MS in CS Salary

Computer science is a growing field, which makes earning an MS in CS—or a Master of Science in Computer Science—a smart choice. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computer and information technology will grow much faster than average between 2023 and 2033, resulting in about 356,700 job openings every year [1]. With an MS in CS, you possess the skills and knowledge to land a variety of jobs in the growing technology industry. 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.

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 $117,035, according to leading job search sites [2, 3, 4, 5].

How much you earn as a computer science graduate depends on your job title and other key factors. 

Computer science jobs and average salaries

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): $129,840 [6]

Job growth (2023 to 2033): 13 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 information technology (IT) and communications infrastructure.

According to Zippia, a master’s-prepared network architect has an average annual salary of $118,608, compared to an average salary of $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].

Computer and information system manager

Median annual salary (BLS): $169,510 [8]

Job growth (2023 to 2033): 17 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): $108,020 [10]

Job growth (2023 to 2033): 36 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): $103,800 [12]

Job growth (2023 to 2033): 11 percent [12]

Computer systems analysts evaluate an organization’s IT infrastructure and make recommendations for 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 company and enterprise management, with an average salary of $107,820; government, with an average salary of $91,510; or finance and insurance companies, with an average salary of $105,190 [14].

Database administrator

Median annual salary (BLS): $117,450 [15]

Job growth (2023 to 2033): 9 percent [15]

Database administrators oversee an organization’s data, keeping data secure and organizing and backing up data regularly. 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): $92,750 [17]

Job growth (2023 to 2033): 8 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].

Build skills for a robust MS in CS salary on Coursera

Earning an MS in CS can prepare you for many roles in the field of computer science and beyond. You can develop key skills to help you get ready for a new role on Coursera. Check out the Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate, where you’ll learn how to build a responsive website using HTML, CSS, and more. By earning the IBM Back-End Development Professional Certificate, you will complete 11 courses to help you learn how to write back-end applications and how to deploy and scale applications using various methodologies. Start to enhance your computer science skills today on Coursera.