Computer Scientist Careers: Job Description & Salary Info

About this article
What are the pros and cons of a career in computer science? Get real job descriptions, career prospects and salary info to see if a career in computer scientist is right for you.
  • Pros & Cons
  • Career Info
  • Requirements
  • Standing Out
  • Other Fields

Virtually every company uses computers to help them operate more efficiently. This demand means that computer science is a field with good job growth potential, but you'll want to consider several factors when determining if it's the right field for you. For example, most computer-related jobs pay well, but require overtime and continuing education to keep your skills updated.

PROS of a Career in Computer Science
Wide variety of job possibilities*
Good job prospects in some areas (as high as 19% from 2014 to 2024)*
Higher-than-average median salaries (about $77,000 for programmers in 2014)*
Some jobs available without a 4-year degree*

CONS of a Career in Computer Science
Lengthy education requirements for some positions (6+ years)*
Overtime is common*
Continuing education requirements*
Changing technologies can outdate specializations*
Outsourcing of jobs to countries with lower wages*

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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  • Pros & Cons
  • Career Info
  • Requirements
  • Standing Out
  • Other Fields

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • M.S. in Computer Science
      • M.S. in Computer Science (Bridge)
      • Bridge to the M.S. in Information Technology Management
      • M.S. in Instructional Technology
      • M.S in Software Development
      • M.S in Software Engineering
    Bachelor's
      • B.S. in Information Technology
      • B.S. in Applied Technology
      • B.S. in Software Development
      • Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems
      • Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Information Systems
      • B.A. in Digital Design with an Emphasis in Web Design
  • Online Programs Available
    2. National University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
      • PhD-TIM - Computer Science
      • PhD-TIM - Information Systems
      • DBA - Information Technology
      • Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science
      • PhD - General and Technology
    Master's
      • Master of Science in Computer Science
      • Master of Science in Data Science
      • MSIT - Cloud and Networking Infrastructure Management
      • MSTM - Information Technology Management
      • MSIT - Network Risk Management and Control
      • Master of Science in Information Technology
  • Online Programs Available
    3. UMass Global

    Program Options

    Bachelor's
      • BS in Information Technology
      • BS in Information Technology (Project Management)
  • Stanford, CA

    Stanford University

  • Campus and Online Programs
    5. Full Sail University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • Game Design Masters - Campus
      • Computer Science Masters - Online
      • Game Design Masters - Online
      • Mobile Gaming Masters - Online
      • Master of Science - Business Intelligence
    Bachelor's
      • Bachelor of Science - Software Development
      • Cybersecurity Bachelors - Campus
      • Game Business and Esports Bachelors - Campus
      • Interactive Technology Bachelors with Game Design Concentration - Campus
      • Computer Science Bachelors - Online
      • Information Technology Bachelors - Online
    Certificate
      • Computer Science Bachelors with AI Concentration - Online
      • User Experience Bachelors - Online
  • Online Programs Available
    6. Purdue Global

    Program Options

    Master's
      • MS in IT - Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Technologies
      • MSM in Information Technology
      • Master: Information Technology
      • Master: Information Technology - Project Management
      • MS in IT - Secure Software Development and Quality Assurance
      • MS in IT - Enterprise Architecture Systems
    Bachelor's
      • BS in Cloud Computing and Solutions
      • BS in Analytics - Cloud Computing
      • BS in Analytics - Information Security and Assurance
      • BS in Analytics - Network Administration
      • BS in Analytics - Software Development Using C#
      • BS in Analytics - Software Development Using Java
    Associate's
      • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
    Certificate
      • Professional Focus + Google UX Design Certificate
      • Professional Focus + Google IT Support Certificate
  • Campus Locations:
    7. Universal Technical Institute

    Program Options

    Certificate
      • Robotics and Automation Technology
      • Wind Power Technician

Featured Schools

Grand Canyon University

  • M.S. in Computer Science
  • M.S. in Computer Science (Bridge)
  • B.S. in Information Technology
  • B.S. in Applied Technology

What is your highest level of education?

National University

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
  • PhD-TIM - Computer Science
  • Master of Science in Computer Science
  • Master of Science in Data Science

What is your highest level of education?

UMass Global

  • BS in Information Technology
  • BS in Information Technology (Project Management)

Which subject are you interested in?

Full Sail University

  • Game Design Masters - Campus
  • Bachelor of Science - Software Development
  • Computer Science Bachelors with AI Concentration - Online

What is your highest level of education?

Purdue Global

  • MS in IT - Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Technologies
  • BS in Cloud Computing and Solutions
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
  • Professional Focus + Google UX Design Certificate

Which subject are you interested in?

Universal Technical Institute

  • Robotics and Automation Technology
  • Wind Power Technician

What is your highest level of education completed?