Top 6 Jobs With a Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree

When it comes to a career in computer science, you have a lot of options. Just ask Dr. Francis Manning. An adjunct instructor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), Manning has 30 years of experience in a number of roles in the field.

"I have done information security, networking, computer storage applications, application development, algorithm development," he said. "Data analysis, security — you name it, I've worked with it."

So, where will your computer science degree take you? Opportunities in the field are increasing as technology evolves, with computer and information technology growing at a much faster rate than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).*

What Kind of Jobs Can You Get With a BS in Computer Science?

A computer science bachelor's degree can prepare you for a number of tech roles across broad industries, from software companies and online businesses to schools, hospitals and government agencies.

Here are 6 top positions to consider:

Software Developer

According to the BLS, software developers design computer applications and programs. The role earned a median salary of $133,080 in 2024 with a projected growth rate of 17% by 2033 — much faster than the average 4% projected growth for all positions, according to BLS.*

Web Developer

Web developers, who create and maintain websites, earned a median salary of $90,930 in 2024 with a 9% growth rate projected through 2033, the BLS reports.*

Information Security Analyst

As an information security analyst, you could work in cybersecurity keeping information safe. The BLS said the role had a median salary of $124,910 with a soaring 33% projected growth rate.* Although a bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for information security analysts, the BLS reports that this role may also require a few years of experience.

Database Administrator

Database administrators, who create and maintain databases, took home a median salary of $104,620 in 2024, according to the BLS.* While you can become a database administrator with a bachelor's degree, the BLS noted that certain employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree.

Quality Assurance Analyst

Software quality assurance analysts and testers, who are responsible for making sure services and products meet standards, earned a median salary of $102,610 in 2024, the BLS said.*

Computer Programmer

In 2024, computer programmers made a median annual salary of $98,670, the BLS said.* While the role isn't projected to grow through 2033, the BLS projects about 6,400 openings for computer programming roles each year in that same period.*

"Those are all jobs that would be in the area of computer science and are all great opportunities and could lead to potential future upward movement," said Dr. Albanie Bolton, an adjunct instructor and academic partner at SNHU who also works with NASA as a safety and mission assurance integration lead at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). "The list goes on and on."

Learn what else you can do with a degree in computer science.

What Are the Best Entry-level Jobs for Computer Science?

There are also a few roles in computer science that you could get into before finishing your bachelor's. For example, Bolton said you could go for a support role, like working as a help desk tech. Computer support specialists earned a median salary of $61,550 in 2024, according to the BLS, with a projected growth rate of 6% through 2033.*

You also might also be able to get your start as a programmer or developer. The BLS said programmers usually have at least a bachelor's degree, but according to Manning, certain employers might hire you into a more junior programming or development role if you have an associate degree in computer science.

"It's a step above an intern, but that's your entry-level career position," Manning said. "And that's a great place to start."

Discover more jobs you can get with a computer science associate degree.

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Computer Science Degree?

Securing one of the higher-paying computer science roles will likely take more experience in the field or, potentially, an advanced degree, such as a master's in computer science.

Here are some examples:

• Computer Hardware Engineer: Computer hardware engineers earned a median of $155,020 in 2024 and jobs are projected to grow 7% through 2033.*
  
  
• Computer and Information Research Scientist: Computer and information research scientists earned a median salary of $140,910 in 2024, and the role is projected to grow 26% by 2033, according to the BLS — more than six times faster than the average for all roles.* This position usually requires a master's degree, the BLS said.
  
  
• Computer Network Architect: Computer network architects made a median of $130,390 in 2024, according to the BLS, with a 13% projected growth rate through 2033.*

Learn more about what jobs you can get with a master's in computer science.

How Do You Land a Job in Tech?

Getting your bachelor's is an important step in your tech career, but it will take more than an educational background to land your role of choice. You'll likely also need a portfolio to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments, according to Bolton.

She recommends getting involved with as many experiential learning opportunities as possible, like research opportunities, hackathons or other extracurricular activities.

"You're gaining that invaluable experience, creating that professional network and enhancing your resume before you graduate from the university," Bolton said.

In addition to proving your technical know-how, you'll also need strong communication skills if you want to land a tech job, according to Manning. "We have to be able to work with other folks to be able to effectively express ourselves and effectively communicate what we're doing," he said.

Bolton noted that those experiential learning opportunities can help build your communication skills by allowing you to work with others in a professional environment and network. She said internships are especially valuable, building your employability on multiple fronts.

"Doing those internships helps to get you exposed," she said. "It also helps to give you real-life experience."

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. They're currently writing their debut novel, which was Longlisted for The First Pages Prize. Connect with them on LinkedIn.