The demand for computer scientists has seen exponential growth within the past two years and is one of the fastest-growing industries today.
With the constant invention of new tech come many opportunities for technical research, analysis, and computing.
If you find yourself critically thinking about what it takes to advance technology, and the architects behind it, plug into the endless world of computer science below!
Computer Scientist Information
| Official Job Title | Computer Scientist |
| Average Salary | $131,490 |
| Stress Level | Average-High |
| Work / Life | Average. Part-time positions are available. |
| Job Satisfaction | High |
| Career Advancement | Average-High. Plenty of growth opportunities. |
Computer Scientist Job Description
What is a computer scientist?
A computer scientist solves the problems we encounter with modern computing systems today.
Computer scientists use algorithms and creative thinking to analyze how technology processes information.
They also develop new software and make our computer systems more efficient.
What does a Computer Scientist do daily?
A day in the life of a computer scientist might involve programming, software engineering, writing software for app development, or data research.
Keep in mind that the world of computer science is vast.
There are many fields to specialize in, like data analytics, IT consulting, working for a university, or even a research company.
These factors mean there is much room for career growth.
Responsibilities, Duties, and Roles as a Computer Scientist
Your responsibilities could be to create a new technical theory or solve a technological problem.
You could build a program, present your findings to the public, or work in robotics.
Often, computer scientists are required to work amongst a team of other scientists, developers, engineers, and various specialists.
Logical thinking and attention to detail will help you, alongside proficient communication skills, to relay your findings, sometimes to a non-technical audience.
If you are interested in math, new technology, problem-solving, or robotics–you could be the next computer scientist.
Much of our world revolves around new and improved technology.
Therefore, jobs in computer science will likely continue to rise.
If the sparkle of new tech excites you, you could have a role in taking the world’s experiences with computing to the next level.
Computer Scientist Salaries
Average Salary
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says the average yearly salary for a Computer Scientist was $131,490 in 2020.
With many computer science sectors, potential earnings could fluctuate anywhere from $83,000 a year to upwards of $187,000, according to PayScale.
Starting and Senior Salaries
Starting salaries in computer science are still pretty high overall, coming in at an average of $83,000.
Senior computer scientists make $193,000 a year on average.
Frequently overlooked perks for computer scientists could also be bonuses, commissions, overtime, and profit-sharing.
The averages above can vary based on other factors like the degree of education and experience.
Still, the window of earning opportunity is wide open in computer science careers, and next, you can find out how to get started.
How To Become A Computer Scientist
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
Generally, those working in computer science have a master’s degree in the field.
Still, there are many computer science jobs available that will accept bachelor’s degrees as suitable education for the role, according to Study.com and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As consumer demand for technology grows, many complete specialty certificates and programs to work in the field.
As Grand Canyon University puts it, computer science is a discipline of study, much different from computer engineering, that looks deeply into interactions between technology, data, and people.
Rather than building a computer itself, a computer scientist is an architect of systems, applications, and research.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
It helps to have good analytical skills, logical thinking, the ability to problem-solve, and strong attention to detail, in addition to having a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science.
Others in the industry may have also studied math or physics.
Again, it’s important to note that interpersonal skills will likely be a part of your job as a computer scientist.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Marketing Coordinator?
Other qualifications include training or certificates in coding, system design, cybersecurity, or cloud computing.
With all of this in mind, it generally takes about 2-4 years to get started in the industry.
However, any experience is valuable within computer science.
Is it Hard to Become a Marketing Coordinator?
There are plenty of affordable online courses and various internships in the computer science and IT field that can be great resume builders and help you make connections.
You could be working on your first project in lightspeed time.
Computer Science Career Paths
The Computer Scientist Roadmap
While your journey may start in computer science, many roads lead into neighboring sectors.
After an education, internships, and entry-level experience, the typical path of a computer scientist often leads to software engineering and eventually senior software engineering, according to PayScale.
Others may venture into becoming software developers or programmers.
Projections for Growth in Computer Science
Career growth in computer science is wildly above average.
The number of available jobs in the field is slated to rise 13 percent between 2020 and 2030, with about three thousand two hundred new jobs each year.
Computer science is a global industry, and people worldwide use technology in their daily lives.
Constant tech use means careers in computer science are available across the globe and are evolving just as rapidly as the following cell phone.
In Summary: Is Computer Science a Good Career?
A Mastersportal study found that “job satisfaction in IT is double that of the national average for other work sectors.”
Computer scientists are well compensated and in high demand.
With the ability to improve people’s lives through technology, grow within your career, and exist amongst many rising job opportunities, a computer scientist has an important place in the future.
Working conditions are even more enticing, fairing above-average alongside most occupations.
Working Conditions
Can a Computer Scientist Work From Home?
With constant new technology comes the ability to work from anywhere.
Remote jobs in the computer science field are on the rise, and according to a study by DigitalOcean, over 86% of computer scientists and IT specialists worked from home in 2019.
The industry has many on-site positions available for those that want to get out of the house for work.
How Many Hours Does a Computer Scientist Work?
Computer scientists typically work full-time or 40 hours a week, but part-time jobs are available.
ZipRecruiter tells us that those in the field who work less than 40 hours a week perform tasks like customizing and building software or providing technical support.
Can a Computer Scientist Work Part-Time?
Part-time computer scientists may work on a project-to-project basis, and freelance work is available within many computer science sectors.
What are the Average Vacation Days of a Computer Scientist?
Vacation time within the industry is pretty standard, and the number of days will rise with time spent in the position, according to Mvorganizing.
Your time off could look like 15 days off for your first three years, eventually rising to 20 days, and so on.
Keep in mind that company culture varies across the computer science industry. Indeed even lists unlimited time off as one of the most common benefits for computer scientists.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Computer Scientist
- UI Developer
- Product Manager
- UX Designer
- Sound Engineer
- Product Engineer
- Video Game Writer
- Application Developer
- Computer Engineer
- Technical Program Manager
- DevOps Engineer
- AI Engineer
- Cloud Architect
Computer Scientist Resume Tips
You’ll want to be sure your computer science resume is clear, concise, and straightforward. Include any awards in activities or leadership to showcase your team working and technical skills.
While not all computer science jobs require previous knowledge of technical languages, proficiency in them will help you get ahead.
Columbia University recommends including a list of the languages and computer systems you are comfortable working with daily.
Additional certifications, courses, and training will be critical factors in your resume.
Use them to demonstrate how you’ve pursued the field and how eager you’ve been to get real-world experience.
Computer Scientist Interview Questions
GeeksforGeeks says commonly asked questions in Amazon and Microsoft interviews include topics like RAM architecture or memory management.
A hirer might ask you:
Q1: “What is a microprocessor?”
Why it works: Hirers will want to see how you work through this question and arrive at the answer.
Watching your process will help them determine your communication skills, computer science knowledge, and tech theory demonstration.
Q2: “Could you demonstrate writing code?”
Why it works: This opportunity allows interviewers to show their skills under pressure.
Columbia University’s computer science department recommends practicing with pen and paper, among several other tips.
Q3: “Could you describe your resume in depth?”
Why it works: A question like this will demonstrate how you share information with an audience, your passion for computer science, and your experience in the field.
Remember, it’s always best to be honest and willing to learn about the topics you don’t know.
Jobs Related To Computer Science
According to US News & World Report, professions related to that of a computer scientist may include:
- Data Scientist
- Network Architect
- Computer Scientist Researcher
- Website Developer
- Applications Developer
- AI Engineer
For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring A Computer Scientist
Key Characteristics to Look for in a Computer Scientist
Suppose you are looking to hire a computer scientist rather than become one.
In that case, you will want to ensure that your candidate is a logical thinker and has experience with technical languages and code writing.
Creativity is often highly regarded by great computer scientists.
Other vital characteristics to watch for are problem-solving abilities, math, and communication proficiency, strong attention to detail, and deductive reasoning skills.
Minimum Level of Education and Experience
Minimum levels of education and experience can vary for computer science careers but typically involve completing a bachelor’s degree.
Some companies accept the completion of online certificates or other relevant experience.