Average Salary Earned With a Masters in Information Technology

A master’s in information technology allows you to take on advanced roles in the IT field, sever in leadership positions with a team of IT professionals working under you, or specialize in a specific type of IT. All of these roles allow you to earn more money in the field of IT. Just how much more can you expect to earn though? Let’s take a look at the average salary you’ll get in this career field and what can affect your salary most.

IT Salary by Job

The amount of money you make will be directly linked to your position or title in the field, with upper-level leadership positions paying the most. Here are some of the most common positions available, along with average salary rates:

  • Information Technology Specialist: $52,250
  • System Administrator Windows Server: $60,500
  • Software Engineer/Developer / Programmer: $70,573
  • Information Technology (IT) Manager: $71,637
  • Project Manager Information Technology (IT): $77,500
  • System Software Manager: $79,080
  • Sr. Software Engineer/Developer / Programmer $91,803
  • Director of IT: $104,283

By earning a degree in this field, you’re also setting yourself up to become a Chief Information Officer, or CIO, which is the most advanced role you can take on as an IT profession. Most CIOs earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, though for some world-wide corporations, CIOs can earn even more, as well as bonuses, so total compensation could be over a million dollars!

Salary by Industry

One of the great things about working as a IT profession is that these workers are needed in just about every industry out there. In some fields, there is a higher demand for IT workers than in others, and these are typically the fields where you’ll earn more money. Even better, some educational programs allow you to specialize, so if you know the field that most interests you, you can take some additional classes specifically geared to learning more about the IT challenges in that field. Here are some of your options, along with the average salaries you can expect (keep in mind that these average salaries for IT professionals include everyone, from entry-level workers to CIOs):

  • Software Development: $65,000
  • Education – College/University: $67,500
  • Financial Services: $70,750
  • Government: $75,300

You can typically make the most money working for a consulting firm or IT service that is able to work with clients in several industries. You can even go into business for yourself as a freelance IT consultant.

Top IT and IS Masters Degrees

Becoming a leader in the Information Technology department within a large firm requires advanced expertise. A masters in IT can help open doors to numerous career opportunities within the profession. Below are the top online colleges offering master's degrees in information technology (IT), information science (IS) computer science, or related fields.

University of Liverpool
MS: Info. Technology
MS: IS Management
MS: Internet Systems
University of Liverpool : The University of Liverpool's online MS in Information Technology, MS in Information Systems Management, and MS in Internet Systems degree programs are taught in small classes online that not only teach the material but provide a forum for international networking and collaboration. Class size is limited to 20 students, guaranteeing personal attention from expert instructors and fast feedback to help you excel.
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Kaplan University
MS: Info. Technology
MS/IT: Business Intel.
MS/IT: Security & Assurance
MS/IT: Project Management
Kaplan University : Kaplan University's MS in Information Technology program offers specializations in business intelligence, information security & assurance, and project management - three key areas that are highly valued in every corporation. Students leave with communication and critical thinking skills as well as high level technical competencies and the ability to assess ethical, legal, and social issues, which creates an ideal skill set for management.
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University of Massachusetts
MBA: Info. Technology
University of Massachusetts : The University of Massachusetts offers an online MBA in Information Technology that strongly emphasizes experiential learning, field programs, and real world case studies to help students learn how to apply what they learn immediately in their lives and current jobs. Theory and practice are equally important in this MBA program.
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Strayer University
MS/IS: Network Management
MS/IS: Systems Dev. Mgmt
MS/IS: Software Engineering
MS/IS: Decision Support
Strayer University : Strayer University's MS in Information Systems program covers the technical, managerial and policy issues associated with information technology. The six concentrations available are in the most marketable sectors of the IT industry: Computer Security Management, Decision Support System Management, Enterprise Resource Management, Network Management, Software Engineering Management, and Systems Development Management.
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Boston University
MS: Comp. Info. Systems
MS/CIS: IT Project Mgmt
Boston University : Boston University's MS in Computer Information Systems program offers specializations in database management and IT project management, two of the fastest growing areas of the IT job market. The completely online curriculum prepares students for managerial positions in IT. Graduates leave with a thorough knowledge of security threats, solutions to network and computer system problems, and the ability to develop secure networks.
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University of Phoenix
Master of Info. Systems
University of Phoenix : The University of Phoenix Master of Information Systems degree program covers IT infrastructure, IS technologies, enterprise models and emerging technologies to prepare students to pursue management and consultant positions. Graduates are able to evaluate the role of IS management in organizations, analyze how IS technology is used within organizations, and examine how IS and business systems are integrated.
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South University
MPA: Info. Technology
MBA: HR Management
South University : South University's MPA in Information Technology program is designed for working adults who want to advance in the public or non -profit sectors. The Information Technology specialization prepares students with advanced knowledge of information systems, security, and the latest technology as well as the skills they need to pursue and excel in management positions.
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Capella University
MS: Info. Technology
MS: IT Management
Capella University : Capella University's MS in Information Technology and MS in IT management is designed to integrate business knowledge and IT skills to prepare students for management and leadership roles. The range of IT electives allows students to specialize in areas that are the most pertinent to their work, like information security, networking, project management, health informatics, and enterprise architecture.
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American InterContinental University
Master of IT: Project Mgmt
Master of IT: Security
American InterContinental University : American InterContinental University's Master of Information Technology program offers concentrations in Internet Security and IT Project Management. The Internet Security concentration combines technology skills with business and management skills while focusing on IT security. The IT Project Management concentration combines business, management, and project management skills with the latest industry-current information technology.
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