Computer Science Average Salary
According to Indeed the average salary for a computer scientist in the US is $110,422 per year in the United States with a range of $66,561 to $183,186 [1].
This is just the starting point, however, as computer science is a field with a lot of room for growth, both in terms of career advancement and salary.
Computer science professionals could also opt for other roles, including:
- Computer programmers
- Database architects
- Computer systems analysts
The median salaries for these roles are $85,237, $121559, and $75733, respectively[2].
As you can see, computer scientists can earn a high income, but the exact amount depends on their level of expertise and experience.
This is why it's important to understand what factors can impact your salary and how to maximize your earning potential.
What Influences Computer Science Salaries
Location can play a significant role in how much you earn. For example, computer science salaries may be higher in cities with a high demand for technology professionals, such as San Francisco, New York, and Seattle. In addition, certain industries, such as finance and healthcare, may offer higher salaries for computer science professionals.
Education and certifications can also impact your salary, as they demonstrate your expertise and ability to perform in this field. The more advanced your education and certifications, the more valuable you are to potential employers - and the more you can expect to earn.
The online B.Sc. Computer Science programme at IU will teach you everything you need to know to get a good start in the IT industry. The programme has a strong emphasis on software engineering, which is currently the most important sub-discipline of computer science. It can be used in a variety of jobs across a wide range of industries.
You'll build a broad knowledge base complemented by courses like cyber security, data science, and artificial intelligence. Enhance your career with additional skills in data security, project management, and IT law.
Additionally, the online M.Sc. programme in Computer Science allows you to continue this path with an emphasis on data science, cyber security, or artificial intelligence. Becoming a specialist is a fantastic way to boost your salary.
Factors that impact computer science salaries:
There are several factors that can have an impact on computer science salaries:
- Industry
- Location
- Education
- Certifications
- Company
Bachelor of Computer Science Salary
According to PayScale, the average salary for someone with a Bachelor's degree in computer science in the US is $72,000. However, women earn less than men - with an average salary around $5,000 lower[2]
Zippia reports the average salaries for computer science degree holders, including Bachelor of Computer Science, as follows[3]:
- Bachelor's degree: $107,255
- Master's degree: $118,290
- Doctorate degree: $126,970
As you can see, the difference between the numbers in both websites reflect just how many different parameters can affect the salary of a computer scientist.
Master of Computer Science Salary
A Master's degree in computer science salary can vary depending on the experience and the type of employer, with entry-level workers making less and experienced workers making more.
However, a computer scientist with a Master's degree can expect to make an average annual salary of $102,000, with a salary range of $68,000-$138,000, as reported by Northeastern University[4].
Maximizing Your Earning Potential with a Computer Science Degree
There are several ways to maximize your earning potential as a computer scientist. Among the most important are:
Pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Master's or a doctorate degree in computer science, can increase your salary significantly.
As you gain experience in the field, your earning potential increases. The Payscale report shows that computer scientists with 1-2 years of experience earn an average salary of $68,000-$138,000, while those with more experience can earn upwards of $99,000[4].
Specialising in a particular area of computer science, such as artificial intelligence, data science, or cybersecurity, can also increase your earning potential as demand for these skills is high in many industries.
Different industries pay differently for computer scientists. For example, with some professional experience, your master's degree in computer science salary will be high in a variety of industries, including E-commerce and consulting.
The cost of living and the demand for computer scientists can also affect salary. Computer scientists working in cities with a high demand for technology professionals, such as San Francisco and New York, tend to earn higher salaries.
