Computer and Information Systems Manager Career Assessment
Leading IT teams and technology plans — ND in-demand occupation
Welcome
Computer and information systems managers (IT managers) lead technology teams and plan how an organization uses computers, networks, and software.
This is a leadership role that most people reach after years in IT. You will explore whether it fits your long-term goals.
This takes about 15 minutes.
What is a Computer and Information Systems Manager?
An IT manager plans technology projects, manages budgets, leads staff, and makes sure systems are secure and working. Titles include IT Manager, IT Director, and Chief Information Officer (CIO).
The Reality: You spend more time in meetings, planning, and managing people than doing hands-on tech work. When a big system fails or there is a security breach, you are responsible.
Your Responsibilities:
- Lead and hire IT staff
- Plan technology projects and budgets
- Choose new systems and vendors
- Make sure systems are secure
- Report to company leaders
- Solve big problems when systems fail
- Set IT policies
- Balance what people want with what the budget allows
You are the bridge between technology and the business.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM — Review overnight system reports and security alerts.
9:00 AM — Team meeting: check progress on a new software rollout.
10:30 AM — Meet with the finance director about next year's IT budget.
12:00 PM — Lunch with a vendor pitching a new system.
1:30 PM — Coach a help desk lead on handling a tough situation.
3:00 PM — Present a security plan to leadership.
4:30 PM — Answer email and plan tomorrow.
Mostly meetings, planning, and people leadership.
Training in North Dakota
Usually a bachelor's degree plus 5 or more years of IT experience. Most IT managers work their way up from help desk, network, security, or software jobs. Some earn an MBA or master's later.
Training Pathways:
- Bachelor's degree (4 years): Computer science, information systems, or IT management.
- IT experience (5+ years): Build skills and take on lead roles.
- Graduate degree (optional): An MBA or master's in IT helps for director roles.
Where to Train in North Dakota:
- University of North Dakota (Grand Forks or online) — B.S. Computer Science; BBA Information Systems
- North Dakota State University (Fargo) — B.S. Computer Science (tracks incl. Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity); Information Technology major
- Minot State University (Minot or online) — B.S. Computer Information Systems; B.S. Computer Science
- Valley City State University (Valley City or online) — B.S. Computer Information Systems; Software Engineering
- Dickinson State University (Dickinson, Bismarck, or online) — B.S. Computer Science; B.S. Computer Technology Management
- University of Mary (Bismarck) — B.S. Computer Information Systems; B.S. Computer Science
- Bismarck State College — B.A.S. Cybersecurity and Information Technology (online or on campus)
Before You Start: A bachelor's degree is typical, plus years of IT work. Leadership, communication, and budgeting skills matter a lot.
Tip: Start with financial aid, scholarships, and any help an employer offers — that is where the money starts. After that, ask a career counselor or Job Service North Dakota whether WIOA or other programs can help with what is left over, like training, exam fees, or a laptop. What can be paid for depends on the program and on your own situation, so ask before you sign up rather than after. Many IT certifications are also sold as low-cost online courses you can do at home.
Certification & Licensing
No license. Certifications help. Managers often hold project management or security certifications.
Certifications Employers Look For:
- PMP (Project Management Professional) — needs 3+ years of project experience
- CISSP — security leadership; needs 5 years of experience
- ITIL — IT service management
The Exams: Most are long computer-based exams (3–4 hours).
Cost: CISSP is about $749. Others vary. Employers often pay.
Keeping It Current: Most require continuing education every 3 years.
Salary & Job Outlook
North Dakota Computer and Information Systems Manager Pay (May 2025):
- Starting out (bottom 10–25%): $45.59–$55.28/hour ($94,820–$114,990/year)
- Middle (median — half earn more, half earn less): $71.70/hour ($149,130/year)
- Experienced (top 25–10%): $82.44–$92.58/hour ($171,470–$192,560/year)
What that means: One of the highest-paying careers on the ND list. Most people earning this have many years of experience.
Jobs in North Dakota: About 690 people do this work in ND today. By 2034, that should be about 800 (about 16% growth). Expect about 60 job openings every year in ND from growth and people retiring or changing jobs. Across the U.S., the change is about 15% growth — much faster than average.
Outlook: Very good, with about 60 openings a year in ND. Every organization needs technology leaders.
Who Hires in ND: State government (NDIT in Bismarck), Microsoft's Fargo campus, banks and insurance companies, health systems, energy companies, universities, and IT service companies. Many remote jobs exist.
Work Setting: Offices, with some remote work. Usually regular hours, but emergencies can mean late nights.
Physical Demands: Light. Desk work, meetings, and screens.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota, May 2025 (SOC 11-3021); North Dakota and U.S. long-term employment projections 2024–2034, via O*NET OnLine. Numbers are rounded.
Where This Leads
Path 1: IT Director — Lead a whole IT department.
Path 2: Chief Information Officer (CIO) — Top technology leader.
Path 3: Chief Information Security Officer — Lead security.
Path 4: IT Consultant — Advise many organizations.
Path 5: Project Management Office Lead — Oversee big projects.
The Real Talk
What's Great:
- Very high pay
- Leadership and influence
- Strong growth
- Every industry needs you
- Mix of tech and business
What's Hard:
- Takes years of experience
- Lots of meetings
- Responsible when things go wrong
- Budget pressure
- Managing people is hard
- Less hands-on tech
Be Honest: Do you want to lead people more than do tech work yourself? Are you ready to spend years building experience? Can you handle pressure and responsibility?