Salary, Wages, Pay: Computer and Information Systems Managers

Earnings for computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of these managers in 2002 were $85,240. The middle 50 percent earned between $64,150 and $109,950. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $47,440, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $140,440. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer and information systems managers in 2002 were:

According to Robert Half International, average starting salaries in 2003 for high-level information technology managers ranged from $82,750 to $151,500. According to a 2003 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers for those with an MBA, a technical undergraduate degree, and 1 year or less of experience averaged $54,643; for those with a master’s degree in management information systems/business data processing, the starting salary averaged $43,750.

In addition, computer and information systems managers, especially those at higher levels, often receive more employment-related benefits — such as expense accounts, stock option plans, and bonuses — than do non-managerial workers in their organizations.