Studying computer science
Computer Science Salary: How Much Do Graduates Earn?
Computer science is one of the better-paid subjects to study, and the figures back that up. The numbers below come from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most authoritative source for American wage data, and refer to May 2024.
The headline figure
The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $105,990 in May 2024. For comparison, the median across all occupations was $49,500, so computer and IT roles pay more than double the national average. That gap is one of the clearest reasons the degree is in such demand.
Pay by role
The average hides a wide range. Some of the better-paid roles in the field, by median annual wage in 2024, were:
- Computer and information systems managers: $171,200
- Computer and information research scientists: $140,910
- Information security analysts: $124,910
Entry-level pay is lower than these mid-career medians, and specialists in areas such as machine learning or security can earn well above them. Experience, location and employer all move the figure substantially.
An important caveat
These are United States figures, and the US has among the highest technology salaries in the world. Pay in the UK, Europe and most other countries is lower, sometimes considerably, though computer science still tends to pay well relative to local averages. When you compare salary figures, always check which country and which year they refer to. For the careers behind these numbers, see our computer science jobs guide.
Frequently asked
How much do computer science graduates earn?
In the US, the median wage for computer and IT occupations was $105,990 in May 2024, more than double the $49,500 median for all occupations. Pay varies widely by role, location and experience.
What is the highest paying computer science role?
Computer and information systems managers had the highest median wage among common roles at $171,200 in 2024, followed by computer research scientists at $140,910 and information security analysts at $124,910.
Do computer science salaries differ by country?
Yes, a great deal. These figures are for the United States, which has among the highest technology salaries in the world. Pay in the UK and most other countries is lower, though still strong relative to local averages.