{"id":9905,"date":"2022-11-26T11:23:26","date_gmt":"2022-11-26T19:23:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=9905"},"modified":"2025-10-07T13:28:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T20:28:07","slug":"computer-science-career-paths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/","title":{"rendered":"Computer Science Career Paths To Explore in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Are you struggling to pick from the range of computer science career paths? Fortunately for you, there are many computer science career options to choose from, and not all of them require you to spend four years getting a college degree. The field of computer science is vast enough to accommodate a wide range of interests, from writing software to building hardware to working with data.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article will cover the various types of computer science jobs\u2014helping you find the best computer science career for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e464b56aec4\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e464b56aec4\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#what-is-computer-science\" >What Is Computer Science?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#types-of-computer-science-careers\" >Types of Computer Science Careers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#computer-and-information-systems-manager\" >Computer and Information Systems Manager<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#computer-and-information-research-scientist\" >Computer and Information Research Scientist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#hardware-engineer\" >Hardware Engineer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#software-engineer\" >Software Engineer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#network-architect\" >Network Architect<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#information-security-analyst\" >Information Security Analyst<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#data-scientist\" >Data Scientist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#systems-analyst\" >Systems Analyst<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#database-administrator\" >Database Administrator<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#computer-programmer\" >Computer Programmer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#video-game-developer\" >Video Game Developer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#web-developer\" >Web Developer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#health-information-tech-specialists\" >Health Information Tech Specialists<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#computer-science-degree-career-paths-which-careers-require-a-degree\" >Computer Science Degree Career Paths: Which Careers Require a Degree?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#how-to-get-a-job-in-computer-science-without-a-degree\" >How to Get a Job in Computer Science Without a Degree<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#study-on-your-own-and-build-your-network\" >Study on Your Own and Build Your Network&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#gain-experience-and-get-a-certification\" >Gain Experience and Get a Certification<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#join-a-coding-bootcamp\" >Join a Coding Bootcamp<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#where-do-computer-scientists-work\" >Where Do Computer Scientists Work?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#computer-and-electronics-manufacturing\" >Computer and Electronics Manufacturing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#computer-systems-design\" >Computer Systems Design<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#software-publishing\" >Software Publishing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#computer-science-salary-and-job-outlook\" >Computer Science Salary and Job Outlook<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#what-career-in-computer-science-is-right-for-me\" >What Career in Computer Science Is Right for Me?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#computer-science-career-paths-faq\" >Computer Science Career Paths FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-career-paths\/#sources\" >Sources:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-computer-science\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-computer-science\"><\/span>What Is Computer Science?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/what-is-computer-science\/\">Computer science<\/a> is the study of how computers and their various components work. This includes the physical and electrical principles that govern the operation of computer machinery, from hard drives to microprocessors. It also involves the programming languages that human beings use to talk to computers, as well as the data structures and algorithms at their core.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the field of computer science grows, so does the number of its applications. If you decide to get a<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-bachelors-degrees\/\"> Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Computer Science<\/a>, the fields of study in which you can specialize include software engineering, computer engineering, artificial intelligence and machine learning, human-computer interaction, the theory of computation, and computing systems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suffice it to say that these specializations can lead to a variety of career paths in computer science. What you do in computer science might involve theory or practice, hardware or software, data modeling or data security, or anything in between. Computer science is at the intersection of all of these things, which is why computer scientists are in such high demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-types-of-computer-science-careers\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"types-of-computer-science-careers\"><\/span>Types of Computer Science Careers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-31.jpg\" alt=\"A computer science career professional troubleshooting a system.\" class=\"wp-image-9906\" srcset=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-31.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-31-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-31-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-31-20x13.jpg 20w, https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-31-385x256.jpg 385w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<style>\n\/* Responsive, consistent table style for career data *\/\n.ck-wrap {\n  overflow-x: auto;\n  -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\n  margin: 0 0 1.25rem;\n}\n.ck-table {\n  width: 100%;\n  border-collapse: separate;\n  border-spacing: 0;\n  font: 14px\/1.5 system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif;\n  background: #fff;\n  border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\n  border-radius: 12px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  table-layout: fixed;\n  min-width: 780px;\n}\n.ck-table caption {\n  font-weight: 600;\n  text-align: left;\n  padding: 12px 16px;\n  background: #f8fafc;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\n}\n.ck-table thead th {\n  background: #f1f5f9;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  text-align: left;\n  padding: 12px 16px;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\n  white-space: nowrap;\n}\n.ck-table td {\n  padding: 12px 16px;\n  vertical-align: top;\n  border-top: 1px solid #f1f5f9;\n  white-space: normal;\n}\n.ck-table tbody tr:nth-child(odd) { background: #fafcff; }\n.ck-table tbody tr:hover { background: #f5f9ff; }\n.ck-num { text-align: right; font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums; white-space: nowrap; }\n.ck-nowrap { white-space: nowrap; }\n@media (max-width: 720px) {\n  .ck-table { min-width: 700px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"ck-wrap\">\n  <table class=\"ck-table\" aria-label=\"Careers, salaries, and education\">\n    <caption>IT Careers: Median Salary &amp; Education Requirements<\/caption>\n\n    <colgroup>\n      <col style=\"width:48%\">\n      <col style=\"width:16%\">\n      <col style=\"width:36%\">\n    <\/colgroup>\n\n    <thead>\n      <tr>\n        <th>Career<\/th>\n        <th>Median Annual Salary<\/th>\n        <th>Education Requirements<\/th>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/thead>\n    <tbody>\n      <tr><td>Computer and Information Systems Manager<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$118,000<sup>1<\/sup><\/td><td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Computer and Information Research Scientist<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$161,000<sup>2<\/sup><\/td><td>Master\u2019s degree<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Hardware Engineer<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$147,000<sup>3<\/sup><\/td><td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Software Engineer<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$148,000<sup>4<\/sup><\/td><td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Network Architect<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$166,000<sup>5<\/sup><\/td><td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Information Security Analyst<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$136,000<sup>6<\/sup><\/td><td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Data Scientist<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$152,000<sup>7<\/sup><\/td><td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Systems Analyst<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$118,000<sup>8<\/sup><\/td><td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Database Administrator<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$106,000<sup>9<\/sup><\/td><td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Computer Programmer<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$100,000<sup>10<\/sup><\/td><td>Associate or Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Video Game Developer<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$97,000<sup>11<\/sup><\/td><td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Web Developer<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$99,000<sup>12<\/sup><\/td><td>Associate or Bachelor\u2019s degree, coding bootcamp<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Health Information Tech Specialist<\/td><td class=\"ck-num\">$52,000<sup>13<\/sup><\/td><td>Associate degree<\/td><\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n  <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-white-color has-css-opacity has-white-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-white-color has-css-opacity has-white-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-computer-and-information-systems-manager\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"computer-and-information-systems-manager\"><\/span>Computer and Information Systems Manager<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Without computer systems managers, also known as<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/careers\/it-management\/\"> IT managers<\/a>, established companies would shut down, and startups would never get going. As the person in charge of managing the technological operation of a whole organization, this computer science career requires deep knowledge of hardware, software, operating systems, and computer networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-computer-and-information-research-scientist\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"computer-and-information-research-scientist\"><\/span>Computer and Information Research Scientist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No computer science career list would be complete without the computer professionals who actually call themselves scientists. Often working in academia or for the federal government, computer and information research scientists study the unsolved problems of computer science, make new discoveries, and work on designing the next generation of innovative technological products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hardware-engineer\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"hardware-engineer\"><\/span>Hardware Engineer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/how-to-get-a-job-in-computer-hardware-engineering\/\">Getting a job in computer hardware engineering<\/a> requires a focus on the mechanical and electrical aspects of computers. A hardware engineer develops physical components, such as processors, memory, and motherboards. They may also work on equipment in cars or medical devices. This computer science career option is for those who enjoy hands-on implementation and want to work with a team of engineers to turn complex designs into reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-software-engineer\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"software-engineer\"><\/span>Software Engineer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/careers\/software-engineer\/\"> software engineer<\/a> is actually two computer science career paths in one, as this role can design either applications or systems. Software engineers help companies research the best way to meet software needs, and then design and develop the software itself. This type of computer science job appeals to anyone who can juggle a lot of different tasks. They can also work anywhere, from tech companies to government agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-network-architect\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"network-architect\"><\/span>Network Architect<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Much like a traditional architect, a network architect sketches out and devises a network that connects various computer systems. Networks are crucial for sharing and distributing information, and network architects maintain these connections by developing the IP network hardware, including wide-area networks (WAN) and local-area networks (LAN).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers expect network architects to meet them where they\u2019re at in their network needs, and to be versatile and dynamic with their designs.<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-network-architect\/\"> Becoming a network analyst<\/a> usually requires more experience in network administration first, so don\u2019t add this to your list of computer science jobs unless you\u2019re prepared to spend some time building your technical skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-information-security-analyst\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"information-security-analyst\"><\/span>Information Security Analyst<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cyber security is fast becoming one of the most indispensable computer science career options. These analysts use their computing skills to implement security measures that prevent hackers from stealing sensitive information stored on computers.<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/careers\/information-security-analyst\/\"> Information security analysts<\/a> enjoy a high median salary.6<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-data-scientist\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"data-scientist\"><\/span>Data Scientist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The interlinked processes of collecting data, cleaning data, building data models, and running complex analyses on large datasets cannot be done without an intricate knowledge of computer programming for data scientists. These skills can be learned in a<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/rankings\/best-data-science-bootcamps\/\"> data science bootcamp<\/a> or a university program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-systems-analyst\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"systems-analyst\"><\/span>Systems Analyst<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/careers\/computer-systems-analyst\/\"> systems analyst<\/a> works in the information technology field and the role focuses on organizing computer information systems. They are responsible for recommending tweaks and providing updates as needed. Professionals in this position may work for tech companies, or they might manage computer systems in banks or other companies in the financial realm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The responsibilities of a systems analyst entail consulting with and advising clients to help them utilize their computer systems efficiently. Must-have skills for this career in computer science include research, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-database-administrator\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"database-administrator\"><\/span>Database Administrator<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/careers\/database-administration\/\"> database administrator<\/a> manages databases for a company or organization. Organizations and companies use databases to compile a ton of information, allowing it to easily be accessed when needed. Database administrators keep everything organized and fix any issues that arise. If you want to work under the hood, this is the computer science career path for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-computer-programmer\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"computer-programmer\"><\/span>Computer Programmer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A computer programmer writes code based on the design of a software developer or engineer. In other words, computer programmers use programming languages and libraries to bring software ideas to life. Testing and improving code is also a big part of the job, making this a good computer science career option for anyone who enjoys the nitty-gritty of coding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-video-game-developer\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"video-game-developer\"><\/span>Video Game Developer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/careers\/game-development\/\"> video game developer<\/a> might design games for mobile phones, home computers, or commercial consoles. Their job focuses on bringing conceptual designs to life through coding, and they work with other graphic artists, writers, and developers. Game developers are always working on new versions of games, adding more components, and fixing bugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-web-developer\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"web-developer\"><\/span>Web Developer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Web development entails writing code to create a website\u2019s layout and formatting. With a focus on functionality and pleasing visuals, front-end web developers bridge the gap between a client\u2019s brand and the user experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-health-information-tech-specialists\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"health-information-tech-specialists\"><\/span>Health Information Tech Specialists<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A health information technology specialist bridges the gap between health and information technology. The duties of a health IT specialist include managing databases of patient history and keeping this information secure. Many specialists focus on more granular tasks, such as compiling disease registries. Hospitals are not the only places that hire health IT specialists. Laboratories and public health organizations do so as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-computer-science-degree-career-paths-which-careers-require-a-degree\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"computer-science-degree-career-paths-which-careers-require-a-degree\"><\/span>Computer Science Degree Career Paths: Which Careers Require a Degree?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The career paths within the computer science field span across a myriad of specializations with varied daily responsibilities. These computer science career paths can potentially be easier to pursue if you get your undergraduate degree, but you do not need a university education for all of the occupations on our list. The kinds of jobs for which a computer science degree is important are those that involve overseeing complex operations or conducting high-stakes research.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suffice it to say that a CS degree is a valuable commodity. While you can get all of the jobs on our list with a computer science degree, the jobs for which a computer science degree is usually required are the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Computer and information systems manager<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Computer and information research scientist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hardware engineer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Network architect<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-get-a-job-in-computer-science-without-a-degree\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-to-get-a-job-in-computer-science-without-a-degree\"><\/span>How to Get a Job in Computer Science Without a Degree<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Computer science jobs without degree requirements are relatively common among software engineers, web developers, data professionals, systems analysts, video game developers, and IT support professionals. While a degree does increase your chances of landing a job, it is possible to get a computer science job without a degree by following one of the routes below.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"study-on-your-own-and-build-your-network\"><\/span><strong>Study on Your Own and Build Your Network&nbsp;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While computer science is the name of both a career field and a degree program, you do not need a<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/degree-in-computer-science\/\"> degree in computer science<\/a> to enter the field. You can break into computer science without a degree by acquiring computer science skills online, building a portfolio, and attending<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/tech-events\/\"> tech events and conferences<\/a>. Meeting people in the field is a great way to get your name out there.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"gain-experience-and-get-a-certification\"><\/span><strong>Gain Experience and Get a Certification<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people climb the ladder in computer science by gaining experience instead of going to college.<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-internships-for-high-school-students\/\"> Computer science internships for high school students<\/a> are one way to get your foot in the door. Another way is to find an entry-level position and start studying for certification exams. A certification from CompTIA or Microsoft can serve as proof that you know your stuff and can solve complex problems within the workplace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"join-a-coding-bootcamp\"><\/span><strong>Join a Coding Bootcamp<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since most computer science career paths require coding,<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/coding-bootcamp-vs-degree\/\"> coding bootcamps can be an alternative to CS degrees<\/a>. Coding bootcamps provide flexible and immersive training in just a few short months. The certificate you get at the end of your training, along with a portfolio of hands-on project sucess may be a sufficient replacment to a computer science degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously, student outcomes vary across all programs and specific job titles, and employers may require a bachelor&#8217;s degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-do-computer-scientists-work\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"where-do-computer-scientists-work\"><\/span>Where Do Computer Scientists Work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"583\" src=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-32.jpg\" alt=\"A room full of qualified computer science professionals working on multiple monitors. \" class=\"wp-image-9909\" srcset=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-32.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-32-768x448.jpg 768w, https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-32-770x449.jpg 770w, https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-32-385x224.jpg 385w, https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/pasted-image-0-32-20x12.png 20w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Computer scientists work in a variety of industries and locations. It is not just tech companies that hire people for computer science jobs. Other places that use computer technology include consulting companies, hospitals, government agencies, and more. The companies, organizations, and clients in need of computer science services are numerous.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may be easier to talk about places that don\u2019t employ computer scientists than places that do. Most businesses have an online platform that needs to be maintained by someone with web development skills at the very least. That being said, scientific knowledge of computers is not always a requirement. Below are the economy\u2019s three main computer science industries.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-computer-and-electronics-manufacturing\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"computer-and-electronics-manufacturing\"><\/span><strong>Computer and Electronics Manufacturing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many engineering departments combine computer science and electrical engineering as a single major. This makes sense because computer scientists need to understand the electrical processes at the heart of computing. Any computer science career path that focuses on hardware engineering is likely to set you up in the electronics manufacturing industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"computer-systems-design\"><\/span><strong>Computer Systems Design<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many computer scientists work in computer systems design, which is the industry that deals with the interaction of software, hardware, and computer networks. Professionals with one of these computer science industry jobs need to know how to code and how to build computers. They also must understand operating systems and data processing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"software-publishing\"><\/span><strong>Software Publishing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/computer-science-vs-software-engineering\/\"> software engineering and computer science<\/a> are not the same thing. New software products are constantly being developed, and the latest artificial intelligence and machine learning applications are only increasing the demand for people who can write software.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-computer-science-salary-and-job-outlook\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"computer-science-salary-and-job-outlook\"><\/span>Computer Science Salary and Job Outlook<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of salary, computer science can be quite a lucrative field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary across<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/home.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> computer science professions is $105,990<\/a> (as of September 2025).<sup>14<\/sup> Another way of measuring computer science salary is by looking at the salaries of computer science degree holders. PayScale estimates that, on average, a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Degree=Bachelor%27s_Degree%2C_Computer_Science_(CS)\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> Bachelor\u2019s in Computer Science is worth $72,000<\/a> per year.<sup>15<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you get a bachelor&#8217;s degree or attend a bootcamp, the job outlook for computer science graduates is stable (as of September 2025). It is not even that unusual to get hired right out of college or a coding bootcamp, and salaries for entry-level computer science positions are high. According to PayScale, for example, the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Job=Software_Engineer\/Salary\/4fd947de\/Entry-Level\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> average entry-level software engineer in 2025 earns $82,998<\/a> per year.<sup>16<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-career-in-computer-science-is-right-for-me\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-career-in-computer-science-is-right-for-me\"><\/span>What Career in Computer Science Is Right for Me?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The right career in computer science for you depends on your goals, constraints, and natural abilities. If you have the time and resources to get a degree, consider a career in computer science research or IT management. If coding is where your interests lie, perhaps joining a bootcamp and pursuing a computer science career path that involves software or web development would be a better fit for you<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-computer-science-career-paths-faq\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"computer-science-career-paths-faq\"><\/span>Computer Science Career Paths FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594850238630\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is computer science a good career?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Computer science can be a good career for anyone with an interest in technology and an affinity for problem-solving. Among computer science professionals, annual salaries and projected job growth rates are generally high, with only a few exceptions. It\u2019s a vast field, too, so you\u2019ll have many careers in computer science to choose from, not just one.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594850561719\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><br\/><strong>How hard is it to get a job in computer science?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">How hard it is to get a job in computer science depends on the career path you wish to pursue. That being said, most occupations in computer science are growing so fast that there are more openings than qualified candidates. If you have the patience and discipline to get a computer science degree or coding bootcamp certificate, you can help close the<a href=\"https:\/\/itif.org\/publications\/2021\/11\/29\/assessing-state-digital-skills-us-economy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> digital skills gap<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594851137596\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><br\/><strong>What is the difference between computer science careers and information technology careers?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The main difference between computer science careers and<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/types-of-information-technology-jobs\/\"> information technology careers<\/a> is the amount of knowledge required to do the work. Whereas IT professionals need to know how computers and other information systems work, CS professionals need to be able to build these systems from the ground up, mainly through computer programming.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594851171128\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><br\/><strong>How long does it take to become a computer programmer?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It typically takes four years, which is the standard length of a<a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/bachelors-degree\/\"> bachelor\u2019s degree<\/a> program, to become a computer programmer. For most programming jobs, however, the only essential requirement is knowing how to code. If you practice every day and take on even more difficult coding challenges, you could become a good programmer in as little as a year.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"sources\"><\/span><strong>Sources:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/computer-and-information-systems-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,40.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/computer-and-information-systems-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,40.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/computer-and-information-research-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,43.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/computer-and-information-research-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,43.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/hardware-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/hardware-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/software-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/software-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/network-architect-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/network-architect-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/information-security-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,28.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/information-security-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,28.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>7<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/data-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/data-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>8<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/systems-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/systems-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>9<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/database-administrator-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/database-administrator-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>10<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/programmer-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/programmer-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>11<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/game-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/game-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>12<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/web-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/web-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>13<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/health-information-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,29.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/health-information-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,29.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>14<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/home.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/home.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>15<a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Degree=Bachelor%27s_Degree%2C_Computer_Science_(CS)\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Degree=Bachelor%27s_Degree%2C_Computer_Science_(CS)\/Salary<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>16<a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Job=Software_Engineer\/Salary\/4fd947de\/Entry-Level\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"> https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Job=Software_Engineer\/Salary\/4fd947de\/Entry-Level<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Are you struggling to pick from the range of computer science career paths? Fortunately for you, there are many computer science career options to choose from, and not all of them require you to spend four years getting a college degree. The field of computer science is vast enough to accommodate a wide range of&hellip;","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":9908,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17499],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-9905","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-career-advice"},"acf":{"post_sub_title":"","sprint_id":"","query_class":"Software Engineering","school_sft":"","parent_sft":"","school_privacy_policy":"","has_review":197,"is_sponser_post":"","is_guest_post":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Top Computer Science Career Paths to Explore<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn more about computer science careers, what job options you have with a 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