Computer Science Salaries: In-Demand Jobs + Degrees Required [2021 Expert Guide]

Computer science is one of the fastest-growing career paths in the US, with salaries that reflect high demand: students who complete a computer science major earn 40 percent more over their lifetimes than average college graduates. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth in the computer and information technology sector at 11 percent between 2019 to 2029, more than twice the rate for the labor market as a whole. Nearly 70 percent of all new STEM jobs are in computing.

In recent years, US policy has focused on promoting computer science education. A 2016 initiative backed by President Obama encouraged schools to include the subject in K-12 curricula. The proliferation of undergraduate and graduate computer science programs is preparing more students than ever to succeed in the field.

Efforts have yet to pay off fully. There are still 400,000 vacant jobs in computing, reflecting an obvious shortage of qualified professionals. Only 11 percent of conferred bachelor’s degrees are in computer science, a number that’s even lower for Black and Latino students (HBCUs have been adding computer science programs in an effort to fill that gap).

All in all, this is the perfect moment to begin your computer science career; those who commit to computer science can reap huge rewards in the years and decades ahead.

This expert guide on computer science salaries: in-demand jobs + degrees required explores:

• How much does a computer scientist make?
• How much will you make with a computer science degree?
• Does where you earn your computer science degree impact earning potential?
• What are the highest-paying computer science jobs?
• Top states for computer science jobs (and salaries)
• Does computer science pay well?

How much does a computer scientist make?

The average salary for computer scientists is just over $80,000 per year, according to PayScale. What you’ll earn as a computer scientist will be significantly influenced by factors like years of experience, location, company, and education level.

What’s the average salary for computer science careers?

The average salary for computer scientists is around $80,000, but that’s not representative of all computer science careers. We’ve listed the average salaries for some computer science job titles below:

• Cloud engineer: $91,000
• Computer systems analyst: $69,000
• Security architect: $124,000
• Software development director: $146,000
• Software tester: $57,000

What’s the highest/lowest average salary for computer scientists?

The top ten percent of computer scientists earn at least $135,000 (salaries can go higher), while the bottom ten percent earn no more than $52,0000 annually.

What to expect in a computer science starting salary

According to the National Associate of Colleges and Employers, computer science was projected as 2020’s top-paying major. Your starting salary can depend on how much education you have; someone with an associate’s degree likely earns less than someone with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

That said, those without a background in computer science can transition into the field by self teaching, completing boot camps, or graduating from a master’s program.

What’s the average entry-level salary for computer scientists?

Entry-level computer scientists earn an average annual salary of just under $66,000.

What are entry-level computer science jobs?

Computer science jobs commonly require a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent and frequently come with prefixes like:

• Assistant
• Associate
• Entry-level
• Junior

These prefixes are useful for differentiating among jobs. A junior software developer is very different than a no-prefix software developer.

How much do computer scientists make with 10+ years of experience?

The average computer scientist with ten or more years of experience earns a salary of $104,000, according to PayScale. However, education plays a massive role in this area—making that much can require a master’s degree.

How much will you make with a computer science degree?

As a general rule, salary increases with education, though this isn’t always the case. Where you work, live, and earn your degree can impact salary.

Finally, there are jobs you can get with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. Graduate degrees can provide great return on investment but require a significant investment of time and money.

How much do you make with a computer science associate’s degree?

According to PayScale, the average annual salary for someone with an associate’s in computer science is around $65,000.

Jobs with a computer science associate’s degree

An associate’s is a two-year degree offered through a community college. It usually leads to further education, i.e., a bachelor’s program, rather than specific jobs. These degrees are great for those who want to explore their interests rather than jump into a major. Earning an associate’s degree at a commuter school can also be a major cost-saver for those who transfer afterward—you only need to pay for two years of a bachelor’s program. Community colleges are typically less costly than four-year institutions.

It can be difficult, but not impossible, to get a computer science job with just an associate’s degree. It usually requires a strong resume centered around outside projects.

How much do comp-sci majors make?

Those with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science earn an average annual salary of over $85,000, according to PayScale.

Jobs with a major in computer science

Entry-level positions usually require a bachelor’s degree in computer science—being able to show internship experience and outside projects doesn’t hurt either.

Some of the jobs that you can earn by majoring in computer science include:

• Computer network administrator
• Computer programmer
• Computer systems analyst
• Information technology (IT) support specialist
• Quality assurance (QA) engineer
• Software engineer
• Web developer

How much do you make with a master’s in computer science?

According to PayScale, those with a master’s in computer science earn an average of around $102,000 per year.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science should be an easy decision for those who want to work in the field. Before entering a master’s program, consider whether it’s worth spending more money and time earning additional education. This decision will depend on your career goals. If you can keep advancing in the field without one, it probably isn’t worth going back to school. Some people earn a master’s while working. Plenty of people do it but know in advance that it will be challenging.

You should also factor in geography. Those who reside near a computer science hub like Boston have easy access to more top universities than someone, say, deep in New Hampshire. Online study offers an excellent option to those who live far from a university with a good computer science program.

These schools all have excellent computer science master’s programs:

• Boston University
• Case Western Reserve University
• Columbia University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Southern Methodist University
• Tufts University
• Tulane University of Louisiana
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Some schools, such as Tulane University, offer what’s known as a 4+1 program. This kind of program is designed for bachelor’s students to earn their graduate degree with one additional year of study, rather than return to school for two years. While it can be great to complete your graduate education early, it might be worth getting some professional experience first.

Jobs with a master’s in computer science

A master’s in computer science leads to some of the best jobs in the field. Jobs for those with a master’s in computer science include:

• Computer and information research scientist
• Computer network architect
• Database administrator
• Information security manager
• Information systems manager
• Software development engineer

How much do computer science PhDs make?

On average, computer science PhDs earn $125,500, according to PayScale, but this number is heavily dependant on career direction. Tenured professors at top schools can earn over $150,000—sometimes over $300,000. Assistant professors earn $100,000 on average. Researchers make just under $90,000.

Jobs with a computer science PhD

Those with a PhD in computer science are best prepared for academic and research positions. While much research happens at universities, major companies and the government also employ researchers.

Some non-academic positions for PhD-holders include:

• Camera optical engineer
• Lead data scientist
• Modem systems engineer
• Senior CPU performance modeling architect

Does where you earn your computer science degree impact earning potential?

Yes, it does. However, it’s hardly the only factor. Degrees from top schools usually provide excellent opportunities through strong alumni networks and career services departments. Ultimately though, the kinds of jobs you pursue, your experience level, and even where you live will determine how much you make.

Do grads of top comp-sci programs earn more?

On aggregate, they do. The best programs are usually all too happy to provide salary information about their graduates. According to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology survey of 2020 graduates, those with a bachelor’s degree earned over $111,000 in the computer technology and information field, while reporting master’s degree graduates earned over $135,000. MIT consistently has one of the top-ranked computer science programs, and both of these numbers are well above field averages.

Will computer science internships boost your salary?

Internships, especially top ones, can lead to better opportunities after graduation, including at the company where you interned. An article that appeared on The University of Texas at Dallas computer science department blog includes this quote from the Director of the Industrial Practice Programs: “Having internship experience makes the student a more attractive candidate.” This extra experience may lead to a better salary.

What do top employers look for on computer science resumes?

Some general skills that you may need to get a computer science job are:

• 3D modeling
• Data analytics
• Data visualization
• Machine learning
• Programming language skills (top languages include Python, R, and SQL)

Importantly, there’s a growing demand for multi-specialized computer science professionals, according to Arizona State University – Tempe. Some examples of master’s specializations include:

• Big data and data mining
• Computer systems
• Cyber security
• Game development
• Network systems

You can also boost your resume by attending a master’s program with a specialty focus. Case Western Reserve University offers an MS in Computing and Information Science. The University of Tulsa offers an MS in Cyber Security, which is a growing sector of computer science where qualified professionals routinely earn over $100,000 per year.

What computer science skills are the most in-demand?

There isn’t an official ranking system for the top computer science skills. Programming probably would rank first if there were. The best computer science professionals are analytical and able to troubleshoot—an essential part of programming. You need hard skills, but being able to apply knowledge to systems and having the gumption to figure out how to solve problems are by far the most important skills.

What are the highest-paying computer science jobs?

Some of the highest-paying computer science positions, and their median salaries, are:

• Security engineer: $129,847
• Software development engineer: $114,125
• Computer scientist: $111,405
• Software developer: $110,000
• UNIX system administrator: $99,793

Most of these positions require at least a master’s degree. Even then, you may not reach a senior role (and the top of the pay scale) until you’ve earned a master’s and get a few years of experience—maybe even more than ten. A junior software developer may earn less than $70,000 annually, while a senior developer at the same company makes over $150,000 per year. Salary is heavily dependent on education, location, and experience.

What’s the median salary for computer science jobs?

In 2019, the BLS reported that the computer and information technology sector had a median annual wage of $88,240. This isn’t precisely the median salary, but it is the closest possible estimate.

How do salaries vary across comp-sci fields?

Computational thinking—using computers to solve problems—is a common thread among all computer science vocations. Beyond that, separating fields can be difficult. Some experts divide them into three categories:

• Academics
• Research
• Applied computer science

Applied computer science jobs have some of the highest salaries. Software engineers and full-stack developers both earn over $100,000 per year, on average. There is a huge range for research salaries—from under $40,000 to over $140,000. Essentially, fellows at huge (read well-funded) universities or foundations make a lot more than those in entry-level positions at smaller schools. The same is true for professors, who can have huge salaries, but don’t always.

How much do computer science engineers make?

According to PayScale, the average salary for computer science software engineers is around $80,000 per year. Again, this number can fluctuate based on experience and education.

Computer science vs. computer engineering: What’s the difference in salaries?

The difference between computer science and engineering is complex. Computer scientists design applications (including software) and work in theoretical and practical applications. Computer engineers focus on building applications from the ground up and work more with hardware. There is overlap between the disciplines, including the need for coding skills.

Computer engineering professionals may work as:

• Computer systems analysts
• Electrical design engineers
• Firmware engineers
• Hardware engineer
• Network architects

According to PayScale, computer engineers usually earn a little more (an average of around $84,000) than their counterparts. The BLS says computer and information research scientists earn a median income of $122,840 per year, while <a
href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm#tab-1” target=”_blank”>computer hardware engineers earn $117,220. Each salary calculation site uses a different data collection method, explaining the discrepancy.

What are the most in-demand computer science jobs?

According to Arizona State University, some of the fastest-growing computer science jobs, and their growth rates, are:

• Computer scientist 15%
• Database administrator 12%
• Information security analyst 15%
• Information technology manager 12%
• Software developer 12%
• Web developer 15%

The best computer science jobs aren’t necessarily the most in-demand ones, though there can be overlap.

Top states for computer science jobs (and salaries)

Some states have much better computer science opportunities than others—usually because they are home to high-paying companies and hot start-ups. Unless otherwise noted, salary information comes from CareerOneStop’s computer and information research scientist page. Because specific job openings are constantly changing, each section discusses states’ opportunities in general terms.

Computer science salaries in California

California computer scientists’ median annual income is slightly under $135,000 per year—with the top ten percent earning over $200,000 and the bottom ten percent earning under $72,000.

Computer science jobs in California

Pretty much every major company has headquarters in California, including the obvious ones like Google, Apple, Oracle, and Uber. There are also several excellent universities for those interested in research or teaching positions, including:

• Stanford University
• University of California – Los Angeles
• University of Southern California

Finally, the California coast is peppered with military bases, which means opportunities through the Department of Defense (DOD) or individual military branches, such as the Air Force.

Computer science salaries in New York

New York computer scientists’ median annual wage is just over $132,000 per year—with the top ten percent earning over $200,000 and the bottom ten percent earning nearly $85,000.

Computer science jobs in New York

Like California, most major companies have offices in New York—the city, that is. Google, Apple, and Amazon all need New York-based computer scientists, as does the banking industry. Finally, major research and teaching institutions include Columbia and New York University.

The reverse commute is also becoming more popular for New Yorkers. This means living in the city and traveling to a job in New Jersey, which is becoming a great place for data science in its own right.

Computer science salaries in Texas

Texas computer scientists‘ median annual wage is about $125,000 per year—with the top ten percent earning a little over $190,000 and the bottom ten percent earning just under $80,000.

Computer science jobs in Texas

Though not the first state you think of for computer science, Texas has major companies like GM and—duh!—Texas Instruments. It also has a number of great universities for research, teaching, and learning, including:

• The University of Texas at Austin
• Southern Methodist University
• University of Texas at Dallas

Additionally, Austin is a great place for startups, a great source of high-potential computer science jobs.

Computer science salaries in Florida

Florida computer scientists’ median annual wage is around $110,000 per year—with the top ten percent earning just under $200,000 and the bottom ten percent earning slightly under $72,000.

Computer science jobs in Florida

Florida is an aerospace and defense hub. The state offers excellent computer science jobs at governmental agencies, such as the DOD, and major defense corporations, such as Lockheed Martin. It also hosts some excellent research universities, including the University of Miami.

Does computer science pay well?

If you haven’t figured it out already, computer science can pay extremely well. Considering that the average American earns around $50,000 at their peak, even bottom-tier computer science figures look impressive.

How does cost-of-living impact computer science salaries?

Cost of living doesn’t necessarily directly impact computer science salaries, but the two are usually linked. For instance, you can get a studio apartment in Cleveland for under $1,000 per month. In New York, the same apartment can cost twice as much. However, New York computer scientists earn far above the national median, whereas those in Cleveland earn well below—though still six figures.

While places with lower living costs usually have lower salaries, the purchasing power is more significant in those places. Is this a good or a bad thing? It could be either. Like computer science itself, it’s about how you approach the situation.

Questions or feedback? Email editor@noodle.com