30+ Highest Paying Computer Science Careers (2019)

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Computer science is the study of how electronic, computerized devices can both extend and support our human abilities. Computer science professionals work on computer systems that extend and support a huge range of human abilities – from socializing to reasoning and strategizing.

Featured Programs:

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Responsibilities: All of the computer-related activities and processes in a company. Their main goal is to determine what the current IT requirements are for a company and then to implement them.
Salary range: $83,800 to $208,000; median $139,220
Education required: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Computer Science
Skills required: computer programming, software development, statistics and mathematics. Management information systems (MIS) courses that focus on business and technical aspects are helpful.
Suggested degree: Review 5+ Best Online Information Systems Degree

Information Security Analyst

Responsibilities: Defending computer networks against cyber attacks. They have to stay ahead of cyber attackers who are constantly changing the ways in which they attack computer systems and networks.
Salary range: $55,500 to $153,000, median $95,500
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Information Assurance or related degree
Skills required: risk management, understanding of networks, toolkit maintenance, threat assessment, log collection and analysis, disaster recovery planning knowledge
Suggested degree: Review 5+ Online Information Security Management Degrees

Computer Network Architect

Responsibilities: Design and build complex communication networks, which can include local area networks and wide area networks. They have to have a large knowledge of the business plan of the company so that the network can be properly designed.
Salary range: $58,100 to $162,300, median $104,650
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or related field; some companies prefer an MBA in information systems
Skills required: Operations analysis, active learning, systems evaluation, complex problem solving, systems analysis, Technology design
Suggested degree: Review 5+ Best Computer Networking Degrees

Blockchain Developer

Responsibilities: Blockchain developers use blockchain technology and many programming languages to implement solutions for their firms. Blockchain developers are needed for many things, such as creating web services to process blockchain payments; develop backend services to pull financial transactions; and establish online payment systems
Salary range: $122,000 to $179,000
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Information Technology
Skills required: Strong programming skills: Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Studio, .NET, MVC, AJAX, SQL, C, C++, C#, Javascript, Node.js.

Blockchain Engineer

Responsibilities: Specialize in creating and implementing digital solutions for companies by using blockchain technology. These engineers must analyze the technology needs of the company and create applications to meet needs; may work with projects such as developing and implementing accelerators and assets
Salary range: $122,000 to $179,000
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Information Technology
Skills required: Data analytics, bitcoin and etherum cryptocurrency understanding, traditional programming and software development practices, knowledge of cryptography, understanding of smart contracts and a distributed network
Suggested degree: Review 5+ Best Blockchain Engineering Degrees

Blockchain Consultant

Responsibilities: Work with corporate clients to determine their blockchain strategy; assist clients to determine the best enterprise platforms to implement blockchain and cryptocurrency payment systems.
Salary range: $100,000+
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Business, Master of Science in Computer Science, Engineering or related field
Skills required: Coding skills to include C++, Java, C# or Python; understanding of HTML, CSS and Javascript. Solidity is also worthwhile – a popular programming language in the blockchain community

Cloud Engineer

Responsibilities: Responsible for developing, building, maintaining, and implementing the cloud network within the organization. With cloud adoption becoming more commonplace, these engineers can work virtually anywhere, from small organizations with only one or two computers, to huge businesses that have an international presence.
Salary range: $67,000 to $182,000, average $126,000
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Engineering or MIS
Skills required: Understanding and familiarity with AWS, Azure, and/or OpenStack. Also know Web Services, API, REST and RPC. Grasp of virtualization, storage and networking, and methodologies of disaster recovery, high availability and fail over
Suggested degree: Review 5+ Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs

Computer and Information Research Scientist

Responsibilities: Invent and design entirely new approaches to computer and Internet technology, and discover new uses for current technology.
Salary range: $65,500 to $176,600, median $114,500
Education required: Master of Science in Computer Science or Computer Engineering
Skills required: Understanding and familiarity with data mining, robotics and programs such as C# and Java

Computer Programmer

Responsibilities: Writing and testing code that run computer and software applications to run smoothly. They need to transform computer designs that are made by software developers and engineers into code that a computer can follow.
Salary range: $47,000 to $132,000, median $82,200
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related field
Skills required: Proficiency in core programming languages; understanding of algorithms and data structures; problem-solving abilities and good business sense

Computer Hardware Engineer

Responsibilities: Research, design, develop and test computer systems and components including circuit boards, processors, memory devices, networks and routers.
Salary range: $66,200 to $176,600, median $115,100
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering
Skills required: Strong background in math and science, as well as programming languages such as C, C+, HTML.

Computer Support Specialist

Responsibilities: Provide help and advice to users of computers and organizations. Support computer networks and/or provide technical help directly to computer users.
Salary range: $39,600 to $69,120, median $52,200
Education required: Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Skills required: Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as knowledge of computer operating systems and software.

Software Developer

Responsibilities: Develop the computer applications that allow computers and mobile devices to complete tasks. Some develop applications that allow people to do tasks on a computer or device; others design the underlying systems.
Salary range: $59,800 to $160,000, median $101,700
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related field
Skills required: Proficiency in core programming languages such as HTML, Java, C+, C#.

Application Developer

Responsibilities: Help companies to keep abreast of latest technologies and developments on the Internet. Responsible for creating, developing, managing and maintaining new programs and software.
Salary range: $59,800 to $160,000, median $101,700
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related field
Skills required: Excellent grasp of computer programming, HTML, Linus, and experience with relational databases.

Computer Systems Analyst

Responsibilities: Use computers and related systems to automate computer functions and properly integrate them into manufacturing, distributing, sales and other related functions. Look at what the business organization or department is trying to do,
Salary range: $53,700 to $139,850, median $88,270
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Masters in Management Information Systems or related field
Skills required: Excellent grasp of computer programming but also should have taken courses in business management and management information systems.

Data Scientist

Responsibilities: An expert in extracting meaning from and interpreting data. This requires you to be highly skilled in tools and methods from the disciplines of statistics and machine learning.
Salary range: Average $113,400
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Masters in Software Engineering
Skills required: Skilled with R, Python, SQL, statistics, multivariable calculus and linear algebra, data wrangling and data visualization and communication.
Suggested degree: Review 5+ Best Data Science Degree

Database Administrator

Responsibilities: Ensures that software that manages a database is maintained properly and allows fast access as needed by multiple users. Searches, constant access and web traffic have stressing effects on computer databases, so the DBA is tasked with maintaining the efficiency of critical system servers.
Salary range: $48,480 to $132,400, median $87,020
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Master of Science in Computer Science or related field
Skills required: Skilled with database languages, such as SQL.

Electronics Engineer

Responsibilities: Design and develop electronic equipment, such as communications and broadcast systems, including Global Positioning System devices and musical devices. Work on projects closely related to computer hardware.
Salary range: $60,200 to $150,300, median $95,000.
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Electronics Engineering
Skills required: Skilled in differential equations, electrical circuit theory, and digital systems design

Full Stack Developer

Responsibilities: Work with front and back ends of websites and are familiar with HTML, CSS, Javascript and at least one or more back-end computer languages. ‘Full stack’ means the professional is familiar with all of the layers of computer software development.
Salary range: $43,000 to $213,000, average $112,500
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Master of Science in Computer Science or related field
Skills required: HTML/CSS, Javascript, backend languages such as Ruby or Python, and Web server languages such as Apache

IT Operations Analyst

Responsibilities: Performs essential system administration work such as network and system troubleshooting, patching computer operating systems and applications, and executing various computer scripts.
Salary range: $46,000 to $87,000, average $63,100
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Master of Science in Computer Science
Skills required: Database skills and understanding of computer programming languages such as HTML

Java Developer

Responsibilities: This is a specialized computer programmer who works closely with web designers, web developers and software engineers to integrate Java into websites for companies and clients, programs and applications.
Salary range: $49,000 to $100,000, median $72,600
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, or Software Development Systems
Skills required: Advanced Java programming skills; should be able to build mobile, desktop and web applications with Java.

Machine Learning Engineer

Responsibilities: Performs data ETL, statistical and analytical analyses, and communicates detailed insights and recommendations to both internal and external clients. Also uses machine learning frameworks in development, testing and production environments to create and deploy new technologies.
Salary range: Average $114,800
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, or Software Development Systems
Skills required: Advanced Java programming skills; should be able to build mobile, desktop and web applications with Java.
Suggested degree: Review 5+ Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs

Network Administrator

Responsibilities: Keep all computer networks up to date in an organization. Make sure that the computer networks are running smoothly and as efficiently as possible. Major tasks include installation of components, system updates, system repairs and system testing.
Salary range: $49,500 to $130,200, median $81,100
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Information Systems, Master in Computer Science
Skills required: Computer programming, networking, database administration

Network Analyst

Responsibilities: Specializes in the maintenance of computer network systems; responsible for working with network engineers and other computer professionals to maintain hardware, software, and related things in computer systems.
Salary range: $41,000 to $83,000, median $58,600
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Information Systems
Skills required: Computer programming, network maintenance, database administration

Network Security Engineer

Responsibilities: Involved in the provisioning, deployment, configuration, and administration of many parts of network and security-related software and hardware. Areas of focus include firewalls, routers, switches, network monitoring tools, and VPNs.
Salary range: $56,500 to $172,000, average $116,000
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems or Computer Science
Skills required: Knowledge of firewalls, network monitoring tools, routers, switches and VPNs.

QA Engineer

Responsibilities: Creates tests to pinpoint any problems with software before a computer program or system is launched. Responsible for identifying and analyzing any bugs that are found during product testing and fully documenting them.
Salary range: $49,000 to $93,000, median $67,100
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Information Systems or Computer Science
Skills required: Knowledge of Java, C++, Python, SQL, and XML; they must also have experience with Microsoft Windows and Linux

Security Analyst

Responsibilities: Responsible for maintaining the security of computer networks and systems to prevent cyber attacks and loss of important organizational data. Security analysts must be able to identify security risks to networks and address and neutralize such threats.
Salary range: $55,500 to $153,000, median $95,500
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Information Assurance, or related degree
Skills required: risk management, understanding of networks, toolkit maintenance, threat assessment, log collection and analysis, disaster recovery planning knowledge

Software Architect

Responsibilities: Write customized software solutions, including web services, user interfaces, programs for coding, and databases. They are usually employed by large companies and agencies that design software for other companies.
Salary range: $96,000 to $160,000, median $127,200
Education required: Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Software Engineering or Computer Science
Skills required: Java, C++, .NET, and C#. Particular companies may ask for proficiency or mastery in coding schemes specific to mobile technology, such as HTML5, or web technology, such as JavaScript.

Software Engineer

Responsibilities: Designs software or improves a current piece of software to make it of higher quality, price or to run better. Software engineers need to determine how a piece of software can be improved, and then they figure out how to make that a reality.
Salary range: $59,000 to $120,000, median $83,000
Education required: Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Software Engineering or Computer Science
Skills required: Excellent knowledge of hardware, software, and programming languages, such as Javascript

Web Editor

Responsibilities: Responsible for initiating, maintaining, updating and monitoring the content of web pages. Most web editors are employed by one organization, but some also are contractors and maintain many websites for different customers.
Salary range: $33,000 to $73,000, median $48,400
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Communications or Computer Science or related fields
Skills required: Excellent grammar and writing skills, knowledge of HTML and Wordpress

Web Developer

Responsibilities: Build the backend of websites and are focused more on the underlying technical structure of the site than how it looks. Most web developers have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in computer science, programming, information technology or related field.
Salary range: $36,800 to $122,300, median $67,900
Education required: Bachelor of Science in Communications or Computer Science or related fields
Skills required: HTML and CSS, Ruby, Python and PHP

Job Duties

In the computer science field, you will most likely have most of the following duties:

Analyze the computer and technology needs of an organization or product/service and recommend possible changes and upgrades
Provide for the planning and direction of installation and maintenance of computer hardware and software
Ensure that devices and organizations’ networks and electronic documents are secure
Carry out data security measures on computer networks and systems
Learn about new technologies and find new ways to upgrade the computer systems of organizations
Plan and direct work of various information technology and computer science professionals
As a programmer, you will write computer programs with modern computer languages such as C++ and Java; also test computer programs for errors and fix any computer code that is faulty

Where We Work

Computer science professionals work in all industries today, but specifically, computer and information systems managers work in these areas:

Computer systems design and related services: 20%
Finance and insurance industry: 12%
Information: 11%
Management of companies: 10%
Manufacturing: 9%

Computer programmers work in these areas:

Computer systems design and related services: 38%
Software publishers: 7%
Finance and insurance: 7%
Manufacturing: 5%
Administrative and support services: 5%

As far as best places to work geographically, the below cities are worth a strong look:

San Jose, California: This is the home of Apple, Adobe and eBay among others.
Huntsville, Alabama: This is the heart of the tech scene in the Deep South. In fact 68 over every 1000 jobs in this city are related to technology. Rent is cheap here, even if the salaries are not as high.
Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina: A full 66 of every 1000 jobs here is in technology, and the cost of living is low.
Boulder, Colorado: As many as 70 of every 1000 jobs are in computer technology. Big tech companies such as Twitter and Oracle have bought companies here.
Austin, Texas: This area of central Texas is known today as Silicon Hills, due to a high degree of venture capital interest and many accelerators and incubators located here.

Specializations

Specializations in computer science will depend upon the exact type of career path you choose. For example, if you are an information and computer technology manager, you could work in these types of specialized roles:

Chief information officer: Responsible for the technology strategy of the company. Determine what the technology goals are for the company and then ensure goals are met.
Chief technology officer: Responsible for evaluating new computer technology and determine if it can be used to meet company goals. Recommends appropriate technology solutions to support CIO directed policies.
It director: Oversees the information technology department and provides supervision for other IT employees.

In software development, you can typically specialize in two major areas:

Applications software: Design advanced computer applications for the consumer market. They often create customized software for commercial software that is then sold to the public. They also may create computer programs that people us on the Internet and on intranets.
Systems software: This is the software that keeps a computer or computerized device running smoothly. These are often operating systems for computers and electronic devices that the public buys. Or, they can be custom built systems that are built for organizations. It is systems software developers who come up with the operating systems that are in control of most of the consumer computers and electronics on the market, including smart phones and tablets.

Training and Certifications

If you want to enjoy the most financially and professionally rewarding computer science career, you may want to earn one or more of these certifications:

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC): This certification is made for IT professionals, project managers and other computer science workers who need to identify and manage risk from design through set up to maintenance of the system. A good certification for audit managers, security directors, IT managers and IT consultants.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): This is designed for managers who are implementing IT and security policy and not the hands on people. Many who get this certification are information technology managers, security directors and chief compliance officers.
Six Sigma Green Belt: This certification is based on quality control; the goal is to have no higher than 3.4 defects per million chances. It teaches you how you can improve existing process and how to properly implement a new system.
Project Management Professional (PMP): Not specifically for the IT and computer science world, but it is highly appropriate for upper level computer science managers.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants created this certification. It is designed to teach you how to find flaws, weaknesses and vulnerabilities in computer networks.
Citrix Certified Enterprise Engineer (CCEE): Citrix is a firm that offers server, application and desktop visualization services to hundreds of thousands of companies. This is an engineering exam that will test your skills in using a complete visualization solution made by Citrix.

References

University of Victoria. What Do Engineers and Computer Scientists Do? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.uvic.ca/engineering/prospective/home/whatis/index.php
Computer and Information Systems Managers. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm#tab-2
Sreekar, J. Best Places for Tech Jobs. (2015, April 27). Retrieved from https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/mortgages/best-places-tech-jobs-2015/
Computer and Information Technology Occupations. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
The Best Blockchain Jobs and Careers Available Today. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/06/18/the-best-blockchain-jobs-and-careers-available-today/#6c74fefb7ca0

30+ Highest Paying Computer Science Careers

By Henry Steele - October 10, 2018