Computer and Information Systems Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
Also called: Application Development Director, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Computer and Information Systems Manager, Computer Operations Manager, Computer Programming Manager, Computer Security Manager
Median pay
$175,140
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$107,550 – $297,510
People employed
670,570
Holland code
CEI
Conventional · Enterprising · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 6.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 7.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Computer and Information Systems Managers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Computer and Information Systems Managers salary in every state →
What computer and information systems managers do
- 01Manage backup, security and user help systems.
- 02Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.
- 03Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- 04Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
- 05Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers.
- 06Provide users with technical support for computer problems.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 6 years, up to and including 8 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from computer and information systems managers
- Database Architects76% · −20%
- Information Technology Project Managers76% · group pay
- Data Warehousing Specialists71% · group pay
- Marketing Managers71% · −5%
- Information Security Analysts71% · −26%
Change into computer and information systems managers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Information Technology Project Managers93% · $116,580
- Project Management Specialists89% · $102,320
- Business Continuity Planners84% · $83,050
- Business Intelligence Analysts82% · $120,230
- Computer Systems Analysts82% · $105,850
Majors that lead here
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Information Technology
- Information Science/Studies
- Computer Science
- Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Network and System Administration/Administrator
- System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager
- Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
- Information Technology Project Management
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Accounting and Computer Science
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.