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Best Paying Computer Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Best Paying Computer Science information

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$36.5K

$65.5K

$121.5K

How much do best paying computer science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for best paying computer science in the United States is $65,470.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the best paying jobs in computer science?

The best paying jobs in computer science typically include roles such as software architect, machine learning engineer, data scientist, cloud solutions architect, and cybersecurity engineer. These positions often require advanced skills in programming, systems design, and data analysis, as well as experience with the latest technologies. Salaries can vary depending on location, level of experience, and the specific industry, but these roles consistently rank among the highest paying in the tech sector. Many of these positions also offer additional benefits and opportunities for career advancement.

What professions make $200,000 a year without a degree?

In the computer science field, roles such as software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand industries. Many of these positions prioritize skills, certifications, and proven performance over formal degrees, and they often involve programming, system architecture, or security expertise.

Can you make 300k a year in tech?

In computer science roles such as software engineering, data science, and machine learning, it is possible to earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with seniority, specialized skills, or working at large tech companies. High salaries often require advanced expertise, experience, and sometimes additional certifications or advanced degrees.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Software engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, primarily through senior roles, specialized skills, or working at large tech companies and startups with equity options. High salaries often require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or performance bonuses.

What is the difference between Best Paying Computer Science vs Software Engineer?

AspectBest Paying Computer ScienceSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, certifications like AWS, CiscoBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, academiaTech firms, startups, corporate IT departments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, high-tech companiesSoftware development firms, tech giants, consulting
Common Search & Comparison IntentHigh-paying roles in CSSoftware development salaries & roles

Best Paying Computer Science roles often include specialized positions like data scientist or AI researcher, which may require advanced degrees and certifications. Software Engineers focus on designing, coding, and maintaining software applications. While both roles require a computer science background, Best Paying Computer Science positions tend to offer higher salaries due to specialization and industry demand, especially in research or executive roles.

What is the highest paying job for computer science?

The highest paying jobs in computer science typically include roles such as software engineering managers, solutions architects, and machine learning engineers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions usually require advanced skills in programming, system design, and experience with cloud platforms or AI technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in high-paying computer science roles, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Professionals in high-paying computer science roles often face challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies, managing complex projects, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Candidates can prepare by regularly updating their technical skills, gaining experience with project management tools, and developing strong communication abilities. Additionally, being adaptable and proactive in learning new programming languages and frameworks can help professionals stay competitive and successful in these demanding positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in one of the best paying computer science roles, such as a Software Engineer or Data Scientist, and why are they important?

To excel in top-paying computer science roles, you typically need strong programming skills, expertise in algorithms and data structures, and a relevant computer science degree. Familiarity with technical tools like Python, Java, cloud platforms, and frameworks, along with certifications in areas like AWS or machine learning, is often required. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are soft skills that help professionals stand out. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative solutions, collaborating on complex projects, and driving business success in a technology-driven environment.
More about Best Paying Computer Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Best Paying Computer Science jobs? Cities with the most Best Paying Computer Science job openings:
What states have the most Best Paying Computer Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Best Paying Computer Science jobs include:
Infographic showing various Best Paying Computer Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,470 per year, or $31.5 per hour.
Computer Science Instructor

Computer Science Instructor

Kern Community College District

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$89K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary : $89,080.98 - $116,884.82 Annually
Location : Bakersfield College -- Panorama Campus, CA
Job Type: Temporary -- Full Time Faculty
Job Number: FY25-2600407
College: Bakersfield College
Department: Engineering & Information Technology
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Months Per Year: 10
Assured Consideration Date: 07/20/2026
Internal Posting Information: None
Below is our job description for this position. Please also review the Important Instructions & Additional Information section below, which contains valuable information about our application process.
Basic Function
This position is a full-time, temporary faculty position for the academic year 2026-27 only.
Bakersfield College is seeking a full-time temporary faculty member for a Computer Science Instructor. If you are highly motivated, eager to engage a diverse student body, and passionate about teaching and learning, we highly encourage you to submit an application.
Who We Are
We are a team of innovative, caring, and thoughtful faculty, staff and administrators who are passionate about contributing to the intellectual, cultural and economic vitality of our community. We embody six core values: Learning, Diversity, Integrity, Community, Wellness and Sustainability. These values frame our work as we provide opportunities for our students who come to us from diverse economic, cultural, geographical, and educational backgrounds.
We offer Associate and Baccalaureate degrees and certificates, workplace skills, and preparation for transfer. Our rigorous and supportive learning environment promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and fosters students' abilities to think critically, communicate effectively, and demonstrate competencies and skills to become productive members of our community and world.
History of Bakersfield College
Bakersfield College is located in Bakersfield, California, in the heart of the Central Valley. Established in 1913, Bakersfield College is one of the nation's oldest continually operating community colleges. The college serves 33,000 students annually on the 153-acre main campus in northeast Bakersfield, at the Delano Campus (35 miles north of Bakersfield), the Weill Institute (downtown Bakersfield), and BC South-West (southwest Bakersfield). We also offer classes at several alternative locations, including Shafter Learning Center, Arvin/Lamont, McFarland, Olive Drive Training Facility, Wasco and other regional community locations.
As a recognized and highly awarded Hispanic Serving Institution, Bakersfield College students are diverse and represent the communities we serve.
On Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We are sincere about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all students, faculty, staff and administrators. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions. Bakersfield College has sharpened its focus on removing institutional barriers in access, momentum, and completion.
We pledge to address systemic issues of environmental microaggressions, implicit bias, and racism through intentional learning. We commit to strengthening our campus culture so that students, faculty, and staff and our partners are aware of and equipped to change policies and practices that disproportionately affect marginalized students.
About the Bakersfield Community
Situated in the south San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield has a rapidly growing economy in a location that is central to some of California's best places to visit. Fresno, Los Angeles, the mountains and several great beaches are less than two hours away, and San Francisco is less than four hours away. Known for hot, dry summers and mild winters, Bakersfield has deep roots in the energy (oil, solar and wind), agriculture, and logistics industries. Despite its growth, Bakersfield has maintained the "small town feel" that residents here love. With a relatively low cost of living, plenty of community events, and availability of housing, the City of Bakersfield is a great place to live.
Representative Duties
Who We Are Looking For
We are recruiting faculty with demonstrated excellence in their field who embrace the instructional values of access, sound pedagogy, creativity, and innovation. We are known for our connectedness among students, faculty, staff and our diverse local population. We are looking for applicants with a continual drive to learn and improve teaching strategies and who embrace opportunities to be involved in inventive committees, engaging campus events and other collegiate endeavors. Diversity is a core value at Bakersfield College, and we encourage applicants who demonstrate an intellectual mindfulness to contribute to diversity, equity and inclusiveness. If you are interested in modeling academic excellence for your students and colleagues, we invite you to join a team that will challenge and inspire you.
About the Engineering & Information Technology Department
The Bakersfield College computer science faculty are part of the Engineering and Information Technologies department. The computer science curriculum consists of an AS degree for transfer and career certificates.
Tenure-track faculty hired for this position will be expected to inspire community college students to pursue studies in computer science and related majors. The related courses are foundational for students pursuing programs in STEM for transfer. Typical courses include Java, C++, Assembly Language, and Discrete Structures. Candidates for this position should be prepared to describe their experience with Artificial Intelligence, embedded systems, app development, machine learning, augmented reality, and/or big data.
This assignment may include teaching courses at various locations, different times, and with different modalities and requires in-person instruction. Full-time faculty are expected to be present and engaged with their peers, regardless of instructional location. In addition to the main Panorama Campus, Bakersfield College offers college courses in the greater Bakersfield area, rural communities, correctional facilities and high schools.
Other duties include: participation in student recruitment and articulation, transfer programs; maintaining subject matter currency; developing and revising curriculum; using computers and technology; assessment of learning outcomes; collegial participation in departmental, college and discipline-specific professional activities.
Minimum Qualifications
Master's in computer science or computer engineering
OR Bachelor's in either of the above AND Master's in mathematics, cybernetics, business administration, accounting or engineering
OR Bachelor's in engineering AND Master's in cybernetics, engineering, mathematics, or business administration
OR Bachelor's in mathematics AND Master's in cybernetics, engineering, mathematics, or business administration
OR Bachelor's degree in any of the above AND A master's degree in information science, computer information systems, or information systems
OR the equivalent.
(NOTE: Courses in the use of computer programs for application to a particular discipline may be classified for minimum qualifications purposes, under the discipline of the application.)
Candidates must also demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
Knowledge & Abilities
The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate that they are broadly prepared and have a depth of knowledge in the discipline.
In addition, the successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and abilities.
  • Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues in an environment that promotes innovation, teaching, learning and service to diverse student population
  • Ability to effectively work with students with a wide range of skills, motivations, academic and vocational goals
  • Ability to develop curriculum, including curriculum delivered via different modalities; -Ability to participate in recruitment and articulation activities with local schools, colleges and universities
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to maintain subject matter currency
  • Ability to assess student, program, and institutional learning outcomes
  • Knowledge of computers and willingness to adopt new technologies that support student success. Knowledge of and commitment to the California Community College mission

Important Instructions & Additional Information
Complete applications received by the "assured consideration date" above are guaranteed to be reviewed by Human Resources. If you apply after this date, there is no guarantee that your application will be reviewed. However, we still recommend that you apply because recruitments remain open until filled. The District and/or College reserves the right to extend time limits and/or repost or restart recruitments at any point.
Completed applications must include the following.
  • Completed online application for employment
  • Current resume
  • Letter of interest (cover letter)
  • List of 5 (five) professional references (entered in online application)
  • Copy of legible transcripts (if required for the position)

It is your responsibility to redact or remove any personally identifiable information from all documents prior to uploading, including Social Security numbers, date of birth, photos, etc.
Equivalency for Minimum Qualifications
Applicants for faculty and educational administrator positions in California Community Colleges are required to meet certain minimum qualifications as provided by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office and detailed in the If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you may still be eligible by completing the KernCCD Application for Equivalence process. Please see our for more information.
International or Foreign Degrees
Applicants with international or foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, INC. (ACEI). A copy of the evaluation must be submitted with your online application.
Accommodations
Applicants who require reasonable accommodation to participate in the selection process should contact Human Resources to make the necessary arrangements. (For more information, see our )
Discrimination Free Work Environment
Discrimination based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation of any person, military and veteran status, or the perception that a person has one or more of these characteristics is illegal and violates Kern Community College District policy.
The Kern CCD Equal Employment Opportunity Plan guides the development, implementation, and monitoring of the District's efforts to foster equal employment opportunities and workplace diversity.
See our for more information.
Work Authorization
Kern Community College District does not provide sponsorship for authorization to work in the United States. Work authorization should be established at the time of application submission.
E-Verify
The Kern Community College District participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, please visit
Helpful Links
Full-time permanent employees (20+ hours per month) are eligible for health benefits:
  • Health
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability

In addition to the above benefits, the District also offers a robust voluntary benefits selection:
  • Flex 125
  • Additional products and services through American Fidelity
  • Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Tax Shelter Annuities

The District participates in CalPERS Retirement System and Social Security benefits for Classified and Management employees. Employees covered under the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), are vested 100% after five years of full-time service credit.
The District participates in the State Teacher's Retirement System (STRS) for faculty. Employees covered under the State Teacher's Retirement System (STRS), are vested 100% after five years of full-time service credit.
All coverages begin on the first of the following month after the hire date.
The following classifications are eligible for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health benefits at the employee expense offered through SISC:
  • Permanent Employees (19 hours or less)
  • Adjuncts
  • Temporary Hourly
  • Professional Experts

For additional information, please visit our

Kern Community College District logo

About Kern Community College District

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kern Community College District (KCCD) is a reputable organization in the educational sector based in Bakersfield, California, United States. Their industry consists of higher education services focused on providing quality and diverse learning experiences to meet the educational and workforce development needs. Dating back to its establishment in 1968, KCCD has grown substantially, managing three accredited colleges: Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso Community College, and Porterville College. The mission of KCCD is to provide outstanding educational programs and services that are responsive to the diverse needs of the students, communities, and economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Bakersfield, CA, US

Year founded

1961