IT Manager Salary in 2026
Plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities and technology infrastructure within organizations.
Median Salary
$164,070
$13,673/mo
Entry Level
$85,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$210,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
IT Manager Overview
Plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities and technology infrastructure within organizations.
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Total Jobs (US)
1.8M
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$78.88/hr
Monthly Pay
$13,673
IT Manager Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated IT Manager salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated IT Manager Salary
$168,000
$14,000/month · $6,462/biweekly · $80.77/hr
IT Manager Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the IT Manager field.
Entry-level IT Managers earn around $85,000, while the top 10% earn $241,500 or more.
Top Paying States for IT Managers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $194,000 | +$29,930 |
| New York | $189,000 | +$24,930 |
| Illinois | $171,000 | +$6,930 |
| Texas | $161,000 | $-3,070 |
| Florida | $161,000 | $-3,070 |
Top Paying Cities for IT Managers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $194,000 | +$29,930 |
| Los Angeles | $184,000 | +$19,930 |
| Chicago | $172,000 | +$7,930 |
| Houston | $162,000 | $-2,070 |
| Phoenix | $159,000 | $-5,070 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
IT Manager Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a IT Manager from entry level to expert.
$85,000
0-2 years
$148,000
3-7 years
$210,000
8-14 years
$273,000
15+ years
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IT Manager Salary FAQ
Methodology & Data Sources — IT Manager Salary
How we calculate IT Manager salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $164,070 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to IT Manager in the sector.
- Entry-level ($85,000) and senior-level ($210,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 1.8M total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $164,070.
Authoritative US data sources for IT Manager compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — IT Manager job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2024-80 — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: IT Manager salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Communication, Problem solving, Teamwork), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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