Average Salary for an IT Manager in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for an IT Manager will play a big role in career choices and financial planning.
"IT Managers are key leaders who oversee technology teams and make sure computer systems work well in companies. They handle everything from network security to software updates and team management."
The tech industry keeps growing fast, making IT Manager roles more important than ever. These professionals bridge the gap between technical teams and business goals. They work with other departments like finance, marketing, and operations to make technology serve business needs.
This blog covers everything about IT Manager salaries in 2025.
We will look at average pay rates, how experience affects earnings, and which states pay the most. You will also learn practical tips to boost your salary and answers to common questions about IT Manager pay.
Similar roles like Software Engineer and Network Administrator also offer good career paths in technology.
The job market for IT Managers stays strong as companies need more technology support. Remote work trends have also changed how these roles work and get paid. Whether you are starting your career or looking to earn more, knowing current salary data helps you make better decisions.
Average Salary for an IT Manager in the USA
$118,500 per year (Average)
Based on data from multiple sources, including Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Comparably, the average IT Manager salary in the USA ranges from $103,943 to $137,496 per year. We calculated this average by combining salary data from Glassdoor ($128,744), Indeed ($103,943), and Comparably ($117,745).
The median salary has slightly decreased from $122,117 in 2023 to approximately $120,784 in 2025. This small drop happened because of market adjustments and increased competition in the tech industry.
Salary for an IT Manager Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $118,500 per year based on multiple salary surveys and job platforms. This number comes from averaging data across different experience levels and locations.
Salary range: The salary range spans from $84,000 at the 10th percentile to $169,000 at the 90th percentile according to several U.S. data sources. Entry-level positions start lower, while senior roles with management experience earn significantly more.
Salary by experience: Entry-level IT Managers with less than 1 year of experience earn an average of $73,063 according to government statistics and salary surveys. Mid-level professionals with 5-10 years typically earn $95,000-$125,000, while senior IT Managers with 10+ years can make $140,000-$200,000+.
75th percentile: Based on U.S. salary survey reports, IT Managers in the 75th percentile earn around $145,000 annually. This represents professionals with strong technical skills, leadership experience, and often specialized certifications.
Salary for an IT Manager: Regional Comparison
Location greatly affects IT Manager salaries across the United States. Cost of living, local tech industry presence, and state tax policies all play important roles in determining pay rates. Big cities and tech hubs typically offer higher salaries to match expensive living costs.
Here's how salaries in top-paying states compare to the national average.
Data collected from multiple U.S. salary sources and government statistics shows these four states consistently pay IT Managers the highest wages.
Washington state offers the best value when comparing salary to cost of living. The state has no income tax and a growing tech industry, making it attractive for IT professionals. California pays the highest absolute amounts but has expensive housing and high taxes that reduce take-home pay.
7 Tips to Grow Your IT Manager Salary
1. Get Cloud Certifications: Earn certifications from Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. According to multiple salary surveys, IT Managers with cloud certifications earn 15-25% more than those without. These skills are in high demand as companies move to cloud computing.
2. Learn Project Management: Get your PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. Many USA data sources show IT Managers with formal project management training earn $10,000-$15,000 more annually. This skill helps you handle bigger projects and teams.
3. Master Security Skills: Focus on cybersecurity knowledge and certifications like CISSP or CISM. Government statistics show security-focused IT Managers earn premium salaries due to increasing cyber threats. Companies pay extra for leaders who can protect their systems.
4. Develop Business Skills: Take MBA courses or business management training. Several global salary surveys indicate that IT Managers who understand business strategy earn 20% more than purely technical managers. You become more valuable when you connect tech solutions to business goals.
5. Gain Team Leadership Experience: Manage larger teams and take on more responsibility. According to international salary surveys, IT Managers overseeing 10+ people earn significantly more than individual contributors. Leadership skills directly translate to higher pay.
6. Work in High-Paying Industries: Target finance, healthcare, or consulting companies. These industries typically pay IT Managers 15-30% above average according to USA salary survey reports. They have bigger budgets and rely heavily on technology.
7. Negotiate Better Packages: Research market rates and negotiate total compensation, including bonuses, stock options, and benefits. Many salary surveys show IT Managers can increase their total pay by 10-20% through better negotiation.
Career paths in Project Management and Network Security also offer excellent advancement opportunities for IT professionals.
FAQs | IT Manager's Salary
What is the average salary for an IT Manager in 2025?
The average salary for an IT Manager in 2025 is approximately $118,500 per year, based on multiple USA salary sources. This figure represents the median across all experience levels and locations.
Is the average salary for an IT Manager before or after taxes?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes and deductions. Your actual take-home pay will be lower after federal taxes, state taxes, and benefit contributions.
Does the IT Manager's salary include bonuses and benefits?
The base salary figures do not include bonuses. Indeed reports IT Managers also receive an average of $10,500 in profit sharing annually. Benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and stock options are separate from base salary.
How much do entry-level IT Managers earn?
Entry-level IT Managers with less than 1 year of experience earn an average of $73,063 per year according to several global salary surveys. This increases quickly with experience and additional certifications.
Which states pay IT Managers the highest salary?
California ($217,030), New York ($213,930), Washington ($207,390), and New Jersey ($205,120) are the top-paying states for IT Managers based on government statistics and salary data.
What factors affect an IT Manager's salary the most?
Location, years of experience, industry type, team size, and technical certifications are the biggest factors. Companies in tech hubs and finance pay more, while healthcare and government sectors may offer better benefits.
How does an IT Manager's salary compare to other tech roles?
IT Managers earn more than Software Developers ($138,110), Computer Systems Analysts ($110,800), and Database Administrators ($104,810) according to USA salary survey reports.
Do remote IT Manager positions pay the same as office jobs?
Remote positions often pay based on company location rather than employee location. Some companies adjust salaries for the cost of living, while others maintain consistent pay regardless of where employees work.
What is the salary range for senior IT Manager positions?
Senior IT Managers typically earn between $140,000-$200,000+ annually. The 90th percentile reaches $169,000, with executive-level positions potentially earning much more with bonuses and equity.
How often do IT Manager salaries increase?
Most IT Managers receive annual salary reviews with increases of 3-7% for good performance. Promotions, new certifications, or job changes typically result in larger salary jumps of 15-25%.
What certifications boost IT Manager salaries the most?
Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure), project management (PMP), and security certifications (CISSP) provide the biggest salary increases. Multiple USA data sources show these certifications can add $10,000-$20,000 to annual earnings.
Is the job market strong for IT Manager positions in 2025?
Yes, the job market remains strong as companies continue digital transformation initiatives. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth for computer and information systems managers, making it a stable career choice.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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