With a computer science degree, you can take on quite a number of jobs when you graduate, and the type of job you do plays a big role in what you can expect as far as a salary goes. Let’s take a look at the average salary you can expect if you earn this type of degree, as well as how to make more money in the computer science field.

Base Computer Science Salary

On average, computer science majors make over 40%more than the general liberal arts major, in part due to the high demand for workers in this field. The average computer science major will earn $63,017 with a bachelor’s degree (and up to $10,000 more with a master’s degree). This is higher than most other related majors, such as computer engineering ($60,112) and information sciences & systems ($56,868).

Computer Science Salary by Experience

It makes sense that you’ll earn more as you gain experience in the field. Education is great, but you can’t replace real-world experience. The average starting salary for someone in the computer science field is $51,000, but as you work, you’ll be eligible for pay raises. This is especially true if you continue to work for a single company over time – they’ll reward you for your loyalty and may even send you back to school on their dime to get more education. After you have five to ten years of work experience under your belt, you can expect an average salary of closer to $70,000, and a six-figure salary is definitely possible for those who have more than twenty years of experience in the computer science field.

Computer Science Benefits

There are may benefits to working in the computer science field, such as job security and the ability to work in many different industries, but did you know that most computer science workers also get a “benefits” package? This includes things like health coverage, dental care, free transportation, paid vacation days, and a retirement plan. In some cases, you might also get other perks, such as discounts at local and national computer companies and the ability to work from home, so consider all the benefits – not just salary – when comparing jobs.