How to Become a Technology Manager: Career Advice & Information

Overview & Salaries

Overview

Technology managers are responsible for implementing technologies that make companies more efficient. Usually, that involves information technology—using computers, networks, and databases to improve a company’s effectiveness.

Technology managers work closely with company executives to show how technology can help companies work smarter. That means keeping up to date with new uses of technology. It also means being able to show executives that the benefits of change—which may be expensive and disruptive—will outweigh the costs. If technology managers can convince a company that change is worthwhile, they oversee the implementation of new technology and make sure it works. As managers, other IT professionals may report to them, and they may deal with training, hiring and management decisions.

Salary

Annual salaries for technology managers will vary depending on your experience, education level, and expertise. In 2013, the average annual salary for technology managers working in the U.S. was $132,570 per year.

For more information on what parts of the country have the most opportunity for technology managers, click through to our Best Places to Work tab for information on the number of people employed and the average salary in each state.

Discover the Best Cities and States to Work in Technology Management

California leads the nation in employment for technology managers, with 46,150 earning an annual average salary of $155,020. New York is second, where 24,960 technology managers make an average yearly salary of $152,890.

The metro areas employing the most technology managers are:

  • New York-White Plains (20,500)
  • Washington D.C.-Arlington-Alexandria (15,430)
  • Boston-Cambridge (11,100)

The metro areas employing the highest concentration of technology managers are:

  • San Jose-Sunnyvale, CA (11.46 jobs per thousand)
  • Framingham, MA (7.3 jobs per thousand)

The metro areas employing the best-paid technology managers are:

  • San Jose-Sunnyvale (average annual salary $183,870)
  • New York-White Plains (average annual salary $164,470)

Employment and Salary Information for Technology Managers

Use our interactive map below to find out which areas of the United States are currently experiencing the greatest amount of growth and job availability for graduates looking for a career as a technology manager. The associated information has been gathered from Bureau of Labor statistics, representing data collected in 2012.

 

Why Become A Technology Manager?

Technology management is a high-skill position, but it’s a challenging and rewarding one. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to consider a career in technology management:

  • Be engaged with the latest technology. Technology managers are expected to keep up with technological trends.
  • Fast job growth. The number of technology managers is expected to grow by 15% between 2012 and 2022, faster than the average U.S. job.
  • Pays very well. The skills required are high, but so are the rewards. The average salary was $132,570 in 2013.
  • Be worth every cent. As a technology manager your impact is measurable: if you do your job well, you’ll save your company money. And they’ll notice.

Technology Management: What You Need To Know

Technology managers have a lot of responsibility. Not only do they carry out projects, and make sure those projects are economically viable, they have to develop ideas and push for change within a company, which isn’t always easy. A working knowledge of these skill sets will help to set you apart from other candidates.

  • Understanding of New Technology
  • Understanding of Company Processes
  • Technical Skills
  • Organization and Management
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis

Feel like you’ve got a lot to learn? Get more information about technology management careers, degrees, and applicable courses from one of the schools below.

Degree Options for Technology Management Careers

Bachelor’s degree

A technology manager will need a bachelor’s degree in a computer science or information technology-related subject.

Experience plays a large role in securing management positions in information technology. To become a technology manager, an individual will most likely need to work their way up from other positions within a business, exhibiting strong leadership and decision-making skills.

Master’s degree

Some employers may require candidates to obtain a master’s degree in one of these areas prior to being considered for employment, as the position has a high level of responsibility. As has been said, though, there are often opportunities for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree and  years of experience.