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The differences between information systems managers and information systems specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become an information systems manager, becoming an information systems specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an information systems manager has an average salary of $137,275, which is higher than the $73,495 average annual salary of an information systems specialist.
The top three skills for an information systems manager include customer service, project management and data entry. The most important skills for an information systems specialist are customer service, data analysis, and data entry.
| Information Systems Manager | Information Systems Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $137,275 | $73,495 |
| Hourly rate | $66.00 | $35.33 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 151,862 | 164,042 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 2 |
An information systems manager is typically in charge of overseeing the information technology (IT) systems and networks in a company, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. They are directly responsible for managing IT workers such as analysts and programmers, delegating tasks, assessing performance, managing schedules, handling budgets, and spearheading installations and upgrades. Furthermore, as an information systems manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
An Information Systems Specialist is responsible for supporting and developing the database system of an organization. They are responsible for designing and implementing information systems, developing prototypes, and maintaining hardware and software operations. They build information security to protect the computer system against a threat. Information System Specialists must have good communication and analytical skills to adapt to different organizational needs.
Information systems managers and information systems specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Systems Manager | Information Systems Specialist | |
| Average salary | $137,275 | $73,495 |
| Salary range | Between $95,000 And $198,000 | Between $51,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Kentucky |
| Best paying company | Baker McKenzie | |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an information systems manager and an information systems specialist in terms of educational background:
| Information Systems Manager | Information Systems Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information systems managers' and information systems specialists' demographics:
| Information Systems Manager | Information Systems Specialist | |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.5% Female, 20.5% | Male, 68.9% Female, 31.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 12.6% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 10.7% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |