Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs With Computer Science Degree
A degree in Computer Science is a good option for technology enthusiasts who plan on making a career in the IT sector. Various colleges all over the US offer computer science degrees that can open up lucrative career opportunities for graduates. The curriculum usually covers subjects like operating systems, programming fundamentals, artificial intelligence (AI), database design and management, cloud computing, information security, big data and algorithms, etc.
This guide will tell you about the 10 highest-paying jobs that holders of a computer science degree can pursue in the US. A Bachelor’s degree will be enough for most of these occupations, though some may require higher educational credentials.
The rankings are based on information obtained from the latest available records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for Computer and Information Technology Occupations.
Featured Programs by Subject
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Computer and Information Research Scientists are responsible for inventing and designing new technologies while also discovering innovative ways to utilize existing IT tools. To enter this field, you will need to obtain a Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field such as Information Systems or Computer Engineering.
|
Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$127,460 |
|
|
Entry-Level Education |
Master’s Degree |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2018-28 |
16% |
|
|
Top Paying State, 2019 |
Virginia |
$143,390 |
|
Top Paying Industry, 2019 |
Navigational, Measuring, Electro-Medical and Control Instruments Manufacturing |
$172,810 |
Computer Network Architects
Computer Network Architects specialize in setting data communication networks like WANs (Wide Area Networks), LANs (Local Area Networks) and Intranets, etc. They also design and implement security measures for these networks. To become a Computer Network Architect, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field like Computer Engineering, Information Systems, etc.
|
Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$115,110 |
|
|
Entry-Level Education |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2018-28 |
5% |
|
|
Top Paying State, 2019 |
Virginia |
$128,530 |
|
Top Paying Industry, 2019 |
Securities, Commodity Contracts and Other Financial Investments/Related Activities |
$141,410 |
Software Developers
Software Developers are responsible for creating different systems and applications that run on computers as well as other electronic devices. To enter the field, you will need a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Computer Science or Software Engineering. An undergraduate degree in a related field like Information Systems or Computer Engineering would also suffice.
|
Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$111,620 |
|
|
Entry-Level Education |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2018-28 |
21% |
|
|
Top Paying State, 2019 |
California |
$134,370 |
|
Top Paying Industry, 2019 (Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers) |
Independent Artists, Writers and Performers |
$211,400 |
Information Security Analysts
Information Security Analysts come up with security mechanisms to protect the computer systems and networks of an organization. Their day-to-day responsibilities include pinpointing potential security flaws within a network and doing the needful to mitigate such risks. In order to become an Information Security Analyst, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Programming, Information Systems, etc.
|
Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$104,210 |
|
|
Entry-Level Education |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2018-28 |
32% |
|
|
Top Paying State, 2019 |
New York |
$121,750 |
|
Top Paying Industry, 2019 |
Nonresidential Building Construction |
$130,400 |
Database Administrators (DBAs)
Database Administrators (DBAs) make use of specialized software to collect, store and organize data. Most professionals in this field are employed by IT firms as well as organizations that have to maintain large databases (insurance companies, investment banks, educational institutions, etc.). To become a Database Administrator, you will have to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field like Information Systems.
|
Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$96,110 |
|
|
Entry-Level Education |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2018-28 |
9% |
|
|
Top Paying State, 2019 |
New Jersey |
$115,600 |
|
Top Paying Industry, 2019 |
Monetary Authorities-Central Bank |
$116,240 |
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer Systems Analysts (also known as Systems Architects) study the computer systems and procedures of an organization. The aim is to devise solutions that can help the company operate with greater efficiency and effectiveness. To enter this field, the most obvious route is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information Technology.
|
Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$96,160 |
|
|
Entry-Level Education |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2018-28 |
9% |
|
|
Top Paying State, 2019 |
California |
$110,820 |
|
Top Paying Industry, 2019 |
Oil and Gas Extraction |
$137,290 |
Computer Programmers
Computer Programmers write and test different types of code that enables the proper running of software programs and computer applications. They mostly work in the computer systems design industry. To join this field, you should get a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related subject. Some employers may hire individuals with an Associate degree.
|
Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$92,610 |
|
|
Entry-Level Education |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2018-28 |
-7% (Decline) |
|
|
Top Paying State, 2019 |
Washington |
$164,610 |
|
Top Paying Industry, 2019 |
Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works) |
$127,000 |
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Network and Computer Systems Administrators manage all servers and related IT equipment (desktop computers, laptops, tabs, etc.) within an organization. They install the needed software, fix faulty hardware, make the needed upgrades to software and maintain network security among other things.
To build a career in this sector, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Information Systems, etc. Depending on a particular employer, you may only need an Associate degree or a Post-Secondary Certificate.
|
Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$88,410 |
|
|
Entry-Level Education |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2018-28 |
5% |
|
|
Top Paying State, 2019 |
Maryland |
$110,890 |
|
Top Paying Industry, 2019 |
Oil and Gas Extraction |
$115,290 |
Web Developers
The primary responsibility of Web Developers is the design and creation of websites. Most professionals in the field tend to work in the computer systems design industry. Other sectors with large numbers of web development jobs include advertising, management consulting and publishing.
Many individuals are also self-employed or freelance workers. Educational requirements for becoming a Web Developer tend to vary. An Associate degree in Web Design is the most common career path. You may also start off with just a High School Diploma and then learn the tricks of the trade through various online and offline courses (short-term).
|
Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$82,370 |
|
|
Entry-Level Education |
Associate Degree |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2018-28 |
13% |
|
|
Top Paying State, 2019 |
Washington |
$134,310 |
|
Top Paying Industry, 2019 |
Software Publishing |
$132,260 |
Computer Support Specialists
Computer Support Specialists provide expert assistance to computer users within an organization. Their day-to-day role involves helping out with the use of both computer software and hardware. Routine tasks like word processing, printing, electronic mail and the use of operating systems are kept running smoothly by Computer Support Specialists.
To enter this field, you will most probably need an Associate’s degree in Computer Science or a related subject. However, some employers may prefer applicants with a Bachelor’s degree at least.
|
Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$56,550 |
|
|
Entry-Level Education |
Associate Degree |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2018-28 |
10% |
|
|
Top Paying State, 2019 |
District of Columbia |
$71,720 |
|
Top Paying Industry, 2019 |
Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil |
$95,770 |