12 Government Jobs You Can Get With a Computer Science Degree

For those with degrees in an area like computer science, there are a range of career opportunities available in government. Government computer science jobs vary from IT security, tech support, software development and data management for example. By reviewing the types of IT roles you can pursue in government, you can determine which jobs to pursue at the local, state or federal level. In this article, we define government jobs and review 12 types of government jobs you can pursue with a degree in computer science.

Related: FAQ: What Are Federal Jobs?

What are government jobs?

Government jobs include any roles within the local, state or federal government and include work for specific government agencies or government contractors spanning from military branches, private contractor firms, city government offices and other areas. Depending on the level of information individuals have access to in their government jobs, they may also need to obtain security clearances and ensure they uphold the privacy of the government office or agency they work for.

Related: How To Apply for Government Jobs

12 Government jobs you can achieve with a computer science degree

Review these types of IT roles in government that you can pursue with a computer science degree including salary expectations, job duties and degree level information:

1. Computer specialist

National average salary: $28,177 per year

Primary duties: In government, computer specialists make sure that departments and government agencies have the right computer hardware and software to operate effectively. They may work as members of an IT department and provide in-person tech assistance to government personnel. Computer specialists also complete frequent software and hardware updates to protect the security, data storage and efficiency of a government agency's computer hardware and software systems.

2. Computer programmer

National average salary: $47,931 per year

Primary duties: Computer programmers working for the government use their knowledge of coding languages to code, revamp or debug software programs and other applications like government databases, digital filing systems and websites. They may also work closely with computer engineers, software developers and web developers to complete coding projects.

Related: Learn About Being a Computer Programmer

3. Database manager

National average salary: $61,737 per year

Primary duties: A database manager employed by the government oversees one or more databases used by government employees within a certain branch or agency location. They install data retrieval systems, update data storage settings, create login information for qualified professionals to access databases and install malware devices to detect and prevent cybersecurity breaches.

Related: Learn About Being a Data Manager

4. Network administrator

National average salary: $70,002 per year

Primary duties: Network administrators work closely with network engineers at government agencies to oversee computer networks like wide area networks (WAN) and local area networks (LAN). They integrate new software with current network features and look for ways to uphold the quality, security and efficiency of computer networks. Network administrators also troubleshoot network problems and make repairs to networks in a timely manner to make sure government employees can use them properly.

Related: Learn About Being a Network Administrator

5. IT technician

National average salary: $74,384 per year

Primary duties: IT technicians work in the IT department at government agencies or offices. They use their understanding of computer hardware and software devices to help government employees on a daily basis. This includes receiving maintenance request tickets, troubleshooting computer hardware or software for employees, installing or replacing computer hardware or software and making sure the IT department has adequate supplies to support IT maintenance activities.

Related: Learn About Being an IT Technician

6. Computer systems analyst

National average salary: $77,634 per year

Primary duties: A computer systems analyst evaluates existing computer systems or networks and determines potential upgrades, repairs or installations that can strengthen a computer system. When working for the government, computer systems analysts help identify security breach points and the types of hardware or software that can prevent information leaks. They also determine how to reorganize or design computer systems for more efficient use by government employees.

Related: Learn About Being a Systems Analyst

7. Cybersecurity specialist

National average salary: $80,806 per year

Primary duties: A cybersecurity specialist in government helps government agencies strengthen their computer systems, networks databases and other digital platforms that store classified data. To determine the types of security solutions a computer system needs, cybersecurity specialists conduct mock hacking activities, research potential cybersecurity risks and update software to heighten the security of computer systems or networks.

8. Application developer

National average salary: $87,860 per year

Primary duties: An application developer specializes in designing and coding mobile and software applications. In government, application developers focus on creating applications designed to help government employees access important information on mobile devices. This can also include information databases, HR platforms, emergency alert systems and government email platforms.

9. Computer engineer

National average salary: $98,534 per year

Primary duties: Computer engineers code, design and update computer hardware equipment and software. When employed in the government, computer engineers may have a responsibility to create customized computer hardware or software to aid with government initiatives and data collection.

Related: Learn About Being a Computer Engineer

10. Computer scientist

National average salary: $106,426 per year

Primary duties: Computer scientists use their understanding of computer hardware devices and coding to develop software programs and install hardware that streamlines business processes and enhances user experience. In government roles, computer scientists may specialize in programming or installing devices to protect against cyber terrorism and other threats to information security.

11. Software integration engineer

National average salary: $107,788 per year

Primary duties: The focus of a software integration engineer is to integrate new computer hardware or software devices with those currently in use to streamline computer systems or networks. Government-employed software integration engineers may focus on consolidating databases or digital filing systems and creating code instructions to help software developers and computer programmers make adjustments in the future.

12. Network architect

National average salary: $122,737 per year

Primary duties: Network architects working for the government create agency intranets for employees to access. They may also code wide area networks (WAN) and local area networks (LAN) to enhance communication between departments and other government agencies.