Information Technology Project Managers

Information Technology Project Managers coordinate the work of technical staff and serve as the bridge between business goals and technology. On a daily basis, these professionals focus on organizing, planning, and prioritizing project tasks to ensure deadlines and budgets are met. They gather information, schedule activities, and monitor resources to keep projects on track. Communicating with team members and supervisors is a constant responsibility, as is building cohesive teams and solving technical or logistical problems.

To succeed in this role, individuals need strong skills in critical thinking, active listening, time management, and personnel coordination. They must also possess knowledge in administration, computers, telecommunications, and customer service. An enterprising interest area is highly beneficial, as the job requires leadership orientation, dependability, and cooperation. Project managers must pay close attention to details while remaining adaptable to changing project requirements.

Entering this career typically requires a bachelor's degree along with several years of related work experience. Students preparing for this field often major in computer and information sciences, computer science, information science, or computer and information technology administration and management. Other relevant college majors include security science and technology, medical informatics, and biomathematics.

While not always mandatory, professionals can earn industry certifications to demonstrate their expertise. Available certifications include the Certified IT Consultant from the Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals and the Certified Technology Manager from the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering. Other options include the Cloud Technology Associate Certification, Communication Skills for Business, CompTIA Project+, and the HDI Certified Support Center Team Lead credential.

The median annual pay for this career is $116,580, though this figure represents the broader BLS group of "Computer occupations, all other." Within this group, the lowest 10 percent of earners make less than $55,940, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $188,470. Employment is projected to grow by 5.1 percent from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than average. This growth, combined with normal turnover, is expected to result in approximately 27,000 job openings each year.