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The differences between information technology systems directors and information technology support managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both an information technology systems director and an information technology support manager. Additionally, an information technology systems director has an average salary of $147,331, which is higher than the $104,424 average annual salary of an information technology support manager.
The top three skills for an information technology systems director include project management, architecture and network infrastructure. The most important skills for an information technology support manager are customer service, ITIL, and project management.
| Information Technology Systems Director | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $147,331 | $104,424 |
| Hourly rate | $70.83 | $50.20 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 146,989 | 162,131 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
Generally, an information technology systems director is responsible for the management, organization, and execution of IT operations. They oversee technical projects and IT infrastructure, manage a team of employees in the IT department, direct the effective delivery of networks in alignment with the organization's goals, and tracking technology. Their objective is to ensure that security risks are minimized, business goals are met, and user satisfaction is achieved.
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.
Information technology systems directors and information technology support managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Systems Director | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Average salary | $147,331 | $104,424 |
| Salary range | Between $103,000 And $209,000 | Between $76,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Clinica Sierra Vista | |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between an information technology systems director and an information technology support manager in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Systems Director | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information technology systems directors' and information technology support managers' demographics:
| Information Technology Systems Director | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% | Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 12.7% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |