10 High-Paying Jobs for Computer Science Degree Graduates
Did you know that computer science graduates earn some of the highest starting salaries of any major?
If you’re interested in technology, mathematics, and problem-solving, a computer science degree may be worth exploring. With it, you’ll be prepared for sought-after jobs in information technology (IT), cybersecurity, computer engineering, web development, and more.
What Can I Do with a Computer Science Degree?
The good news for graduates is that computer science jobs can be found in nearly every sector and every field. Check out 10 of the best-paying, most in-demand computer science-adjacent careers and their salaries below.
1. Software Engineer
Average salary: $132,270
If you like solving complex problems and are comfortable working both on a team and individually, consider a career in software engineering. With a mix of creative and tech skills, software engineers develop and maintain computer programs, applications, and systems to drive innovation.
Many software engineers are behind the project-planning phase of development and may direct teams of developers. While some software engineers are self-taught, most of those that pursue long-term careers gain their core technical skills by earning a degree in IT or software development.
2. UX Designer
Average salary: $98,540
A user experience (UX) designer’s job is to enhance the overall experience a user has when interacting with a digital product, service, or system, whether they’re shopping online, scrolling through social media, or engaging in any number of other similar activities. UX designers conduct research and implement their findings to create accessible and intuitive menus, images, videos, and more.
If you are creative and enjoy crafting user-friendly layouts, UX design could be an ideal profession for you. The level of education you pursue for this role depends on how far you want to take your career, but in most cases, you’ll need to have an IT- or design-related bachelor’s or master’s degree.
3. Quality Assurance Analyst
Average salary: $101,800
Also referred to as “QA analysts,” these professionals test computer programs, digital apps, video games, and other types of software for problems. QA analysts thoroughly assess software to search for errors and issues with usability.
As QA analysts gather information, it’s their responsibility to make suggestions to developers on how to improve programs and provide a better user experience. A bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science is usually required for most entry-level positions. For advanced roles, you’ll likely need a relevant master’s degree.
4. Data Scientist
Average salary: $108,020
Data scientists work with big data to help organizations meet their specific goals and needs. Data scientists are often given a complex problem and must parse through information to solve it. They typically look back on historical data to make predictions about what will help a business or organization make a profit or save money.
The role of a data scientist requires a unique combination of math, computer science, and data analysis skills. These professionals are usually highly educated, so you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in data analytics, computer science, mathematics, or another related subject.
5. Systems Architect
Average Salary: $129,840
A systems architect—sometimes called a “computer network architect”—develops networks and computer systems from the ground up and puts processes in place to keep those systems running smoothly. They work with software, servers, security protocols, and hardware to connect computer users to each other and establish communication infrastructures.
Systems architects may also advise on which IT systems and components should be used to achieve specific business goals. In addition to computer programming experience, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or network engineering can prepare you for this job.
6. Cybersecurity Analyst
Average salary: $120,360
The main job of a cybersecurity analyst is to protect an organization’s software, hardware, and networks from cyber threats like malware and information theft. Cybersecurity analysts need to understand basic IT infrastructure and know how to monitor it at all times.
Their responsibilities include performing risk assessments to prepare against hackers and other types of cybercriminals. While many cybersecurity analysts occupy entry-level roles, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or information assurance to qualify for most jobs.
7. Video Game Designer
Average salary: $70,919
Video game designers are involved in many stages of the video game development process, from storyboarding characters and plotlines to fixing bugs in the game’s code. They work closely with writers, artists, developers, and programmers to ensure that the overall vision of a game is realized. Video game designers may also test the game with focus groups and make adjustments if needed.
If you’re pursuing a video game design career that exercises both your imagination and technical skills, a bachelor’s degree in software development or software engineering is an ideal way to start.
8. Web Developer
Average salary: 84,960
Web developers work closely with UX and user interface (UI) designers to build web pages and web applications. Together with programmers, they create the user-facing and back-end elements of a website—including underlying code, content layout, and databases—to ensure a high-quality experience that leaves users satisfied.
Because web development requires coding and scripting skills, most web developers hold a bachelor’s degree in software development, software engineering, or computer science.
9. App Developer
Average salary: $77,949
Application developers are tasked with providing convenient mobile solutions for users by creating dedicated apps and troubleshooting issues with app operations. These developers seek to innovate how people engage with social media, professional and personal productivity, banking, navigation, and more.
To become an application developer, you’ll typically need to obtain an undergraduate degree in software development. Many app developers also earn one or more industry certifications to complement their degree.
10. Database Administrator
Average salary: $101,510
Database administrators help organizations store and access their data. This data might include anything from financial information and employee performance metrics to patient medical records. Database admins rely on specialized software to install data management platforms, securely store information, migrate data to and from servers, and troubleshoot user issues.
Managing database access to authorized users is also an important responsibility of database administrators. Many database admins hold a bachelor’s degree in cloud computing or IT.
Start Your Computer Science Degree with WGU Today
If one of these roles piques your interest, a bachelor’s degree in computer science from WGU is a great way to launch—or advance in—a lucrative IT career.
WGU’s competency-based learning model lets you advance through courses as quickly as you show mastery of the material, so you can potentially graduate faster and save money. Plus, in a WGU degree program, you can study on your own schedule with no set log-in times for coursework.
Learn more by exploring one of WGU’s many online IT degree programs today.
