How to become a Chief Information Officer

Also called: Chief Technology Officer

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the ICT strategies, plans and operations of an organisation to ensure the ICT infrastructure supports the organisation's overall operations and priorities.

Main tasks

• Analyses information needs and specifies technology to meet those needs
• Formulates and directs ICT strategies, and aligns ICT strategies with business objectives
• Oversees ICT infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and security
• Assesses suitability of current ICT and data systems and processes, and oversees upgrades and maintenance
• Evaluates and manages risks related to ICT infrastructure, data security and other related areas
• Establishes business continuity and disaster recovery plans to minimise the impact and duration of disruptions to operations and ICT resources

Ways in

• University: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership (BSB80320)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $172,120 a year
• About 89,900 people work in this job group now, and about 112,800 are projected by 2035. (+25.5%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Chief Information Security Officer
• ICT Operations Manager
• ICT Project Manager
• ICT Service Delivery Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Chief Information Officer?

Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees; Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership.

How much does a Chief Information Officer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $172,120 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Chief Information Officer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 26% by 2035, from about 89,900 to about 112,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Chief Information Officer?

Usually. 73% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Chief Information Officer?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04