Business Technology Manager: Career and Salary Facts

<h2 id="section---WhatIsABusinessTechnologyManager">What Is a Business Technology Manager?</h2> <p>A business technology manager develops, coordinates and supervises the operations of computerized information systems and related components within an organization. Similar to an information technology (IT) manager, a business technology manager must establish relationships between the IT department of an organization and other IT agencies in order to come up with the best IT strategies. They must also maintain relationships with organizational leaders in the industry, as well as manage staff and employees of the IT department. They also may have to plan for and manage their company's IT budget. </p> <p>The following chart gives you an overview about entering this field. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree a minimum, with a graduate degree preferred</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td> Computer science, information systems, management information systems, business technology management</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Staff supervision, network analysis, technology deployment, technical standards development</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 11% (for all computer and information systems managers)*</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $151,150 (for all computer and information systems managers)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsABusinessTechnologyManager-2">What Is a Business Technology Manager?</h3> <p>A business technology manager develops, coordinates and supervises the operations of computerized information systems and related components within an organization. As a business technology manager, you may have a wide range of responsibilities, including staff supervision, network analysis, technology deployment and technical standards development. In addition to working with computer hardware and software applications, you may also be responsible for managing your organization's telecommunications technologies. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatEducationDoINeed">What Education Do I Need?</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that while a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for many management opportunities, employers commonly prefer a graduate degree (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Computer-related academic programs in your field include computer science, information systems, management information systems and business technology management. A Master of Business Administration with a concentration in technology is also favored. </p> <p>A bachelor's degree program in business technology management may include introductory coursework in database concepts, networking technologies, database management and statistics. You may also receive training in systems design and systems analysis. Courses in business principles, such as economics, accounting and finance, may also be covered. </p> <p>Through your graduate studies, you may learn about voice networks, network security, web architecture and multimedia technologies. You may also take advanced coursework in project management and operations management. Bachelor's and master's degree programs in this field are offered through on-campus and distance-learning program formats. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsMyCareerOutlook">What Is My Career Outlook?</h3> <p>According to the BLS, the annual median salary for computer and information systems managers in 2020 was $151,150. The BLS predicts the job rate for this field will increase 11% between 2020 and 2030. Your list of potential employers includes any organization that uses and/or manages computers networks and applications, such as government agencies, healthcare providers, consulting firms, business corporations and non-profit organizations. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3> <p>If you like working with technology in a business setting, you might also like a career as an information technology (IT) manager or a network administrator. IT managers both ensure that computer mainframes are functioning properly and manage the staff of the IT department. They usually need at least a bachelor's degree in IT or something related. Network administrators need to have a bachelor's degree in IT or computer science, or something similar, in order to succeed. They do things like maintain the software and hardware of computer systems, but mainly focus on the network connectivity of the organization they work for.</p>