phd computer science salary google

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Our teams are innovating at the cutting edge of their fields in order to tackle challenges and build products that impact billions of people every day.

Our mission and philosophy

The research conducted at google has broadened dramatically, becoming more important to our mission than ever before..

We aim to create a research environment rich in opportunities for product impact, to build a product environment that actively benefits from research, and to provide our staff the freedom to work on important research problems that go beyond immediate product needs.

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Offices around the world.

From Accra to Zürich, to our home base in Mountain View and beyond, we’re looking for talented, creative computer scientists to drive our work forward.

North America

Our teams in Atlanta focus on theoretical and application aspects of computer science with a strong focus on machine learning and the algorithmic foundations and theoretical underpinnings of deep learning, with applications to natural language understanding, machine perception, robotics, and ubiquitous computing and sensing.

Our teams in Cambridge work closely with academics at local universities as well as collaborators at local institutes with a goal to impact both Google’s products and general scientific progress. We accomplish this by releasing open source tools, publishing our work and sharing our findings with the academic community.

More boardshorts than boardroom, high tech meets high tide at Google L.A. Our engineers work on such high-impact products as Ads, Chrome, and YouTube, while our sales teams push the limits of digital advertising for top-tier clients. Take advantage of our picture-perfect SoCal weather by hitting the rock wall and elevate team strategy sessions with a game of oversized chess on the roof deck. In-house coffee and juice bars provide pick-me-ups, and beach breaks double as brainstorm sessions when you borrow one of our 4-seat surrey bikes, beach cruisers, or surfboards and head to the boardwalk.

Google Research in Montreal performs both open-ended and applied research, in numerous areas including reinforcement learning, meta-learning, optimization, program synthesis, generative modeling, machine translation, and more. We also support the local academic community and have several academic collaborations, including with Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute.

Our headquarters has come a long way from its humble roots in a Menlo Park garage, but our innovative Silicon Valley spirit is stronger than ever. On our largest campus, we work on cutting-edge products that are changing the way billions of people use technology. Onsite benefits like fitness and wellness centers embody our philosophy that taking care of Googlers is good for all of us. Build team skills with a group cooking class or coffee tasting, ride a gBike to one of our cafés, or work up a sweat in a group class. Here at the Googleplex, we’re looking for innovators, collaborators, and blue-sky thinkers. We’re looking for you.

We work in close collaboration with academia, with a goal to impact both Google’s products and general scientific progress. We accomplish this in two ways: by releasing software libraries, a way to build research findings into products and services, and through publishing our work and sharing our findings with the academic community.

Our team in Pittsburgh conducts research in natural language processing, machine learning, image and video understanding, and optimization, and our impacts range from academic paper publications to software systems used throughout Google. We collaborate closely with research and applied groups in many areas, and also work closely with Carnegie Mellon University and other organizations in the extremely strong computer science community in Pittsburgh.

As our company headquarters, Mountain View and the surrounding offices in Sunnyvale, San Francisco, and San Bruno are home to many of our world-class research teams and the innovative projects they work on.

Our research teams in Seattle and Kirkland work on a wide range of disciplines — from quantum computing to applied science to federated learning and health. In doing the above, and more, a large focus of our work also focuses on advancing the state of the art in machine learning.

Nestled between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Francisco Bay, with San Jose to the south, San Francisco to the north, and NASA right next door, you’ll find one of Google’s largest and newest global campuses in Sunnyvale. Here in the heart of the original Silicon Valley innovation is happening everywhere—from our Cloud team developing exciting new products and services, to moving into our latest office spaces which include interconnected building projects, the creation of green spaces connecting campuses with the community, and the creative restoration of local habitats. We love growing in Sunnyvale—and you will too.

We develop novel neural network architectures and learning algorithms, with applications to computer vision, natural language and speech processing, medical image analysis, and computer architecture and software.

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

Google Research teams in Accra collaborate with global research teams to lead many sustainability initiatives of particular interest to Africa. We implement theoretical and applied artificial intelligence with a strong focus on machine learning and algorithmic foundations to tackle some global challenges, such as food security, disaster management, remote sensing, among others.

Researchers in our Amsterdam office push the boundaries of what is possible in many domains, including natural language understanding, computer vision and audio, reinforcement learning and machine learning for the natural sciences.

In Berlin, our teams work on a range of topics from foundational to more applied and involve data comprised of text, images, video, audio and more. We are engaging and collaborating closely with Berlin’s vibrant academic and startup communities.

We work on machine learning, natural language understanding and machine perception, from foundational research to AI innovations, in search, healthcare, and crisis response.

We work on natural language understanding and conversational dialog, text-to-speech, (on-device) machine learning, human-centered AI research and user research as well as healthcare.

We work on problems in quantum computing as well as speech and language processing, and collaborate closely with Google’s product teams across the world.

We tackle big challenges across several fields at the intersection of computer science, statistics and applied mathematics while collaborating closely with a strong academic community.

We solve big challenges in computer science, with a focus on machine learning, natural language understanding, machine perception, algorithms and data compression.

Asia-Pacific

Google Research Australia aims to advance the state-of-the-art in machine learning, in areas such as Fundamental Machine Learning, Natural Language Understanding, and Systems Programming. We aim to apply our research in ways that benefit Australia, Google and global society.

We are interested in advancing the state of the art and applications in areas like Machine Learning, Natural Language Understanding, Computer Vision, Software Engineering and Multi-agent Systems.

We are interested in advancing the state of the art and applications in areas like machine learning, speech, and natural language processing.

Meet the teams driving innovation

Our teams advance the state of the art through research, systems engineering, and collaboration across Google.

Our impact reaches billions

Google Research tackles challenges that define the technology of today and tomorrow.

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Find your research career at Google

Our researchers are embedded in teams across computer science, to discover, invent, and build at the largest scale.

Our research-focused software engineers are embedded throughout the company, allowing them to setup large-scale tests and deploy promising ideas quickly and broadly.

Work across data mining, natural language processing, hardware and software performance analysis, improving compilation techniques for mobile platforms, core search, and much more.

Internships take place throughout the year, and we encourage students from a range of disciplines, including CS, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics to apply to work with us.

Collaboration is essential for progress

We’re proud to work with academic and research institutions that push the boundaries of AI and computer science.

Measuring and improving the accuracy, safety, speed, and efficiency of AI technologies.

Working to advance fire modeling tools and fire spread prediction algorithms.

Anthropic, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI are launching the Frontier Model Forum, an industry body focused on ensuring safe and responsible development of frontier AI models.

What is a Ph.D. in Computer science salary? [Data and Career Options]

Computer science is a popular field within information technology, with many practitioners in academia and industry. Most people think people in computer science, especially Ph.D. holders, are well paid, but is it true? What is a Ph.D. in Computer Science salary?

A Ph.D. in Computer Science could help you earn between $36,231 to $292,000, with an average of $101,303. Actual salary may depend on experience, job title, and location. You will likely earn more in industry than academia with a Ph.D. in Computer Science.

In this article, we try to figure out how much salary can a Ph.D. holder in Computer Science earn. We also explore career options for someone with the qualification and how you can earn the degree. Finally, we also look at whether getting a Ph.D. in Computer Science is worth it. 

The Salary Of A Computer Science Ph.D Graduate and Engineer

It is possible to earn a six-figure wage after completing a PhD in computer science and computer science PhD graduates are often in high demand for professions such as computer scientist, data scientist, computer engineering, and many other professional positions. 

Source: Payscale , Salary , Glassdoor , CRA , SimplyHired

You can see that the average salaries for those with a degree in computer science are very favorable. Those with a master’s degree, or PhD often command high salaries in a professional setting.

What will you earn with a Ph.D. in Computer Science?

The salary for people with a Ph.D. in Computer Science can vary widely. A Ph.D. in computer science could help you earn between $36,231 to $292,000, with an average of $101,303. 

The salary range and average are based on self-reported figures from popular job and career website users. This could explain why the numbers vary so widely between websites. 

Actual salary may also depend on many other factors, such as:

• experience,
• location, and

The salary can also differ on whether or not you are in academia or industry. As a general rule of thumb, if you are in the industry, you are likely to earn more. 

For example, if you take up a job as an assistant professor, you will earn, on average, $98,000 annually. A similar entry-level industry position, such as a data scientist, could earn you, on average, $217,335 per year. 

What Is a Doctorate / PhD in Computer Science? 

A Doctorate in Computer Science or a Ph.D. in computer science is a research-focused degree designed to prepare you for future academic or industry positions.

To earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science, you must first complete a novel research, usually written and documented in a thesis. You spend time planning and conducting investigations and then analyzing the database you have created. Presenting the data in new and interesting ways. 

At the end of the degree you then defend your thesis before a committee of experts in computer science or a Viva Voce. Graduating with a Ph.D. in Computer Science may take years of effort.

Common topics researched include but are not limited to:

• programming language,
• artificial intelligence,
• computational science,
• or big data. 

A Ph.D. in Computer Science is considered a prestigious degree.

People who hold the degree are often held in high regard by people within and outside of their field.

Why Get a Doctorate in Computer Science?

Obtaining a Doctorate in Computer Science is ideal for those who are genuinely interested in pursuing research, contributing to the field’s cutting-edge development, or potentially joining industry research teams at companies like Google or Facebook. 

It’s crucial to have a real passion for exploring unique contributions to the field, which often involves long hours of focused study.

Starting with undergraduate research can help clarify if this path is right for you. There are some career options that mean you don’t even need to have a PhD and you can still earn a high salary for computer science skills. 

1. Research Opportunities – Feilds of research

A Ph.D. in Computer Science is an excellent opportunity to perform original research in an area that interests you.

You get to spend time exploring ideas and techniques that are on the cutting edge of science and research. 

As you build up your expertise and build a reputation as an expert in the field, you can translate that knowledge and skill into industry or academia. That’s where the biggest six-figure salaries can be found. 

2. Career Paths and Development – Want to become a professor?

Many people undertake a Ph.D. in Computer Science for their careers and to access higher pay scales at the companies they are working at. PhDs often command higher salaries than those with a masters. 

This is because the research process prepares you for a wide range of career options once you graduate. A Ph.D. can also give you a competitive edge, improving your career prospects at highly competitive companies such as Google, Facebook and other big names. 

A Ph.D. in Computer Science also allows you to enter the academic world and move up into a tenured university professorship. Some people have the dream of teaching in a university and becoming a computer science professor.

However the university system can be a minefeild to navigate and very tough for young PhDs. 

3. Personal Growth

Many also undertake a Ph.D. in Computer Science for personal growth reasons. Completing a Ph.D. is a challenging endeavor, requiring immense focus and problem-solving skills. You also need to have critical thinking and the ability to understand data sets well. 

As a result, a Ph.D. holder in Computer Science often can show the ability to approach complex problems well. They understand the problem and then they can develop a systematic, analytical, and data-driven approach to solve them.

What jobs are available to someone with a Ph.D. in Computer Science?

With a Ph.D. in Computer Science, you can work in the academic world and industry . This is because the skills and expertise you gain from the degree are valued in both fields. 

Within the academic world, you may start as a postdoc, refining your research skills further before progressing through the academic ranks. If all goes well, you should be able to end this career journey as a tenured professor, earning a median salary of up to $200,000 a year .

In industry, your career options become varied and broad.

You may become a software engineer, data scientist, computer networking or cyber security specialist etc. These jobs pay 6-figures on average and should help you enter firms like Microsoft or Google.

You can also enter industry as a researcher, working in research and development labs for companies and research institutes.

A Ph.D. in Computer Science can also propel you into management or as a C-level executive in tech companies. Common positions include the Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), or the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Where can you earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science?

You can earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science at university. Many universities, especially in the top 1%, offer the degree. Some of the most prestigious universities where you can study a Ph.D. in Computer Science are:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• University Of California, Berkeley
• University of Oxford

However, before enrolling in a Ph.D. in Computer Science program at any university, do your homework first. Ensure that the supervisor has the expertise to support you and that the university is committed to ensuring you graduate. 

If not done well, Ph.D. can be a horror story for you. There have been countless stories of students undergoing depression and stress due to unsupportive universities and supervisors. 

You may also require specific equipment and tools depending on your research topic. In this case, try to make sure the research lab within your university has them, or at least you know where to access this equipment. 

Is it Worth Doing a Ph.D. in Computer Science?

Whether a Ph.D. in Computer Science is worth it or not depends largely on your individual career goals and interests.

Use this decision tree to see if a Ph.D. is right for you:

• Are you passionate about conducting cutting-edge research and making significant contributions to the field of computer science? 2.1. Yes -> Go to step 3 2.2. No -> Go to step 5
• Are you interested in joining industry-leading tech research teams where a Ph.D. is often a prerequisite? 3.1. Yes -> Go to step 4 3.2. No -> Go to step 8
• Are you prepared for the time and effort commitment required by a Ph.D. program? 4.1. Yes -> A Ph.D. in Computer Science is worth considering 4.2. No -> A Ph.D. might not be a good fit
• Is your primary goal to be a software engineer or to work on applied aspects of the discipline? 5.1. Yes -> Go to step 6 5.2. No -> Go to step 8
• Are you willing to gain industry experience and learn on the job without the time commitment of a doctoral program? 6.1. Yes -> A Ph.D. might not be necessary. Industry experience could be more valuable 6.2. No -> Go to step 7
• Are you excited about the prospect of in-depth exploration and problem-solving, even if it means less immediate financial compensation? 7.1. Yes -> A Ph.D. in Computer Science is worth considering 7.2. No -> A Ph.D. might not be a good fit
• Are you able to gain admission into top-tier institutions offering unique learning opportunities and exposure to the forefront of computer science research? 8.1. Yes -> A Ph.D. in Computer Science is worth considering 8.2. No -> Consider other options based on career goals and resources available

The decision to pursue such an advanced degree should be made after thorough consideration of your aspirations and inclinations.

If your passion lies in cutting-edge research and making significant, unique contributions to the field of computer science, a Ph.D. could be a worthwhile pursuit. It’s particularly useful if you wish to join research teams in industry-leading tech companies like Google’s DeepMind or Facebook’s artificial intelligence team, where a Ph.D. is often a prerequisite. 

However, if your primary goal is to be a software engineer or to work on applied aspects of the discipline, a Ph.D. might not provide much-added value.

Instead, industry experience could serve you better, allowing you to learn on the job and advance your career without the time commitment of a doctoral program.

Additionally, the reputation and resources of the university program you’re considering play a crucial role in assessing the worth of a Ph.D. If you have the opportunity to gain admission into top-tier institutions, the potential for unique learning opportunities and exposure to the forefront of computer science research could make the investment of time and effort worthwhile.

It is also essential to consider the trade-offs involved. Pursuing a Ph.D. typically involves years of focused study and rigorous research, often with less financial compensation than you might earn in industry roles. However, if you find the process of in-depth exploration and problem-solving exciting, these aspects might be less of a deterrent.

Wrapping up – Salary of a computer science PhD

A Ph.D. in Computer Science can act as a gateway to a plethora of career options in the fast-growing field of technology.

Graduates of computer science doctoral programs can assume various roles such as a computer scientist, data scientist, computer engineer, or a computer science professor. They are equipped with a deep understanding of complex software applications, algorithms, and computing systems.

The doctorate in computer science salary often reaches six-figure annually, with the potential to command even higher salaries depending on the job title and responsibilities.

A professional with this degree might earn a median compensation that is significantly above the average salaries of those with a Master’s degree in the field. Such lucrative career opportunities are not uncommon in major tech companies like Apple, where Ph.D. graduates often specialize in areas like software development or data science.

Computer science Ph.D. graduates can also work in academia, enhancing the knowledge of prospective students while conducting research to find long-term solutions to complex computing problems. Many schools offer postdoctoral positions that emphasize research and teaching, allowing Ph.D. candidates to reserve a foothold in the academic world.

Outside of tech and academia, opportunities in fields like healthcare also exist, where computer science expertise can significantly enhance system efficiencies.

The ever-growing demand for Ph.D.s in this field proves that it is a worthwhile investment for those who aspire to be at the forefront of computer and information technology.

If you want to start your application to pursue a Ph.D. in Computer Science program, consider checking out our guide on applying to graduate schools.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Phd computer science salary in the united states.

How much does a Phd Computer Science make in the United States? The salary range for a Phd Computer Science job is from $92,593 to $138,247 per year in the United States. Click on the filter to check out Phd Computer Science job salaries by hourly, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, and yearly.

• Per semimonth
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• New Hampshire
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• San Francisco, CA
• Washington, DC
• Chicago, IL
• New York, NY

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Employees: Use this as a guide for salary expectations, but be aware that responsibilities can change across companies for the same job title, so there may be differences between this data, other free site and our subscription products bought by employers.

Employers: This data could be used as reference point in your market pricing, but not the only source, due to differences across jobs locations, and sizes of companies.Consider additional sources like our Employer reported data.

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Highest Paying Cities for Phd Computer Science in the United States

States with higher salaries for phd computer science, how much do similar professions get paid in the united states, how much should you be earning, what does a phd computer science do.

Topics of study for a PhD in Computer Science may include information security, database systems, compilers, software engineering, and computational theory.

When the faculty award a Ph.D., they certify that the student has a broad foundation and awareness of core concepts in computer science, has advanced the field by performing significant original research and has reported that work in a scholarly fashion.

Whilst the most common first degree is Computer Science, we also consider students with backgrounds in an appropriate subject for the research topic (e.g.

During the first two years of the program, you’ll gain the foundation of knowledge that will allow you to become an expert researcher in computer science, primarily by.

Learners can devote their studies to general computer science or choose a specialty area, such as one of the following:.

Next, you’ll gain a broad understanding of fundamental research issues in major areas of computer science through coursework and original research.

View Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles, 18 Industries, and 26 Job Families.

Most Common Benefits for Phd Computer Science

Related companies for phd computer science in the united states, frequently asked questions, do i receive fair pay as a phd computer science currently, what are the responsibilities of a phd computer science, how much do similar jobs to phd computer science make.

• Professor of Computer Science
• Data Science Phd
• Phd Material Science
• College Instructor - Computer Science
• University Instructor - Computer Science
• College Professor - Computer Science
• University Professor - Computer Science

Where can I get a higher Phd Computer Science salary in the United States?

What is the phd computer science's salary range in the united states, career insights.

Google Salaries

Google's salary ranges from $98,490 in total compensation per year for a Copywriter at the low-end to $2,595,038 for a Software Engineer at the high-end. Levels.fyi collects anonymous and verified salaries from current and former employees of Google . Last updated: 4/21/2024

Software Engineer .css-rw8u6s{-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;width:1em;height:1em;display:inline-block;fill:currentColor;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;-webkit-transition:fill 200ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms;transition:fill 200ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms;font-size:1.25rem;margin-left:8px;}

Product manager, product designer, have a question ask the community..

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Software Engineering Manager

Technical program manager, data scientist, hardware engineer, program manager, project manager, solution architect, financial analyst, business development, business analyst, human resources, management consultant, marketing operations, mechanical engineer, information technologist, sales engineer, security analyst, technical writer, product design manager, administrative assistant, data science manager, chief of staff, customer service, venture capitalist, biomedical engineer, civil engineer, geological engineer, industrial designer, investment banker, .css-vubbuv{-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;width:1em;height:1em;display:inline-block;fill:currentcolor;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;-webkit-transition:fill 200ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms;transition:fill 200ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms;font-size:1.5rem;} missing your title, vesting schedule.

At Google, Main RSUs are subject to a 4-year vesting schedule:

38 % vests in the 1st -year ( 3.17 % monthly )

32 % vests in the 2nd -year ( 2.67 % monthly )

20 % vests in the 3rd -year ( 1.67 % monthly )

10 % vests in the 4th -year ( 0.83 % monthly )

33 % vests in the 1st -year ( 2.75 % monthly )

33 % vests in the 2nd -year ( 2.75 % monthly )

22 % vests in the 3rd -year ( 1.83 % monthly )

12 % vests in the 4th -year ( 1.00 % monthly )

Google commonly refers to RSU as GSU (Google Stock Unit). Although the name is different, it is the same as RSU's. Google's Vesting Schedule may vary between monthly and quarterly vesting depending on the number of shares you recieve: less than 32 GSUs (Annually), 32 - 63 GSUs (Semi-annually), 64 - 159 GSUs (Quarterly) and 160+ GSUs (Monthly).

50 % vests in the 1st -year ( 4.17 % monthly )

28 % vests in the 2nd -year ( 2.33 % monthly )

12 % vests in the 3rd -year ( 1.00 % monthly )

36 % vests in the 1st -year ( 3.00 % monthly )

16 % vests in the 4th -year ( 1.33 % monthly )

25 % vests in the 1st -year ( 2.08 % monthly )

25 % vests in the 2nd -year ( 2.08 % monthly )

25 % vests in the 3rd -year ( 2.08 % monthly )

25 % vests in the 4th -year ( 2.08 % monthly )

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Computer Science Salary: Your 2024 Guide

Learn about computer science salaries for various computer science professionals and how it can be influenced by factors like industry, location, education, certifications, and company.

Now can be the right time to start or advance your career in computer science since computer and information technology-related occupations are expected to grow by 23 percent between 2022 and 2032 [ 1 ]. With this in mind, let’s take a look at computer scientists' salaries and the various factors that can influence them such as education level, location, and certifications.

Explore computer science courses today

Interested in learning more about computer science? Consider taking these beginner-friendly courses on Coursera:

In Rice University's Fundamentals of Computing Specialization , you'll learn programming in Python, consider the principles of computing, and explore algorithmic thinking.

In Princeton University's Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose , you'll learn the fundamentals of programming and how to use the Java programming language.

What does a computer scientist do?

Computer scientists are experts in working with computers and technology. They study how data is processed, stored, and communicated in order to apply it to software and programs. 

What jobs are available as a computer scientist?

Computer scientists work as computer hardware engineers in computer programming, research, analytics, and information security, to name a few. Jobs in the computer science field cover a vast spectrum, as technology accounts for such a large part of our lives.

Computer scientists automate systems, create the processes in our smartphones, and fly us to the moon—given these accomplishments, the possibilities are nearly endless. Since computers are used in almost every business, typical employers are information technology (IT) service providers. There are opportunities available in IT departments in all major organizations in sectors, such as financial services, aerospace and defense, and manufacturing. 

How much do computer science professionals make?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary of computer scientists as $136,620, with a range of $78,190 for the lowest 10 percent of wage earners and more than $232,000 for the highest 10 percent [ 2 ]. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a computer scientist in the US is $151,508, with a range of $93,000 to $170,000 as of March 2024 [ 3 ]. 

Here are some other roles and median salaries that computer scientists may work in [ 4 ]:

Computer programmers : $97,000

Database architects: $112,120

Computer systems analysts: $102,240

Information security analysts: $112,00

Computer network architects: $126,920

Computer and information systems managers: $164,070

Read more: Top 5 Entry-Level Computer Science Jobs + How to Get One

Factors affecting salary

Several factors, such as industry experience, training, and location, will influence a computer scientist's salary. Consider looking into the following to maximize your earnings:

Having a degree in computer science or a related field tends to be a prerequisite for the majority of positions and may optimize your chances of getting hired. Most computer scientists have a degree: 66 percent have a bachelor's degree , 19 percent have a master's degree , and 7 percent have a doctorate [ 5 ]. Zippia reports the influence of education on the average salaries of computer scientists as follows [ 6 ]:

Some college or associate degree: $88,916

Bachelor's degree: $107,255

Master's degree: $118,290

Doctorate degree: $126,970

However, a computer science degree is not always required to become a computer scientist. In a very fast-paced, evolving discipline, experience is valued highly, along with keeping up with trends and engaging in self-directed learning.  A degree will generally put you in a better place to gain a more technical or specialist role.

Certifications

Additional certifications in computer science can help you enter specialist positions, which often come with a higher earning potential. You can pursue several certifications, including ones that are vendor-specific, such as Microsoft and Cisco, which companies who use these products might ask for. Another option is vendor-neutral certificates, such as those offered by CompTIA and ISC. Vendor-neutral certifications can usually help you progress your career across companies rather than staying limited to a particular vendor. 

To maximize your salary in computer science without a degree, you may consider an entry-level certificate as a starting point.

Read more: What Is the CompTIA Security+ (Plus) Certification?

Level of experience

Your experience level may have an impact on your salary potential. Salaries in this field tend to increase with the number of years you’ve been a computer scientist and as you rise to more senior positions. The following is an average breakdown, according to PayScale [ 7 ]:

0–1 year: $69,000

1–4 years: $76,000

5–9 years: $100,000

10–19 years: $111,000

20+ years: $118,000 

Type of position

A host of industries are looking to recruit computer scientists and other computer science professionals. Any company with a tech department will likely need a computer scientist or similar, so where you work is very flexible. However, not all industries are equal when it comes to salary.

The following are examples of the highest-paid computer science roles in a range of industries as of 2022, according to Glassdoor [ 8 ]. 

Sr. Computer Scientist—User Interface—Adobe: $94,000–$191,000

Computer Scientist—Cyber Defense—SRI International: $92,000–$190,000

Computer Scientist—Adobe: $96,000–$178,00

Computer Scientist—National Institute of Health: $126,000–$164,000

Computer Scientist—US Internal Revenue Service: $94,000–$143,000

Computer Scientist—AF Research Labs: $78,000–$123,000

Computer Scientist—SQL Programmer—US Veterans Health Administration: $74,000–$96,000

Other common industries include financial services, telecommunications, retail, manufacturing, and aerospace.

Computer science salaries vary from employer to employer. This can be due to the industry and size of the company, but also its area of expertise. Large tech companies, such as Adobe, are among the highest-paying employers, with an average salary of $139,916, while Apple pays $169,960 on average [ 7 , 9 ].  

Smaller firms with lower budgets tend to have wages that reflect it. A small company with a smaller budget will most likely prioritize positions that are most important to its organization. Rather than a whole IT department, a smaller company may have a CTO who has multiple roles until it has the budget to recruit more people. 

In many industries, where you live and work can impact your earnings. Computer science salaries in the US are highest in certain areas of California, such as San Jose, where the salary is 76 percent above the national average, and Livermore, where it's 52 percent above the national average. Higher salaries are also in Baltimore, Maryland (52 percent higher) and King George, Virginia (45 percent higher) [ 7 ]. The lowest salaries are in Tampa, FL (42 percent below the national average), Vicksburg, MS (34 percent below), and Layton, UT (30 percent below).

For average salaries, it’s important to consider the cost of living, as higher salaries often compensate for higher living costs.

In 2019 remote computer science roles started to increase, with 86 percent of IT developers working remotely in some way [ 10 ]. Not only does this mean you have more opportunities available, but some of the highest-paid jobs in computer science are remote. This is because more senior roles come with the autonomy of being able to work outside of the office. The average salary for a remote-working computer scientist is $119,633 [ 11 ]. 

Job title variations and salary

Computer science roles and salaries are varied since they are prevalent across several industries and specialties. Here is a breakdown of average base salaries in the US for different types of computer science-related roles:

Software architect: $146,556

DevOps engineer : $112,476

Software engineer: $114,499

Mobile application developer: $85,991

Cybersecurity analyst : $93,283

* All salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of March 2024.

Have career questions? We have answers.

Subscribe to Coursera Career Chat on LinkedIn to receive our weekly, bite-sized newsletter for more work insights, tips, and updates from our in-house team.

If you’re looking to get started as a computer scientist, explore a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science offered on Coursera. Consider the Bachelor of Science from the University of London to help put you on the path to higher-paid opportunities.

If you have no experience in the field, you can consider taking an entry-level course in computer science as a starting point.

Article sources

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Occupational Outlook Handbook- Computer and Information Technology Occupations , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm.” Accessed March 18, 2024.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Occupational Outlook Handbook- Computer and Information Technology Occupations , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information research-scientists.htm#tab-5.” Accessed March 18, 2024.

Glassdoor. “ Computer scientist salary 2022 , https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/us-computer-scientist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,21.htm?countryRedirect=true.” Accessed March 18, 2024.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Computer and Information Research Scientists , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm#tab-8.” Accessed March 18, 2024.

Zippia. " Computer Scientist Demographics and Statistics in the US , https://www.zippia.com/computer-scientist-jobs/demographics/." Accessed March 18, 2024.

Zippia. " Computer Scientist Demographics and Statistics in the US , https://www.zippia.com/computer-scientist-jobs/salary/." Accessed March 18, 2024.

Payscale. “ Average Computer Science Salary , https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Computer_Scientist/Salary.” Accessed March 18, 2024.

Glassdoor. “ Computer Scientist Job list April 2022 , https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/us-computer-scientist-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,21.htm.” Accessed March 18, 2024.

Indeed. “ Apple Company Reviews , https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Apple/salaries/computer+scientist/?from=career.” Accessed March 18, 2024.

Digital Ocean. “ Currents- Remote work edition , https://currents.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/DigitalOcean-Currents-Q3-2019.pdf.” Accessed March 18, 2024.

Glassdoor. “ Computer Scientist Salaries , https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/remote-computer-scientist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IS11047_KO7,25.htm.” Accessed March 18, 2024.

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Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and it’s in the talent’s best interest to apply early. The anticipated application window is open until June 7th, 2024 , but may close earlier if all available projects are full. Applications submitted after the application window or once the role is closed/projects are full will not be considered.

Participation in this program requires that you are located in the United States for the duration of the engagement.

This opportunity is intended for students who are pursuing a PhD degree program in Computer Science or a related field. Our Student Researcher opportunities are flexible in time commitment, length of opportunity, and onsite/remote nature, depending on the specific project and host needs. Start dates for this role are typically January through August.

This program is best suited for students who will not be seeking full time employment following this role, as this program is non-conversion eligible. If you are graduating in the near future, we encourage you to apply to the Research Internship opening - g.co/jobs/PhDresearchinternNA.

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This role may also be located in our Playa Vista, CA campus.

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• Currently enrolled in a PhD degree in Computer Science, Linguistics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Economics, Natural Sciences, or related technical field.
• Experience in one area of computer science (e.g., Natural Language Understanding, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Algorithmic Foundations of Optimization, Quantum Information Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, or similar areas).

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• Currently enrolled in a full-time degree program and returning to the program after completion of the internship.
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• Experience contributing to research communities or efforts, including publishing papers in major conferences or journals.
• Experience with one or more general purpose programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript, C/C++, etc.).
• Ability to communicate in English fluently.

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The Student Researcher Program’s primary objective is to foster academic collaborations with students through research at Google. Join us for a paid Student Researcher position that offers the opportunity to work directly with Google research scientists and engineers on research projects.

The Student Researcher Program offers more opportunities for research students to work on critical research projects at Google in a less structured way. The program allows opportunities beyond the limitations of our traditional internship program on aspects such as duration, time commitment, and working location (with options for on-site or remote). The topics student researchers work on tend to be open-ended and exploratory, and don't always have a clear deliverable like a traditional internship would.

Google Research is building the next generation of intelligent systems for all Google products. To achieve this, we’re working on projects that utilize the latest computer science techniques developed by skilled software engineers and research scientists. Google Research teams collaborate closely with other teams across Google, maintaining the flexibility and versatility required to adapt new projects and foci that meet the demands of the world's fast-paced business needs.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $109,000-$145,000. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google .

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