How to hire a systems manager

How to hire a systems manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step systems manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a systems manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new systems manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a systems manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a systems manager, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect systems manager also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of systems managers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Systems Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Systems Manager	Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.	$36-73
   Information Technology Technical Services Manager	An information technology/technical services manager is responsible for supervising the operations of the information technology team, assisting the technical staff in providing efficient performance by improving technology systems and network infrastructure to support business functions. This job requires extensive knowledge of the technology industry, as well as an excellent command of programming and system processes to ensure smooth navigation and consistent transitions... Show more	$41-72
   Information Technology Support Manager	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... Show more	$36-68

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • Project Management
   • Patients
   • Management System
   • Data Entry
   • Client Facing
   • SAN
   • HR
   • Windows Server
   • Troubleshoot
   • Computer System
   • Logistics
   • PC
   • Process Improvement

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage development teams which programme Java software applications to scan bar-code shipping labels and automate receipt and inventory processes.
   • Manage AutoCAD upgrades and tools.
   • Manage all aspects of PC and Macintosh technical support.
   • Install and manage small office computer network system running AutoCAD.
   • Define and manage execution of testing require for resolving FDA findings.
   • Lead cross-organization team to align company structure to employee base in PeopleSoft.

   More systems manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your systems manager job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A systems manager salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, systems managers' average salary in kansas is 44% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level systems managers earn 51% less than senior-level systems managers.
   • Certifications. A systems manager with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a systems manager's salary.

   Average systems manager salary

   $107,156yearly

   $51.52 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level systems manager salary

   $75,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

   Average systems manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$154,560	$74
   2	Washington	$123,284	$59
   3	New Jersey	$113,912	$55
   4	Nevada	$112,487	$54
   5	New York	$112,486	$54
   6	Delaware	$112,313	$54
   7	Massachusetts	$109,269	$53
   8	Virginia	$105,326	$51
   9	Pennsylvania	$101,145	$49
   10	Michigan	$101,026	$49
   11	Arizona	$99,915	$48
   12	Texas	$98,723	$47
   13	North Carolina	$98,084	$47
   14	Ohio	$97,967	$47
   15	Wisconsin	$97,353	$47
   16	Illinois	$95,131	$46
   17	Minnesota	$92,500	$44
   18	District of Columbia	$91,765	$44
   19	Georgia	$90,287	$43
   20	Colorado	$89,473	$43

   Average systems manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Meta	$200,863	$96.57	697
   2	NVIDIA	$196,908	$94.67	138
   3	Apple	$183,941	$88.43	189
   4	The Walt Disney Company	$177,803	$85.48	100
   5	Karma Automotive	$177,109	$85.15
   6	Netflix	$176,123	$84.67	9
   7	The Weitz Company	$174,497	$83.89	1
   8	eBay	$174,005	$83.66	6
   9	Nikola Motor	$172,928	$83.14
   10	Etsy	$171,552	$82.48	3
   11	Array BioPharma	$170,350	$81.90
   12	Fox Broadcasting Company	$169,426	$81.45
   13	Levi Strauss & Co.	$165,235	$79.44	1
   14	Microsoft	$164,211	$78.95	158
   15	Texas Instruments	$163,618	$78.66	31
   16	Ernst & Young	$162,789	$78.26	1,322
   17	Tesla	$162,390	$78.07	65
   18	Zoox	$160,150	$77.00	63
   19	ICU Medical	$153,979	$74.03
   20	Koppers	$153,953	$74.02

4. Writing a systems manager job description

   A systems manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a systems manager job description:

   Systems manager job description example

   At Wolfspeed, we do amazing things in a human way.
   
   We know that the achievements of our organization are due to the passion, hard work and creativity of our employees. We celebrate different perspectives to foster excellence across our organization, and our goal is to make diversity a foundation of what we do. We are proudly building an environment where you can bring your authentic self to work.
   
   Enjoy doing things that people say can't be done? Innovation is at the center of everything we do.Hate red tape? We remove roadblocks instead of creating them.Working parent? We provide childcare assistance and paid parental leave.Student? We offer continuing education assistance.Looking for community? There are many ways to get involved, from Employee Resource Groups to local outreach.
   
   Here's the Gist:
   This position will have responsibility for designing, documenting and improving processes used in the logistics area (warehousing, stockrooms, transportation, …). This role is also in charge of the labeling strategy and execution for Wolfspeed.
   
   The Day-to-Day:
   Manages and guides the Processes & Systems team Develops and maintains policies & procedures to support the logistics team Works with Enterprise Systems and IT on key project including SAP EWM phase 2Coordinates the design of internal site to site and customer labels Partners with other organization to develop 5S and BCP plans
   
   This Job is Right for You if You Have (Minimum Requirements):
   Bachelor's degree in supply chain or related field5 years of experience in manufacturing supply chain, semiconductors being preferred SAP experienced Experience leading people High energy, positivity, innovation & independence
   
   This role may require additional duties and/or assignments as designated by management.
   
   To put it legally - Wolfspeed is an equal opportunity employer.
   We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation and other protected status as required by law.
   
   We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right systems manager for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your systems manager job on Zippia to find and recruit systems manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit systems managers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new systems manager

   Once you have selected a candidate for the systems manager position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new systems manager first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a systems manager?