What Can You Earn as a Computer Scientist?

Summary:

Computer jobs are in demand. One key source reports that the computer industry needs to fill 3,500 jobs each year between 2022 and 2032. In this article, we’ll look at the requirements to be a computer scientist, earnings data, and the value of studying computer courses online while you are still in high school.

Key Points:

• Growth in the computer science and information technology fields is projected to be 32% over the next decade.
• Job functions range from hardware and software design to conducting research studies and more.
• Job titles are just as diverse, from writing code to software design and systems analysts.
• Six-figure salaries are the norm, with median incomes ranging from $103,000 to over $145,000.
• Prelum, Powered by Kaplan, offers a range of pre-college online programs designed to help future tech enthusiasts get a head start on their careers.

With all the unrest associated with AI and its potential to replace humans, there is some good news for those with a passion for computer science. The career potential is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 32% growth rate for computer science and information technology jobs between 2022 and 2032, surpassing the growth rate for other industries. 

The BLS research also indicates a need to fill approximately 3,500 jobs annually for computer and research scientists. If you are a high school student and think this is your calling, there is no better time than now to get started on your future career. 

In this article, we’ll share what computer scientists do, computer scientists’ starting salary, and where you can find online computer science courses designed to give high school students an introduction to this dynamic field.

Career path of a computer scientist

Computer scientists are highly skilled individuals who develop solutions for computer programs. They combine technology, technical skills, and analytical thinking. In the workplace, they troubleshoot potential problems to ensure that the company’s systems function flawlessly. 

Tasks associated with computer science professionals

Job functions center on areas such as:

• Designing software, hardware, and networks
• Writing new code to accommodate programming needs
• Analyzing and facilitating computer algorithms
• Conducting research studies to test new theories
• Updating computer systems and programs
• Collaborating with software developers and computer engineers to solve technology issues
  

What kind of job titles encompass computer science careers?

Professionals in computer science possess a broad range of skills. As a result, they are not limited to the job title “computer scientist.” The field includes positions such as:

• Computer programmer: Write and modify code to create functional applications.
• Software engineer: Design, develop, and maintain software systems.
• Web developer: Create and maintain websites and design user interfaces.
• Systems analyst: Design and implement IT systems to meet business needs.
• Data scientist: Collect, analyze, and interpret data to gain actionable insights
• Information technology specialist: Manage, maintain, and support an organization's computer systems, networks, and software.

What does the pay scale look like?

As of January 2025, median salaries for computer science positions look like this:

• Computer and information research scientist: $145,800
• Computer network architect: $129,840
• Computer programmers: $99,700
• Computer systems analyst: $103,800
• Software developer: $130,160

If computer science jobs sound interesting to you, why wait until college to investigate what’s the best fit? Learn about Prelum’s college programs for high school students now.

Get a jump on computer science while in high school

Pre-college STEM programs offer some courses designed for those with an interest in computer science. Are you intrigued by the field of cybersecurity? Then Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online Program is for you. Cybersecurity: Protecting Our Digital Future explores how cyberspace evolved and how the world of the dark web came to be. Learn from experts from the FBI and CISA. Review the many vulnerabilities on the web and how they’re being addressed. Learn how AI is impacting cybersecurity. Best of all, Georgetown offers a college credit version of this course. Don’t miss out!

Rice University is a Prelum partner and a member of the New Ivy League. Their Precollege Online Program offers a course in engineering that includes a deep dive into electrical and computer engineering. Learn about the current advances made in computer science, as well as the many career opportunities available.

If you yearn to combine computer science with medicine, then the University of Rochester’s Pre-College Online Program is for you. Biomedical Engineering: Solving the Body’s Challenges with Technology is an exciting mix of computer science and technological advances in medicine. Learn how to measure, collect, and display data and delve into areas of medical innovation. If you want to understand the relationships between computer science, engineering, and medicine, this course is for you.

No matter what your future holds, computers are going to be a part of it. A potential career in computer science might be an excellent fit for you. The more knowledgeable you are, the better your chances for success. Pre-college STEM programs from Prelum are a great starting point.

This was last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 05/15/2025.