Should I major in CS for the money?
Computer science can be a good major when you're looking for strong career prospects after graduation and opportunities to develop numerous skills. Graduates are often in demand across sectors, have the potential to earn higher than average salaries, and may be able to advance more quickly in their careers.
According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a computer scientist in the US is $151,508, with a range of $93,000 to $170,000 as of March 2024 [3]. Here are some other roles and median salaries that computer scientists may work in [4]: Computer programmers: $97,000. Database architects: $112,120.
Computer science degrees tend to be highly valued among employers. In fact, the Education Data Initiative determined CS degrees to be the most cost-efficient bachelor's degree available, with a lifetime return on investment (ROI) of 716.6 percent.
Another great thing about this major is that students can look forward to increasing salaries throughout their career. A CS student can start out earning an average salary of $60,000/year, but can work their way up to over $100,000 within four years.
Computer engineering majors ranked first with an annual median salary of $80,000, followed by chemical engineering and computer science — the only two other majors that pay more than $75,000 annually.
Computer science professionals often face high levels of stress due to demanding projects, tight deadlines, complex problems, and long hours of work. Stress can negatively affect their mental and physical health, productivity, creativity, and well-being.
Overall, the field is far from oversaturated. Bootcamp grads and career switchers may struggle more to land that crucial first job. However, proving your abilities through internships, projects, and networking unlocks abundant opportunities.
The short answer is “yes.” Search any list of majors to study, and you'll likely find that computer science tops the list as one of the most challenging disciplines to learn. Compared to other fields of study, pursuing a career in computer science requires both technical and analytical skill sets.
Definitely! A computer science degree opens doors to various career paths, including software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more.
Yes, there are some that make $400k, but most SWEs will never see anything over $200k... moreover, cost of living matters.
What major makes the most money?
- Chemical Engineering. Engineering degrees are a common theme on this list. ...
- Computer Engineering. ...
- Aerospace Engineering. ...
- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Mechanical Engineering. ...
- Civil Engineering. ...
- Industrial Engineering.
Python: Python developers earn around $99,000 per year. Swift: Swift developers earn $104,000 to $125,000 per year. Go: Go developers earn an annual salary of $110,000-140,000. Typescript: Typescript developers earn $100,000 to $120,000 annually.
| 1. | Computer engineering | $80,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 2. | Chemical engineering | $79,000 |
| 3. | Computer science | $78,000 |
| 4. | Aerospace engineering | $74,000 |
| 5. | Electrical engineering | $72,000 |
| Major | Median Wage Early Career | Median Wage Mid Career |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $80,000 | $125,000 |
| Aerospace Engineering | $74,000 | $120,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | $72,000 | $112,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $70,000 | $111,000 |
- IT Support /Help Desk Analyst.
- Software Developer.
- Web Developer.
- QA Analyst.
- Entry Level Business Analyst.
- Jr. Database Administrator.
- System Administrator – Level 1.
- Cybersecurity Specialist.
All of this leads many computer science students to computer science programs, rewarding internships in the field, and long and satisfying careers in tech. So, the answer is yes. In general, most computer science majors are happy with their field of study and career.
How satisfied are computer science students compared to other degrees? Overall, computer science students rate their satisfaction with their degree a 3.2 out of 5.
There are still good jobs for computing students, and the field is growing. Between 2021 and 2031, employment for software developers and testers is expected to grow 25 percent, amounting to more than 411,000 new jobs, according to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Which pays more, computer science or computer engineering? It depends on your title, but both career tracks have high earning potential. According to the BLS, the median pay for computer and information research scientists as of May 2022 was $136,620. Computer hardware engineers earned $132,360.
Computer and information technology (IT)-related careers are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations in the coming years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [1].
How much do CS students make?
Computer Science Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for all computer and information technology occupations is $88,240, which is more than double the median annual wage of all occupations.
While the tech job market will remain highly competitive, computer science skills will be in demand for the foreseeable future. You can build a rewarding long-term career in this dynamic industry by gaining the right skills and experience, staying adaptable, and updating your skills.
Despite these advancements in AI, the role of a software engineer remains secure in the foreseeable future. Currently, AI cannot replicate the human element of software engineering: The ability to understand, innovate and adapt.
The biggest reason companies do not consider CS graduates to fill job openings is their lack of real-time practical experience. IT employers take 50% longer to hire a candidate than other recruiters as they want highly-qualified developers with exceptional coding skills.
Computer Science and Information Technology degrees have one of the highest dropout rates of all university subjects. Research shows that computer science has a 9.8% non-completion rate compared to medical sciences, with a dropout rate of approximately 1.5%.
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