What is a systems manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.
introduction image

Systems managers are charged with overseeing the information technology departments in an organization. Their duties depend on the size of the organization. They assess the IT needs of the organization and act accordingly. They install and maintain software and hardware. Also, they compile reports on technological improvements and changes. Similarly, they inform management about upgrades, information security, and related issues. Besides that, they work with technology professionals like systems analysts, support specialists, and software developers. Additionally, they manage the organization's networks. This includes wireless networks, cloud storage, and other systems of data storage and communication.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in systems management or a related field. You must have at least five years of relevant work experience. Having relevant certifications is a plus. You must possess organization, communication, computer, multitasking, leadership, and analytical skills. Systems managers make around $99,379 annually. This falls between $63,000 and $158,000.

What general advice would you give to a Systems Manager?

Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington

Look for a job that you would enjoy doing, even if it takes some time to find such a position. Internships are great to explore various options.
ScoreSystems ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.8

Avg. Salary $107,156

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.6

Growth Rate 16%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.21%

Asian 12.62%

Black or African American 6.74%

Hispanic or Latino 10.12%

Unknown 5.21%

White 65.11%

Gender

female 23.21%

male 76.79%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress Level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.1

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Systems Manager career paths

Key steps to become a systems manager

  1. Explore systems manager education requirements

    Most common systems manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.2 %

    Associate

    15.9 %

    Master's

    12.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific systems manager skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Customer Service12.05%
    Project Management10.19%
    Patients5.93%
    Management System4.32%
    Data Entry4.12%
  3. Complete relevant systems manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New systems managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a systems manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real systems manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional systems manager certifications

    Systems manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific systems manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for systems managers include Project Management Professional (PMP) and IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research systems manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage development teams which programme Java software applications to scan bar-code shipping labels and automate receipt and inventory processes.
    • Manage AutoCAD upgrades and tools.
    • Manage all aspects of PC and Macintosh technical support.
    • Install and manage small office computer network system running AutoCAD.
  6. Prepare your systems manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your systems manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a systems manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Systems Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional Systems Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Systems Manager resume.
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  7. Apply for systems manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a systems manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Systems Manager Job

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Average systems manager salary

The average Systems Manager salary in the United States is $107,156 per year or $52 per hour. Systems manager salaries range between $75,000 and $152,000 per year.

Average Systems Manager Salary
$107,156 Yearly
$51.52 hourly

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How do systems managers rate their job?

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Systems Manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

The opportunity to render services to client, and managing technology by giving key information to customers.

Cons

Not meeting up to expectation of a client.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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