Information technology (IT) experience and strong business skills are the key to advancing to the position of vice president (VP) of IT. Industries from financial services to education, manufacturing to high-tech — and everything in between — need qualified IT professionals with up-to-date skills and advanced knowledge to supervise their information systems. If your goals include reaching the top of the IT world, the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Information Technology Management program from Florida Institute of Technology can help you get there.
Vice President of Information Technology Job Outlook
The VP of IT is an advanced leadership role, bridging upper-level management and the C-suite. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of all computer and information systems managers will see a significant increase in coming years at 17% between 2023 and 2033. This is much faster than the average growth for all occupations. BLS projects top executives will see 6% employment growth — not as robust as computer and information systems managers, but still faster than the average growth of all occupations. The VP of IT position would likely lie somewhere in between these generalized roles, depending on organizational structure and other factors.
Job growth will occur as businesses’ needs for technology increase, technologies advance, and cybersecurity concerns and information security systems become more complex and involved. The competition for jobs at the highest management level, such as VP of information technology, will be strong. Individuals with experience and advanced degrees should have the best prospects.
Job Duties for VPs in the Realm of IT
The VP of information technology is generally responsible for the design, development and implementation of organizational information systems, software applications, IT support and security and infrastructure systems. They typically direct and manage IT plans, schedules, policies and programs for an organization’s data processing, network communications, business operations, computer services and management information systems — all according to established goals and objectives. The VP may also oversee and supervise subordinate managers and department heads tasked with many of the above responsibilities.
As a company executive, the vice president of information technology serves in a leadership role. High-level tasks could include identifying emerging information technologies to analyze, assimilate and integrate within the organization. Professionals in this role may also oversee the development of mission-critical applications and technology to support the company’s long-term goals and, depending on company size, provide direction and leadership to one or a number of development teams.
Leading technology planning is another important responsibility of a VP of information technology. They may also drive the implementation of development best practices throughout the organization while governing control and ensuring objectives are achieved. The vice president of IT’s typical job duties include the following: risk management, resource allocation, project prioritization, research and recommendations of new systems and software products or services.
In most organizations, the VP of information technology works out of a comfortable office, often located near the IT department. While a 40-hour week is standard, project deadlines and leadership responsibilities often require additional hours. The role may also require travel to conferences or satellite facilities and regional offices.
Vice President of Information Technology Salary Potential
According to national salary data from ZipRecruiter as of November 2024, the median salary for VPs of information technology is currently $182,241 per year. The typical spectrum of salaries for this position ranges from roughly $100,000 to over $260,000 per year.
With additional experience, vice presidents of IT can move into roles of increasing responsibility, often resulting in higher annual pay. The logical step up from VP of IT is chief information officer (CIO), a position that offers C-suite pay as well as the potential of profit sharing, bonuses and other forms of additional compensation. The data shows that the top salaries generally go to IT leaders with solid experience, and the advanced education employers need to remain competitive in a shifting global business environment.
Education and Training Requirements
When hiring a vice president of information technology, employers generally require at least a bachelor’s degree plus a number of years of experience, although graduate-level degree requirements are common for top positions. Candidates typically have a background in computer science, information technology or software engineering.
As the VP position often involves intensive business-focused responsibilities, many employers prefer candidates with business knowledge acquired through an MBA program. Thus, IT professionals who wish to advance their careers to a vice president of information technology position can improve their prospects by earning an MBA with a specialization in IT management.
Further, if you choose to pursue the MBA route, the online model of Florida Tech’s MBA in IT Management online program allows you to continue working and gaining experience in the field while earning your degree. In this way, you can concurrently gain both the experience and education necessary to land a top-level VP job.
Building on a foundation of advanced business coursework, Florida Tech’s MBA in IT specialization courses examine topics like global information technology management, strategic management of technology and innovation, management information systems and database management technology. Employers can be confident that professionals who have earned an MBA in Information Technology Management from Florida Tech are able to:
- Contribute to profitability with an understanding of the relationship between business and corporate-level technology strategy
- Assess issues regarding information systems and create manageable solutions
- Apply contemporary business principles integral to a high-tech organization
- Navigate through data management complexities in a global business environment
- Leverage advanced knowledge and skills to succeed as a vice president of IT
Do Your Aspirations Include a Career as Vice President of Information Technology?
The opportunity to compete for a VP of information technology position can be yours if you have a background in information technology, strong business skills and leadership potential. Boost your confidence, advance your career and increase your income potential by earning an online MBA in Information Technology Management from Florida Tech.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MBA in Information Technology Management program.
