In today's fast-paced technology landscape, pursuing a computing education can pave the way for a financially rewarding and personally fulfilling career. If you're wondering about the earning potential in computing professions, let's delve into the numbers. Graduates holding a computing degree frequently find themselves in a position where their median salaries surpass the national average. To provide you with a clearer picture, here are some prominent computer career options and the corresponding salary expectations you can anticipate.
| Career | Degree Options | Mean Entry-Level Salary (Payscale) | Mean Annual Wage (BLS) | Top 10 Percent (BLS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $76,707 | $156,770 | $223,820 | |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $65,570 | $187,990 | >$239,200 | |
| Computer Network Architect | $70,000 | $135,890 | $198,030 | |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $79,610 | $124,470 | ||
| Computer Programmer | $64,700 | $103,640 | $162,090 | |
| Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary | $105,830 | $172,380 | ||
| Computer Systems Analyst | $60,865 | $111,960 | $166,030 | |
| Database Administrator | $61,445 | $107,440 | $160,890 | |
| Database Architect | $85,612 | $142,620 | $209,990 | |
| Data Scientist | $87,943 | $124,590 | $194,410 | |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist or Technician | $78,580 | $111,790 | ||
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologist and Technician | $75,710 | $109,580 | ||
| Electronics Engineer | $76,563 | $124,810 | $181,390 | |
| Information Security Analyst | $63,458 | $127,730 | $186,420 | |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $56,451 | $101,190 | $150,320 | |
| Software Developer | $68,973 | $144,570 | $211,450 | |
| Software Quality Assurance Analyst or Tester | $51,807 | $110,260 | $166,960 | |
| Web Developer | $57,174 | $98,790 | $162,870 | |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $57,344 | $111,450 | $192,180 | |
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Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025. Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2024. |
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Computing salaries can vary widely based on factors other than the type of degree and career option. Additional factors include job location, experience level, education, and the specific industry or company.
Computing Jobs Growth
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for computer and information technology roles is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2023 and 2033. The Occupational Outlook Handbook projects about 356,700 openings each year in these occupations.
Computing Careers Rankings
U.S. News and World Report provides a list of the Best Technology Jobs. Their Top 100 Jobs lists computing careers in four of the top ten spots, including:
- #2 IT Manager
- #5 Software Developer
- #6 Information Security Analyst
- #8 Data Scientist