Dec 4

2017

Best Jobs for Computer

Science Majors

BASED ON SALARY POTENTIAL

RHEANNA LAMPH

SALT LAKE COMMUNTIY COLLEGE | CSIS 1030 | Professor Robert Baird

 Getting a degree in Computer Science does not automatically qualify you for any

computer science career. The term computer science encompasses a large variety of job types

and skills. By understanding what type of earning potential different careers can provide, a

Computer Science major may be able to better understand ways that people are putting their

degrees to use. Take a look at the top eight computer science jobs that are deemed valuable to

companies in todays market.

1. Information Security Specialist Salary Range: $115k - $160k

An information security specialist develops, implements, and maintains the computer

security measures for their company or organization. They take into consideration the current

security measures and determines if there is a better way to handle security and if so they would

be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the new security measures.

2. Database Administrator Salary Range: $107k $149k

A database administrator keeps the companys databases working and in good condition.

They not only need a detailed knowledge of how the databases work, but need to be able to

create, alter, and maintain the database and all of its working parts. One of the largest

components of being a database administrator is being able to protect database information and

keep it safe and secure.

3. Business Intelligence Analyst Salary Range: $101k - $142k

While this role is not necessarily the most technical of all computer science jobs, it is

very crucial to a company and its success. This career involves analyzing and deciphering

reports and data used within the company. A business intelligence analyst helps improve the way
a businesss staff collaborate within each department. Additional schooling, such as a business

administration degree may be necessary for some organizations.

4. Mobile App Development Salary Range: $100k - $144k

This job requires expert knowledge of at least one type of mobile operating system, such

as Android or IOS. Mobile application developers design, create, and maintain mobile

application code to not only suite a single purpose, but to be able to work cross-platform such as

on a smartphone as well as a tablet. They will need to not only know how their own code works,

but understand how to integrate their code with larger players in the market such as google and

Facebook.

5. Applications Developer Salary Range: $69k $137k

An applications developers job description is very similar to that of a software

engineers job description, but where they differ is the type of programs they are working with.

Applications developers deal directly with very specific needs and they use their knowledge to

create applications for the operating system that the client uses.

6. Software Development Engineer Salary Range: $61k $160k

Software engineers are people who analyze, design, build and develop computer systems

and software. They can work to develop new or improved operating systems, network

distribution, software for companies, and can even work independently to do a myriad of all of

the above. Many times when a company hires an individual for software development, they

require that the software engineer help maintain and update the created software as long as they

continue to use the software.

7. Web Developer Salary Range: $60k - $135k

A web developer is an expert in creating web applications. This could include a front-end

developer (somebody who focuses more on HTML, CSS, and related technologies) or a back-

end developer who focuses more on the client side of things (they mainly code in Java, Ruby,

Python, or similar coding languages). They need a general-to-advanced knowledge of database

queries and manipulation. Some web developers choose to work both sides of the coin and create

front and back end code.

8. Software QA Tester Salary Range: $57k $150k

A software QA tester is typically someone with a development/engineering background.

While they do not generally design and create the software that they are testing, they are a

second set of eyes, if you will. They take software that has yet to hit the market and test it out

to see if they can determine if there are any bugs or they provide input as to how the user could

better interact with the software. Many times, they will be required to sift through the code to see

if they can determine where the problem exists.

So, as you can see, there are many different ways in which a computer science major can

implement their degree into a high-paying career. Whether you are a wiz at coding in C++ or if

you are more laid back (you just like to be around computers, but arent highly skilled at coding)

there is a career path for just about anybody in this field of study.
 Bibliography

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[online] Computer Science Zone. Available at: https://www.computersciencezone.org/50-

highest-paying-jobs-computer-science/ [Accessed 5 Dec. 2017].

College, R. and College, R. (2017). What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?.

[online] Rasmussen.edu. Available at: http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/what-

can-you-do-with-computer-science-degree/ [Accessed 5 Dec. 2017].

Payscale.com. (2017). Best Jobs For Computer Science Majors | PayScale. [online] Available at:

https://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report/common-jobs-for-majors/computer-science

[Accessed 5 Dec. 2017].