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The differences between managers information technology specialist and information technology systems managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a manager information technology specialist, 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 $97,475 average annual salary of a manager information technology specialist.
The top three skills for a manager information technology specialist include customer service, troubleshoot and data entry. The most important skills for an information technology systems manager are customer service, project management, and network infrastructure.
| Manager Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $97,475 | $130,526 |
| Hourly rate | $46.86 | $62.75 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 118,806 | 156,656 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 8 |
Information technology (IT) specialist managers coordinate, plan, and manage an organization's computer-related activities by determining information technology needs and implementing computer systems in compliance with the organization's information system requirements. The job involves management in the monitoring, assessment, and troubleshooting tasks and directing daily operations such as developing standards and setting deadlines. These managers develop strong technical and project management skills and their demand is said to grow as firms continue to expand their business to digital platforms.
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.
Managers information technology specialist and information technology systems managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Manager Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Average salary | $97,475 | $130,526 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $137,000 | Between $95,000 And $178,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | California |
| Best paying company | IBM | Southern California Edison |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a manager information technology specialist and an information technology systems manager in terms of educational background:
| Manager Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between managers information technology specialist' and information technology systems managers' demographics:
| Manager Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 10.5% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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% |