Earnings and Job Growth
Return on a 4-Year Investment
Students graduating with a 4-year degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering typically can expect high salaries and numerous job openings.
Starting Salaries
The National Association of Colleges and Employers does research on starting salaries for students graduating with a 4-year degree. Below are average starting salaries for graduates listed in the January, 2012 report.
Major |
Average Starting Salary |
Middle Salary Range |
Computer Science |
$60, 594 |
$47,432 - $70,194 |
Computer Engineering |
$70,400 |
|
Read the full NACE Salary Survey January 2012 Executive Summary
Job Growth and Average Salaries - National
Occupations that typically seek Computer Science and Computer Engineering graduates have high average salaries and are projected to grow at a steady pace over the next ten years. The Occupational Outlook Handbook gives the following statistics and projections for computer science-related occupations.
Occupation |
Percent Job Growth 2008-2018 |
Average Annual Salary, 2008 |
Middle Salary Range, 2008 |
Education Required |
Computer Systems Analysts |
20% |
$75,500 |
$58,460 - $95,810 |
Bachelor's degree |
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts |
53% |
$71,100 |
$54,330 - $90,740 |
Bachelor's degree |
Computer Software Engineers, Applications |
34% |
$85,430 |
$67,790 - $104,870 |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
23% |
$66,310 |
$51,690 - $84,110 |
Bachelor's degree |
Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software |
30% |
$92,430 |
$73,200 - $113,960 |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
17% |
$112,210 |
$88,240 - $141,890 |
Bachelor's degree or higher, plus work experience |
Computer Programmer |
-3% |
$69,620 |
$52,640 - $89,720 |
Bachelor's or Associate’s degree |
Read the full Occupational Outlook Handbook pages for:
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrators
Computer Software Engineers and Computer Programmers
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Job Growth and Average Salaries - Michigan
Six computer science-related professions made Michigan's list of 50 high-demand, high-wage careers. Below are the projected annual job openings, job growth, and average hourly wage for computer professions through 2018.
Occupation |
Projected Annual Job Openings |
Percent Job Growth 2008-2018 |
Average Hourly Wage |
Education Required |
Computer Systems Analysts |
593 |
15.5% |
$38.55 |
Bachelor's degree |
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts |
495 |
41.8% |
$34.83 |
Bachelor's degree |
Computer Software Engineers, Applications |
315 |
24.7% |
$37.13 |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
310 |
17.1% |
$31.98 |
Bachelor's degree |
Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software |
250 |
23.9% |
$39.51 |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
206 |
10.6% |
$50.70 |
Bachelor's degree or higher, plus work experience |
See the full Michigan's Hot 50 High-Demand High-Wage Careers chart
Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Arts & Sciences Building, Room 3203
Phone: (517) 483-1073
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