Having a clear understanding of earnings potential is important, especially if you are researching career paths or considering changing jobs. If you're one of those people, and you're curious what kind of salary Computer Scientists make, you've come to the right place.
The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has compiled rich information about salary for Computer Scientists and related jobs, including details about average compensation, salary trends and job growth. We've also gathered advertised salaries from actual job postings to provide insight into what employers of Computer Scientists are offering as compensation.
Keep reading to learn more about how much Computer Scientists can expect to make in the United States.
At a Glance: Salary & Jobs for Computer Scientists
Computer Scientists Jobs 2021
Computer Scientists Compensation
Computer Scientists Job Posting Demand
34,202
$126,818
5,862
According to data from 2021, there were about 34,202 jobs listed for Computer Scientists in the United States. In terms of salary, the national median salary for Computer Scientists was reported to be $126,818. Additionally, when examining job posting demand, employers across the country posted 5,862 job postings related to positions for Computer Scientists in 2021.
What Salary do Computer Scientists Make?
Median salary is just one data point. To build a better understanding of how much Computer Scientists and related positions can expect to make in the United States, it can be helpful to look at the full range of compensation for those jobs.
Let's look more deeply at data that was reported to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for detail into the lowest and highest earners for Computer Scientists.
Annual Salary for Computer Scientists
According to the BLS, the lowest earners for Computer Scientists and related professions earned about $72,218 per year in 2021. Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, the highest earners made about $194,438 annually.
As mentioned previously, the median salary for Computer Scientists in the United States in 2021 was $126,818.
Annual Salary Range For Computer Scientists In 2021
Hourly Salary for Computer Scientists
The BLS also breaks down compensation for Computer Scientists by hourly salary, and the median average hourly pay for Computer Scientists in 2021 was $61. Lowest hourly earners took home $35 while the highest reported hourly salaries for Computer Scientists was $93.
Hourly Salary Range For Computer Scientists In 2021
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Degree Options for Computer Scientists
A.S. Computer Science
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Learn to translate business requirements into robust yet functional software applications and database designs to help businesses not only run but thrive, and jump start your career as a user support specialist, computer system analyst, or software developer.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
A.S. Information Technology
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Equip yourself for a role as an IT, network or help desk specialist with fundamental technology skills, including medium-scale network administration, small website and application development, and database design and querying.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
B.S. Computer Science
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Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
B.S. Information Systems
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Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
B.S. Information Technology
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Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
M.S. in Computer Science
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Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 20
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
M.S. in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Focus
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Deliver high-quality software that helps companies and organizations maintain data security and integrity with Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 20
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
M.S. in Computer Science - Software Systems Focus
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Learn to create scalable software systems that Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency by earning Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Software Systems. The hands-on, theory-to-practice program will prepare you to be an asset in a variety of industries
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
M.S. in Information Technology
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- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Certificates & Microcredentials for Computer Scientists
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certificate Online
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Start your cloud computing journey with AWS certificate courses for beginners and keep up with the fast pace of innovation.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 2-3 months
- Cost: $35/month
DeepLearning.AI TensorFlow Developer Certificate Online
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This DeepLearning AI certificate course lets you dive into the cutting-edge world of AI specialization, machine learning and data-driven solutions.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 3-4 months
- Cost: $35/month
Github Certificate Online
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In-demand programmers know Git. You can, too, with GitHub certificate courses that put you among the ranks of other Git certification-ready development pros.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 3-4 months
- Cost: $35/month
Google IT Support Professional Certificate Online
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Fast track your IT career with the Google IT support training and certificate that helps you learn about network protocols, operating systems, and solving problems using code.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Google UX Design Certificate Online
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Put your creativity to work with these Google UX design courses that equip you to build and test user-centered solutions and to use Google Analytics to improve usability.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 5-6 months
- Cost: $35/month
IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate Online
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Develop practical skills in Python and IBM applied AI thanks to deep learning courses that show you how to design, build and deploy AI-powered apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 3-4 months
- Cost: $35/month
IBM Full Stack Cloud Developer Certificate Online
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Build your cloud developer portfolio with this hands-on IBM full stack cloud developer certificate course that uses the latest tools and technologies to manage full stack cloud native apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Programming For Everyone
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- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
Advertised Compensation For Computer Scientists
Data from the BLS is one way to dig into compensation for Computer Scientists, but another way to build a more real-time understanding of salary is to look at actual job postings and see what pay is being offered to open positions for Computer Scientists.
Keep in mind that salary data is not included in each and every job posting, so the information compiled here is reflective of the data that could be found.
Annual Salary From Job Postings For Computer Scientists
Advertised Annual Salary
$
$83K
MEDIAN ADVERTISED SALARY
Based on 1,951 advertised salary observations (33% of the 5,862 matching postings).
During a review of 12,211 job postings related to Computer Scientists, advertised salary was included in 1,951 of them, which was 16%. Based on those postings, the median advertised salary for Computer Scientists was $83,200 per year.
Hourly Salary From Job Postings For Computer Scientists
Advertised Hourly Salary
$
$40/hr
MEDIAN ADVERTISED SALARY
Based on 1,951 advertised salary observations (33% of the 5,862 matching postings).
A similar analysis of job postings provides insight into advertised hourly salary for Computer Scientists. Based on 33% of postings with advertised compensation, the median hourly salary for open Computer Scientists positions in the United States is about $40.
Salary Trend For Computer Scientists
You may want to understand how compensation has changed over time for Computer Scientists if you're thinking about pursuing a career in the field. The chart below provides a snapshot of advertised salaries over the past three years.
Based on compensation data that was included in job postings for Computer Scientists dating back to September 2018, advertised salaries for Computer Scientists have decreased 19%.
Advertised Wage Trend For Computer Scientists
Are Jobs Growing For Computer Scientists?
Another data point that someone thinking about a career path should consider is whether or not jobs are expected to see growth in the future. The chart below looks at projected employment for Computer Scientists over the next 10 years.
According to the data, there were 34,193 jobs for Computer Scientists in the U.S. in 2021. By 2031, it is expected that about 7,260 jobs will be added. That's a 21.2% increase over the next 10-year period.
Employment Projections For Computer Scientists
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information about Computer Scientists? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for Computer Scientists.
What do Computer Scientists do?
Computer Scientists - How do you become one?
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The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has compiled data for dozens of in-demand jobs. Explore our full catalog of occupation data by visiting the link below.
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FAQs
How much do most computer scientists make? ›
Computer scientists make $103,238 per year on average, or $49.63 per hour, in the United States. Computer scientists on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $74,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $144,000.
How much do people make on computer science? ›How much do computer science professionals make? The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary of computer scientists as $131,490 with a range of $74,210 for the lowest 10 percent of wage earners and $208,000 for the highest 10 percent [2].
What is the highest paying job? ›OCCUPATION | 2021 MEDIAN PAY |
---|---|
General internal medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
Family medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
Emergency medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
A degree in computer science can lead to roles in a variety of industries outside big tech, such as healthcare, postsecondary education, telecommunications, and business. While salaries can vary greatly by degree level and occupation, the median salary for computer science professionals is roughly $97,430.
Do computer science get paid well? ›Entry-level computer scientists can earn an average salary of $72,210 annually. Mid-level computer scientists can make an average salary of $126,830 annually. Senior-level computer scientists can make an average salary of $194,430 annually.
Is computer science the highest paid job? ›With an average salary of ₹ 23,46,700 per annum, software engineers are among the highest-paid jobs for candidates with a computer science degree. Software engineers are largely responsible for maintaining and monitoring the technical aspects of the company.
Can computer science make you a millionaire? ›Software engineering is one of the best paid fields to work in. It's definitely possible for Software Engineers to become millionaires. Let's go over the many ways this is possible.
Is computer science hard? ›The short answer is “yes.” Search any list of majors to study, and you'll likely find that computer science tops the list as one of the most challenging disciplines to learn. Compared to other fields of study, pursuing a career in computer science requires both technical and analytical skill sets.
What is the lowest paying job? ›- Food-Preparation Workers. ...
- Gambling Dealers. ...
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers. ...
- Parking Lot Attendants. ...
- Non-Farm Animal Caretakers. ...
- Maids and Housekeepers. ...
- Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers. ...
- Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders.
- Lawyer. Average Salary: $141,890. ...
- Marketing Manager. Average Salary: $145,620. ...
- Podiatrist. Average Salary: $148,470. ...
- Petroleum Engineer. Average Salary: $154,780. ...
- IT Manager. Average Salary: $142,530. ...
- Airline Pilot & Co-Pilot. ...
- Nurse Anesthesiologist. ...
- Dentist.
How can I make 300k a year? ›
- Radiologist. ...
- Chief executive officer (CEO) ...
- Chief financial officer (CFO) ...
- Principal software architect. ...
- Obstetrics and gynecology physician. ...
- Emergency medicine physician. ...
- Psychiatrist. ...
- Physician.
Rank | Country | Average Monthly Net Salary (US$) |
---|---|---|
1 | Switzerland | 6142.1 |
2 | Singapore | 4350.79 |
3 | Australia | 4218.89 |
4 | United States | 3721.64 |
How We Define Good Jobs. A good job needs to meet people's basic needs and offer conditions for engagement and motivation. Simply providing basic needs such as a living wage and predictable schedules will not, in itself, create a motivated workforce.
Is computer science a lot of work? ›Earning a computer science degree has been known to entail a more intense workload than you might experience with other majors because there are many foundational concepts about computer software, hardware, and theory to learn. Part of that learning may involve a lot of practice, typically completed on your own time.
Is computer science a good career? ›Is computer science a good major? With a median pay of $91,250 and job growth of 11% in the computer and IT field , yes, computer science is a good major. The pay is competitive, and job growth for the industry is faster than the national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Is computer science good for me? ›In a computer science career, you will apply creativity and critical thinking. You'll also use problem-solving skills on a daily basis. If you're wondering, “would I be good at computer science,” the answer is yes if you have these skills. Many careers require logic and theory (such as algorithms).
Is it better to do it or computer science? ›Which is better Computer Science or IT? There is no such thing as “better” because they lead to different careers and have different specialisations or subfields. Either discipline is a great choice for your studies, as long as you're passionate about technology, and you understand what each study option implies.
What are the top 3 highest paying jobs in computer science? ›- Computer Support Specialist Average Annual Salary: $55,510. ...
- Website Developers and Digital Designers Annual Average Salary: $77,220. ...
- Network and Computer System Administrators Average Annual Salary: $84,810. ...
- Computer Programmer Average Annual Salary: $89,190.
Computer scientists, sometimes called information research scientists, create new technology. Some program instructions that control computer functions, networking and information security. Others earn their salaries by conducting independent research and teaching courses focused on computer theory.
What degree will make you a billionaire? ›Engineering
Coming in at the top is engineering - which might surprise you, but the scope of engineering is huge and widening all of the time. 22% of the world's top 100 billionaires studied some kind of engineering. Mexican entrepreneur Carlos Slim, who is worth around $52 billion, studied Civil Engineering.
Can coding make me a billionaire? ›
However, the short answer is no, coding cannot make you rich on its own. In order to make a lot of money as a coder, you need to do more than simply code. Of course, the meaning of rich is subjective. If you simply want to live comfortably, coding is definitely a job in which you can make more than the average person.
Does computer science require math? ›Computer science is a broad field, so if you're looking to get your computer science degree, the kind of math you'll need to know will depend on your specific program and career path. But generally speaking, most degree programs require a basic understanding of calculus, algebra, discrete mathematics, and statistics.
Which pays more IT or computer science? ›While both of these industries continue to grow exponentially year over year, research shows that computer science has the edge in terms of average salary and career outlook.
Is computer science a stable career? ›Computer scientists tend to have good job stability. Computer systems are a part of nearly every industry, which means businesses require team members with computer science backgrounds to manage them.
Can I survive in computer science? ›Remember: even as a Computer Science student, you still have a life. If you study for a Computer Science degree, it may seem pretty daunting as you'll need to learn more, study more, and do more. But don't forget to live your life.
How hard is it coding? ›Programming has a reputation for being one of the most difficult disciplines to master. Considering how different it is from traditional forms of education, including college degrees in computer science, it's not hard to see why some people have difficulty learning how to code.
How many hours do computer scientists work? ›Most computer and information research scientists work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Most jobs for computer and information research scientists require a master's degree in computer science or a related field.
Are computer scientists paid well? ›Some of the highest-paying careers with a computer science degree include computer network architects, software developers, and computer and information research scientists. Computer scientists earn $68,000 in entry-level positions, $100,000 in mid-career positions, and $121,000 in advanced positions.
Does computer science earn a lot of money? ›A degree in computer science can lead to roles in a variety of industries outside big tech, such as healthcare, postsecondary education, telecommunications, and business. While salaries can vary greatly by degree level and occupation, the median salary for computer science professionals is roughly $97,430.
Is computer scientist a hard job? ›The short answer is “yes.” Search any list of majors to study, and you'll likely find that computer science tops the list as one of the most challenging disciplines to learn. Compared to other fields of study, pursuing a career in computer science requires both technical and analytical skill sets.
Is computer science really worth? ›
Breaking down the education levels in technology job titles
Is a Computer Science degree worth it? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' guide to computer and information technology occupations, the answer is yes.
With a median pay of $91,250 and job growth of 11% in the computer and IT field , yes, computer science is a good major. The pay is competitive, and job growth for the industry is faster than the national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How can I get a high paying job? ›- Excel in your current position. ...
- Make professional connections. ...
- Build your skills. ...
- Take on new responsibilities. ...
- Research your current salary. ...
- Discuss internal options. ...
- Check job listings. ...
- Update your resume and apply.
- Software Developer. ...
- Web Developer. ...
- UX Designer. ...
- Mobile App Developer. ...
- IT Project Manager. ...
- Information Security Analyst. ...
- Systems Architect. ...
- AI Engineer.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $91,500 and as low as $20,000, the majority of Entry Level Computer Science salaries currently range between $32,000 (25th percentile) to $52,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $62,000 annually across the United States.
What computer jobs make a lot of money? ›- Programmer analyst. National average salary: $71,666 per year. ...
- Technical support engineer. National average salary: $72,224 per year. ...
- E-commerce business analyst. ...
- Business continuity analyst. ...
- Systems analyst. ...
- Database developer. ...
- Software developer. ...
- UX designer.