What Computer and Information Systems Managers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Computer and Information Systems Managers this way: "Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to assess computing needs and system requirements"; "Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines"; "Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers"; "Stay abreast of advances in technology"; "Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic computing, and disaster recovery".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically 5 years or more.
Job outlook for Computer and Information Systems Managers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 685,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 793,900 in 2035, an increase of 108,100 jobs (+15.8%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 53,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.8% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $175,140, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Computer and Information Systems Managers earn the most
Across the 24 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $159,509 in Michigan to $227,807 in California, a gap of $68,298 (1.43 times). 11 of those 24 states average above the BLS national median of $175,140 and 13 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 84,380, which is 11.3% of the 747,890 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 81,300.
Highest-paying states
California ($227,807), New Hampshire ($210,745) and New York ($209,431) lead the ranking, while Michigan ($159,509) and Pennsylvania ($163,849) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Computer and Information Systems Managers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 32 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Santa Clara County, CA (San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA) at $143,622. The smallest margin is $91,167 in Baltimore County, MD.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 32 of the 32 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 9.2% and 22.1% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Computer and Information Systems Managers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (11-3000) include Financial Managers, Human Resources Managers, Purchasing Managers and Industrial Production Managers.
Frequently asked questions about Computer and Information Systems Managers
What is the national median wage for Computer and Information Systems Managers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $175,140. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $159,509 to $227,807.
Which state pays Computer and Information Systems Managers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $227,807. New Hampshire is next at $210,745.
What is the job outlook for Computer and Information Systems Managers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 15.8% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 53,500 openings a year.
What education do Computer and Information Systems Managers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of 5 years or more, according to BLS.
Where can Computer and Information Systems Managers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Santa Clara County, CA leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $143,622 on a median wage of $291,660.