A computer information systems (CIS) manager typically is in charge of the overall planning, direction, and control of a company’s computer operations. They do this by developing strategies and techniques for maximizing information technologies to fit the needs of a company. Most earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or business administration; some receive on-the-job training.
The salary for computer information systems varies based on a number of factors, including experience and education.
For example, a computer information systems manager with 10 years of experience is likely to earn between $63,000 and $90,000. Additionally, an entry-level position for a computer information systems professional with an associate’s degree in computer science can expect to earn between $50,000 and $60,000, while someone with a bachelor’s degree could earn up to $70,000.
Salary for computer information systems
Computer and information systems (CIS) managers coordinate and direct computer-related activities for companies or organizations. They may go by one of several titles, each with different responsibilities. For example a chief information officer (CIO) oversees an entity’s entire technology strategy. A chief technology officer (CTO) evaluates new technology to determine how it can benefit an organization. An information technology (IT) director manages an IT department. An IT security manageris responsible for network anddata security.
Computer and Information Systems Manager Duties & Responsibilities
This job generally requires the ability to do the following work:
- Analyze computer needs
- Recommend possible upgrades
- Oversee installation and maintenance of hardware and software
- Negotiate with hardware and software vendors
- Ensure network security
- Stay up to date on new technologies
- Oversee training on new equipment or software
CIS managers at smaller businesses or organizations might handle multiple IT roles in a hands-on fashion, while others at larger firms might focus on only one area, such as security or new technology.
Regardless of the area of focus, CIS managers are expected to have the expertise to identify and implement the best computer systems for a firm’s needs. This inludes hardware, software, storage needs, cloud computing, security, training, and budgeting. Business owners and other high-ranking executives rarely have the IT expertise to know what is best for their needs, so they rely on their CIS managers to implements the best systems possible based on needs and budget.
Doing this might include building an entirely new system for a new business or for a business that is seeking to upgrade, or it might inlude analyzing and recommending changes for a business experiencing problems.
Computer and Information Systems Manager Salary
Pay for CIS managers can vary significantly depending on experience and demand.
- Median Annual Salary: $142,530 ($68.52/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $208,000 ($100.00/hour)
- Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $85,380 ($41.05/hour)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018
Education, Training, & Certification
A bachelor’s degree is necessary for most entry-level positions, and CIS managers will need extensive experience and perhaps a postgraduate degree.
- Education: Most employers expect IT professionals to have at least a bachelor’s degree with a computer science or information science major. Many others prefer employees who have earned a graduate degree, specifically a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with technology as a core component.
- Experience: In addition to a degree, employers usually expect CIS managers to have several years of experience working in information technology. Computer and information systems managers start out in lower level management positions and advance to progressively higher leadership roles.
Computer and Information Systems Manager Skills & Competencies
In addition to the necessary technical knowledge and experience, computer and information systems managers also need certain soft skills, or personal qualities, to succeed in the field.
- Communication: CIS managers often need to present technical information to other managers in a way that can help them understood why certain changes are necessary or why certain problems pose a risk. They also need to develop a culture where IT staff is able to communicate effectively with the employers using the computer systems that are in place.
- Leadership: Someone in this position often needs to direct an IT staff or other IT departments.
- Analytical skills: The job often comes down to assessing computer systems either to identify problems and find solutions or to identify ways they can be more efficient or more secure. As well, CIS managers need to be able to analyze the goals of the business or organization and how they want to be able to use their computer systems.
- Organizational skills: Businesses often have multiple servers, multiple networks, and maybe even different departments using different types of computers with different operating systems. Overseeing layered and complex operations like these requires a high level of organization.
Job Outlook
Job growth for CIS managers is projected at 12 percent for the decade ending in 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is better than the 7 percent growth projected for all occupations. As more businesses and organizations move to digital platforms and to cloud computing, the need for cybersecurity and IT professionals will increase. While many businesses will continue to maintain internal IT departments, others will outsource with firms that provide IT services.
Work Environment
Work environments can vary greatly. Many large businesses or organizations have information technology departments or at least one IT specialist on staff. That means a qualified CIS manager can be employable anywhere in need of such technical expertise and experience.
Work Schedule
Base schedules can be consistent with standard business hours, but about one-third of CIS managers work more than 40 hours per week, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because of the nature of the work, they sometimes need to be available on short notice to deal with computer problems that might be interfering with production. Those problems can happen at any time, and implementing solutions sometimes can lead to later hours depending on the urgency of the issue being resolved.
How much does a Computer Information Systems make?
The average Computer Information Systems in the US makes $62,620. Computer Information Systems make the most in San Francisco at $94,518, averaging total compensation 51% greater than the US average.
U.S. Average
$62,620
$11,981$321,552
Base Salary
$62,620
Bonus
N/A
Get Bonus
N/A
Salary Ranges for Computer Information Systems
The salaries of Computer Information Systems in the US range from $11,981 to $321,552 , with a median salary of $58,073 . The middle 57% of Computer Information Systems makes between $58,073 and $145,642, with the top 86% making $321,552.
How much tax will you have to pay as a Computer Information Systems
For an individual filer in this tax bracket, you would have an estimated average federal tax in 2018 of 22%. After a federal tax rate of 22% has been taken out, Computer Information Systems could expect to have a take-home pay of $52,904/year, with each paycheck equaling approximately $2,204*.
* assuming bi-monthly pay period. Taxes estimated using tax rates for a single filer using 2018 federal and state tax tables. Metro-specific taxes are not considered in calculations. This data is intended to be an estimate, not prescriptive financial or tax advice.
Quality of Life for Computer Information Systems
With a take-home pay of roughly $4,409/month, and the median 2BR apartment rental price of $2,506/mo**, a Computer Information Systems would pay 56.84% of their monthly take-home salary towards rent
