information technology project manager jobs

• Online Degree Explore Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees
• MasterTrack™ Earn credit towards a Master’s degree
• University Certificates Advance your career with graduate-level learning
• Top Courses
• Join for Free

What Is an IT Project Manager? And How to Become One

IT project managers help plan and roll out IT processes across organizations.

What is an IT project manager?

An information technology (IT) project manager is a professional that helps organizations achieve their IT goals by planning and executing projects. IT project managers might lead projects to introduce new software solutions, scale IT processes, or switch cloud providers for an organization. Some IT project managers may be tasked with leading software development.

IT project managers can work with the IT teams of many different types of organizations, including health care facilities, tech companies, and universities, among many others.

What does an IT project manager do?

An IT project manager brings new IT processes of an organization to fruition. Here’s what the actual tasks and responsibilities of an IT project manager might include:

Lead multiple IT projects from initiation to completion

Develop and manage project budgets

Communicate with stakeholders, including IT managers, vendors, and executive leaders

Lead risk management and mitigation efforts

Gather, analyze, and report IT metrics

Read more: What Is a Project Manager? A Career Guide

IT project manager salary and job outlook

IT project managers in the US make an average annual salary of $94,494, according to Lightcast [1].  

Job growth for IT project managers is expected to be strong. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11-percent job growth rate for computer and information managers from 2020 to 2030 [ 2 ]. What's more, the Project Management Institute (PMI) also sees strong growth for project manager jobs internationally, estimating the sector to grow by 33 percent, or 22 million new jobs by 2027 [ 3 ].

How to become an IT project manager

IT project management will require project management skills and experience. Though technical skills aren’t always required, they are often requested and can give you a strong edge in your application.

1. Develop relevant skills.

A mix of project management skills and technical IT skills can bring you closer to landing a position as an IT project manager. The main skills you’ll need to learn can broadly be broken down into three categories:

Project management methodologies: As a project manager, you should be familiar with various approaches to project management. Since IT can be a volatile field, knowledge of methods and approaches that are designed to accommodate changes are often requested. These might include:

Project management processes: Completing a project successfully means taking the project through the four stages of the project lifecycle : initiating, planning, executing, and closing. You’ll need to know how to budget, assess risk, set schedules, assign tasks, run kick-off meetings, and more.

Technical IT skills: Since you’ll be working to implement large-scale projects, a broad understanding of IT processes will be helpful. This can include security, systems, networks, cloud computing, or programming, and scaling various aspects of IT processes. The exact technical skills you’ll want to cultivate can vary depending on the industry and job. For example, a biotechnology firm might ask for some experience in biotechnology.

Read more: 11 Key Project Management Skills

What degree do you need to be an IT project manager?

Many job descriptions ask for at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science , business, or a related field. A degree can equip you with essential knowledge and expand your job opportunities. Keep in mind that it is still possible to become an IT project manager if you have enough relevant experience.

2. Gain experience.

There are several ways to gain the skills you need to become an IT project manager.

Gain experience in the field. IT project managers can get their start doing hands-on work in IT and working their way up to being project managers. If you’re in an IT position hoping to take this route, sharpen your leadership and management skills . It might help to approach your manager and state your interest in project management as well.

Start in a project support role. If you don’t have a technical background, starting in a project support role for an IT team, like project coordinator or program associate, can help you break into the field.

Get a certification. Build up your knowledge and credentials by getting a certification. The Project Management Professional (PMP) and Scrum Master certifications are often requested in job descriptions. If you’re looking for an IT certification to boost your technical credentials, the CompTIA ITF+ can be useful—it covers all IT foundations and is designed for non-technical professionals. 

Looking for a more thorough introduction to IT concepts? Take a look at the Google IT Support Professional Certificate.

I’ve been applying the new skills and knowledge I’ve gained from all my courses to my work and it’s helped me be a better IT professional. — Munifa M ., on completing the Google IT Support Professional Certificate

3. Nail the job application process.

It project manager resume.

Your resume should lean heavily on your project management and IT experience. What were you tasked to do, and what impact did you have? What technical concepts are you familiar with, and what skills can you offer? 

Learn more: What is a Technical Project Manager and How to Become One

IT project manager interview questions

If you land an interview, congratulate yourself. You can get started on preparing by practicing your responses to some common interview questions.

How would you begin implementing a new cloud service in a large company?

How would you make sure a new service was compatible with all others?

Tell us about your experience with systems integrations.

What’s your experience with Agile?

Describe your experience in this industry.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is project manager an it job ‎.

Project managers can work in almost any industry, not just in IT. Project managers can work in health care, construction, fashion, marketing, finance, and many other sectors. ‎

What skills does an IT project manager need? ‎

IT project managers typically have strong project management skills , like project planning, risk assessment, budgeting, and more. Having a technical background isn’t always required but can be beneficial. ‎

How do I become a project manager with no experience? ‎

You can become a project manager with no experience by developing your project management skills and looking for entry-level project management positions . You might start by taking on project management-oriented tasks at your current workplace. If you’re looking to learn the basics, consider an online course, like the Google Project Management: Professional Certificate . ‎

Article sources

Lightcast™ Analyst. "Occupation Summary for IT Project Manager." Accessed April 13, 2023.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Computer and Information Systems Managers , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm." Accessed April 18, 2023.

Project Management Institute. " Project Management Job Growth and Talent Gap 2017–2027 , https://www.pmi.org/learning/careers/job-growth." Accessed April 18, 2023.

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Develop career skills and credentials to stand out

• Build in demand career skills with experts from leading companies and universities
• Choose from over 8000 courses, hands-on projects, and certificate programs
• Learn on your terms with flexible schedules and on-demand courses

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics
• Best Companies
• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

Information Systems Manager Vs Information Technology Project Manager

• Career Path
• Job Description
• How To Hire
• Best States
• Best Cities
• Job Outlook

The differences between Information Systems Managers and Information Technology Project Managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become an Information Systems Manager, becoming an Information Technology Project Manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, Information Systems Manager has a higher average salary of $137,275, compared to Information Technology Project Manager pays an average of $106,981 annually.

The top three skills for an Information Systems Manager include Customer Service, Project Management and Data Entry. most important skills for an Information Technology Project Manager are Project Management, Infrastructure and Scrum.

Information systems manager vs information technology project manager overview

What does an information systems manager do.

An information systems manager is typically in charge of overseeing the information technology (IT) systems and networks in a company, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. They are directly responsible for managing IT workers such as analysts and programmers, delegating tasks, assessing performance, managing schedules, handling budgets, and spearheading installations and upgrades. Furthermore, as an information systems manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does an information technology project manager do?

An information technology project manager is responsible for supervising the technology department, ensuring that all tasks are being done by following technological strategies and solutions. Information technology project managers' duties include monitoring the technology team's daily operation, handling team members' concerns, managing customers' inquiries and complaints, helping team members' in achieving their professional growth, creating reports, sharing updates during team and board meetings, and maintaining effectivity of operational procedures. An information technology project manager must have excellent leadership and decision-making skills to decide on the best strategies in meeting the company's objectives.

Information systems manager vs information technology project manager salary

Information systems managers and information technology project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Differences between information systems manager and information technology project manager education

There are a few differences between an information systems manager and an information technology project manager in terms of educational background:

Information systems manager vs information technology project manager demographics

Here are the differences between information systems managers' and information technology project managers' demographics:

Differences between information systems manager and information technology project manager duties and responsibilities

• Manage the administration of the ERP system host on the cloud.
• Integrate several off-the-shelf and SaaS systems to automate and streamline common transactions.
• Manage process and provide a long-term roadmap from a PMO and technology perspective.
• Manage all purchasing and approval of hardware/software for the facility including RFP's and RFI's.
• Implement and manage the newspaper's and corporate office's first help desk solution following ITIL standards.
• Lead the planning and implementation of an automate document control system for ISO 9002 in a FDA environment.
• Manage schedules, payroll, and customer relations for all subordinates.
• Prepare detailed work breakdown structures (WBS) and instill shared accountability for achieving project milestones.
• Project hardware and software resources are manage through accurate control of notebook, desktop and remote server master build configurations.
• Manage change windows and verify impact to production environment.
• Manage Java development team in translating functional specifications into J2EE application.
• Manage approximately twenty small/medium EDI projects simultaneously for national medical insurance providers for transportation.

Information systems manager vs information technology project manager skills

• Customer Service, 17%
• Project Management, 9%
• Data Entry, 7%
• Technical Support, 4%
• SQL Server, 3%
• Project Management, 16%
• Infrastructure, 7%
• Software Development, 4%
• Project Scope, 4%
• Risk Management, 3%

Information Systems Manager vs. Similar Jobs

• Information Systems Manager vs Computer Information Systems Instructor
• Information Systems Manager vs Director Training & Education
• Information Systems Manager vs Certified Medical Technician
• Information Systems Manager vs Management Information Systems Director
• Information Systems Manager vs Information Manager
• Information Systems Manager vs Information Technology Systems Manager
• Information Systems Manager vs Information Systems Director
• Information Systems Manager vs Information Technology Technical Services Manager
• Information Systems Manager vs Information Technology Support Manager
• Information Systems Manager vs Manager, Systems Engineering
• Information Systems Manager vs Information Systems Analyst
• Information Systems Manager vs Information Systems Specialist
• Information Systems Manager vs Information Systems Technician
• Information Systems Manager vs Information Engineer
• Information Systems Manager vs Information Technology Project Manager

Information Systems Manager Related Careers

• Chief Information Officer
• Data Manager
• Information Engineer
• Information Manager
• Information Systems Analyst
• Information Systems Director
• Information Systems Specialist
• Information Systems Technician
• Information Technology Associate
• Information Technology Manager
• Information Technology Operations Manager
• Information Technology Project Manager
• Information Technology Support Manager
• Information Technology Systems Manager
• Information Technology Technical Services Manager

Information Systems Manager Related Jobs

• Chief Information Officer Employment Near Me
• Data Manager Employment Near Me
• Information Engineer Employment Near Me
• Information Manager Employment Near Me
• Information Systems Analyst Employment Near Me
• Information Systems Director Employment Near Me
• Information Systems Specialist Employment Near Me
• Information Systems Technician Employment Near Me
• Information Technology Associate Employment Near Me
• Information Technology Manager Employment Near Me
• Information Technology Operations Manager Employment Near Me
• Information Technology Project Manager Employment Near Me
• Information Technology Support Manager Employment Near Me
• Information Technology Systems Manager Employment Near Me
• Information Technology Technical Services Manager Employment Near Me

What Similar Roles Do

• Chief Information Officer Responsibilities
• Data Manager Responsibilities
• Information Engineer Responsibilities
• Information Manager Responsibilities
• Information Systems Analyst Responsibilities
• Information Systems Director Responsibilities
• Information Systems Specialist Responsibilities
• Information Systems Technician Responsibilities
• Information Technology Associate Responsibilities
• Information Technology Manager Responsibilities
• Information Technology Operations Manager Responsibilities
• Information Technology Project Manager Responsibilities
• Information Technology Support Manager Responsibilities
• Information Technology Systems Manager Responsibilities
• Information Technology Technical Services Manager Responsibilities
• Zippia Careers
• Executive Management Industry
• Information Systems Manager

• Apply to UW
• Programs & Majors
• Cost & Financial Aid
• Current Students
• UW Libraries
• Online Degrees
• Catalogs & Courses
• Degree Plans
• Advising & Career Services
• UW College of Law
• Honors College
• Academic Affairs
• Geological Museum
• All Colleges
• Campus Recreation
• Campus Maps
• Housing & Dining
• Transit & Parking
• University Store
• Student Organizations
• Campus Activities
• Campus Safety
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Research & Economic Dev.
• Wyoming INBRE
• Neuroscience Center
• Technology Business Center
• National Parks Service
• Research Production Center
• Supercomputing
• Water Research
• WY EPSCoR/IDeA
• American Heritage Center
• Where We Shine
• About Laramie
• Student Stories
• Campus Fact Book
• UWYO Magazine
• Marketing & Brand Center
• Administrative Resources
• Strategic Plan
• +Application Login
• UW Homepage

UW School of Pharmacy Launches Health Technology Assessment Certificate Program

Institutional Communications Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137 Laramie, WY 82071 Phone: (307) 766-2929 Email:   [email protected]

Published November 03, 2023

The University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy in the College of Health Sciences has launched a new certificate program aimed at providing practicing pharmacists, other health professionals and health information technology personnel in other related fields advanced training in health technology assessment.

The certificate program, titled “A New Start in Health Technology Assessment,” is delivered completely online, offers 20.5 contact hours and allows those enrolled to proceed at their own pace. There also are two group sessions presented on Zoom when participants can compare progress and engage in learning discussions.

One of the challenges facing the modern pharmacy industry is the need for additional training of pharmacy professionals who will then have the capability and ability to apply standardized scientific assessments of medications, cost evaluations and even measurements for successful marketing efforts. UW’s School of Pharmacy is a fully accredited Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education provider of continuing professional education.

Pharmacy professions that will benefit from this new certificate program include pharmacists interested in applying health technology assessment to medications; industry managers and other employees in areas of economics, measurement and clinical trials; those in areas related to mediation discovery, assessment and marketing; people in pharmacy education areas; and health economists.

Elliott Sogol, director of postgraduate and continuing education in the School of Pharmacy, says the new program will give those who complete the training a “new lens” to look more clearly at standards for product assessments and applied physical and social sciences such as education, psychology and economics.

“We are excited to offer our first certificate program and look forward to the feedback we receive from participants,” Sogol says. “Their feedback will help us in developing additional certificate programs in the future.”

In addition to the two online group sessions, the new certificate program is presented in three parts: required evidentiary standards for product and therapy assessment; the failure of approximate modeled information for therapy decisions; and formulary submission value claims and protocols for a new start in product evaluation. Each part is broken up into several modules.

Enrollment is now open for the first class of attendees, with the program officially available today (Friday). For more information and to enroll, visit https://pharmacyshare.catalog.instructure.com/courses/certificate-program---a-new-start-in-health-technology .

About UW’s College of Health Sciences

UW’s College of Health Sciences trains health and wellness professionals and researchers in a wide variety of disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, speech-language pathology, social work, kinesiology, public health, health administration and disability studies. The college also oversees residency and fellowship programs in Casper and Cheyenne, as well as operating a speech/hearing clinic in Laramie and primary care clinics in Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne.

With more than 1,600 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, the college is dedicated to training the health and wellness workforce of Wyoming and conducting high-quality research and community engagement, with a particular focus on rural and frontier populations.