As in all sectors, there are many management information systems jobs available with the government. City, state and federal governments need MIS graduates to organize and troubleshoot information systems and solve technology-related business problems so that everyday operations can continue smoothly. MIS graduates can work as information systems analysts or managers, database administrators, computer programmers, Web developers and intelligence analysts, among other job titles. Various government agencies need these professionals to do the same type of work they do in the private sector, and the salary is usually about the same in both sectors.
Information systems managers make the highest salaries of all MIS jobs, followed by business intelligence analysts, database administrators and computer programmers. Since MIS graduates tend to take on management responsibilities, their salaries are somewhat higher than those of employees in the same positions with other degrees. For example, database administrators with an IT or computer systems degree make about $77,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In comparison, MIS graduates who perform database administration make $83,000 to $119,000. MIS jobs in the government don’t always pay as much as private sector jobs, but the salaries are comparable, and many government MIS jobs pay the same as private sector jobs.
How to Obtain Management Information Systems Jobs With the Government
The government lists job openings in the same classified job listings as other MIS careers, and they often post available jobs on college job boards for graduating seniors. If you’re still in college, you can ask your business or MIS department about government internships or job openings. Most government jobs are for state and local governments since federal government jobs are located only in certain cities across the country. All agencies need MIS graduates for many positions, and the government tends to hire people to fill quotas even if there is no work that immediately needs to be done. Government careers come with more rules, regulations, supervision and scrutiny than private sector jobs, and government employees are often called in to work at any time, even when not scheduled, according to GovLoop.
Any type of government organization, agency, department or property hires MIS graduates to manage technology-related business activities or analyze business processes to make them more efficient. Public properties, such as state and national parks, need MIS analysts and consultants, and agencies at all levels of government need managers and analysts to streamline operations, analyze business technology and manage department employees. Most government jobs require only a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree can increase salary, opportunities and responsibility.
Management Information Systems Salary and Job Types
While public sector jobs can involve a lot of red tape and inefficiency, governments rarely spend money on office decor or executive perks as private sector firms do. Depending on the type of government MIS career you choose, you can make between $72,000 and $115,000 per year, on average. Starting salaries are usually around $48,000 to $56,000 and increase from there, depending on education and experience.
Related Resource: IT Director Salary
MIS professionals are in high demand, and the government needs these graduates just as much as the private sector does. You don’t need to be interested in programming or database administration to work in MIS since this field is primarily focused on management, so if you have a natural ability to lead people, continue researching the management information systems jobs available with the government.
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