Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between technical directors and information technology support 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 technical director, becoming an information technology support manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a technical director has an average salary of $131,719, which is higher than the $104,424 average annual salary of an information technology support manager.
The top three skills for a technical director include business development, architecture and technical expertise. The most important skills for an information technology support manager are customer service, ITIL, and project management.
| Technical Director | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $131,719 | $104,424 |
| Hourly rate | $63.33 | $50.20 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 77,550 | 162,131 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 40 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 8 |
A technical director is responsible for monitoring the technical efficiency of operations. Technical directors inspect audio and visual equipment, lighting systems for productions, and other technical processes. They ensure that all the equipment is in proper working condition, identify and troubleshoot defects, and deliver high-quality project results. They also monitor expenses, forecast sales reports, and create cost estimates for the systems needed for the project completion, following the clients' specifications to gain satisfaction. A technical director must have excellent communication and decision-making skills to manage operational processes with maximum accuracy.
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.
Technical directors and information technology support managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Director | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Average salary | $131,719 | $104,424 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $200,000 | Between $76,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Washington |
| Best paying company | Nike | Clinica Sierra Vista |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a technical director and an information technology support manager in terms of educational background:
| Technical Director | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between technical directors' and information technology support managers' demographics:
| Technical Director | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Average age | 40 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.4% Female, 17.6% | Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 65.4% 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 | 14% | 11% |