What is an IT Infrastructure Manager?
Research what it takes to become an IT infrastructure manager. Learn about education requirements, average salary and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.
What Is an IT Infrastructure Manager?
IT infrastructure managers help to organize projects related to computer network infrastructures. They are responsible for ensuring the project stays within the confines of the time restraints and allotted budget of the company. They also develop the plans as expectations or goals change, while acting as a communicator between the IT team and supervisors. Learn more about this position in the chart below.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree for entry, master's for executive management roles</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td>Project management, business, computer science, information systems</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td>Problem solving, peer collaboration</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td>11% (for computer and information systems managers)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Average Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$161,730 (for computer and information systems managers)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWouldIDoAsAnITInfrastructureManager">What Would I Do As an IT Infrastructure Manager?</h3><p>An IT infrastructure management job is a project coordinator position for individuals with a background in computer network infrastructures. You're in charge of and responsible for overseeing the continual programming of IT services for a company or firm. In this position, you should maintain a positive and fluid alignment between business strategy and technology. You're also responsible for managing IT staff and overseeing budgets.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatEducationDoINeed">What Education Do I Need?</h3><p>To enter the information technology field, you can consider bachelor's degree programs in project management, business, computer science or management information systems. Typical classes may include technical writing, software engineering, operating systems, programming languages and problem solving. Some programs offer elective courses from which you may choose to specialize in IT infrastructure. Master's degree programs are also available and may be useful if you'd like an executive management role such as a chief technology officer.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatSkillsDoINeed">What Skills Do I Need?</h3><p>Because of the technical nature of the field, you must have a solid comprehension of computer networking, data organization, software and hardware. It's also typically required that you have highly developed analytical skills and be a strong troubleshooter, decision maker and peer collaborator. Having some background in business administration and client relations is also a positive. Many companies hiring IT infrastructure managers require applicants to have previous professional experience in the same field.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobMarketLike">What is the Job Market Like?</h3><p>IT as a whole is a continually expanding industry and IT infrastructure management is no exception. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that between 2020 and 2030, computer and information systems manager positions would see an increase of 11% (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The BLS also stated that as of May 2020, the average yearly salary for computer and information systems managers was $161,730.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>If you are interested in the IT field, you also could consider becoming a computer network architect, which is someone who designs and creates communication systems that connect the computers to each other as well as to the internet. You could also pursue a career as a computer programmer and assist developers by creating functional software programs from their designs. Another possible career would be becoming an information security analyst, helping build security systems within the network of a company to keep information safe from potential security risks. All of these careers require a bachelor's degree.</p>