IT Manager / CTO: Salary and Earnings 2026 at a Glance

IT managers and CTOs bear overall responsibility for a company's technology strategy and IT organisation. They define the technological direction, manage IT budgets, lead IT teams and ensure that technology acts as an enabler of the business strategy. As a member of the management team, they play an active role in shaping the digital future of their company. The requirements include many years of experience in various IT management roles, strategic thinking, strong leadership skills and the ability to justify technology investments to the board and stakeholders. In addition to technical expertise in current technology trends, knowledge of budget planning, vendor management, risk management and compliance is expected. The salaries for IT managers and CTOs are among the highest in the entire IT industry. In addition to the basic salary, remuneration packages often include bonuses, share options, company cars and extensive additional benefits. The level varies considerably depending on company size, industry and location, with corporations and well-funded scale-ups offering the most attractive packages. The path to CTO or Head of IT typically leads through positions as Senior Developer, Architect, Engineering Manager and Director of Engineering. The increasing strategic importance of technology for business success is continuously strengthening the position of IT managers in the corporate hierarchy.