the ones who keep the company up to date with the latest technology. They keep an eye on the latest technological advancements and how they can benefit from using them. They suggest to the firm what type of technological tools should be used to help increase efficiency while maintaining the security
- DevOps engineering manager
The average base pay for the position is $137,000 annually
They work on software, application, and website development. Together with the IT staff the work on coding and engineering and combining the two to upgrade and improve their current and future projects.
- Information security engineering manager
The average base pay for the position is $131,000 annually
Information security analysts or information security engineers are the ones who are responsible for administering and monitoring the company’s security system. They ensure that all the data is protected and secure from external threats such as hackers or any other form of cyber-attacks.
Conclusion
IT stands for Information Technology and an IT person is someone who deals with anything related to information systems or technology. IT person, team, department, or managers are a part of any company, organization, or institution that uses computers, virtual operating systems, or any other form of technology. An IT manager is someone who leads the IT team however the subject of IT is subdivided into various fields. And each field has its own contribution to the subject. The highest paying IT Job is that of a Software engineer. IT manager’s salaries at some of the biggest IT companies have been discussed above and it can be concluded that the company that pays its IT managers the most is Amazon. IT managers at Amazon have been reports to make up to $290,000 annually, more than what IT managers at Facebook, Apple, Google and Microsoft make. CIA is one of the hardest organizations to get a job in due to their strict criteria but has many opportunities for people in the field of IT.
