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What is an information technology support manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Matthew Liotine Ph.D.
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Information technology (IT) support managers administer all technology integration processes on various servers. They assist with business technology and equipment, including installation, maintenance, and assessments. They also identify gaps in the support process and amend them accordingly. IT support managers earn a median sum of $106,000 annually or $51 per hour.

IT support managers lay out the query escalation process for troubleshooting and ensure that the help desk system remains fit. They resolve systems and application issues as well as work with third parties to rectify matters. They also assist with IT equipment sourcing and budgeting while measuring service satisfaction levels. Due to the nature of the job, they possess an excellent analytical, business, and communication skills.

IT support managers typically hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, system technology, or other related fields. They are expected to have some experience in heading the IT section of an organization. Some employers prefer candidates with excellent software knowledge and good problem-solving skills.

What general advice would you give to an information technology support manager?

Matthew Liotine Ph.D.Matthew Liotine Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Clinical Professor and Director of Master of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management, University of Illinois at Chicago

Most employers tell me that soft skills are equally, if not more important, than technical skills or domain knowledge. This translates into external/internal customer-facing skills, such as communication, team collaboration, writing, presentation, problem-solving, and being resourceful. (Many graduates overlook writing as a vital skill, but they fail to realize that in the course of their jobs, they will likely be required to write lots of memos and tons of emails.) The need to perfect these skills within the confines of a virtual world has become even more challenging and amplified with COVID. I teach in the information systems discipline, and when you view student resumes, many people look the same on paper. The soft skills will make a candidate stand out head and shoulders above the rest. That's why the candidate should pay attention to the screening interviews that they will undergo during the hiring process since employers will use these interviews to vet these skills.
ScoreInformation Technology Support ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.7

Avg. Salary $104,424

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 12.57%

Black or African American 6.85%

Hispanic or Latino 10.28%

Unknown 5.22%

White 64.88%

Gender

female 17.77%

male 82.23%

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

Information technology support manager career paths

Key steps to become an information technology support manager

  1. Explore information technology support manager education requirements

    Most common information technology support manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    61.2 %

    Associate

    22.4 %

    Master's

    9.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific information technology support manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service14.25%
    ITIL4.47%
    Project Management4.41%
    Desk Support3.56%
    Customer Satisfaction3.54%
  3. Complete relevant information technology support manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information technology support 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 information technology support manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information technology support manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional information technology support manager certifications

    Information technology support 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 information technology support manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for information technology support managers include IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) and ITIL Foundation.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research information technology support manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and maintain backup of physical and VMware virtual servers.
    • Manage the acquisition, installation and maintenance of the organization's LAN hardware/software.
    • Manage a staff team for administration on a LAN supporting approximately 50 subscribers.
    • Design and implement a video conferencing system and ensure network stability and QOS and manage the current VoIP network.
  6. Prepare your information technology support manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information technology support 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 information technology support 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 information technology support manager resume templates

    Build a professional information technology support 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 information technology support manager resume.
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    Information Technology Support Manager Resume
    Information Technology Support Manager Resume
    Information Technology Support Manager Resume
    Information Technology Support Manager Resume
    Information Technology Support Manager Resume
    Information Technology Support Manager Resume
    Information Technology Support Manager Resume
    Information Technology Support Manager Resume
  7. Apply for information technology support manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an information technology support 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 information technology support manager job

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Average information technology support manager salary

The average information technology support manager salary in the United States is $104,424 per year or $50 per hour. Information technology support manager salaries range between $76,000 and $142,000 per year.

Average information technology support manager salary
$104,424 Yearly
$50.20 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do information technology support managers rate their job?

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Information technology support manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2023
Pros

Staying abreast of technology and helping an organization define Technology strategy.

Cons

Work Life Balance can be difficult based on size of team and infrastructure.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

talking to people

Cons

outside weather, I work as a network technician and the main problem I always encounter is the cold weather.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

The opportunity to render services to client, and managing technology by giving key information to customers.

Cons

Not meeting up to expectation of a client.


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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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