Computer and Information Systems Managers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)
Management · SOC 11-3021 · O*NET 11-3021.00
Computer and Information Systems Managers fall under the Management category in the U.S. occupational classification. Computer and Information Systems Managers earn a median salary of $171,200 per year, ranking in the top 1% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +15.2% job growth through 2034, projected to grow far faster than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.
What parents should know about computer and information systems managers right now
Computer and information systems managers, often called IT managers or IT directors, plan and direct an organization's technology strategy, including infrastructure, software, security, and digital transformation initiatives. CIOs and CTOs sit at the top of this career ladder. According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $171,200 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow 15 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 55,600 annual openings. The standard education path is a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field, with most managers gaining five to ten years of hands-on technical experience before moving into leadership; many hold an MBA or master's in information systems. The 2026 hiring picture is dominated by AI and security demand. Industry surveys put AI engineers and cybersecurity engineers as the two hardest roles to fill, with 91 percent of organizations prioritizing AI skills, and the cybersecurity workforce gap is estimated at 4.8 million workers globally. CISO and AI security specialist roles have moved into the C-suite at many firms. For a teen drawn to building, problem solving, and leading teams, parents can support the path by encouraging coding (any language), participation in robotics or cybersecurity clubs like CyberPatriot, and internships during high school summers. The earnings ramp is steep and starts well before the management title arrives.
What do computer and information systems managers earn?
The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers is $171,200. That puts computer and information systems managers at #9 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. Pay at this level is well above the U.S. median household income, signaling sustained demand and meaningful credential requirements. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.
Is computer and information systems managers a growing career?
The 10-year outlook for computer and information systems managers is +15.2%, projected to grow far faster than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 667K positions in 2024 to 768K in 2034, a net change of 101K. Very fast growth indicates significant talent shortages and unusually strong hiring momentum — often the most resilient outlook a teenager can plan toward.
What education does my child need to become computer and information systems manager?
The standard path into computer and information systems managers begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.
Related careers your child might also consider
How parents help teens explore careers like this
Solyo helps parents map a teen's interests to specific careers, then back to the colleges and majors that lead there. Salary, outlook, and education data come from BLS and O*NET — the same sources high school counselors use — but presented for the parent's planning lens, not the student's exploration view.
Common questions parents ask about computer and information systems managers
What is the median salary for computer and information systems managers?
The median annual salary for computer and information systems managers is $171,200 according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Is computer and information systems managers a growing career?
BLS projects +15.2% growth for computer and information systems managers from 2024 through 2034, which is very fast growth projected to grow far faster than the US average.
What education does my child need to become computer and information systems manager?
The typical entry path requires a bachelor's degree, plus any state licensure or certification specific to the role. Programs that align well with this career can be filtered inside Solyo's college search.
What careers are similar to computer and information systems managers?
Related occupations within the Management category share education paths and skill profiles, so they're a useful starting set when a teen is uncertain. The "Related careers" section below lists nearby options.
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics program. Skills, tasks, and education distribution from the O*NET database. Job outlook from the BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 release.