How much does a Computer Scientist make?

The national average salary for a Computer Scientist is $94,344 per year in United States. Filter by location to see a Computer Scientist salaries in your area. Salaries estimates are based on 1696 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Computer Scientist employees.

The highest salary for a Computer Scientist in United States is $160,847 per year.

The lowest salary for a Computer Scientist in United States is $55,337 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Computer Scientist or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Computer Scientist.

Roughly 73% of computer scientists are happy with their income. Additional earnings of around $22,246.06 can significantly boost a computer scientist's salary, and obtaining a Master's degree and additional certifications can also increase your earning potential.

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Various factors can impact your salary as a computer scientist, including your qualifications, experience level, and seniority. Check out typical computer scientist career paths to find out how much you can expect to make as you progress. Most people earn between {{TOTAL_PAY_LOW}} and {{TOTAL_PAY_HIGH}}, rising to between $68,239.53 and $201,556.87 when you add performance-related bonuses, profit sharing and other employee benefits.

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A master's degree in computer science isn't mandatory, but it can increase how much you can earn as a computer scientist. A postgraduate qualification demonstrates a detailed understanding of in-demand subjects, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and information systems.

Highly-paid computer scientist jobs require advanced technical expertise, so employers often favor candidates with proven credentials. For example, vendor-specific certifications from Microsoft or Cisco can expand your employment opportunities and earning power. Cybersecurity skills are also highly desirable. Therefore, it's worth considering completing a qualification in this area, such as the CompTIA Security + certification.

If you've found a computer scientist job you love, but the compensation package is less than generous, negotiating with the employer can help you secure an appropriate salary for your skills and experience. Highlighting any role-specific skills can be helpful, but giving examples of how your skills have benefited your employers in the past is more persuasive.

So, instead of simply pointing out your advanced cybersecurity knowledge, you could provide statistical evidence of a reduction in security breaches or accuracy percentages for security weakness testing. If you're in a leadership position, highlighting factors such as employee retention rates can also help convince your employer to make you a better offer.