Learn about computer science salaries for various professionals and how factors like industry, location, education, certifications, and company can influence them.
Now can be the right time to start or advance your career in computer science. The computer and information technology-related industry has grown 42 percent since 2018 to become a one trillion dollar industry in the UK []. With this in mind, let鈥檚 look at computer scientists' salaries and the various factors that can influence them, such as education level, location, and certifications.
Computer scientists are experts in working with computers and technology. They study how data is processed, stored, and communicated to apply it to software and programmes.聽
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鈥攇iven these accomplishments, the possibilities are nearly endless. Since computers are used in almost every business, typical employers are information technology (IT) service providers. Opportunities are available in IT departments in major organisations in various sectors, such as financial services, aerospace and defence, and manufacturing.聽
According to Glassdoor, the median salary of a computer scientist is 拢57,324, with a range of 拢32,000 up to 拢57,000 []. Here are some other roles and median salaries that computer scientists may work in:
Computer programmers: 拢42,037
Database architects: 拢65,225聽
Computer systems analysts: 拢37,707
Information security: 拢62,488
Computer network technicians: 拢44,436聽
Computer and information systems managers: 拢49,470
Factors such as your industry experience, training, and location will influence a computer scientist's salary. Consider looking into the following to maximise your earnings:
A degree in computer science or a related field tends to be a prerequisite for most positions and may optimise your chances of getting hired. 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, 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.
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 vendor-specific ones, 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 help you progress your career across companies rather than being limited to a particular vendor.聽
To maximise your salary in computer science without a degree, you may consider an as a starting point.
Your experience level may impact your salary potential. Salaries in this field tend to increase with the years you鈥檝e been a computer scientist and as you rise to more senior positions. The following is an average breakdown, according to PayScale []:
Early Career: 拢41,000聽
Mid Career 拢63,000
Late Career: 拢92,000
Many industries are looking to recruit computer scientists and other computer science professionals. Any company with a tech department will likely need a computer scientist, so where you work is very flexible. However, not all industries are equal when it comes to salary.
The following are median earnings within the UK's digital sector as of April 2023, according to Statista [闭:听
Computer programming, consultancy, and related services: 拢42,060
Telecommunications: 拢40,980
Software publishing: 拢40,780
Film, TV, video, radio, and music: 拢36,270
Wholesale of computers and electronics: 拢35,370
Repair of computers and communication equipment: 拢33,830
Information services activities: 拢33,240
Publishing (excluding translation and interpretation activities): 拢32,590
Manufacturing of electronics and computers: 拢30,630
Computer science salaries vary from employer to employer. This can be due to the industry and size of the company, as well as its area of expertise. Large tech companies, such as Adobe, are among the highest-paying employers, with an average salary of 拢118,000, while Google pays an average of $105,500 [闭.听听
Smaller firms with lower budgets tend to have wages that reflect it. A small company with a smaller budget will prioritise positions most important to their organisation. Rather than a whole IT department, a smaller company may have a CTO with 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 UK are highest in London, where the salary is 25.37 percent above the national average.[]
For average salaries, it鈥檚 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 []. 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 working outside of the office.聽
Computer science roles and salaries are varied since they are prevalent across several industries and specialities. Here is a breakdown of average salaries for different types of computer science-related roles:
*All salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of May 2024.
Software architect: 拢77,664
Dev ops engineer: 拢46,638
Software engineer: 拢53,181
Mobile application developer: 拢49,511
Cybersecurity analyst: 拢41,236
To start as a computer scientist, explore a bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degree in computer science offered on 糖心vlog官网观看. Consider the 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 like as a starting point.
1. UK Tech News. 鈥, https://www.uktech.news/news/industry-analysis/uk-tech-industry-valued-1tn-20220329.鈥 Accessed 29 May 2024.聽
2. Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/uk-computer-scientist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN2_KO3,21.htm.鈥 Accessed 29 May 2024.
3. Payscale. 鈥, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Computer_Scientist/Salary.鈥 Accessed 29 May 2024.
4. Statista. 鈥, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1088260/median-earnings-uk-digital-subsectors/.鈥 Accessed 21 June 2024.
5. Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/computer-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm.鈥 Accessed 21 June 2024.聽
6. Check-a-Salary. 鈥,https://www.checkasalary.co.uk/blog/salary-difference-in-london-compared-to-the-rest-of-the-uk.鈥 29 May 2024.
7. Digital Ocean. 鈥, https://currents.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/DigitalOcean-Currents-Q3-2019.pdf.鈥 Accessed 29 May 2024.
Editorial Team
糖心vlog官网观看鈥檚 editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.