job field of cse

As a graduate armed with a degree in computer science, IT, or a related field, there’s one thing for certain: you are in demand. This is good news, especially to those who work online and might still be reeling from the dot-com bust. While salaries leveled off for several years, computer science degree starting salaries are back on the rise.

Show Me The Money

According to salary ranges in computers issued quarterly by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), those graduating with degrees in computer science are enjoying starting salaries on an upward climb. In the winter 2007 survey, computer tech starting salaries were cited at an average of $51,070. That’s up from $49,036 in 2004. Wondering how that might affect you? If computer science degrees starting salaries are increasing, there’s a good chance that your earning potential will continue to remain solid as well.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) apparently agrees. According to their most recent published statistics, your starting salary as a computer tech will be quite good – and depending upon the degree you earn and the field you’re entering, your prospects are even better than good. Here are some sample starting salaries for computer science and IT grads, provided to BLS in 2005 by NACAC, the National Association for College Admission Counseling:

• With a doctoral degree in computer science: $93,050
• With a bachelor’s degree in computer science: $50,820
• With a degree in computer systems analysis: $46,189
• With a degree in management information systems: $44,417
What Computer Degrees Have the Biggest Paycheck?

As with most occupations, salaries range in computers. Specific dollar amounts are tied both to your specific computer science degree–say, bachelor’s versus doctoral–as well as the particular role you will fill. Thus, those entering the hottest fields in computer science and IT will garner the highest salaries.

Based on information from Robert Half International and published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a large salary range in computers. Entering professionals in database administration enjoy starting salaries anywhere from $67,750 to $95,500. (Which might make those student loan bills a little easier to tolerate!) Web developers see beginning earnings up to $74,520, and those who specialize in computer and online security can earn up to $93,000.

Of course, you can earn all of the money in the world, but it’s essential to pay mind to what you actually want to do. Overall, median incomes are healthy across the computer science and IT industry. In other words: Stick with what you love and the paycheck will come.