Technology managers help ensure vital systems are maintained, secure and aligned with their organization’s goals. While their approaches vary by organization and specific role, technology managers’ key responsibilities include monitoring existing systems, overseeing security, staying current with advancements and leading technology projects such as implementations and migrations.
Earning a relevant degree — such as a bachelor’s in technology management or a master’s in technology management — can provide individuals with the technical expertise and business skills needed for these leadership roles. Those interested in pursuing this path should learn more about this type of degree program and what positions graduates might pursue.
What Does a Technology Management Degree Program Entail?
A technology management degree program provides a foundation in mathematics, physical sciences, technology and management, preparing students for technical fields and system management. These programs focus on helping students develop their technical skills, including in areas such as production planning, quality control and process management. Curricula vary by institution but typically include courses that cover technical communication, industrial supervision and computer applications.
Graduate-level programs emphasize research methods, leadership and critical thinking. Master’s degree coursework may cover facilities management, technology innovation, advanced quality concepts and lean enterprise strategies.
For working professionals or students wishing to balance their studies with an internship or other responsibilities, an online program may be worth considering. Online technology management programs can give students the flexibility to earn a degree on their own schedule while supporting themselves and getting real-world experience in the field.
6 Careers for Technology Management Degree Graduates
A degree in technology management opens doors to diverse career paths in technical and leadership roles in areas that range from engineering and production management to sales and continuous improvement.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for computer and information technology professionals will grow much faster from 2023 to 2033 than the average for all occupations.
1. Engineering Manager
Engineering managers oversee technical teams, hiring and training staff, setting project budgets and timelines, and troubleshooting prototypes. They ensure the technical accuracy of their team’s work and collaborate with marketing, sales and customer service teams to inform the messaging about their organization’s products. Employers often seek candidates with an advanced degree in management or engineering.
According to the BLS, the 2023 median annual salary for engineering managers was $165,370, and anticipated job growth from 2023 to 2033 is 6 percent.
2. Lean Manager
Lean managers focus on continuous improvements to enhance their organization’s performance. Lean managers, typically mid- or senior-level employees, employ five steps — identifying value, mapping the value stream, making a continuous workflow, developing a pull system and continuously improving — to identify and implement improvements.
As of May 2024, Payscale reports that lean managers had a median annual salary of about $104,000.
3. Industrial Production Manager
Industrial production managers are responsible for maintaining safe industrial production processes to protect employees and effective operational performance to meet their organization’s aims. They ensure their plant operations and resources are optimized, maintain production schedules, monitor budgets, analyze data and review reports. Some industrial production managers are responsible for implementing quality control programs.
The BLS reports a 2023 median annual salary of $116,970 for industrial production managers and projects they will see 3 percent job growth from 2023 to 2033.
4. Production Supervisor
Production supervisors manage manufacturing operations, ensuring they maintain efficiency, material flow and safety compliance. They may oversee a division or an entire facility, particularly in industrial settings. Their responsibilities include supervising operations, training staff, hiring staff and meeting production goals.
As of January 2025, production supervisors had a median annual salary of around $68,000, according to Payscale.
5. Technical Project Manager
Technical project managers ensure projects are on schedule, are within budget and meet their scope. They plan, coordinate the interests of stakeholders and develop processes. They use their strong problem-solving skills to refine procedures, assign roles, allocate resources, track progress and resolve issues before they affect the progress of a project.
The 2023 median annual salary for scientific and technical project managers was $103,610, according to the BLS. The BLS projects 7 percent job growth from 2023 to 2033 for project management roles.
6. Technical Sales Manager
Technical sales managers combine their interpersonal and technical skills to help their business grow and maintain profitability. With a technical background, these professionals are particularly qualified to sell technical or scientific products. They are responsible for setting sales goals, analyzing data, training sales teams and keeping track of market trends and customer preferences.
The BLS reports a 2023 median annual salary of $165,050 for scientific and technical sales managers and projects 6 percent job growth from 2023 to 2033 for sales managers in general.
Reasons to Enroll in a Technology Management Degree Program
Professionals with a technology management degree can reap several benefits — in their careers and their lives.
- Transferable skills: The skills honed in a technology management program, both technical and leadership skills, provide a strong foundation for a host of professional and personal endeavors. For example, understanding how to manage data and projects, think critically and communicate effectively are skills that apply far beyond a single role or career path.
- Expanded career opportunities: Graduates of a technology management program are equipped to pursue a variety of different jobs, as illustrated by the list of sample positions above. The need for tech leaders can be seen across almost every industry, from healthcare to manufacturing to finance.
- Job stability and competitive salaries: Because of the increasing need for professionals — and especially leaders — who understand technology, the job outlook for technology management professionals is positive. Salaries are generally strong as well, with many occupations having median salaries in the six figures.
Prepare for a Career as a Leader in Technology
Technology is changing the way nearly every industry operates, and the need for professionals to lead through those changes is high. By earning a technology management degree through a flexible program from SEMO Online, students and professionals can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this exciting field. Southeast Missouri State University also offers in-person programs, primarily on its main campus in Cape Girardeau.
Explore how SEMO Online’s Bachelor of Science in Technology Management or Master of Science in Technology Management program can help you advance in your tech career today.
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Sources:
Indeed, “Engineering Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”
Indeed, “FAQ: What Is a Technology Management Degree?”
Indeed, “How to Write a Production Supervisor Job Description Sample”
Indeed, “Technical Project Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”
Indeed, “What Is a Lean Manager? (Definition, Duties and FAQs)”
LinkedIn Pulse, “What Is a Technology Management Degree?”
Payscale, Average Lean Manager Salary
Payscale, Average Production Supervisor Salary
Quest Technology Management, “What Is the Significance of Technology Management When It Comes to Running a Business?”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Architectural and Engineering Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology Occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Industrial Production Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Project Management Specialists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sales Managers