If you’re considering a career as an IT manager, or if you’re already working in the field, one of the most important things you need to know is how much you can expect to make. In this blog post, we’ll explore an IT program manager’s salary, as well as the factors that can influence their salaries. Having more information is always a great asset when trying to decide about where to work or what to do.
Average IT program manager salary
According to Indeed, the average salary for IT managers in the United States is around $96,404 per year. Depending on the location and industry, this can vary. For example, IT managers in New York tend to make more than those in other states, with average salaries of around $161,792 as of January 26, 2023. The same can be said about IT managers in the finance and insurance industries. It is therefore very important to do your research before choosing for what company to work. Especially now that remote work is becoming more and more popular.
Factors that influence IT manager salaries
There are several factors that can impact an IT program manager’s salary. Knowing these factors can help you prepare accordingly, to try and potentially increase your salary or to have everything in order when starting your first job in IT. These include:
1. Education and experience
Generally, the more education and experience an IT manager has, the higher their potential salary will be. IT managers with advanced degrees and certifications, as well as those with many years of experience, can expect to make more than those who are just starting out in the field. Sometimes its even possible to continue your education while working. Make sure to keep an eye out on all the potential benefits your job might offer you.
2. Industry certifications
Obtaining industry certifications can also help you negotiate a higher salary as an IT manager. Certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or the Project Management Professional (PMP) can demonstrate that you have a high level of expertise in your field. There are many different kinds and types of certifications, so make sure you know which will work best for you in your industry. Working on extra certifications while already working in IT could also be an idea to try and increase your current salary.
3. Industry and sector
Salaries for IT managers can vary widely depending on the industry and sector in which they work. For example, IT managers in the finance and healthcare sectors tend to make more than those in the education and government sectors. Keep in mind that some job positions might change more than others depending on the sector you work in. This is important to think about before starting to work in a sector.
4. Company size and location
The size of the company you work for, as well as its location, can also impact your salary as an IT manager. Generally, larger companies and those in major metropolitan areas tend to pay more than smaller companies and those in more rural areas. However, smaller companies or startups might offer alternative forms of compensation to try and compensate for the lower base salary. This could include for example stock options in a startup or some other form of alternative compensation.
5. Job responsibilities
The specific responsibilities of an IT manager can also impact their salary. Those who are responsible for managing large teams or overseeing complex projects can expect to make more than those who have less responsibility. Think about how these extra responsibilities might impact you or your work efficiency before taking on more responsibility though.
Is a career in IT for you?
If you’re interested in maximizing your salary as an IT manager, there are several things you can do. Including pursuing additional education and certifications, developing technical and soft skills, networking with other IT professionals, and moving into higher-level management positions. By taking control of your career and focusing on these areas, you could set yourself up for success as an IT manager. Or if you are looking to start a new career in IT, it is good to know these factors so you can prepare them beforehand.
Are you interested in working in the IT sector and might want to work for companies offering more than just dollars for hours? When using Beyond Wage’s filter and search options you are able to search for alternative forms of compensation and potentially find a job that might be the right fit for you.