Computer scientist salary (2022)

The average salary for a computer scientist is $126,830.

Computer scientists across the country and with varying levels of experience make an average salary of $126,830 per year. Average salaries will vary depending on your experience level and where you will be working.

For example, an entry-level computer scientist can make $72,210 annually whereas a senior computer scientist with seven years of experience can make $194,430 per year. These averages are based on salary alone, not including equity or other forms of compensation.

For a more in-depth look at salaries based on AngelList job data, check out our unique, dynamic salary tool which allows you to customize your salary estimate based on your role, location, skills, and market.

How much do computer scientists make?

Computer scientists can earn a salary ranging from $72,210 to $194,430 per year, but their salaries can vary based on experience and location.

Computer scientist pay by experience level

Work experience is by far one of top determinants of how much you will make, but the average computer science salary can be influenced by factors such as obtaining a computer science degree, years of experience in the industry and where the position is located. Whether you’re a computer science intern or a senior-level professional, there are plenty of variations in your compensation.

• Entry-level computer scientists can earn an average salary of $72,210 annually.
• Mid-level computer scientists can make an average salary of $126,830 annually.
• Senior-level computer scientists can make an average salary of $194,430 annually.

Salary outlook

One of the largest employers of computer scientists is the federal government and their salary data may reflect national averages for the position. In 2004, the average salary for a computer scientist in the federal government was $102,212, which grew to $136,476 in 2020.

Computer science is a large industry that overlaps with engineering, development, and a number of computer-based professions, all of which are growing in job outlook and salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates that the job outlook for computer scientists will increase by 22% from 2020 to 2030 alone.

The BLS reported that the job outlook for computer scientists will increase by 22% from 2020 to 2030 alone, which will increase the number of computer science jobs and potentially their salaries.

Remote salary averages and trends

A significant amount of computer science jobs have become remote in recent years, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic — so much so that a Digital Ocean study revealed that 86% of IT developers worked remotely in 2019. The same study discovered that 43% of developers considered working remotely as a necessary benefit of their position.

The average salary for a remote computer scientist is $125,000 annually, ranging from $120,874 for entry-level positions and $149,550 for senior positions.

What are the best-paying cities for computer scientists?

So you’ve decided you want to become a computer scientist. Your next step is deciding where you’d want to be one and where they will compensate you accordingly. Geographic salary data from the BLS revealed that Silicon Valley city San Jose pays the highest salary for computer scientists, followed by San Francisco and Portland, Oregon.

• San Jose, California. Mean salary: $170,890 based on 1,610 jobs—34.73% higher than national average
• Portland, Oregon. Mean salary: $150,090 based on 170 jobs—18.33% higher than national average
• Seattle, Washington. Mean salary: $147,020 based on 1,950 jobs—15.91% higher than national average
• Washington DC. Mean salary: $146,440 based on 3,470 jobs—15.46% higher than national average
• Phoenix, Arizona. Mean salary: $145,870 based on 50 jobs—15.01% higher than national average
• Los Angeles, California. Mean salary: $142,620 based on 1,090 jobs—12.16% higher than national average

What are the best-paying states for computer scientists?

The top-paying states for computer scientists range from California to New York to Virginia. States on both coasts pay computer scientists generously, so explore your geographic options with this role.

• California. Mean salary: $150,830 based on 7,170 jobs—18.92% higher than national average
• Virginia. Mean salary: $146,830 based on 3,430 jobs—15.76% higher than national average
• Washington. Mean salary: $143,010 based on 2,190 jobs—12.75% higher than national average
• New York. Mean salary: $138,190 based on 960 jobs—8.95% higher than national average
• Oregon. Mean salary: $137,760 based on 220 jobs—8.61% higher than national average

Top computer scientist skills

Working in computer science means you are expected to have knowledge on a variety of programming languages as well as the back-end functions of software development. From Python to Javascript, we’ve listed the top computer scientist skills below.

• C/C++
• Software development
• Machine learning
• Apache Spark
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Python
• TensorFlow
• Image processing
• R
• Java/JavaScript
• Technical writing

Frequently asked questions

Do computer scientists get paid well?

Yes! Computer scientists get paid a generous salary, as the average computer scientist salary is $126,830.

What soft skills do computer scientists need?

A few of the top soft skills computer scientists will need include analytical skills, critical and creative thinking, and attention to detail.

What is the typical entry-level education for computer scientists?

The typical entry-level education for computer scientists is a master’s degree, but work experience can play a large role in position eligibility.

Explore your next career move with these open positions on AngelList.

Related job salaries

Computer science is a field which has plenty of transferable skills that can be utilized in different roles like the related jobs we’ve listed below.

• Software Engineer. The average salary for a software engineer is $111,000.
• Full-Stack Engineer. The average salary for a full-stack engineer is $102,000.
• Data Scientist. The average salary for a data scientist is $107,000.