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What is an application manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

Application managers manage the deployment of software programs in the computer and network networks of the organization. They are responsible for device and infrastructure updates. The basic role of the application manager is to determine if the company's computer programs are adequate to meet its business requirements.

It is the responsibility of the application managers to know what business areas of the enterprise are in need of updates. They analyze the effect of adapting data structures to the areas of interest and make decisions about whether or not to upgrade to another or the same system. They also produce and build the company's website, making it user-friendly and manages it. In short, the key task of the application manager is to increase the company's effectiveness by making the right use of computer programs.

A bachelor's degree is needed to work as an application manager. However, many companies choose a graduate degree in fields such as technology-based business or a master's degree in information management systems science. They typically earn an annual median salary of $60,000 depending on factors like company location, type of industry, and the number of years working in the field.

ScoreApplication ManagerUS Average
Salary
8.2

Avg. Salary $122,748

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 16%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.21%

Asian 13.52%

Black or African American 6.80%

Hispanic or Latino 10.22%

Unknown 5.22%

White 64.03%

Gender

female 28.85%

male 71.15%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Application manager career paths

Key steps to become an application manager

  1. Explore application manager education requirements

    Most common application manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.4 %

    Master's

    15.9 %

    Associate

    10.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific application manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service9.93%
    Project Management9.91%
    Application Development4.87%
    Architecture4.30%
    Infrastructure3.86%
  3. Complete relevant application manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New application managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an application manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real application manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional application manager certifications

    Application manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific application manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for application managers include Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research application manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the migration of all EDI infrastructures to a new ERP system on time and on budget.
    • Manage development and QA teams prior to releases; organize UAT test cycles with various business groups.
    • Manage organizational change via the PMO department
    • Manage separation of companies to individual ERP environments.
  6. Prepare your application manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your application manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an application manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable application manager resume templates

    Build a professional application manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your application manager resume.
    Application Manager Resume
    Application Manager Resume
    Application Manager Resume
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    Application Manager Resume
    Application Manager Resume
    Application Manager Resume
  7. Apply for application manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an application manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first application manager job

Ruben LouwesRuben Louwes LinkedIn profile

Application Manager, Dentsu International

I am a 25-year-old IT Application Manager from the Netherlands with 5-10 years of experience in the IT field. Over the past 2.5 years, I have transitioned into a management role, currently serving as an Application Manager at Dentsu International, one of the top five media advertising agencies globally, headquartered in Tokyo. Based in the Netherlands, I oversee application management for the Benelux and Northern Europe regions.

My journey to becoming an Application Owner was driven by a methodical analysis of my interests within IT, focusing on areas that aligned with my passion and career aspirations. As a dedicated and ambitious professional, I am committed to continuous growth and learning, both in my career and personal development.

In the future, I aspire to start my own business, achieve a successful and fulfilling life, generate passive income, and build a family with an amazing partner. My ultimate goal is to spend my time enjoying life with family and friends and pursuing my favorite pastime: traveling.

Average application manager salary

The average application manager salary in the United States is $122,748 per year or $59 per hour. Application manager salaries range between $93,000 and $160,000 per year.

Average application manager salary
$122,748 Yearly
$59.01 hourly

What am I worth?

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Application manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

I love managing teams and taking the challenge


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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