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The differences between information technology support managers and support leads 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 technology support manager, becoming a support lead takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an information technology support manager has an average salary of $104,424, which is higher than the $86,816 average annual salary of a support lead.
The top three skills for an information technology support manager include customer service, ITIL and project management. The most important skills for a support lead are customer service, cash management, and POS.
| Information Technology Support Manager | Support Lead | |
| Yearly salary | $104,424 | $86,816 |
| Hourly rate | $50.20 | $41.74 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 162,131 | 98,872 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 2 |
Information technology support manager primarily supervises information technology support staff, oversees system and software maintenance, and repairs. They assist with computer equipment installation and purchasing and maintaining a secure network and connectivity for users. It is part of their role to coordinate training and development for new technology users. Another vital role is they monitor online security for users and networks and takes appropriate steps to address possible security breaches if necessary. Moreover, they also develop contingency plans to address any equipment, power, or possible security failure to ensure the protection of technology and data.
A support lead is typically in charge of overseeing the performance of a technical support team, ensuring efficiency and customer satisfaction. Their responsibilities revolve around assessing the performance of the workforce, resolving complex issues, identifying customer needs and sales opportunities, and training new team members. They may also perform calls and correspondence, respond to inquiries, and resolve issues promptly. Furthermore, as a support lead, it is essential to perform clerical tasks such as preparing progress reports, managing schedules, and maintaining records of transactions.
Information technology support managers and support leads have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Support Manager | Support Lead | |
| Average salary | $104,424 | $86,816 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $142,000 | Between $63,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Clinica Sierra Vista | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | - |
There are a few differences between an information technology support manager and a support lead in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Support Manager | Support Lead | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information technology support managers' and support leads' demographics:
| Information Technology Support Manager | Support Lead | |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8% | Male, 52.3% Female, 47.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 12.6% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 14.6% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |