How To Become A Systems Supervisor: What It Is and Career Path

What is a systems supervisor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Also known as an IT supervisor, a system supervisor is responsible for managing the IT department and ensuring that everything is going smoothly. Computer systems, installations, network security, and business technology maintenance are just some of their core responsibilities.

Since the IT department handles many mission-critical aspects of the company, a systems supervisor is always on guard for any maintenance issues or system failures that may arise. To prevent unexpected downtimes, they conduct regular system maintenance, fix IT issues, and recommend system upgrades to management. Other key duties include managing IT staff, developing system software, and establishing data recovery measures.

A bachelor's degree is a common requirement for this role. Common majors include computer science, information technology, business, and other similar majors. Moreover, a systems supervisor must have a deep understanding of IT, computer operating, software, and the business technology that their company uses.

The average systems supervisor makes roughly $99,000 a year. Many in this role are males aged forty years old and above, but the percentage of females and individuals aged thirty and below are not too disproportionately low.

ScoreSystems SupervisorUS Average

Salary

6.7

Avg. Salary $86,003

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.6

Growth rate 16%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

1.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.21%

Asian 12.57%

Black or African American 6.83%

Hispanic or Latino 10.26%

Unknown 5.22%

White 64.91%

Gender

female 20.94%

male 79.06%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a systems supervisor

Explore systems supervisor education requirements

Most common systems supervisor degrees

Bachelor's

54.1 %

Associate

26.1 %

Master's

9.0 %

Start to develop specific systems supervisor skills

Skills	Percentages
Project Management	5.88%
Management System	5.33%
Windows	4.94%
Control Systems	4.76%
Logistics	4.53%

Complete relevant systems supervisor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New systems supervisors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a systems supervisor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real systems supervisor resumes.

Gain additional systems supervisor certifications

Systems supervisor certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific systems supervisor certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for systems supervisors include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Project Management Professional (PMP).

More About Certifications

Research systems supervisor duties and responsibilities

Manage PBX and voice mail systems.
Manage asset tracking and depreciation of UNIX hardware and supporting software.
Manage, install, and repair IP communication systems in fix and deploy locations.
Achieve and maintain certifications in health and safety, according to company and OSHA regulations.

Prepare your systems supervisor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your systems supervisor resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a systems supervisor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable systems supervisor resume templates

Build a professional systems supervisor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your systems supervisor resume.