What are the Highest Paying Computer Science Jobs? A Comprehensive Guide

This is clearly a lucrative time to be a qualified computer science professional. Consider the data. The overall employment growth in the field of computer science is projected to be 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all other occupations. This surging demand for qualified professionals in computer science has pegged the average salary at $109,054 per year. In this blog, we take a closer look at the best and highest-paying computer science jobs, which further reflect the variety of options on offer for those qualified for this career. 

Factors That Affect Computer Science Jobs Salaries

There are multiple factors that can influence the salary of any job profile in the computer science field. These include: 

1. Location: Computer science professionals’ earnings vary by location. For example, in the US, the average annual salary of computer scientists in California is $111,909, while in Texas it is $92,767.
2. Experience: A computer science professional with entry-level experience can earn an average salary of $60,000 per year. However, senior professionals draw average annual salaries of $115,661.
3. Specialization: The salary package for each specialization and job title is different. For example, a professional with a computer science degree and a specialization in game design can start their career as a game developer with an average salary of $74,140, which is higher than the overall average for entry-level positions.

Highest Paying Computer Science Jobs by Industry

Computer science degrees are in demand due to their high employment rate and lucrative salary packages. Here are the average annual salaries of some of the highest paying computer science jobs categorized by various industries. 

• Computer programmers: $70,114
• IT auditors: $74,166
• System security administrators: $93,390
• Computer system analyst: $79,308
• Network security administrators: $74,863

READ MORE: Top 10 Highest Paying Tech Jobs for 2023 and Beyond

Highest Paying Computer Science Jobs By Experience

Following are the average annual salaries for the highest paying computer science jobs categorized by three levels of experience: entry, mid , and senior levels.

Entry Level (Experience: 0-1 year)

• Web developer: $76,518
• Full stack developer: $66,193
• Systems analyst: $71,638

Mid Level (Experience: 2-4 years)

• Java developer: $98,837
• Software Developer: $98,768
• Software Engineer: $116,887

Senior Level (Experience: 5-7 years)

• Principal software engineer: $204,742
• Principal java developer: $159,772
• System analyst: $141,897

Highest Paying Computer Science Jobs By Qualification

Most entry-level computer science jobs require a bachelor’ degree in computer science. However, a master’s degree helps professionals earn a management position. Here are some of the highest paying computer science jobs as per qualification along with their salary estimates.

1. Computer Scientist

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science

Average Annual Salary: $115,854

2. Full Stack Developer 

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field; associate degree may also be needed

 Average Annual Salary: $204,742

3. Principal Software Engineer

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, or software engineering

Average Annual Salary: $204,742

4. Software Development Manager

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or computer engineering; master’s degree in software management for a managerial role 

Average Annual Salary: $227,320

5. Site Reliability Engineer

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field

Average Annual Salary: $126,957.

Highest Paying Computer Science Jobs By Specialization

Here’s a list of the highest paying computer science jobs, categorized by specialization. 

1. Software Engineering:

Specializations Required: Software/systems development and applications development

Average Annual Salary: $106,291

2. Security Engineering:

Specializations Required: Cybersecurity

Average Annual Salary: $130,835. 

3. UX Design

Specializations Required: Interaction design, visual design, and information architecture 

Average Annual Salary: $97,567

4. Video Games Development

Specializations Required: Game designing and game development

Average Annual Salary: $80,743

Top Companies Hiring for a Computer Science Job 

According to a 2022 survey conducted by Universum, an employer branding company, here’s a list of the top companies hiring for a computer science job and the average annual salary paid by them.

• Google: $150,000
• Apple: $142,500
• Microsoft: $130,677
• Amazon: $135,000
• Netflix: $176,457
• Tesla: $132,678
• SpaceX: $120,670

Highest Paying Jobs, Average Salaries, and Skills Required

Here’s a list of the highest paying computer science jobs, along with their average salary and skill requirements.

1. Software Architect

Average annual salary: $131,980

Skills required: Proficiency in computer networks such as Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN). Knowledge of a variety of programming languages such as Python, Java, and Ruby

2. Data Engineer

Average annual salary: $134,134

Skills required: Proficiency in Python, Java, and other computer programming languages such as Ruby. The ability to think critically and familiarity with operating systems, computer applications, and cloud services

3. Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Average annual salary: $131,520

Skills required: Familiarity with computer operating systems such as Linux. Well-versed in a variety of programming languages such as Python, Ruby, and Java

4. Network Architect

Average annual salary: $113,876

Skills required: Proficiency in design patterns, C# and C++ programming language, and DevOps. Strong communication and team-building abilities

5. Solutions Architect

Average annual salary: $200,059

Skills required: Business development and planning skills. Knowledge of operating systems such as Linux, and Windows 10, among others, and problem-solving skills. Good communication and leadership skills

This guide on the highest-paying computer science jobs is an indicator of the potential in this sector and underscores the importance of staying competitive to qualify for the top opportunities. Enhance your skills and gain expertise by enrolling in Emeritus’ online technology courses and boost your chances of building a lucrative career in this field.

Write to us at content@emeritus.org