Computer Systems Manager Schools, Salaries, and Job Data
Computer Systems Managers Job Overview
Computer systems managers, also known as computer and information systems managers, direct and oversee the computer-related activities of an organization. They also plan and oversee the installation and upgrading of hardware and software and the development of computer networks as well as the implementation of Internet and intranet sites. Computer systems managers are also involved with the security and maintenance of networks.
Computer Systems Managers Schools and Degrees
Some schools offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in management information systems.
Certification can be helpful in finding employment. The certifications are typically product specific and are usually administered by software or hardware firms.
Job Requirements
Computer systems managers need to have technical knowledge and a strong foundation in business and management principles. Typically, employers require computer systems managers to have a bachelor's degree and numerous years of experience. Some employers prefer applicants who have an MBA with technology as a main component, particularly employers at large companies.
Many employers hire computer and information systems managers who have experience with the specific software or technology used by the company and also have experience in business management or consulting.
Nature of Work
Direct the flow of work and assign projects to employees
Translate the requirements of individual departments into an effective computer operation
Ensure the departments have the required equipment and personnel to process information
Analyze and approve systems charts and programs before they are implemented
Computer Systems Managers Jobs and Outlook
The employment growth for computer and information systems managers is projected to be 17% between 2008 and 2018, which is faster than average for all occupations.
The major employers of computer systems managers are shown below:
Manufacturing companies
Insurance companies
Government agencies
Educational institutions
Industry
The median annual earnings for computer systems managers in 2008 was $112,210.
Job Numbers and Growth
The official count of computer systems managers in 2008 was 264,000. Workers have recently faced a low level of unemployment. The unemployment rate for employees? About 3% recently.
Area Job Conditions
You'll see a lot of computer systems managers in Durham (North Carolina), San Jose (California), and Nashua (New Hampshire), and comparatively fewer in Naples (Florida), Port St. Lucie (Florida), and McAllen (Texas).
Wages for Workers are highest in San Jose (California), Taunton (Massachusetts), and San Francisco (California), and lowest in Morristown (Tennessee), Coeur d'Alene (Idaho), and Cleveland (Tennessee).
Training and Education
Employees normally have a bachelor's or higher degree, plus work experience before landing a job. Degrees are held by 73% of current computer systems managers. Post-secondary schooling was enough for 23% of workers. Education topped out at high school for 5% of employees. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.
Part-Time Work and Self-Employment
Part-time work suffices for 2% of computer systems managers. Workers working on their own make up 1% of the total.
Computer Systems Managers by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.