Working as a computer manager can lead to a rewarding salary.
Workers with training in information technology and a passion for computers and software have plenty of job opportunities, as "employment is expected to grow faster than the average of all occupations" for this field according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Computer managers enjoy a higher-than-average salary that may vary depending on their level of experience, industry and location.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information systems managers in the United States earned a mean annual wage of $120,640 as of May, 2009. Workers in these positions may work with data processing, information systems, systems analysis or computer programming. They are responsible for managerial duties such as planning, directing and coordinating activities.
Industry
Because so many types of businesses and organizations use computers, computer managers are needed in a variety of industries. The most popular industry for computer managers is computer systems design and related services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which offers a mean annual wage of $130,000. The industry of management of companies and enterprises offers a salary of $123,910 to computer managers, while those employed by insurance carriers earn an average of $114,940. Software publishers pay computer managers a high salary of $136,580, while colleges and universities pay much less at an average of $97,160.
Location
Any organization considers the local cost of living when setting a salary. Therefore, computer managers in different locations have different averages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics names New Jersey as the highest paying state for computer managers at $139,880, closely followed by New York at $138,020. California, Massachusetts and Virginia follow with salaries ranging from $130,800 to $136,720.
Experience
The more experience a computer manager has in his field, the higher his salary is likely to be. According to PayScale, the salary range for a computer program manager with less than a year of experience is $78,452 to $88,615, while one with over five years of experience earns between $83,601 and $104,151. With over ten years of experience a computer manager can earn up to $126,296, and those with over twenty years of experience have an average range of $100,752 to $133,431.
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