As a graduate armed with a degree in computer science, IT or a related field, there’s one thing that’s clear: you are in demand. Furthermore, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reported that more than 56 percent of computer science majors of the class of 2011 who applied for a job before graduating received an offer, making computer science the major with the highest offer rate. While starting salaries in many areas have leveled off for several years, computer science salaries are holding strong.
Computer Science Salaries: Which Occupation Has the Largest Paycheck?
As with most industries, salaries will vary within information technology. Specific computer science salaries will be tied to applicants’ level of educational attainment, prior work experience, particular role, company, and geographic location.
Based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual computer science salary spans from $43,450 for computer support specialists to $112,210 for computer and information systems managers. Overall, median incomes are healthy across the computer science and IT industry. In 2008, the middle 50% of salaries for various IT occupations were between the following ranges:
- Graphic Designers- $32,600 and $56,620
- Computer support specialists- $33,680 and $55,990
- Multimedia artists and animators- $41,710 and $77,010
- Network and computer systems administrators - $51,690 and $84,110
- Database administrators- $52,340 and $91,850
- Computer programmers- $52,640 and $89,720
- Network systems and data communication analysts*- $54,330 and $90,740
- Computer systems analysts- $58,460 and $95,810
- Computer applications software engineers- $67,790 and $104,870
- Computer systems software engineers- $73,200 and $113,960
- Computer scientists- $75,340 and $124,370
- Computer hardware engineering- $76,250 and 122,750
- Computer and information systems managers- $88,240 and $141,890
*The data for network systems and data communication analysts includes the positions of network architect, telecommunications specialist, webmaster, and web developer.
Entry-level positions, such as computer support specialists, as well as the art-related occupations of graphic design and animation, tend to be on the lower end of the IT income spectrum. Those positions which require a bachelor’s degree (over an associate’s degree or professional certification), such as computer systems analysts and software engineers, will generally earn a mid-level computer science salary, whereas, positions which require graduate education, such as computer and information systems managers and computer scientists, will often bring in the highest paycheck.
Show Me The Money
If you are considering enrolling in a computer science or IT program, now might be the time, as the job outlook for computer science and IT graduates are favorable. Although those who have earned a bachelor’s or graduate level degree typically receive more competitive computer science salaries , a professional certification or associate’s degree could be an excellent way to get your foot in the door. Begin exploring the various schools and programs on our site, and request for additional information today!