Computer and information systems managers, often called IT managers, plan and direct an organization's technology: systems, staff, budgets, vendors and security. AI shows up on both sides of the job. It speeds up reporting and analysis, and rolling it out safely across an organization is now one of the projects they manage.
The short answer: AI adds to demand for this job. The ILO's 2025 index rates ICT service managers at gradient 2 with a score of 0.44. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 16 percent growth for computer and information systems managers from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 53,500 openings a year. Projections are estimates, not guarantees.
How exposed IT managers are
The International Labour Organization scores occupations' tasks from 0 (cannot be automated with generative AI) to 1 (could be done without a human operator), and groups them into gradients from 1 to 4, with 4 the most exposed; below them sit minimal exposure and not exposed (ILO Working Paper 140, 2025).
| Occupation (ISCO-08) | ILO category | Mean task score (0 to 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Information and Communications Technology Service Managers | Gradient 2 | 0.44 |
What the BLS projects
| Occupation | Projected change 2025 to 2035 | Openings a year |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and information systems managers | Grow 16% | About 53,500 |
The BLS says growth will come from the increasing complexity and necessity of technology across the economy. As businesses build up IT infrastructure such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital platforms and artificial intelligence, it says these managers will likely be critical to making it work.
Where AI is helping
- Summarizing incidents, tickets and system reports.
- Drafting policies, budgets and vendor comparisons.
- Forecasting capacity and license needs.
What stays with IT managers
- Strategy: deciding what technology to buy, build or retire.
- Risk: security, privacy and the rules for using AI tools.
- People: hiring, leading and retraining IT teams.
- Checking AI help: generated summaries and comparisons can be wrong, which NIST calls confabulation (NIST AI 600-1). See checking AI output.
How the job is changing
Governing AI use, including data, security and vendor risk, is becoming a standard part of the role. See AI policy for employees. This page is general information, not career advice.
See also will AI replace cybersecurity jobs?, will AI replace project managers? and will AI replace IT support?
Pay and how to get in
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual pay for computer and information systems managers at $175,140 in May 2025, against $50,980 for all workers. The typical education needed to enter is: bachelor's degree. See how this job compares in AI exposure by pay and AI exposure by education level.
Questions and answers
Will AI replace IT managers?
Not on current projections. The BLS projects 16 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 and names AI among the drivers of demand.
How exposed are IT managers to AI?
The ILO rates ICT service managers at gradient 2 with a score of 0.44.
How many openings are expected?
About 53,500 a year on average over the decade, according to the BLS.
Why is demand for IT managers growing?
The BLS points to more complex technology and investment in cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital platforms and AI.