what is a configuration manager?

As a configuration manager, you ensure the stability and availability of computer systems, networks, and applications. You are responsible for overseeing configuration management procedures to improve efficiency and ensure a smooth workflow. Configuration management is the process of combining individual parts of software or applications into packages or configurations. A configuration represents the interrelated features of physical and functional software products. When individual components are grouped together, you can manage the product configurations that go to various customers.

Your duties typically involve installing and configuring software, hardware, and associated systems for a product. You also develop system configuration standards and create technical documents to guide users and other employees on how to use the systems. Additionally, you are responsible for any changes made to the configurations. You document upgrades and maintenance completed on the systems. That way, the tech teams using the software products will know the configurations powering the software. Aside from monitoring the functionality of the configurations, you are also in charge of security. You maintain the security of configuration information and develop procedures to prevent unauthorised access.

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average configuration manager salary

As a configuration manager, you receive an average remuneration package of $125,000 per year. Your salary fluctuates based on your experience and educational qualifications. In a junior position, you start with a salary of $107,000 per year. With experience, your earnings increase gradually, and you can make over $155,500 annually.

what factors affect the salary of a configuration manager?

The main determinant of your earnings is experience. Your experience showcases your skills and ability to perform complex tasks. As a result, having a few years of experience as a configuration analyst or manager improves your remuneration package. When you have additional certifications, you can easily negotiate a higher remuneration due to your expertise.

The size of the company you work for also influences your earnings. When you work for a small tech startup, having limited resources lowers your salary expectations, while working in a large company with vast resources increases your remuneration prospects. Additionally, in large companies, you also handle complex tasks and work with an extensive array of software.

Your working location may also influence your earnings. When you work in a large metro area, the demand for configuration managers increases your earning potential, whereas small cities have a lower demand for configuration managers, which reduces the salaries in the region.

Want to know what you will earn as a configuration manager? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of configuration managers

Configuration managers can specialise in specific aspects of their roles or perform general configuration tasks, such as developing policies and implementing configuration management procedures. For instance, as a software configuration manager, you develop and implement the configuration environment. You also support the implementation of changes to computer systems and software.

As a configuration data manager, you establish configuration and data management policies or procedures. You ensure that configuration items are maintained, stored and archived well. You also monitor stored configurations to prevent unauthorised access.

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working as a configuration manager

Are you interested in becoming a configuration manager? Let's explore the specific duties, work environments, and work schedules associated with the role.

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education and skills

If you want to become a configuration manager, get a bachelor's degree in IT or computer science (CS). Alternatively, complete a course in software engineering or software development to gain the relevant skills. Most companies provide on-the-job training for configuration analysts and managers to help you familiarise yourself with the organisation's systems.

Aside from gaining relevant work experience, consider getting professional certification, such as an Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certificate.

configuration manager skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a configuration manager include:

  • communication skills: as a configuration manager, you work with a team of DevOps and software engineers, so it is important to explain your ideas clearly. Communication skills help you explain technical terms to users and provide instructions to the technical team. Having exceptional communication skills prevents misunderstandings.
  • knowledge in change management: as a configuration manager, you require knowledge in change management to implement and monitor changes to configurations. Your expertise in change management helps you ensure changes are made safely and efficiently, with minimal disruptions to the computer systems.
  • problem-solving skills: as a configuration manager, you require good problem-solving skills to identify problems or evaluate their impacts. Aside from analysing problems in configurations, you implement solutions to avoid downtimes and system interruptions.
  • organisational skills: your duties involve tracking different elements that need to be configured and ensuring the configuration works properly. With multiple tasks to perform, you should prioritise and organise your tasks to avoid making mistakes or missing important processes that could cause problems.
  • technical skills: as a configuration manager, you require exceptional technical skills to configure hardware and software components. Knowledge of automation scripting for automating repetitive tasks can save you time. The ability to apply software updates and patches is also useful in the role.
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FAQs about working as a configuration manager

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a configuration manager.

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