Question 1

How long does it take to become an information technology manager?

Accepted Answer

It takes about seven to eleven years, at minimum, to become an information technology manager. The position typically requires a bachelor's degree, generally four years, and usually three or more years of experience in the related field.

Question 2

How many years of experience do you need to become an IT manager?

Accepted Answer

You need about ten years of experience working as an IT support technician to become an IT manager. Most of these positions require a bachelor's degree at a minimum, and some expect a master's degree as well.

Question 3

What are an IT manager's roles and responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

IT managers are responsible for coordinating, planning, and leading computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the IT needs of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to fulfill the organization's information systems requirements.

Question 4

What is the head of information technology called?

Accepted Answer

The head of information technology (IT) is usually called Information Technology Director.

Question 5

What skills are needed to be an IT manager?

Accepted Answer

IT managers need to have both strong technical skills and business strategy skills. Most IT managers have hands-on experience with coding and using the same tools that the IT team uses. Even if the position calls for less technical work, the IT manager still needs to maintain their technical skills to help guide the team.

Question 6

How much does a director of information technology make?

Accepted Answer

A director of information technology makes an average annual salary of $136,861, though this varies greatly depending on location and individual qualifications. Top earners yield salaries closer to $200,000.

Question 7

How much does a head of IT make?

Accepted Answer

A head of information technology (IT) makes an average annual salary of $136,861, though this number varies greatly, depending on job title, location, and individual qualifications.

The most common information technology (IT) director title is Information Technology Director and yields an average annual salary of $136,861. At the executive C-suite level, depending on the organization's size and structure, chief technology officers (CTO) and chief information officers (CIO) are the lead information technology officer roles.

Question 8

What are 10 careers in information technology?

Accepted Answer

Here are ten careers in information technology, including work in hardware, software, multimedia, and various systems:

Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They work in a variety of industries, from gaming to agriculture to healthcare. Anywhere software is needed, which is just about everywhere, there's a computer programmer behind the screen.
Computer programmers need technical coding experience, an eye for detail, and problem-solving skills, in addition to experience in a variety of coding languages. The most common coding languages used by computer programmers are:
- HTML
- JavaScript
- CSS
- C++
- SQL
- Python
While it is possible to get a job as a computer programmer without a degree, most employers want programmers with at least an associate's or bachelor's degree in computer science or computer programming.
The average annual salary for computer programmers is $66,143, with a -7% projected ten-year job growth rate.
Software Developer
Software developers design the programs computer programmers create. In addition to coding and problem-solving skills, software developers need industry-specific knowledge in order to accurately assess business and client software needs.
Software developers need at least a bachelor's degree, usually in computer science or software engineering. The most competitive software engineers hold advanced degrees and certifications. Some employers will substitute years of relevant work experience for years of education, though this is rare.
Software developers make an average annual salary of $80,437, with a 21% ten years projected growth rate.
Systems Administrator
Systems administrators are largely responsible for the ongoing support and maintenance of a business's computer systems. It is their responsibility to ensure the servers are up and running smoothly with strong connections.
Network administrators have similar roles but maintain all the computers of a network and their connections, whereas systems administrators maintain all the parts of these computers.
Systems administrators can find work without a degree but will need a bachelor's or master's degree in an information technology field to be competitive.
A common career track for a systems administrator is an advancement to analyst or engineer before entering a management role. Some systems administrators also work in quality assurance, testing computer systems and software to ensure they meet industry standards.
Systems administrators make an average annual salary of $68,324, with a 5% ten years projected job growth rate.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts are responsible for optimization of an organization's computer systems. The work of a systems analyst complements that of systems and network administrators and engineers.
While administrators deal with day-to-day maintenance, systems analysts are more specifically responsible for troubleshooting solutions to problems and creating better systems. Systems engineers, on the other hand, are responsible for the whole picture.
Systems analysts need to have technical and interpersonal skills and the ability to keep up with the ever-changing technology landscape. Many take courses and attend conferences throughout their careers.
It is possible to get a job as a computer systems analyst without a degree, but most employers favor candidates with a bachelor's or master's degree in information technology and relevant work experience. Many systems analysts work in technical support roles first.
The annual average salary for a computer systems analyst is $76,082, with a 9% ten years projected growth rate.
Computer Systems Engineer
Computer systems engineers design, implement and maintain complex computer systems. Their work is aided by administrators and analysts, in addition to network engineers who handle the overarching infrastructure and troubleshoot problems within these systems.
Systems engineers need technical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills to be successful.
It is possible to become a systems engineer without a degree, but employers prefer candidates with bachelor's or master's degrees in information technology fields and relevant professional experience.
Many systems engineers work as technical support specialists, administrators, and analysts before advancing to the role of engineer. Systems engineers have the potential to advance to a manager or lead information technology position with years of experience.
Systems engineers earn an average annual salary of $71,768, with a 5% projected ten-year job growth.
Web Developer
Web developers develop websites using coding, in much the same way programmers develop software. The most commonly used coding language for web development is PHP (hypertext preprocessor).
Web developers need technical coding experience, an eye for detail and design, and strong problem-solving skills.
As with many information technology careers, a degree is not required to work in this field, but they are heavily favored by employers. Many web developers get into independent consulting or advance to information technology manager and director roles after years of experience.
Web developers make an average of $72,539 per year, with a 13% projected ten-year job growth rate.
Database Administrator
Database administrators are responsible for the storage and organization of large amounts of data. They need experience with database languages, such as Oracle/SQL, and must be detail-oriented and good problem solvers.
Database administrator jobs require an associate's or bachelor's degree in an information technology field, with preference given to advanced degrees and industry experience.
Database administrators make an average annual salary of $74,168, with a 9% projected ten-year job growth rate.
Data Scientist
Data scientists analyze and interpret the data database administrators have made available to them. Their results have a wide range of implications in various industries.
Data scientists have developed data-driven solutions to a variety of problems, from creating personalized healthcare recommendations to trading automation to targeted social media content creation.
A bachelor's degree in data science or a comparable field is required to get a job as a data scientist. Some common degrees data scientists hold are:
- computer science
- statistics
- physics
- economics
- applied mathematics.
Data scientists need experience in coding and statistical modeling. Big data experience is a plus, which can be gained in a degree program like physics.
Computer Forensics Analyst/Investigator
Computer forensics analysts or investigators are digital detectives responsible for helping solve criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence from technological devices like cellular devices and computer hard drives.
Working in computer forensics requires certifications in systems engineering and specific technical knowledge, such as experience with helix software and cubic hardware. The aspiring systems engineer should be extremely detail-oriented with superior written communication and problem-solving skills.
The average annual salary for a computer forensics analyst or investigator is $43,000, with a 14% projected ten-year job growth rate.
Ethical Hacker
Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, are cybersecurity consultants who consensually penetrate or hack a computer system, network, or application to identify its vulnerabilities. Organizations hire ethical hackers with the end goal of finding and fixing weaknesses within their computer systems.
The work of an ethical hacker is dynamic and challenging. Ethical hackers are experts in cybersecurity. They also need superior problem-solving and communication skills, as they need to relay complex technical information in a digestible way.
Technically a degree is not required, but degrees in computer science and cybersecurity are highly favored by organizations looking to hire ethical hackers. Many cybersecurity professionals also hold a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

Question 9

How do you write "information technology" on a resume?

Accepted Answer

You write information technology on a resume by describing related work experience and educational background. Additionally, it will be important to note any certifications you have earned and your relevant hard and soft skills in information technology.

Frequently asked questions about information technology directors

Questions about becoming an information technology director