While you’re considering earning a computer science degree, you’re probably curious about what your options will be after graduation. You’ve got bills to pay and children to raise, so you’re seeking a career that’s a safe bet.
When it comes to the future, there are few guarantees. But you’re not likely to find a career path with a more optimistic outlook than computer science careers. With job opportunities increasing significantly and computer science salaries that escalate with experience, it’s no wonder you’re considering this field.
We know, we know – you haven’t made your decision yet. But as you explore your options, it’s always helpful to know as much as possible about the types of jobs that will be available to you once you earn a bachelor of computer science degree. To help you in your research, we analyzed more than 560,000 job postings over the past year to determine the most common positions for computer science degree holders.*
So, what can you do with a computer science bachelor’s degree? Take a look!
Top 10 computer science careers:
Below you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the top 10 careers for computer science degree holders, ordered according to the total number of jobs posted over the past year. Learn a bit about the duties, outlook and earning potential for each position.**
1. Software applications developer
Daily duties:
Design or customize computer applications software
Modify existing software to optimize operational efficiency or correct errors
Evaluate software requirements and user needs to determine software feasibility
Available jobs (7/2014 – 6/2015): 165,063
Projected growth (2012-2022): 22 percent or higher
Median annual salary (2014): $95,510
2. Computer systems analyst
Daily duties:
Analyze data processing problems to improve computer systems
Develop and test system design procedures
Enhance system compatibility so information can be shared easily
Available jobs (7/2014 – 6/2015): 32,018
Projected growth (2012-2022): 22 percent or higher
Median annual salary (2014): $82,710
3. Computer systems engineer
Daily duties:
Develop solutions to complex applications problems and other network concerns
Provide technical guidance for troubleshooting computer systems
Confirm stability and security of system architecture
Available jobs (7/2014 – 6/2015): 21,144
Projected growth (2012-2022): 3 – 7 percent
Median annual salary (2014): $83,410
4. Network systems administrator
Daily duties:
Install and support an organization’s network system
Examine website functions to ensure performance without interruption
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations
Available jobs (7/2014 – 6/2015): 21,089
Projected growth (2012-2022): 8 – 14 percent
Median annual salary (2014): $75,790
5. Database administrator
Daily duties:
Test and administer computer databases
Coordinate changes and correct errors to computer databases
Apply security measures to safeguard information
Available jobs (7/2014 – 6/2015): 20,835
Projected growth (2012-2022): 15 – 21 percent
Median annual salary: $80,280
6. Business intelligence analyst
Daily duties:
Analyze market strategies through examining competitors and share trends
Collect and compile data from public information, industry reports or purchased sources
Produce business intelligence and trend data to support recommendations for plans of action
Available jobs (7/2014 – 6/2015): 20,589
Projected growth (2012-2022): 3 – 7 percent
Median annual salary (2014): $83,410
7. Web developer
Daily duties:
Write, design or edit web page content, or direct others producing content
Identify and correct problems uncovered by testing or user feedback
Back up website files for immediate recovery in case of problems
Available jobs (7/2014 – 6/2015): 19,993
Projected growth (2012-2022): 15 – 21 percent
Median annual salary (2014): $63,490
8. Computer programmer
Daily duties:
Create and test the code that allows computers to run properly
Analyze user needs and develop software solutions
Write computer programs to store, locate or retrieve data
Available jobs (7/2014 – 6/2015): 19,229
Projected growth (2012-2022): 8 – 14 percent
Median annual salary (2014): $77,550
9. Software systems developer
Daily duties:
Design, develop and test various software for a variety of industries
Alter existing software to correct errors or improve performance
Analyze data to identify, recommend and plan new system installations or modifications
Available jobs (7/2014 – 6/2015): 17,356
Projected growth (2012-2022): 15 – 21 percent
Median annual salary (2014): $102,880
10. Software quality assurance (QA) tester
Daily duties:
Develop test plans to identify software errors
Create and maintain a database to track software defects
Review software documentation to confirm accuracy and mitigate risks
Available jobs (7/2014 – 6/2015): 16,179
Projected growth (2012-2022): 3 – 7 percent
Median annual salary (2014): $83,410