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Information technology systems directors bear significant responsibility for ensuring the proper IT systems are in place and adding value in their organizations. These professionals may have several years of experience managing in an IT environment and often report to a VP or chief-level officer. An IT systems director coordinates the efforts of enterprise architects, software and systems developers, and IT program managers from a strategic perspective, ensuring these efforts align to business objectives.

Information technology systems directors--salary figures

Information technology systems directors usually have advanced technical and managerial experience, which may be why some of these professionals can command a six-figure salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national median annual salary for computer and information systems managers was $115,780 in May 2010. Salary.com reports the annual median salary for IT directors as $162,017, which is quite a bit higher than the BLS figure. This may be because of the director versus manager designation. With bonuses, the Salary.com figure jumps to $185,724.

Salaries for information technology systems directors may also vary according to industry. According to the BLS, top-paying industries for computer and information systems managers include information services at $151,361 and financial investment activities and security and commodities exchanges with slightly lower salaries, but still well above the median.

Geographical location can also make a difference in salary earnings for information technology systems directors. While the top-five-paying states for computer and information systems managers are New York, New Jersey, California, Virginia and Massachusetts, these states also have a higher cost of living.

Fortunately, some of the higher-paying metropolitan areas for these careers also boast lower costs of living. With ACCRA state cost-of-living ranking from Missouri Economic Research Information Center and 2007 mean salary info from BLS, these areas include:

• Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas: number 5, $127,630
• Jacksonville, N.C.: number 22, $207,840
• Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, Wash.: number 37, $140,510

Training for the information technology systems director

A strong educational background, both in technical, as well as management principles, is typically required to embark on a career as an information technology systems director. Generally, a four-year bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field is a minimum requirement, but many employers will also look for candidates with an advanced degree, such as an MBA or master's in information science.

Often, when IT workers reach the director level, part of what supports their career advancement is the achievement of IT-related certifications. For example, Project Management Professional (PMP) or Program Management Professional (PgMP) certifications from the Project Management Institute can yield a significant salary boost for IT professionals looking to make the transition from a technical position to something more managerial. Conveniently, many of these certifications can be earned via online study.

Career outlook for information technology systems directors

Information technology professionals working their way up the ranks to systems director positions will enjoy faster than average job growth and excellent job prospects, according to the BLS. A 17 percent job growth rate is expected over the 2008-18 decade for computer and information systems managers. Professionals with a particularly strong technical background in addition to managerial experience will be presented with the greatest opportunities.

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