IT Manager Salary in 2026
Plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities and technology infrastructure within organizations.
Median Salary
$175,140
$14,595/mo
Entry Level
$90,700
starting pay
Senior Level
$224,200
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Computer and Information Systems Managers (SOC 11-3021) at a national median of $175,140 per year (mean $192,160), or $84.20 per hour, with 670,570 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
671K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$84.20/hr
Monthly Pay
$14,595
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
$179,000
$14,917/month · $6,885/biweekly · $86.06/hr
IT Manager Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the IT Manager field.
Entry-level IT Managers earn around $90,700, while the top 10% earn $257,800 or more.
Top Paying States for IT Managers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $207,000 | +$31,860 |
| New York | $201,000 | +$25,860 |
| Illinois | $182,000 | +$6,860 |
| Texas | $172,000 | $-3,140 |
| Florida | $172,000 | $-3,140 |
Top Paying Cities for IT Managers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $207,000 | +$31,860 |
| Los Angeles | $196,000 | +$20,860 |
| Chicago | $184,000 | +$8,860 |
| Houston | $173,000 | $-2,140 |
| Phoenix | $170,000 | $-5,140 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
IT Manager Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a IT Manager from entry level to expert.
$90,700
0-2 years
$157,000
3-7 years
$224,200
8-14 years
$291,400
15+ years
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IT Manager Salary FAQ
How much does a IT Manager make in 2026?
The median salary for a IT Manager in the United States is $175,140 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Computer and Information Systems Managers (SOC 11-3021); the mean is $192,160. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $90,700, senior professionals around $224,200, and top earners at $291,400 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a IT Manager?
A IT Manager typically requires a Bachelor's degree with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Communication, Problem solving, Teamwork. Relevant certifications such as can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for IT Managers?
The job market for IT Managers is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 671K IT Manager positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay IT Managers the most?
The highest-paying states for IT Managers include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $207,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my IT Manager salary?
To increase your IT Manager salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Communication and Problem solving. Pursue certifications such as industry-specific credentials. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $90,700 to $224,200 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: IT Manager Salary
How we calculate IT Manager salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Computer and Information Systems Managers (SOC 11-3021), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $175,140, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Computer and Information Systems Managers; BLS mean $192,160; BLS hourly median $84.20.
- Entry-level ($90,700) and senior-level ($224,200) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 670,570 Computer and Information Systems Managers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $175,140; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
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 2025-32 summary, 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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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