Where Are You in Your Career?<\/h2>\r\n
There are excellent computer science jobs available at all experience levels, from people just starting out in tech to seasoned professionals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
- \r\n
- New professional:<\/mark><\/strong> New professionals generally have less than five years' experience in the field. This category includes recent college graduates. New professionals are usually still in the beginning phases of developing hard and soft skills and expertise.<\/li>\r\n
- Midcareer professional:<\/mark><\/strong> Midcareer professionals hold 5-9 years of relevant experience. Typically many years past college graduation, these workers have strong hard and soft skills.<\/li>\r\n
- Late-career professional:<\/mark><\/strong> People with 10 or more years in the field are late-career professionals. They often hold specialized expertise and advanced knowledge. Many have management or administrative experience and may qualify for senior-level positions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Career-switchers — people entering the tech industry from a different field — may not fit neatly into any of these categories. Which jobs they qualify for depends on their education level and whether their previous career developed transferable skills that apply to the computer science field.<\/p>\r\n
Below, we describe some of the best computer science jobs for people with different professional experience levels.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\n \n \r\n<\/sonic-editorial-listings>\r\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n Best Computer Science Jobs for New Professionals<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
Web Developer<\/h3>\r\n
Web developers<\/a> create websites. Frequent duties include writing code, creating navigation menus, and designing website interfaces. Entry-level web developer positions typically do not require previous relevant work experience, making this job a good choice for new computer science professionals.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Bachelor's degree (preferred)<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +23%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Median Annual Salary:<\/strong> $78,300<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Software Developer<\/h3>\r\n
Software developers<\/a> create applications and programs that allow computers to complete set tasks. Common employers include the computer systems design, finance and insurance, and software publishing industries. These developers can advance to become project management specialists overseeing the software development process.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Bachelor's degree<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +25%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Median Annual Salary:<\/strong> $109,020<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Video Game Designer<\/h3>\r\n
Video game designers<\/a> create games for a variety of devices, including computers and video game consoles. They develop game concepts, characters, storylines, and rules. They write code and may create graphics and visual effects. These designers need programming, software development, and problem-solving skills.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Bachelor's degree (preferred)<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> Not available<\/li>\r\n
- Average Annual Salary:<\/strong> $66,870<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
\n \r\n\n\n\n Explore tech jobs that don't require a degree<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/sonic-icon>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n \n\n Find companies that don't require a degree<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/sonic-icon>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n Best Computer Science Jobs for Midcareer Professionals<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
Information Security Analyst<\/h3>\r\n
Information security analysts<\/a> specialize in cybersecurity. They protect their organization's computer systems and networks by organizing and carrying out security measures. Major employers include the computer systems design, finance and insurance, and information industries. These professionals enjoy high job market demand.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Bachelor's degree<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +35%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Median Annual Salary:<\/strong> $102,600<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Database Administrator<\/h3>\r\n
Database administrators<\/a> develop and oversee systems that contain data. Many work for insurance companies, educational institutions, and the computer systems design industry. Frequent duties include building new databases, backing up data, analyzing user needs, and ensuring database accuracy.<\/p>\r\n
Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree. Advancement opportunities include database architect and computer and information systems manager.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Bachelor's degree<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +9%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Median Annual Salary:<\/strong> $101,000<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Network and Computer Systems Administrator<\/h3>\r\n
Network and computer systems administrators<\/a> supervise the daily operations of computer networks. They make system upgrades, provide user training, optimize networks, and troubleshoot problems. They often work in the information, educational services, and computer systems design industries.<\/p>\r\n
Network and computer systems administrators can get promotions to roles like computer network architect or computer and information systems manager.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Bachelor's degree<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +3%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Median Annual Salary:<\/strong> $80,600<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Software Developer<\/h3>\r\n
Software developers<\/a> design computer programs and applications. Typical tasks include recommending software upgrades and analyzing computer users' needs. Software developers work closely with computer programmers. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Bachelor's degree<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +25%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Median Annual Salary:<\/strong> $109,020<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n
Best Computer Science Jobs for Late-Career Professionals<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
Computer and Information Systems Manager<\/h3>\r\n
Computer and information systems managers<\/a> oversee and plan computer-related activities and policies at their organizations. Many people late in their career have acquired the skills, knowledge, and experience to qualify for management and administrative positions. These roles typically provide excellent salaries.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Bachelor's degree<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +16%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Median Annual Salary:<\/strong> $159,010<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Data Scientist<\/h3>\r\n
Data scientists<\/a> analyze problems and answer questions by collecting and assessing data. They need skills in big data analytics, data mining, machine learning, and programming. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Bachelor's or master's degree<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> Not available<\/li>\r\n
- Average Annual Salary:<\/strong> $97,610<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Computer and Information Research Scientist<\/h3>\r\n
Computer and information research scientists<\/a> study computing. They use computers and other technologies to solve problems in society. Typical employers include the computer systems design and scientific research and development sectors. These scientists may also work for the federal government.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Master's degree<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +21%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Median Annual Salary:<\/strong> $131,490<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
\n \n \r\n<\/sonic-editorial-listings>\r\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n Best Computer Science Jobs for Career-Switchers<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
Web Developer<\/h3>\r\n
Web developers<\/a> need programming, UX\/UI, design, and SEO skills. This is a good role for career switchers, because most positions do not require prior web development experience. Although employers prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree, many will hire candidates who can prove their skills through prior projects or by completing a web development bootcamp.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Bachelor's degree (preferred)<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +23%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Median Annual Salary:<\/strong> $78,300<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Computer Support Specialist<\/h3>\r\n
Computer support specialists<\/a> assist computer users and maintain computer networks. Education requirements vary, but employers typically hire based on skills, making this a good choice for career-switchers. Computer support specialists can advance to other positions like software developer, information security analyst, and network and computer systems administrator.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Varies<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> 6%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Median Annual Salary:<\/strong> $57,910<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Health Information Technician<\/h3>\r\n
Health information technicians maintain and protect patient health data. They work in medical facilities and for insurance agencies. Health information technicians need medical data entry and computer software support skills, along with medical terminology knowledge. Becoming a health information technician<\/a> can be a good first job in tech for someone with previous healthcare industry experience.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Required Education:<\/strong> Associate degree<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> Not available<\/li>\r\n
- Average Annual Salary:<\/strong> $44,980<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
\n \r\n\n\n\n Get a high-paying tech job without previous experience<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/sonic-icon>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n \n\n Learn how to get a tech job as a career switcher<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/sonic-icon>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n \n\n Can you get a CS master's with a bachelor's in a different subject?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/sonic-icon>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n Where to Find the Top Computer Science Jobs<\/h2>\r\n
Job-seekers at any career stage can pursue computer science jobs that fit their experience levels. To find the top computer science jobs, consider asking mentors or colleagues for recommendations, joining professional groups, and attending job fairs. Consult the job boards below to discover potential opportunities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\nTechFetch<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Based in Virginia, TechFetch receives thousands of new tech job postings each day. Job-seekers can search for computer science jobs in areas like database development, data warehousing, and mobile development.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
\r\nDice<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
This tech job board receives more than 1,000 new job postings a day. Users can filter their searches by characteristics like full time versus part time, distance, and employer type.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
\r\nIndeed<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
One of the most popular job boards online, Indeed receives more than 250 million visitors each month. Job-seekers can search open positions for free. The site lists jobs of all kinds, including tech roles.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
\r\nHired<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
This job board matches job-seekers with employers. Hired lets users upload a resume and create a profile so that companies can contact them for an interview.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
\r\nRemote Tech Jobs<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
This site aggregates remote computer science jobs from 11 other job boards including Indeed and Remotive. Search by categories like digital marketing, Python, and iOS.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
Additional Resources<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \n\n
\n \n \n \r\n\n![\"Landing](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1662131391\/ComputerScience.org\/CompSci_Resources_Jobs-in-AI_FTR_3702f818e\/CompSci_Resources_Jobs-in-AI_FTR_3702f818e.jpg?_i=AA\"\n)
\n \nLanding a Job in Artificial Intelligence<\/h4>\n
\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Learn More\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n![\"Landing](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1662131260\/ComputerScience.org\/GettyImages-530281113_664bf72c\/GettyImages-530281113_664bf72c.jpg?_i=AA\"\n)
\n \nLanding a Job in a Top Tech Hub<\/h4>\n
\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Learn More\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n![\"Top](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1662131233\/ComputerScience.org\/CompSci_Careers_FTR_2969cf52f\/CompSci_Careers_FTR_2969cf52f.jpg?_i=AA\"\n)
\n \nTop Careers in Computer Science<\/h4>\n
\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Learn More\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n![\"Careers](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1662131603\/ComputerScience.org\/Man-Woman-Shaking-Hands-Office_8088d8f4c\/Man-Woman-Shaking-Hands-Office_8088d8f4c.jpg?_i=AA\"\n)
\n \nCareers for Bootcamp Graduates<\/h4>\n
\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Learn More\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/section>\n\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \r\n<\/sonic-editorial-listings>\r\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n FAQ About Jobs in Computer Science<\/h2>\r\n
What is the highest-paying job in computer science?<\/h3>\r\n
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer and information technology workers<\/a> earned a median annual salary of $97,430 as of May 2021. This is much higher than the median salary for all occupations of $45,760. One of the highest-paying jobs in computer science is computer and information systems manager<\/a> with a median annual salary of $159,010.<\/p>\r\n
Which computer science job is best for beginners?<\/h3>\r\n
The best computer science jobs for beginners include web developer, software developer, and video game designer. Computer support specialist and health information technician are other good options.<\/p>\r\n
Which computer science jobs are in demand?<\/h3>\r\n
Software developers, computer and information research scientists, and information security analysts are all in-demand computer science jobs. The BLS projects much-faster-than-average growth from 2021-2031 for all of these occupations.<\/p>\r\n
Can you work in computer science at any age?<\/h3>\r\n
Yes, you can work in computer science at any age. As long as you are open to learning and trying new things, there is no age limit on entering the field.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nReviewed by:<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
\n![\"Portrait](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/image\/upload\/v1651676190\/Darnell_Kenebrew.png\")
\n \nDarnell Kenebrew<\/h4>\n
\n \r\n\r\n \t - Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> Not available<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> 6%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +23%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +21%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> Not available<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +16%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +25%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +3%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +9%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +35%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> Not available<\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +25%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Job Outlook (2021-31):<\/strong> +23%<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Midcareer professional:<\/mark><\/strong> Midcareer professionals hold 5-9 years of relevant experience. Typically many years past college graduation, these workers have strong hard and soft skills.<\/li>\r\n