You're about to embark on your professional journey and want to choose a career that offers financial stability and growth opportunities. Have you considered a job in the IT industry, specifically as an IT Manager?
India's booming IT industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world and is expected to continue growing at an unprecedented rate. In this expert guide on IT Manager Salaries in India, we will explore salary trends for IT Managers across different industries and experience levels. We'll also discuss how location, company size, education, and certification can impact an IT manager's earnings.
Who is an IT Manager?
An IT manager is responsible for managing the technology and digital infrastructure of an organisation. They help design, implement and maintain computer systems, software applications, hardware devices, data networks and cybersecurity protocols.
In India, the IT industry is booming, with an annual growth rate of over 10%. With over 4 million people working in the sector, it accounts for almost 8% of India’s GDP. This translates to a lot of job opportunities and competitive salaries for qualified professionals.
Salary Trends for IT Managers
The salary trends for IT managers are highly competitive compared to other industries in India. According to Payscale, an entry-level IT Manager can expect to earn around INR 60,300 per year on average. However, as you gain more experience and expertise in your role as an IT Manager, your earning potential will increase significantly.
Several factors influence the salary of an IT manager. From where you work to your skills, each factor makes a difference to your monthly income as an IT manager. Let's take a closer look at each of these factors in detail.
IT Manager Salaries by Roles and Industry Standards
As a qualified IT Manager in India, you can expect to find a range of lucrative employment opportunities across different industries such as finance and banking, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce and retail.
Below are some common job roles, along with their descriptions and associated salaries:
1. Project Manager: responsible for leading teams that develop software applications or systems
Average salary: INR 13 Lakhs p.a
2. Data Centre Manager: responsible for managing data centre operations, maintenance, and upgrades
Average salary: INR 11 Lakhs p.a
3. Technical Support Manager: responsible for providing technical support to clients or end-users
Average salary: INR 11 Lakhs p.a
4. Information Systems (IS) Manager: responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining an organisation's IT infrastructure
Average salary: INR 14 Lakhs p.a
5. Network Manager: responsible for designing, managing, and maintaining an organisation's computer network
Average salary: INR 10 Lakhs p.a
6. Security Manager: responsible for establishing, enforcing, and monitoring security policies
Average salary: INR 15 Lakhs p.a
7. Service Delivery Manager: responsible for ensuring that IT services are delivered efficiently and effectively to customers or internal users
Average salary: INR 12 Lakhs p.a
The highest-paying industries for IT Managers in India are the Banking and Finance sectors, followed by the Consulting sector.
IT Manager Salaries by Experience Level
Experience plays a significant role in determining the salaries of IT Managers in India.
- An entry-level IT Manager with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (salary plus bonus) of INR 60,000 per year.
- A mid-career IT Manager with 5–10 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of INR 10.4 lakh per year.
- Senior IT Managers with more than 20 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of INR 20 lakh per year.
IT Manager Salaries by Location and Company Size
Location and company size are two key factors that can affect the salary of an IT Manager in India.
According to Payscale, the highest-paying cities for IT Managers are Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune.
Similarly, company size also plays a role in determining the salary of an IT manager, as larger organisations tend to have bigger budgets for salaries.
According to Payscale, an IT Manager working at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), one of India's largest IT services firms, can expect to earn an average salary of INR 10.4 lakhs per year, while those working at smaller firms could be paid significantly less.
IT Manager Salaries by Education and Certification
To become an IT Manager in India, you'll need a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a Master's degree or MBA in Information Technology or Business Administration.
Certifications can also help boost your earning potential as an IT Manager. Some of the most in-demand certifications include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
According to Payscale, IT Managers with a Master's degree earn on average 15% more than those with only a Bachelor's degree. Similarly, certified professionals tend to earn higher salaries than their uncertified counterparts.
Career Path of IT Managers
As an IT Manager in India, you'll have various career paths available to you. With experience and additional training or education, you could advance into roles such as Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, or Vice President of Information Technology.
Alternatively, you could opt to start your own firm or work as a freelancer. This would give you greater flexibility over your work schedule and potentially higher earnings.
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FAQs
1. What are the skills required to be an IT manager?
To be an effective IT manager, you need strong technical knowledge, communication and leadership skills, the ability to manage projects, budgeting skills, and critical thinking abilities.
2. Can I pursue a career as an IT manager without a degree?
Although a degree is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for IT management positions. Employers may require technical degrees in computer science, information systems, or related fields.
3. Are there any government-sponsored initiatives to encourage upskilling or reskilling in India's IT industry?
Yes, the Indian government has launched several initiatives, such as the Skill India Programme and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), that provide funding for skilling programmes.
4. Do IT Managers work long hours?
IT managers are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of their organisations' technology infrastructure. As such, they may be required to work longer hours, especially during project deadlines or system upgrades.
