Do I qualify for IT Manager job/Salary

Hello,

I have been in the Army for the past 10 years. Experience is IT networking with progressive degrees of responsibility wit each position I am tasked to. Currently I am stationed in the DC area and work for the Executive Branch of govt (High level members of our government). I am planning on getting out next year. Before I get out I will have my CCNA R+S and CCNA Sec certs. I also have a Bachelor's in Business Admin along with 10 years of experience. My question is can I get a management position and what salary should I be looking at. I currently make almost 71k before taxes with all special pay and allowances. Any input would be appreciated. Current certification are: Net +, Sec +, Fiber Optics Tech and Installer

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Comments

philz1982

100k+

Don't settle for less. Get with a company that needs your military background to win work.

shawn488

I have an active TS/SCI clearance as well. Thanks philz.

ArabianKnight

I am curious, what is your rank now? This would have a great impact.

shawn488

Arabian,

I'm a Staff Sergeant, Army, E-6.

ArabianKnight

For the NOVA/DC/MD area 100k+ is typical for IT management. You have a degree, a clearance and certs, so you are good there. Remember though, you will be paying taxes on your entire salary vs just your base army salary. Depending on if you have dependents or not that also could be a factor in pay.

Another option would be staying in and going WO, but I know the army is letting many soldiers go(don't know if you are involved with this cut). Get out as a CW2 then you are an SME in your field by default and with your degree you should be a shoe in for WO.

If you get out make sure you find employment that uses your full clearance or go reserve/guard and they will maintain it for you.

shawn488

Arabian,

Thanks for the information. I don't plan on staying in. I am actually looking to move to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area when I get out.

anhtran35

Shawn it depends on location. In Dallas, Texas, I'm not sure if they pay 100k. In DC/VA, Yes they pay pretty well. I'm also a resident of DC/VA. In regards to your qualifications, do you have experience managing others? If you do you can apply for IT Manager and Help Desk Manager positions. I'm not sure if they pay 100k; however, I've seen those managers eventually become Directors which hit the 100k and above mark.

shawn488

Anhtran,

Yes I do have experience managing others. I currently manage between 3 and 7 people on a give shift. I work 12 hour shifts in a 24x7 environment right now. I have been at the current position for almost 4 years. Before this position I managed 10 people in a NOC type environment which I did for 3 years.

anhtran35

Shawn...have you considered moving overseas for a few years? Being a site manager in Germany; South Korea or Kuwait? You can make 6 figures and take advantage of tax free of 97k if you stay out of the US expats benefits. Contracting work

shawn488

Anhtran,

Never thought about it but would be willing to consider it. Would prefer to stay in the US however but if I can't make the type of money I want, I would consider overseas.

fuz1on

Have you considered Austin? It's a new IT hotspot.

shawn488

Fuz,

My wife is going to law school at Texas A/M in Fort Worth which is why I'm moving to the area.

shawn488

For the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, can anyone tell me if a 90 or 95k job is attainable for me?

anhtran35

I type in IT MANAGER on Indeed.com location Dallas Fort Worth. Came up with a few 100k jobs.

MrAgent

Also check out glassdoor.com , you can get a general idea of salaries for the position you are looking for.

philz1982

Plenty of consulting companies with satelite offices in dallas. I was making 105k in dallas with 5 years exp. With 10 years it would be easy. Just start cold calling companies.

zxbane

I agree with the others here, with your experience, credentials and clearance you should be able to do pretty well.

earonw49

You are definitleu qualified. Good luck on your endeavors!

shawn488

Thank you all for the inspiration. I feel a little more confident eventually applying for jobs. Just need to work on interview skills since I've never done one.