MS in CS Salary

Key takeaways

A Master of Science in Computer Science helps you prepare you for various high-paying roles in computer science, data science, and more.

• The average MS in CS salary ranges from $68,408 to $152,000, according to several job sites [1, 2, 3, 4].

• You may consider high-paying job opportunities as a network architect or computer and information systems manager, both of which have six-figure median annual salaries.

• You can also explore job opportunities like data scientist, computer systems analyst, and database administrator with your MS in CS.

Learn more about these potential career paths and the average MS in CS salary for various roles. 

What is an MS in CS?

A Master of Science in Computer Science is a terminal, graduate-level degree that examines such topics as advanced computer language theory, software design, databases, and networks to prepare students for various roles. During this program, you may choose an area of specialization, such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer graphics, or scientific computing, to refine your skill set further. An MS in CS is a versatile degree that can prepare you to work as a computer scientist, software project manager, database administrator, software engineer, and more.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology jobs will grow much faster than average between 2024 and 2034, resulting in about 317,000 job openings yearly [5]. With an MS in CS, you possess the skills and knowledge to land various jobs in the growing technology industry.

How much can you earn with an MS in CS?

Although specific salary data depends on your role in computer science, several job sites report the average annual salaries for individuals with an MS in CS ranging from $68,408 to $152,000 [1, 2, 3, 4].

The Glassdoor salary represents the median total pay. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

MS in CS salary figures by role

Computer science is a broad field, so earning an MS in CS prepares you for many job opportunities. Consider these potential roles, along with the average computer science salary and factors that can impact your pay.

Network architect

Median annual salary (BLS): $130,390 [6]

Job growth (2024 to 2034): 12 percent [6]

Network architects develop and manage data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). In this role, you will upgrade hardware and software to ensure networks function properly and oversee your organization’s IT and communications infrastructure.

According to Zippia, a master's-prepared network architect has an average annual salary of $118,608, compared to $114,409 for a bachelor's-prepared individual in the same role [7]. Education isn’t the only factor that impacts your network architect salary. 

Location can also play a role. Zippia reports the top five highest-paying states for network architects as [7]:

1. California: $125,624

2. Massachusetts: $115,678

3. Nevada: $114,589

4. Oregon: $111,796

5. Washington: $111,338

Additionally, Zippia reports that some of the highest-paying industries for network architects include media, with an average annual salary of $109,849; telecommunications, with an average annual salary of $109,517; and manufacturing, with an average annual salary of $107,693 [7].

Read more: A Guide to Network Architectures

Computer and information system manager

Median annual salary (BLS): $171,200 [8]

Job growth (2024 to 2034): 15 percent [8]

Computer and information system managers oversee an organization’s computer-related operations. In this role, you’ll manage IT projects, direct a team of IT professionals, and design and oversee your organization’s networks, including cloud-based and WiFi networks.

Zippia reports that a master’s-educated computer and information system manager can expect to earn an average salary of $147,806, compared to $138,309 for a bachelor’s-prepared professional [9]. Working in one of the following states can garner the highest salaries in the US [9]:

1. New Hampshire: $155,731

2. New York: $151,960

3. California: $148,378

4. Virginia: $136,176

5. Rhode Island: $134,291

To maximize your earnings, consider working in the technology industry, which offers an average salary of $133,429 [9]. Other high-paying industries include professional services, with a $121,857 salary, and hospitality, with a $117,814 salary [9].

Data scientist

Median annual salary (BLS): $112,590 [10]

Job growth (2024 to 2034): 34 percent [10]

Data scientists analyze large datasets to assist organizations in solving problems and making decisions to achieve their goals. In this role, you’ll design models and use algorithms to extract key data to help make informed predictions about your organization.

With an MS in CS, a data scientist earns an average salary of $109,454, according to Zippia. Comparatively, a data scientist with a bachelor’s degree earns $101,455 in a similar role [11]. 

Consider the top five highest-paying states for data scientists, which include [11]:

1. California: $120,196

2. Washington: $111,669

3. New York: $98,821

4. Nevada: $96,695

5. Massachusetts: $94,091

If you’re looking for a high-paying job in data science, consider working for a start-up that could offer an average salary of $123,913. The technology and retail industries also pay data scientists well, at $122,350 and $119,530, respectively [11].

Computer systems analyst

Median annual salary (BLS): $103,790 [12]

Job growth (2024 to 2034): 9 percent [12]

Computer systems analysts evaluate an organization’s IT infrastructure and recommend improvements and new technologies. In this role, also called a systems analyst, you will conduct cost-benefit analyses of IT systems, identify ways to improve the functionality of existing systems, and test systems to ensure they’re working properly.

A master’s-prepared computer systems analyst can expect to make about $8,000 more than a systems analyst with a bachelor’s degree. Zippia reports a master’s-educated salary of $92,818, compared to a salary of $84,492 for bachelor’s degree holders [13]. If you’re willing to move for this role, consider these top-paying states [13]:

1. California: $94,105

2. Washington: $92,800

3. New York: $89,202

4. New Jersey: $87,627

5. Delaware: $85,437

Explore computer systems analyst opportunities in professional services, with an average salary of $95,370; technology, with an average salary of $92,425; or finance, with an average salary of $87,946 [14].

Database administrator

Median annual salary (BLS): $123,100 [15]

Job growth (2024 to 2034): 4 percent [15]

Database administrators oversee an organization’s data, keeping it secure and regularly organizing and backing up data. In this role, you’ll design and build databases, authorize database users at your organization, and adjust database structure as needs change.

Database administrators with a master’s degree, such as an MS in CS, earn an average salary of $92,811, compared to a salary of $88,067 for their bachelor’s-prepared counterparts [16]. You can earn the most money as a database analyst in these states [16]:

1. Washington: $96,655

2. Vermont: $88,240

3. California: $87,850

4. Oregon: $86,919

5. Nevada: $86,764

To maximize your earning potential, consider database administrator jobs in health care, with an average salary of $92,665; technology, with a salary of $91,912; or manufacturing, with a salary of $90,928 [16].

Web developer

Median annual salary (BLS): $95,380 [17]

Job growth (2024 to 2034): 7 percent [17]

A web developer builds and maintains websites using knowledge of programming languages and coding. In this role, you’ll partner with various clients to design websites to their specifications, develop code, maintain the website, and integrate graphics, audio, and video for maximum functionality.

A master’s-prepared web developer makes about $4,000 more a year than one with a bachelor’s degree. Zippia reports an average master’s-prepared salary of $84,520, compared to a salary of $80,332 for a web developer with a bachelor’s degree [18]. To maximize your earnings, consider working in the following states [18]:

1. Washington: $96,384

2. Idaho: $88,830

3. California: $88,606

4. Alaska: $85,739

5. Oregon: $84,750

As a web developer, you can expect to earn the most money in the professional industry, with a salary of $85,832 [18]. The technology and telecommunications industries also boast high salaries, with an average of $83,622 and $83,553, respectively [18].

What job is best after CS?

After earning your MS in CS, the best job for you will depend on your areas of interest and career goals and may include roles in software development and engineering, AI and machine learning, DevOps engineering, or game development. 

Access free computer science resources for your career

Visit our Career Resource Hub, where you can explore career paths and assess your skills. Then, review the following free resources to prepare for a career in computer science:

• Bookmark this page: Information Technology (IT) Terms: A to Z Glossary 

• Read an insider’s story: Meet the Learner in Turkey Who Wants to Advance in Data Science 

• Read our Career Chat issue: How AI Is Transforming IT Support and Services 

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