How To Become an IT Project Manager
What Is an IT Project Manager?
Organizations of all types employ project managers to oversee initiatives throughout their life cycle — and the information technology (IT) field is no exception. What is an IT project manager? An IT project manager is a specialized type of project management professional who coordinates the planning, development and implementation of a project within the IT space. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that each IT project is completed on time and within budget. Each project must also be completed to the specifications and quality standards of the client’s (or the organization’s) needs.1
The global IT market has been expanding. According to Statista, the estimated value of the global IT services market will reach $1.42 trillion in 2024. More of that revenue is expected to be generated by various IT services companies in the U.S. than in any other country.2
What Does an IT Project Manager Do?
An IT project manager is responsible for carrying out the overall mission and vision of their organization by overseeing initiatives that may allow the organization to meet long-term objectives. What does an IT project manager do on a day-to-day basis? While every day might look a little different, depending on the needs of the organization and the phase of the project, an IT project manager job description will generally include the following:1,3
As you can see, a day in the life of an IT project manager often depends on which phase of the project is currently in progress. Tasks may also vary based on IT specialization. Some IT project managers specialize in cybersecurity, while others might specialize in software development or infrastructure.1
Now that you’re familiar with a typical IT project manager job description, you may be interested in learning how to become an IT project manager. While there are no universal requirements, the following is a general overview of a typical career pathway in this profession:
In high school, you may wish to take as many computer and technology classes as possible, including classes in computer science, programming, computer security and software design, if offered at your school.
Employers generally expect IT project managers to hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and some may prefer a master’s degree. The specific type of degree can vary. Some possibilities include software development and IT, as well as project management.4 Some IT project managers may hold degrees in business administration or computer science. In general, it’s ideal to seek a college education that teaches competencies in both information technology and business.3
No matter which career field you aspire to pursue, one or more internships may prove useful. While earning your degree, consider looking for internships at IT services companies. You may have the opportunity to observe what IT project managers do, and you may be able to begin building a professional network.
The job of an IT project manager is not typically an entry-level one. It can be helpful to first work in entry-level roles that emphasize IT skills, such as a job as a systems analyst, developer or network administrator. As you gain work experience, look for opportunities to take on more responsibility in various projects, such as by serving as a project coordinator.5
As you acquire work experience, you might also pursue professional certifications. While not all employers may require certifications, earning one or more of them may help you become a more competitive job applicant. Some certification options include:3
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2)
- PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
- Disciplined Agile® Scrum Master (DASM) Certification
Following this general career pathway and looking for opportunities to gain hands-on experience may aid you as you pursue a career in IT project management. Now that you know how to become an IT project manager, it’s time to take a look at specific education options at the postsecondary level.
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Best Degrees for IT Project Manager
IT project managers are generally expected to have competencies in both technology and business. Because of this, it’s ideal to choose a degree program that teaches skills in both fields.3 If this type of degree program is not available, however, it may be wise to choose an information technology-related degree program instead of a degree that only teaches business competencies. This is because many entry-level roles for aspiring IT project managers require IT skills.5
Depending on the degree program you choose, you may have opportunities to develop a professional portfolio of your work. You can also continue to add to your professional portfolio as you gain work experience through internships or entry-level roles.5
IT project managers need to have a strong grasp on IT-specific skills. However, they also need general business management and project management skills, as well as leadership ability.5
Along your journey toward becoming an IT project manager, you may wish to consider the following degree programs:
Bachelor’s Programs
Master’s Programs
Doctoral Programs
Other Programs
An IT manager needs a combination of hard and soft skills. Which IT skills best suit project managers in this specialization? The following are recommended:3,5
- IT domains, including cybersecurity
- IT regulations and standards
- Communication
- Leadership
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Planning
- Time management
- Problem-solving
Median Annual Wage
Earning potential for IT project managers can vary based on many factors, such as years of experience, employer, geographic location and certifications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for computer and information systems managers was $169,510 as of May 2023.6
Projected Job Growth
This field is growing, and in fact is expected to maintain a job growth rate that is much faster than average, according to the BLS. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for computer and information systems managers to be 17% from 2023 to 2033. At this rate of job growth, employers expect to hire about 106,900 new professionals during this time period.7
Advancement Opportunities Within IT Project Management
While IT project management is itself not an entry-level career, there are additional opportunities for advancement within this specialization. A professional might first begin a project management career as a junior IT project manager before progressing to become a mid-level IT project manager — where they may have greater autonomy and responsibility. Mid-level IT project managers may then progress to become senior IT project managers.1 From there, a project manager may decide to pursue a career in the C-suite, such as by becoming a chief information officer (CIO) or a chief technology officer (CTO).8
Pursue your future in IT project management online or on campus at Grand Canyon University.
1 Teal Labs, Inc. (n.d.). What Is an IT Project Manager? Retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.
2 Statista. (2024, April). IT Services – Worldwide. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.
3 Preston, R. (2024, July 24). How to Become an IT Project Manager (With Steps and Tips). Indeed. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.
4 Vault. (n.d.). Information Technology Project Managers: Requirements. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.
5 Teal Labs, Inc. (n.d.). How to Become a IT Project Manager. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.
6 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and Information Systems Managers as of May 2023, retrieved on Dec. 10, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Computer and Information Systems Managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
7 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Systems Managers, retrieved on Dec. 10, 2024.
8 Greenspan, D. (n.d.). IT Project Manager Career Path. IT Career Finder. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.