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The differences between information technology technical leads and information technology systems managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an information technology technical lead, becoming an information technology systems manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, an information technology systems manager has an average salary of $130,526, which is higher than the $110,879 average annual salary of an information technology technical lead.
The top three skills for an information technology technical lead include project management, architecture and governance. The most important skills for an information technology systems manager are customer service, project management, and network infrastructure.
| Information Technology Technical Lead | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $110,879 | $130,526 |
| Hourly rate | $53.31 | $62.75 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 156,246 | 156,656 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 8 |
An information technology technical lead is responsible for assisting the technology team in solving system issues, designing new application systems, improving existing network infrastructure, and maintaining the safety and security of the organization's database. Information technology technical leads inspect the technology system's performance, recommending strategic solutions for optimization and smooth navigations for end-users. They also perform configurations and modifications, adhering to business requirements to support production operations. An information technology technical lead must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to handle technical complexities for maximum efficiency.
An information technology systems manager is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and optimal performance of the organization's technology systems. Information technology systems managers ensure the safety and security of all the network systems, developing standard operating procedures to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities. They also identify technical opportunities to improve network infrastructures and technology solutions. An information technology systems manager must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to design configuration and maintain the stability of systems.
Information technology technical leads and information technology systems managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Technical Lead | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Average salary | $110,879 | $130,526 |
| Salary range | Between $84,000 And $146,000 | Between $95,000 And $178,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | McKinsey & Company Inc | Southern California Edison |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between an information technology technical lead and an information technology systems manager in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Technical Lead | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between information technology technical leads' and information technology systems managers' demographics:
| Information Technology Technical Lead | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 12.6% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |