This article studies the Highest Paying Computer Science Jobs, so you can learn and earn more.
As a student, you’ll want to maximize your earning potential. As a graduate, you’ll want to know which fields will have the most demand.
To help you better understand the profession, we reviewed 100+ salary reports from the US Bureau of Labor, Payscale, and other multi-media references.
Here are the top 10 highest-paying computer science jobs.
Here is a video summary based on this article
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Table of Contents
#10. Systems Analyst
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $49,000 per year
- High Range: $96,000 per year
- Median Pay: $67,665 per year
What do they do?
Systems analysts help companies improve their computer systems and networks. This can include everything from upgrading old equipment to developing and implementing innovations to make the company more efficient and effective.
What degrees are usually required?
You’ll need a degree in computer science or information technology to get this job most of the time. But there are many roles you can work your way into if you don’t have one.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Many of these professionals work in the tech industry. Still, you can also find them working at large corporations with their own IT departments or even insurance and healthcare companies—basically, any business that uses computers.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You may begin your career by finding an internship opportunity with a company that has an IT department, so you’ll be able to learn from experienced professionals. The more experience you have in the field, the easier it will be for you to land jobs later on down the road.
What’s it like to be a system analyst?
#9. Computer Scientist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $55,000 per year
- High Range: $137,000 per year
- Median Pay: $82,236 per year
What do they do?
Computer scientists are a lot like rocket scientists. They both work with complex machines that can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. But, when everything goes according to plan, they can be an amazing sight to behold.
Computer scientists are often compared to architects. They both design complex systems that need to be carefully planned and executed in order to work properly.
And, like chefs, computer scientists often have to come up with new and innovative ways to solve problems. After all, there’s no recipe for success when it comes to programming!
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You should have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, or computer engineering for this position.
Some employers may require a master’s degree. A background in programming languages such as C++ and Java is a plus for computer scientists.
Employers look for applicants who have strong analytical skills and can think creatively about how to solve problems with technology. You should also be able to think logically and use critical thinking skills to evaluate information found in research.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Computer scientists work in government organizations, banks, retail stores, service companies, hospitals, and universities.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You may begin your journey by reaching out to your computer science network and asking if they would be willing to refer you for entry-level positions.
Should you become a computer science?
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#8. Senior Web Developer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $62,000 per year
- High Range: $123,000 per year
- Median Pay: $87,987 per year
What do they do?
Web developers are like superheroes without capes. They help make the Internet a better place by fixing things when they go wrong and making sure that websites look good and work properly.
They’re like a hugely rewarding job, and you will never get bored as you are likely fighting one fire after another!
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
This position is typically found in large companies with a dedicated IT department—although they can also be found in smaller companies with a lot of business-specific tech needs.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Because it’s such a high-level position, you’ll almost always see senior web developers with at least a bachelor’s degree. Typically, they’ll have degrees in computer science or software engineering.
For this role, employers will be looking for solid programming experience as well as project management skills. You should also be able to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to work with others—given how collaborative this work is.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The best way to get to this position is by working your way up from more junior positions within large companies. If you start working as an entry-level front-end developer, you can gain experience and make connections simultaneously.
What’s it like to be a senior web developer?
#7. Network Security Administrator
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $41,000 per year
- High Range: $233,000 per year
- Median Pay: $96,465 per year
What do they do?
Network security administrators are responsible for maintaining the integrity of their company’s computer networks and servers. They use firewalls, anti-virus software, and intrusion detection programs to maintain security and prevent unauthorized access to computer systems.
These administrators may also perform IT audits and recommend changes to enhance a company’s data security.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most network security administrators hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology (IT). Some employers prefer certified candidates with additional experience.
Network security administrators must also possess strong communication skills because you will regularly interact with clients to explain how the systems work and what needs fixing.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Network security administrators may work in various industries, including financial services, information technology consulting, insurance companies, healthcare providers, or educational institutions.
Some have positions within corporate IT departments that are dedicated to data security. Others may join small teams of IT professionals who focus primarily on maintaining computer system functionality.
What’s the best way to get this job?
As one of the highest-paying computer science jobs, becoming a network security administrator requires experience.
You can start by working in junior-level positions. You should also go for certifications from trusted sources such as Microsoft or Cisco.
Should you become a network security administrator?
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#6. Mobile Applications Developer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $69,839 per year
- High Range: $124,154 per year
- Median Pay: $98,838 per year
What do they do?
Mobile Applications Developers are like magicians. They take an idea and make it into a reality by waving their hands and saying some words in a foreign language.
Okay, maybe that’s not entirely accurate, but mobile app development is definitely a complex process that most people don’t understand. Just think of all the things your phone can do – now imagine designing and building an app that can do all of those things.
As a mobile applications developer, your job is to turn ideas into working apps that people can use on their phones and tablets. This often involves working with complicated programming languages and using tools like code editors, debuggers, and simulators to bring an app from concept to reality.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Companies require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science and usually have hiring requirements based on what kind of app they need.
Since mobile apps have an obvious connection to computers, most developers have strong programming skills and knowledge of programming languages.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Most mobile app developers work for big companies like Google, Apple, and Instagram that create these apps in-house. Some work for smaller companies that only create apps for their own products.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The best way to land this job is by getting into contact with the company you want to work for directly.
How do you become a mobile app developer?
#5. Software Developer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $48,000 per year
- High Range: $275,000 per year
- Median Pay: $111,091 per year
What do they do?
These professionals are influential in the software development process.
Software developers write the code that makes up computer programs. They also create operating systems and new applications, depending on the needs of their clients or employers.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Developers can work in many environments—from large companies to small start-ups, even from home. There are many job opportunities for those trained for this line of work.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most developers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems. There are also several certifications a developer can earn to demonstrate their skills and expertise to potential employers.
Being able to write code is only one aspect of this job. You must also know how it works and applies to your goals. You should be skilled with programs like MySQL and Java is a plus, especially if you’re looking to apply for more advanced coding jobs.
You should also be comfortable with the hardware side of things—having an understanding of how computers operate will help you optimize your coding efforts.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can get started as a software developer by finding a company that offers entry-level positions and has an internship program where you can apply your skills on the job.
What’s the fastest way to become a software developer?
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#4. Security Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $49,000 per year
- High Range: $264,000 per year
- Median Pay: $112,914 per year
What do they do?
Security engineers are like “the keepers of the gates” – they work to make sure that unauthorized individuals can’t access sensitive information or systems. Additionally, they play an important role in developing and implementing security protocols, and often work closely with software developers to ensure that code is secure from potential attacks.
Security engineers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from designing and implementing security protocols to testing software and hardware systems against potential threats. These professionals work closely with software developers to identify any vulnerabilities in the code, and then create solutions to protect sensitive information or prevent attacks.
In addition to these technical duties, security engineers often need to develop and maintain policies and procedures related to security protocols. They may also be responsible for training staff on how to follow these procedures and conducting audits to ensure that they are being followed properly. In some cases, security engineers may also be involved in incident response planning, in order to provide guidance on what to do in the event of a security breach.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
They usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering. As a security engineer, you should know programming languages and frameworks. You should also have the ability to identify vulnerabilities and know how to protect applications on the web.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Security engineers can be found in almost every industry, including:
- Tech firms.
- Law enforcement firms.
- Financial companies.
- Educational institutions.
- Hospitals and medical offices.
- Non-profits organizations.
- Government agencies.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can become a security engineer by first gaining experience as an intern or apprentice with an organization specializing in this subject area.
What’s it like to be a security engineer?
#3. Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $76,000 per year
- High Range: $158,000 per year
- Median Pay: $118,573 per year
What do they do?
Site reliability engineers are the guardians of the code. They’re the ones who make sure that algorithms, websites, apps, and other software are running smoothly. These professionals are also in charge of ensuring that any changes to existing code keep the existing software up and running.
SREs work with developers, usually at large organizations, to solve problems and prevent future issues.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most SREs have at least one degree in computer science, math, or engineering.
But companies prefer candidates with degrees in technical writing and communication as well.
Besides formal education, successful SREs have strong attention to detail and exceptional communication skills. You should be adaptable and think critically about how you can best serve your company’s clients through technology.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Most site reliability engineers work for large companies or organizations with many users or customers. Large tech companies like Google employ thousands of these engineers—because they need to make sure that all those Google searches don’t go haywire. Other places include utility companies and e-commerce businesses.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The best way to get started is through networking—start meeting people who do what you want to do now.
Should you become a site reliability engineer?
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#2. Data Scientist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $54,000 per year
- High Range: $298,000 per year
- Median Pay: $123,053 per year
What do they do?
Data scientists are like detectives. They use their knowledge of statistics and analytics to solve mysteries and find patterns in data. This could mean identifying what data points correlate with certain customer behaviors both in the physical and the online world.
For example, a data scientist might use their skills to figure out why a certain type of customer always buys the same product on Tuesdays, or why another customer never completes their online purchase.
Additionally, data scientists often work with large amounts of data, so they need to be able to effectively manage and organize it in order to find the most important information.
Data scientists often use their skills to solve business problems. For example, they might help a company determine the most effective way to market their product or find new ways to cut costs.
Additionally, data scientists sometimes develop algorithms that are used by software programs to make decisions or predictions.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Many computer science enthusiasts are earning Master’s degrees in data science from universities or coding bootcamps. But a bachelor’s degree is typically sufficient for entry-level positions.
Common fields for undergraduate majors include statistics, information systems, computer science, physics, math, and engineering. Experience with SQL and Python is also helpful when applying for a data scientist job.
You should have technical skills like proficiency with SQL and Python or experience using statistical methods to analyze data.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Data scientists work with technology companies, governments, and nonprofit organizations.
What’s the best way to get this job?
If you want to get into this field, it’s best to start looking for data scientist internships while you’re still in school. The more experience you gain building your own projects and working at the company, the better your chances are of snagging a full-time job after graduation.
What’s it like to be a data scientist?
#1. Software Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $90,000 per year
- High Range: $170,000 per year
- Median Pay: $128,311 per year
What do they do?
This profession is the best overall in our list of the highest paying computer science jobs.
Software architects are in charge of the design of computer software. They typically are responsible for making sure all the pieces fit together cohesively. These software engineers also decide what tools to use when building the software.
As the head of a software development team, a software architect’s job is much like that of a movie director. Just as a director oversees all aspects of making a movie, from the writing of the script to the casting of actors, a software architect is responsible for ensuring that the final product is cohesive and meets the needs of the customer.
At the heart of this responsibility is the ability to understand complex programming languages and tools, and make decisions about what types of code should be used for different parts of the software. This requires a keen understanding of both computer science fundamentals and contemporary industry trends.
Software architects are also responsible for managing large teams of developers, providing concise direction while allowing them the freedom to use their creativity to solve problems.
With all these skills, it is no wonder that software architects are some of the highest-paid computer scientists in the field. Whether working for a large tech company or a startup, their combination of technical expertise and leadership skills makes them invaluable assets.
So if you love solving complex puzzles and want a career that pays big, a job as a software architect might be perfect for you.
What degrees are usually required?
Most software architects have degrees in engineering or computer science (or both). While undergraduate degrees may be enough to get you started, employers prefer applicants with master’s degrees.
Software engineers with master’s degrees usually have studied areas of specialization such as networks, information systems management, or artificial intelligence.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Software architects often work at companies that create and sell their own software, such as Microsoft or Adobe. Some of these software engineers may also find work in consulting firms that advise other companies on what kind of software they should buy.
What’s the best way to get this job?
Software architects often start in entry-level positions and move into higher positions after gaining knowledge about software architecture.
What’s it like to be a software architect?
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Conclusion
With all this information in mind, we hope that you can find your dream job. This field is competitive, but the peace of mind you’ll have when you have a secure job will be worth it.
Let us know which one interests you the most in the comment below!
