Career Guide: Explore the Computer Scientist Salary and Job Outlook in 2025
Technology permeates almost every aspect of our lives, as reflected in the burgeoning computing job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow much faster than average from 2024 to 2034, creating about 317,700 job openings each year. The median annual wage for computer and IT occupations was $105,990 in May 2024, well above the median for all occupations ($49,500).
Computer scientists work in varied fields, including research, programming, network architecture, systems management, software engineering and web development. As technology advances, entirely new job functions will likely emerge.
Respected credentials can help tech job seekers stand out in today's competitive employment market. The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) helps students establish and bolster computing knowledge and skills, which is why many employers favor candidates with this graduate degree.
Computer Scientist Salary and Other Top-Paying Jobs in the Field in 2025
An MSCS can broaden your job options in fields and organizations. These roles pay well; according to PayScale, the 2024 average salary for a computer scientist with a master's was $111,000. We've listed three high-paying computer science career paths below.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information research scientists create innovative ways to utilize old and new computer technologies. They develop new computing languages and software systems, conduct experiments to test their work, and publish their research in peer-reviewed journals. In May 2024, the median annual wage was $140,910, with employment projected to grow 20% from 2024 to 2034, creating about 3,200 openings each year.
Software Developer
Software developers create and improve the applications that enable computers to complete specific tasks. They research user needs and incorporate their findings into their designs, test and troubleshoot their new programs, and continue to improve their creations after they are published. The 2024 median annual wage for software developers was $133,080, with employment projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than average—producing about 129,200 openings annually.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts plan and execute security operations for their organizations' systems and networks. They police computer networks to detect and prevent security breaches, test systems for potential vulnerabilities, establish security standards and best practices, and research and recommend the latest developments in the field. The 2024 median annual wage for information security analysts was $124,910, with employment projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, producing about 16,000 openings per year.
The Most In-Demand Computer Science Jobs
Computer science interacts with almost every aspect of our lives. Demand for computer scientists is accelerating; data scientists (34% growth, $112,590 median pay), information security analysts (29% growth, $124,910 median pay), and computer and information research scientists (20% growth, $140,910 median pay) all appear on the BLS list of fastest-growing occupations for 2024-2034.
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies may create entirely new career paths. The McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2023 lists applied AI, next-generation software development, cloud and edge computing, and trust architectures and digital identity among the hottest trending tech job postings.
Higher Degree, Higher Salary: How a Master's Degree Boosts Earning Potential
Whether you're an aspiring or experienced computer scientist, earning an advanced degree can improve your employment prospects and boost your income. According to the BLS, STEM professionals - including systems administrators, web developers and information security analysts - with master's degrees typically earn higher annual incomes than their counterparts holding only bachelor's degrees, with pay differentials ranging from 18 to 26%, depending on the field.
Adding an MSCS to your resume could potentially make you a stand-out for specific roles (e.g. applications architect, IT director, big data engineer and data scientist). Some supervisory or managerial roles may even require a master's degree. MSCS students can choose coursework that influences their career trajectory, including:
- Specific programming languages
- Advanced mobile systems and applications courses
- Specialized areas, e.g. machine learning
Earning a Master's Degree in Computer Science from Stevens
The program fits well into working professionals' calendars, enabling them to earn a degree part-time while continuing to work full-time. They can complete the degree in two years or less, typically with satisfying results: 97% of Stevens MSCS graduates accept job offers within three months of graduation (as of 2025).
If you're ready to advance your career path in computer science, apply to the Stevens Online MSCS program today, attend an admissions webinar or connect with an enrollment advisor (EA) to learn more.