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How to Become An It Manager

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What is a IT Manager

An IT Manager runs the tech side of an organisation, keeping systems up and teams connected. This is a great career for people who love tech and want to lead. IT Managers are needed everywhere, from startups and banks to hospitals and government agencies.

On a typical day, an IT Manager checks what the business needs and builds the ICT plan. They manage the team that keeps systems online and running. They pick the right software and hardware, oversee setup, and make sure everyone knows how to use it. They handle security too, making sure data stays safe and systems stay protected.

IT managers earn well and the job market is growing fast. Annual growth is around 4,100 new positions (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025), and the median weekly income is $3,310. That is about $172,000 a year.

For those starting out or making a career change, IT management offers a clear path forward. With the right skills, IT Managers can lead teams and drive change. This career offers real impact in any industry.

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Career Outlook for IT Manager

IT Manager is one of the most stable and well-paid careers in Australia right now. There are 95,800 ICT Managers employed nationally, and 94% work full-time (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 45, and the typical work week is 44 hours.

Pay is strong. The median weekly income is $3,310 (ABS, May 2025), which equals about $172,000 a year. This is well above the national median for all jobs.

The field is growing. Annual employment growth is around 4,100 new positions (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). This growth comes from rising demand for digital tools, cloud services, and cyber security across every industry.

For those starting out or aiming for a senior role, IT management has a bright future. With the right skills and experience, this career offers security, strong pay, and real leadership roles.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an IT Manager

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor Degree in IT or Computer Science

Enrol in a Bachelor of Information Technology or Bachelor of Computer Science at an Australian university. These three-year degrees cover programming, networking, databases, system design, and IT management. They are the most common way into IT management careers. Universities offer them in every state and territory.

Step 2: Start in an Entry-Level IT Role

Begin your career in a role such as IT support officer, help desk analyst, systems admin, or network engineer. Spend two to three years in hands-on work to build a strong tech foundation. This practical experience is essential before moving into management.

Step 3: Earn Key Industry Certifications

Earn certs that employers look for. The ITIL 4 Foundation cert covers IT service management. The Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI is valued for senior roles. CompTIA Security+ covers cyber security basics. You can study for these certs online at your own pace.

Step 4: Move into a Senior or Team Lead Role

Progress to roles such as IT team lead, senior systems admin, or ICT Project Manager. Aim for three to five years at this level to build budget, leadership, and project delivery skills. This is the bridge between hands-on tech work and management.

Step 5: Join the Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Become a member of the Australian Computer Society (ACS). The ACS provides professional development, networking events, and the Certified Professional (CP) designation. Membership is open at any career stage and can be activated online within a few days. ACS membership shows employers you meet national standards for ICT professionals.

Step 6: Apply for IT Manager Positions

Target IT Manager roles in sectors where you have the most experience. Update your resume to highlight ICT strategy, team leadership, and project delivery outcomes. Consider roles in government, finance, healthcare, or professional services, where IT Managers are most in demand.

What does an IT Manager do?

An IT Manager keeps an organisation’s tech running smoothly every day. They check what the business needs, plan the ICT strategy, and manage the team that handles systems, software, and security. They also buy new tech, train staff, and fix any IT issues that come up. Security is a big part of the job, so they review systems and put controls in place. With a mix of planning, problem-solving, and people skills, no two days look the same.

Tasks

An IT Manager keeps an organisation’s tech running and teams supported. They work across planning, operations, and security to keep things moving. This role connects tech to real business outcomes every day.

  • Checking Information Needs: finding out what tech the organisation needs and planning the right solutions.
  • Setting the ICT Plan: building and driving the ICT strategy, policies, and plans that guide the business.
  • Running ICT Operations: overseeing day-to-day IT systems and setting priorities across builds, maintenance, and operations.
  • Managing ICT Tools: choosing hardware and software, overseeing setup, and making sure staff know how to use them.
  • Ensuring ICT Security: putting controls in place to protect data and systems from threats.

Skills for Success

To thrive as an IT Manager, professionals need a mix of tech know-how and people skills. IT Managers plan ICT strategies, choose the right tools, and keep everything secure. They also lead teams, so being clear, calm, and good at solving problems is key.

The tech world moves fast. IT Managers need to keep learning new platforms, security practices, and management methods. A love of learning and the ability to adapt are just as vital as formal qualifications. Strong project management and budget skills will set candidates apart from the start.

Skills & Attributes

  • Leadership and team management
  • ICT strategy and planning
  • Project management
  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking
  • Clear communication with technical and non-technical staff
  • Cybersecurity knowledge
  • Budget and financial management
  • Knowledge of hardware, software, and networking
  • Adaptability to new technologies
  • Understanding of regulatory compliance
  • User training and mentoring
  • Time management and prioritisation
  • Vendor and contract management
  • Risk assessment and management

Average Salaries

The median weekly pay for an ICT Manager in Australia is $3,310 (source: ABS, May 2025). This equals around $172,000 a year. Entry-level roles typically start at around $110,000 a year. Senior ICT Managers in large organisations can earn $220,000 or more. Pay is highest in NSW, Victoria, and the ACT.

min $110 K

max $220 K

av $172 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.