Computer technologies have come to shape our world and are involved in virtually every sector of contemporary society. As a result, computer science is one of the fastest growing fields and looks to stay that way for the foreseeable future. With a computer science degree, you could find yourself working at a wide variety of organizations, assisting in the development of software, the maintenance of databases, or the creation of websites. There are also career opportunities in other fields, such as finance, law enforcement and design.
Here is a list of 12 possible jobs for computer science majors:
Most Common Jobs for Computer Science Majors
1. Applications Software Developer
Software engineering is without a doubt one of the fastest growing industries, and it is one of the best career options for computer science majors. Applications software developers may work for a variety of businesses or organizations designing, installing, testing and maintaining applications for computers and smartphones. The best app developers are creative thinkers, who might work on creating anything from word processors to digital workspaces to video games. If you’re interested in becoming a software developer, the first step is learning the basics of coding and becoming familiar with common programming languages. Typically, all you need to break into the field is a demonstrable competence in programming, though a bachelor’s degree will certainly give you a leg up over the competition.
Median annual wage: $101,790
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 4%
2. Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers are computer scientists who work with computer hardware — computer components like circuit boards, memory devices and processors. They are tasked with designing, developing and testing new hardware. To attain an entry-level position in the field, you will typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or electrical engineering. Because computer hardware engineers often have to work with software, it is generally expected that hardware engineers will have a solid understanding of computer programming.
Median annual wage: $115,120
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 22%
3. Web Developer
Web developers are hired by clients or employed by a company to design and create websites. They may create a website’s basic framework and structure (known as back-end development), its layout and general appearance (known as front-end development), or both. Web developers typically work closely with their clients to understand and realize their vision for the website. Depending on the type of business, this often involves deciding what kinds of graphics and applications are needed to make the website function at its best. No formal education is needed to become a web developer, but a strong understanding of programming and graphic design are necessary. A bachelor’s degree in computer science with coursework in graphic design will provide aspiring web developers with a solid footing when entering the job market.
Median annual wage: $67,990
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 21%
Specialized/Unique Jobs for Computer Science Majors
4. Systems Software Developer
Systems software developers create and modify the software that controls the basic function of a computer, phone, or any other computer hardware. They work on large teams to develop and edit operating systems for computers, device drivers for keyboards or printers, programming language translators, or firmware. Systems software developers tend to be among the most educated, most experienced, and highest-paid software developers. Entry-level positions are typically attainable with a bachelor’s degree, though an advanced degree may be required for some positions.
Median annual wage: $107,600
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 13%
5. Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts work at the intersection of computer science and business. They are employed by a company to incorporate new technologies into their systems. They are responsible for developing strategies for how a company can best utilize technology in accordance with its long-term goals and financial interests. Employers typically look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or business. While it is not always necessary, a master’s in business administration (M.B.A.) can provide candidates with an advantage. It is also typically expected that candidates will have a strong knowledge of the specific industry they seek employment in.
Median annual wage: $88,270
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 1%
6. Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Network and computer systems administrators are employed by businesses and organizations of almost every kind. They are responsible for organizing, installing and maintaining an organization’s computer systems. Systems administrators are key to the day-to-day operation of every office, monitoring their systems and fixing any problems that arise. A job as a network and computer systems administrator can lead to employment down the line as a computer network architect, who not only maintains, but also develops these communication networks. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is enough to gain entry into the field. You may also need to be certified in the products that you use.
Median annual wage: $81,100
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 3%
Non-Traditional Jobs for Computer Science Majors
7. Quantitative Analyst
Computer science majors interested in working in finance might consider pursuing a career as a quantitative analyst. Quantitative analysts, or “quants,” as they are often called in the financial industry, are experts in financial securities. Quants, who are known as the rocket scientists of the financial world, are typically employed by hedge funds and investment banks, and tasked with the highly-challenging job of developing complex models that allow companies to price and trade financial securities, using their knowledge of mathematics, computer science and finance. Because of the high level of expertise required for the position and the competitive nature of the job market, most quants have a doctorate in a related field.
Median annual wage: $84,300
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 23%
8. Forensic Computer Analyst
Forensic computer analysts work in conjunction with law enforcement to investigate cyber crimes and to analyze computers that may have been involved in a crime. Forensic computer analysts are often involved in recovering data or documents and investigating a computer’s web history for evidence that might assist in an investigation. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is a common requirement for the position. It is also common for aspiring forensic computer analysts to have some background in criminology or criminal justice. Some agencies may require certification provided by either the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE) or the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS).
Median annual wage: $57,850
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 1%
9. Multimedia Artist or Animator
Computer science majors interested in creative work might consider a career in multimedia art and design or animation. Multimedia artists develop graphics, designs, and visual effects for television, movies, video games, websites, and other kinds of media. A bachelor’s degree in computer science can help prepare you for a career in this field, though you will also need a strong background in art, design, and computer graphics. Applicants will need a strong portfolio, which you may develop in classes, by working freelance, or on your own time.
Median annual wage: $70,530
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 1.5%
Other Potential Jobs for Computer Science Majors
10. Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information scientists are experts in computer science. They spend their day researching and designing new approaches to computer technology, oftentimes working in the fields of data science, robotics or programming, and sometimes working in more specialized fields, like biomedical technology. This job requires a deep understanding of computation theory, so in most cases, an advanced degree — either a master’s degree or a doctorate — in computer science or a related field is necessary.
Median annual wage: $114,520
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 2%
11. Database Administrator
Database administrators are employed by a variety of companies to compile, store and organize data. They are responsible for ensuring the security of sensitive data, creating and maintaining databases, preventing the loss of data by backing up databases, and seeing that customers or data analysts are able to easily access the database. Typical requirements for the position are a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a strong understanding of database languages.
Median annual wage: $87,020
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 3%
12. College Professor
Computer science majors may continue to study their subject and pursue a career as a professor, training the next generation of software developers and hardware engineers. Because computer scientists are typically employed in fields outside of academia, there are relatively few doctorates in the field. Along with the high demand for computer science degrees, there is a general shortage of computer science professors, so professorships are easy to come by relative to other fields. As with most positions in academia, a master’s degree is generally required to teach at the post secondary level, and oftentimes a doctorate is necessary for a tenure-track professorship.
Median annual wage: $78,630
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree/Ph.D.
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 3%
10 Famous People Who Studied Computer Science
- Marc Andreessen, entrepreneur
- Anousheh Ansari, engineer
- Carol Bartz, business executive
- Sergey Brin, entrepreneur
- Jimmy Fallon, comedian
- Reed Hastings, entrepreneur
- Marissa Mayer, business executive
- Larry Page, entrepreneur
- Eric Schmidt, business executive
- Mark Zuckerberg, entrepreneur
To explore options for other majors, click here.
