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E-MAILInformation technology director salary & career outlook
by Amelia Gray | June 14, 2011
IT directors are senior management computer systems experts. Decision-making and problem-solving are key aspects of the position, which often involves oversight of internal operations of information systems and telecommunications services, as well as applications and computer security.
Typical wages for information technology directors
Strong wages are reported for workers in the high-status information technology director position. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer and information systems managers earned mean annual wages of $123,280 in 2010. Take a look at average salaries in 2011 for popular careers related to IT management, as provided by Salary.com:
- Information technology director: $162,017
- Clinical information systems director: $121,259
- Data warehouse information security manager: $116,039
- Information technology manager: $107,120
GlassDoor.com provides 2011 salary estimates for information technology directors from popular companies. Take a look at a sampling:
- Investment banking firm: $151,143
- Institutional asset management company: $127,221
- Group health insurance company: $132,056
- Media conglomerate: $133,750
- Insurance and investment management firm: $123,500
In a field where knowledge matters, extensive training is strongly preferred. Information technology director training online can provide useful education in vendor-specific certifications and business standards. Online MBA programs can be particularly useful to aspiring information technology directors.
Top locations for information technology directors
Wages for information technology directors vary by location, experience and other factors. While New York, New Jersey and California were the highest-paying states for computer and information technology managers in 2010, they also had some of the highest cost-of-living numbers in the country. According to the BLS, the following cities boast high earnings with a lower cost of living:
- Jacksonville, NC: $207,840
- Salinas, CA: $141,130
- Taunton-Norton-Raynham, MA NECTA Division: $140,830
- Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, WA: $140,510
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division: $140,200
Information technology director training online
A bachelor's degree is typically required for management positions, particularly those with a high-tech component. The BLS recommends that computer and information systems managers earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS). At the management level, an MBA degree--commonly found online--are often preferred or required by hiring and promotions managers. Certificate training can also add to an applicant's resume.
In addition to formal training, jobs at the management level tend to demand years of experience in the field. While no career training program can guarantee a particular job or salary, training in business and IT essentials could be a necessary step toward becoming an information technology director.
Career gains projected for information technology directors
The BLS projects that jobs for computer and information systems managers will grow 17 percent between 2008 and 2018, with about 49,500 new jobs set to enter the industry. Applicants with an MBA degree with a concentration in information systems are expected to have the best job prospects.
