Computer science careers are tremendously diverse, opening up numerous opportunities for individuals with varying skills and preferences. Some people get into the field because they love technology and want to work with computer hardware, computer repairs, or internet security. Others are more interested in the creative fields of coding, game design, and computer-generated graphic arts and designs.
No matter what your preferences, you will find plenty of career opportunities, with more opening up regularly as the industry continues to grow and new innovations are created.
These are some great computer science careers that you can choose from:
13 Careers for Computer Science Majors
1. Web Designer
- Median Annual Pay: $92,750
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 16%
- Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Web designing is an ever-expanding field with tremendous job potential. If you love working with code like HTML, JavaScript, or Adobe software, a career in web design might perfect for you. Web designers are in more demand now than ever.
Web designers have good eye for composition and are also skilled at developing applications for optimal functionality. This is a job where creativity and fun are just two of the many benefits you’ll enjoy, whether you want to design web sites or mobile applications for smartphones. This field requires a computer science degree as well as a strong business acumen.
2. Information Security Analyst
- Median Annual Pay: $120,360
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 32%
- Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
It’s important to stay safe in the digital age, but it isn’t always easy—that’s where Information Security Analysts come in. Also known as Computer Security Specialists or Data Security Analysts, these professionals can monitor and improve security protocols for the protection of digital networks. They also respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
To excel within this challenging career, you must have sharp critical thinking skills and complex problem-solving skills. Having expert knowledge of telecommunication, technology, and computer hardware and software are equally important to succeed as an Information Security Analyst.
3. Computer Network Architect
- Median Annual Pay: $129,840
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 4%
- Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Computer network architects are in great demand and it’s easy to see why! If it weren’t for these specialists, corporate and school computer systems as we know them wouldn’t exist. Computer network architects are the backbone workers for networks. They do more than just run wires to create a network. These professionals make sure the network can handle heavy internet traffic, that everyone can log in, and that the network is safe, secure, and always running.
Computer network architects are essential in any school, business, or civic use of computers. The network never really sleeps; thus, they are always ready for an emergency.
4. Database Administrator
- Median Annual Pay: $117,450
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 8%
- Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Database administrators make sure any database they are responsible for is safe, secure, and ready for customer usage whenever they need to. Performance and security for databases are their two top priorities. These professionals inspect the database regularly to ensure it is running efficiently and there are no security breaches within the database itself.
Computer programming and also a basic understanding of how these programs work is essential for this role. Some database administrators prefer to work on creating new customized databases that meet a client’s specifications.
5. Software Developer
- Median Annual Pay: $130,160
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 25%
- Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Is coding is your strong point? Do you enjoy creating new programs and applications? If so, software development is the path you may want to consider for your future career. In this position, you would create software programs that help users complete tasks. You may opt to work in applications or systems software, but both are projected to grow at a faster than average rate in the next few years.
The ability to understand and write in several different computer languages is an important skill in this computer science career. Software developers also need to have excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills. This career is for you if you love to code and enjoy developing new software programs or creating innovative upgrades to older programs.
6. Computer Hardware Engineer
- Median Annual Pay: $138,080
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 5%
- Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
If you prefer to work with the machinery of a computer, rather than the coding or software, you may want to consider a job as a computer hardware engineer.
Computer hardware engineers design and build computers using their extensive knowledge of electronics, technology, and engineering. They create and implement individual components such as processors, circuit boards, and microchips into systems so users enjoy an enhanced computing experience. They also develop and install computing peripherals such as keyboards, routers, and printers.
Being a computer hardware engineer may be a good fit for you if you enjoy taking computers apart and upgrading computer systems.
7. Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Median Annual Pay: $145,080
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 23%
- Entry-Level Education: Master’s Degree
Computer and information research scientists focus mainly on research. They study current computer systems and applications, working to find new and innovative ways to improve upon them. These professionals write and study algorithms so they may better analyze and understand large datasets. These datasets are then used to determine what kinds of products, services, and computer applications users are drawn to. The datasets also help determine which products and service customers are no longer using, and which are no longer being used at all.
Information research scientists are in great demand. If you enjoy research and you love watching tech trends, this job may be a perfect fit.
8. Computer Systems Analyst
- Median Annual Pay: $103,800
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 10%
- Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Computer system analysts analyze and improve computer systems, user requirements, and procedures. They also identify problems, automate or improve existing systems, and review system capabilities, workflow, and limitations.
This job does require you to be on top of recent trends in tech, so you must be prepared to keep learning. Critical skills to consider include reading comprehension, systems analysis, writing proficiency, and deductive reasoning. This role requires strong communication skills too.
9. Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary
- Median Annual Pay: $106,380
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 8%
- Entry-Level Education: Ph.D. or other doctoral degree
If you would love to share your expert knowledge of computers with future computer science professionals, you’ll find a career in teaching very satisfying. Computer science teachers prepare and impart both theoretical and practical lessons and exercises. They also help students understand computer theories and teach them how to use different computer software applications.
Expert computer knowledge and excellent communication skills are essential requirements in this role.
10. Web Developer
- Median Annual Pay: $92,750
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 16%
- Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Do you want to add a bit of marketing, design, and branding know-how to your computer science degree? A web developer position may be the ideal choice for you!
Web developers are responsible for building, altering, or improving websites—which is vital in the age of the internet. They handle the tech aspect of sites, which requires expect knowledge of technical SEO for their clients or organization.
Creativity and communication skills are essential for this computer science job. Critical thinking, programming know-how, and active listening are also important traits to have. Becoming a web developer might be a great choice if you’re looking for a role that utilizes your technical expertise as well as your artistic skills.
11. IT Project Manager
- Median Wage: $98,580
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 6%
- Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
IT Project managers are responsible for overseeing an IT project from start to finish. They usually work as part of a team consisting of programmers, as well as other IT professionals. A project manager ensures that the team works well together to complete the project on time and to specifications.
This role requires strong organizational, leadership and time-management skills as well as exceptional oral and written communication. If you love working with people and computers and if you are a natural leader, then a career as an IT project manager may be a perfect fit for you.
12. Forensics Computer Analyst
- Median Annual Pay: $ 64,940
- Job Outlook 2022-32: 13%
- Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Do you love solving mysteries? Forensic computer analysts help police and other law-enforcement agencies. They are also known as forensic science technicians.
Part of a forensic computer analyst’s job involves figuring out what potential criminals have on their phones, computers, and other electronic devices. This information helps the authorities build cases against suspects. This is especially helpful when the potential criminal may already be dead or if they have been extradited to another area for similar crimes. This type of work is as important as it is fascinating.
13. Other Computer Science Careers
There are plenty of choices when it comes to computer science careers! These are a few more jobs that didn’t make it to the list but are just as exciting and well-paying and have great job potential:
- Computer Network Architect
- Video Game Designers
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Database Administrator
When working towards your computer science degree, it helps to get a clearer picture of what you’d like to do after you graduate. Using resources through your school can help. College Raptor also has the Career Finder where you can explore popular jobs, median salaries, projected job growth, and more!
Interested in a career in computer science? Use College Raptor’s free match tool to discover great colleges that offer computer science degrees!
Salary and growth projections for the careers listed above are pulled from data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
