20 Computer Scientist Degree Jobs That Pay Well

Updated August 1, 2023

A woman holding a laptop stands smiling next to data servers.

Image description

A man is sitting at a desk looking at a laptop. There is a list titled "What Can You Do With A Computer Scientist Degree?" and the following bullets:
• Computer programming
• Software development
• Software engineering
• Information security
• Web development

Degree programs in computer science focus on the study of computer processes, software and hardware design and programming languages. This type of training can prepare graduates for a wide variety of careers in technology. If you are interested in a career that challenges you to think analytically, develop creative solutions and decipher codes, then you might consider pursuing a computer science degree. In this article, we explore what you can do with this type of training, list common types of computer scientist degrees and share 20 high-paying jobs you can apply for after you graduate.

What can you do with a computer scientist degree?

A computer scientist degree can help prepare you for a career in one of the following areas:

Computer programming
Web development
Software engineering
Information security
Software development

Types of computer science degrees

There are several levels of computer science degrees you can pursue based on your interests and career goals. The common computer science degrees include:

Associate degree in computer science
Bachelor's degree in computer science
Master's degree in computer science
Doctoral degree in computer science

You may also choose to enroll in a coding boot camp to develop your skills as a computer scientist. Coding boot camps provide short-term, technical training in programming languages like JavaScript, Python, C++ and Ruby. Some coding boot camps may also offer specialized programs that train students on topics like web development, machine learning, data science and UX/UI design.

20 high-paying computer science jobs

Whether you want to work in software engineering, computer programing or web development, your degree can help prepare you for numerous computer science jobs. Here are 20 high-paying jobs for computer science majors that earn an average annual salary greater than $70,000 per year:

1. Network administrator

National average salary: $69,635 per year

Primary duties: Network administrators manage networks and technical systems. They are responsible for troubleshooting issues, anticipating the company's needs and ensuring effective communication throughout the business. These professionals conduct maintenance, implement upgrades to the systems as needed and work to reduce downtime. Network administrators may also teach new hires how to use the company's systems and access the files they need.

2. Web developer

National average salary: $74,950 per year

Primary duties: Web developers create websites and web applications. They must have a strong understanding of programs like HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Web developers often work closely with their clients to create custom websites. They may also analyze user data to make sure the content they create is useful and easily accessible.

3. Systems analyst

National average salary: $76,470 per year

Primary duties: Systems analysts evaluate business technology to identify potential problems, resolve issues and suggest improvements. Systems analysts are responsible for designing and integrating custom solutions for the businesses and clients they work with. As information technology professionals, they are in high demand in nearly every industry. This allows them to work with a single company or offer their services to several clients at once.

4. Programmer analyst

National average salary: $79,802 per year

Primary duties: Programmer analysts are responsible for designing and developing computer programs and software for companies. They also repair and update existing programs based on the company's needs. Programmer analysts often work with project managers to make sure they stay within budget and meet deadlines.

5. Application developer

National average salary: $86,801 per year

Primary duties: Application developers are responsible for creating software applications for computers, mobile devices and other technologies. They must have a strong understanding of computer systems and programming languages to create user-friendly applications. They may also create upgrades for existing applications and perform maintenance tests on software.

6. Information security analyst

National average salary: $90,182 per year

Primary duties: Information security analysts protect companies from cyberattacks. They are responsible for developing new security measures, monitoring information security systems and fighting back against cyberattacks when they occur. They may also assist in the maintenance of these systems.

7. Database developer

National average salary: $91,008 per year

Primary duties: Database developers create, implement and maintain computer databases. They work with companies or clients to identify their data collection, retrieval and storage needs. Then, they develop a safe system for storing and retrieving data. Database developers must be skilled in various computer languages and systems.

8. .NET developer

National average salary: $95,628 per year

Primary duties: .NET developers design and maintain software and applications within the .NET Framework. They work closely with their clients, other web developers and computer scientists to create scalable and user-friendly applications. They are also responsible for providing user support after they launch the application.

9. IT auditor

National average salary: $96,992 per year

Primary duties: IT auditors are responsible for managing the evaluation of a company's IT systems. They often work with a team of IT auditors to run system audits. IT auditors also communicate strengths and weaknesses of the IT system to company stakeholders, research how to solve IT issues and update software as needed.

10. UX designer

National average salary: $98,272 per year

Primary duties: UX designers, also known as user experience designers, play a role in every part of a digital product and are responsible for creating a seamless user experience. They work closely with other team members to oversee the design, functionality and overall branding of a product. They also create prototypes and research target audiences to understand how they interact with the product.

11. IT project manager

National average salary: $98,311 per year

Primary duties: IT project managers are in charge of the strategic planning and organization of projects. This involves creating project plans, outlining goals, setting deadlines and identifying performance metrics for their team. IT project managers may also be responsible for building a budget and allocating resources.

12. Java developer

National average salary: $103,185 per year

Primary duties: Java developers are responsible for creating, adapting, monitoring and repairing software using the Java programming language. They often work with other web developers and software engineers to create fully integrated programs and applications. When there is a potential software problem, Java developers are the first to help.

13. Software developer

National average salary: $106,133 per year

Primary duties: Software developers are responsible for creating, developing and producing new computer programs. They typically work with computer programmers, graphic designers and software engineers. They also research user needs, monitor systems and make updates as needed to ensure everything runs properly.

14. Front-end developer

National average salary: $106,916 per year

Primary duties: Front-end developers integrate the visual and audio elements of a web design. They often work with UX designers, back-end developers, web designers and hosting services. Front-end developers also optimize front-end elements for scalability and work to improve loading time and speed.

15. Full stack developer

National average salary: $108,220 per year

Primary duties: Full stack developers create and implement the front end and back end elements of a website, computer program or web application. They are responsible for coding the server-side elements of a web product. Full stack developers may work with other developers, designers and external suppliers. They may also research industry trends, run tests and modify web products or software as needed.

16. Software engineer

National average salary: $109,217 per year

Primary duties: Software engineers oversee the development of new software. They often begin by researching how the customer may use the product to identify the program's core functionality. Software engineers design and test each piece of the application or system and create models or diagrams to show programmers how each piece works together. Then they collaborate with other computer scientists to create the software.

17. Network security engineer

National average salary: $112,779 per year

Primary duties: Network security engineers are responsible for maintaining secure networks of computer systems. They may work with virtual private networks, network monitoring tools, routers, firewalls and switches. Network security engineers often work with a team to keep a company's files and data secure. They must anticipate potential security issues to take preventative action, run tests to make sure the network is secure and provide regular firewall and anti-malware updates.

18. Mobile developer

National average salary: $117,183 per year

Primary duties: Mobile developers create, design and maintain mobile applications. They often collaborate with design and product teams to test, debug and update mobile applications to make them user-friendly. They must have a strong understanding of programming languages. Mobile developers may also work with other computer engineers and analysts on projects.

19. Network architect

National average salary: $122,553 per year

Primary duties: Network architects design and build data communication networks, such as local area networks, wide area networks and intranets. They are also responsible for upgrading software and hardware to ensure high performance. Network architects may build custom networks for specific companies based on their needs. They usually work closely with computer systems engineers who help them execute the network they have designed.

20. Software architect

National average salary: $135,573 per year

Primary duties: Software architects usually design and oversee the development of unique software for companies looking for custom solutions. They are responsible for customer communication, product design and team management. Software architects also write code for projects, research the best tools to implement and test the software to make sure there aren't any errors.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.