Leadership 
The IT manager career path is a solid step if you want to lead, not just troubleshoot. It’s where technical know-how meets leadership: managing projects, guiding teams, and keeping business operations running without a hitch.
IT managers are the bridge between technical execution and business strategy, ensuring systems run smoothly while teams stay aligned and productive. This role also lays the foundation for higher-level leadership, helping you develop the skills needed to oversee larger departments and broader initiatives.
Find out how to become an IT manager, what the role requires, and how to further progress your career as an IT director.
What Is an IT Manager?
An IT manager is responsible for managing IT systems, increasing productivity, and solving any hardware or software issues. While one of the lower-level roles in the structure of an IT department, it still comes with the aspects of managing an IT team and ownership of systems.
This position requires a unique mix of technical knowledge and an understanding of business goals to be successful. Senior IT managers may be asked to prepare an RFP for a new phone system for the leadership to review and approve.
IT Manager Responsibilities
We already went over two of the most significant skills you need to have when considering the IT manager career path. But those skills come with their own set of responsibilities.
In addition, an IT manager must have excellent project management skills to make technical improvements or resolve issues quickly. Here are the top five responsibilities of an IT manager in any given organization:
- Leadership and team management
- Data analytics
- Project management
- Budgeting
- Handling information systems
Leadership and team management
The IT manager is responsible for their team, first and foremost. That means demonstrating leadership capabilities to recognize the need for business growth, supervise productivity, and define clear goals for their employees to meet.
IT teams are essential to the success of any business. Being able to manage your workforce effectively, provide guidance and feedback, and serve as a sounding board for major issues is a huge aspect of the role.
Data analytics
Another helpful skill for an IT manager to have is an education and understanding of data analytics. The ability to predict business trends and client behavior will ensure the IT team is putting the best possible technology in place.
Additionally, reporting on company data and security, and being able to interpret and communicate that data to their team, will help when it comes to planning and implementing new processes or programs.
Project management
Like most IT roles, project management is a huge part of what an IT manager does every day. You must be able to set objectives and goals and track a project through to the end.
That includes reporting on project progress, delegating tasks to your team, making necessary changes, and being able to recommend improvements on the fly.
Budgeting
While the IT manager role is one of the first steps into the business side of an organization, an understanding of basic business operations can be very helpful.
This role is typically in charge of building out the annual budget and adhering to it. You’ll likely be responsible for aligning many of your department’s goals with business operations. Understanding the inner workings of the organization and how it functions is incredibly helpful.
Handling information systems
Another responsibility of the IT manager is understanding computer hardware and software, databases, data warehouse management, and telecommunications.
Much of what you’ll be managing day-to-day falls within these areas. Knowing how to troubleshoot, fix, and implement new systems will make anyone in this role successful. For instance, you might need to add employees to your company’s phone system, often called a PBX.
Key Skills for a Successful IT Manager
If you’re figuring out how to be an IT manager, start with the skills that matter most. IT managers do more than just keep things running — they lead teams, solve problems, and make sure tech supports real business goals.
The right skill set is key to success, which includes:
- Leadership: IT managers often supervise software development teams or infrastructure projects. Strong leadership helps align team efforts with the organization’s size, goals, and timelines.
- Communication: You’ll work closely with executives, users, and tech teams. Clear business communication ensures that technical solutions meet user needs and business objectives.
- Project management: Managing deadlines, scope, and resources is part of the IT manager position. These positions require strong planning skills and the ability to guide projects from start to finish.
- Strategic thinking: IT managers must think beyond daily tasks. You’ll help shape tech decisions that support long-term goals, often involving cloud computing, network security, and new technologies.
- Problem-solving: Whether you’re dealing with a downed server or a slow rollout, you have to be able to solve issues quickly and keep the team on track.
- Adaptability: Tech evolves fast. Staying open to new technologies, shifting priorities, and changing tools is part of the job.
- Resource management: Managing time, budgets, and people is vital. Most companies expect IT managers to balance cost control with performance.
- Teamwork and collaboration: You’ll need to work well with software developers, information security analysts, and executives alike. Team collaboration drives innovation and keeps cross-functional teams aligned.
- Time management: Between meetings, emails, and emergencies, your schedule will fill up fast. Knowing how to prioritize tasks is key to staying effective.
- Organization: Tracking of systems, people, vendors, and updates demands strong organizational habits, especially in large teams or complex environments.
Many successful IT managers sharpen these skills through hands-on experience, business classes, and even advanced degrees. Whether you aim to lead information systems managers or mentor junior staff, developing expertise in both tech and leadership opens the door to real growth potential.
IT Manager Career Path Stages
The career path in IT isn’t always a straight line. People land in IT management roles from different backgrounds, but one thing is clear: Managerial experience matters more than job titles in this field. That said, the path can look different depending on the person, the company, and the tech they’ve worked with.
Let’s take a look at some common steps in the IT management career path, from entry-level to executive leadership.
Entry-level IT roles
These are the starting points for many professionals in information technology management careers. These jobs build a foundation in troubleshooting, communication, and technical support — key areas that evolve alongside business communication trends.
Examples include:
- IT support specialist
- Help desk technician
- Junior system administrator
- Junior network administrator
- Desktop support technician
These entry-level roles are great for learning how systems work, supporting users, and building your resume for future opportunities.
Mid-level IT roles
After gaining a few years of hands-on experience, professionals often move into mid-level technical roles. These positions require deeper technical skills and offer more responsibility.
Examples include:
- Software engineer
- Systems administrator
- Network administrator
- IT analyst
- Database administrator
At this stage, many professionals also begin to work with project managers or manage smaller tasks, helping them prepare for their career path management.
IT manager
Once you’ve built strong technical and leadership experience, you may qualify for a formal IT manager role. These positions require a mix of tech know-how, planning, and people skills.
Examples include:
- IT manager
- Infrastructure manager
- Program manager, IT
- Service delivery manager
- IT project manager
In these roles, managers often guide teams and projects, align tech with business-minded goals, and meet broader IT manager objectives. These are key stepping stones in the IT management career path.
Senior management
After a few years in IT management roles, professionals may move into senior leadership. These jobs involve setting strategy, overseeing multiple departments, and reporting to executives.
Examples include:
- Senior project manager, IT
- Director of IT services
- IT director
- Head of IT operations
- Senior IT manager
The IT director’s career path often begins here. These roles focus on long-term planning, budgeting, and shaping the company’s tech direction.
Executive-level positions
These are the top roles in an organization’s IT function. People in these positions drive digital transformation, security, and innovation at the highest level.
Roles include:
- VP, information technology
- Chief information officer (CIO)
- Chief technology officer (CTO)
- Chief information security officer (CISO)
- Chief data officer (CDO)
These roles reflect the peak of an information technology management career. While competition is high, the job outlook for experienced tech leaders remains strong as companies continue to invest in IT.
The job market rewards those who blend deep technical knowledge with strategic thinking, especially in large organizations where top managers hold major decision-making power.
IT Manager Salary
According to Indeed, the average information technology manager salary in the U.S. is $103,587 per year (as of August 2025), with an additional $10,500 in profit sharing. That’s a solid return for professionals balancing tech leadership, strategic planning, and team management.
Depending on the company, industry, and location, the salary range can stretch from around $68,916 to $155,701. That puts the information systems manager’s salary among the highest in non-executive tech roles — above what many software developers or analysts earn.
This reflects the job’s complexity and the value IT managers bring to an organization. It’s not just about troubleshooting; it’s about leading teams, protecting systems, and aligning technology with business goals.
Recommended Education and Certifications for an IT Management Career
There’s no single path to becoming an IT manager — questions like what degree do you need to be an IT manager don’t have one-size-fits-all answers. But the right mix of education, certifications, and experience can boost your chances.
These credentials aren’t required, but they can strengthen your IT manager qualifications, grow your skill set, support business continuity, and make your resume stand out.
Educational requirements:
- High school diploma: The most basic starting point; with strong experience, some professionals still grow into management from here.
- Bachelor’s degree: It’s the most common IT manager education path; typically in computer science, information systems, or a related field.
- Master’s degree or graduate degree: It can strengthen business and leadership skills, which is especially useful for larger organizations or executive roles.
Certifications:
- PMI Project Management Professional (PMP): Validates advanced project leadership skills and is widely respected across industries
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Great for newer project managers building their credentials
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on managing and governing enterprise-level IT security
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A top-tier cert for IT pros specializing in cybersecurity and system protection
Many successful managers continue learning through hands-on experience, leadership workshops, and internal training programs. If you’re wondering how long it takes to become an IT manager, combining education with experience usually leads to results in about 5-7 years or less.
Simplify Your IT Manager Career Path With Nextiva
Becoming a manager of IT involves growing your leadership skills, gaining real-world experience, and staying curious about what’s next.
No matter where you are on your IT manager career path, Nextiva is here to support your journey. We help IT leaders streamline communication, simplify operations, and deliver results. Book a demo today to explore how you can use our communication tools to excel in your IT management career.
