Management
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Also called: Application Development Director, Computing Services Director, Data Processing Manager, Information Systems Director (IS Director)
US median pay
$175,140
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+15.8%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
53,500
685,800 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
What they do day to day
- Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.
- Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
- Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers.
- Provide users with technical support for computer problems.
- Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic computing, and disaster recovery.
- Recruit, hire, train and supervise staff, or participate in staffing decisions.
- Stay abreast of advances in technology.
- Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to assess computing needs and system requirements.
- Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.9/5
- Coordination3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Systems Evaluation3.6/5
- Systems Analysis3.6/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.6/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.6/5
- Time Management3.4/5
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics4.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- Administration and Management3.7/5
- Engineering and Technology3.5/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Personnel and Human Resources3.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree, plus 5 years or more of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree48%
- Some college26%
- Master's degree14%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.