Top Careers
Guidance on computer science career paths, roles, and opportunities
Designs, develops, and maintains software systems and applications.
Key Skills
Programming languages (Python, JavaScript, etc.), algorithms, data structures, software design
Typical Education
BS/MS in Computer Science or related field
Salary Range
$80,000 - $150,000
Analyzes and interprets complex data to help organizations make better decisions.
Key Skills
Statistics, machine learning, programming (Python, R), data visualization, SQL
Typical Education
MS/PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, or related field
Salary Range
$90,000 - $160,000
Implements and manages continuous integration/continuous deployment pipelines and infrastructure.
Key Skills
Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), CI/CD, scripting
Typical Education
BS in Computer Science or related field
Salary Range
$95,000 - $145,000
Manages and maintains database systems to ensure performance, security, and availability.
Key Skills
SQL, database management systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle), backup and recovery, performance tuning
Typical Education
BS in Computer Science or related field
Salary Range
$85,000 - $130,000
Protects computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft, or damage.
Key Skills
Network security, penetration testing, security tools, risk assessment, incident response
Typical Education
BS in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field
Salary Range
$90,000 - $150,000
Designs and implements machine learning models and systems.
Key Skills
Machine learning algorithms, deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), programming (Python)
Typical Education
MS/PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field
Salary Range
$110,000 - $170,000
Develops and deploys artificial intelligence systems including generative AI and large language models.
Key Skills
LLMs, generative AI, prompt engineering, AI frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex), Python, API integration
Typical Education
BS/MS in Computer Science, AI, or related field
Salary Range
$115,000 - $180,000
Operationalizes machine learning models by building ML pipelines, deployment systems, and monitoring infrastructure.
Key Skills
ML model deployment, Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD for ML, model monitoring, cloud platforms (AWS SageMaker, Azure ML)
Typical Education
BS/MS in Computer Science or related field
Salary Range
$105,000 - $165,000
Develops both client and server software for web applications.
Key Skills
Frontend (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), backend (Node.js, Python, etc.), databases, API design
Typical Education
BS in Computer Science or related field
Salary Range
$80,000 - $140,000
Oversees the development and marketing of a product or product line.
Key Skills
Product development, market analysis, user experience, project management, communication
Typical Education
BS/MS in Computer Science, Business, or related field
Salary Range
$100,000 - $160,000
Designs and oversees the implementation of cloud computing systems and infrastructure.
Key Skills
Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), networking, security, distributed systems
Typical Education
BS/MS in Computer Science or related field
Salary Range
$120,000 - $180,000
Career Resources
Explore these resources to help you prepare for and advance in your computer science career.
Learn how to highlight your technical skills, projects, and experience to stand out to employers.
Practice with common interview questions, algorithms, and data structures to ace your technical interviews.
Discover pathways for advancement, continuing education opportunities, and leadership development in tech.